J.A. Konrath

From the depths of my endless TBR pile, I finally tackled J.A. Konrath’s debut novel in the Jack Daniels series, and let me tell you, it was a great read! This book had me hooked right from the start with its fast-paced, heart-pounding thriller vibe. The killer plays a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game with our feisty, sarcastic protagonist and her array of quirky sidekicks.

The story unfolds through both the killer’s and Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels’ points of view, pulling me to the show more edge of my seat. Despite being published in 2004, it offers a captivating cocktail of grit, dark comedy, and suspense that feels refreshingly modern.

Lieutenant Jack Daniels is a force of nature. She’s a no-nonsense detective with a sarcastic wit and an unwavering sense of justice for her victims. But her dedication comes at a cost; she sacrifices personal happiness, including her marriage, for her work. Jack encounters a fair share of misfortunes, yet she takes every hit and perseveres. You go, girl!

Now, let’s talk about the killer, The Gingerbread Man. He has a rather twisted fixation on Jack, which leads to some nail-biting moments as she narrowly dodges his frighteningly sinister plans. The character development on the killer’s end is downright disturbing but utterly gripping. There were definitely times I found myself hesitant to dive into his headspace because his thought process is as horrifying as it is fascinating.

The supporting cast really uplifts the story, too. From Detective Herb Benedict’s atrocious eating habits (which gets him in trouble) to PI Harry McGlade’s desperate need for both a personality overhaul and a good bath, each character adds their own flair that keeps the story lively.

If you’re in the mood for psychological suspense sprinkled with humor and girl power, then you need to grab this book, preferably while sipping on a whiskey sour (Jack’s signature drink), which conveniently has a recipe at the beginning. Yum! Trust me, it’s a perfect pairing for this thrilling read.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review. show less

This one surprised me. I mean, I always expected to like it - it's your typical crime fiction and that rarely disappoints. But I really enjoyed this and I was surprised by just how much I loved it. Jack was a funny character and the plot was interesting and kept me riveted. There were some really great life quotes in here too. Little gems that just made it that extra bit worthwhile. One thing that did get me - I think the hate for the FBI was a little over the top - like looking for a horse show more really? Oh and I loved Jack's mum - she was awesome - can't wait to see more of her. And I liked Phin - and I was excited to see that he gets his own series. I thought he was going to be a love interest but doesn't seem to be the case. And Harry seems like a jackass but that's what makes him loveable.

So yeah, I'll be picking up the rest of the series asap. show less

Thoughts on DRACULAS: A Novel of Terror – F Paul Wilson, Jeff Strand, Blake Crouch, and Joe Konrath/Jack Kilborn

This ain’t no TWILIGHT, shiny sparkly vampire book…..DRACULAS is butt-ugly from the get-go. I mean that in the best way possible. Four authors who have scared the bejeezus out of me in the past with their books have collaborated to write this scarey-ass ode to the uber Daddy of the vampires, Dracula.

Dracula’s skull (fangs and all) has been discovered by a farmer in show more Transylvania. Mortimer Moorecock purchases the skull for an unnamed price….all hell breaks loose from there. Mortimer is dying and decides he wants to not be that way….he takes matters into his own hands and uses the skull’s fangs to bite himself in the neck. It isn’t pretty….
The story is told through different viewpoints. Each moving on through the story is seen as it is happening to that person. The reader gets to know each character, good and bad, incompetent and reluctant hero.
I had some laugh out loud moments, especially with Randall, the “quarter shy of a dollar” dim lumberjack. Like this line, “His chainsaw-the-monster redemption would be a lot better if his ass wasn’t hanging out.” I sort of had images of Bruce Campbell’s character Ash J Williams of Evil Dead eminence when I read Randall’s scenes.
Even through the scary parts (it’s all scary), there is laughter and tears…for me anyway. These are four splendid writers who can do this to a reader.

PS….And now I really hate clowns….
PPS/PSS..whatever…did you know nondairy coffee creamer was flammable? Read the book….

http://www.amazon.com/DRACULAS-Novel-Terror-ebook/dp/B0042AMD2M/ref=cm_cr_pr_pro... show less

Holy fk. My last review compared this series to a Law and Order SVU episode. This one takes it straight to Criminal Minds territory. This was fantastic. I've spent the last five minutes cackling hysterically over the ending and Phin and Harry. Fk. This was great.

It is pretty graphic though. And pretty disgusting. It's a lot more crass than the first two. But it's still extremely well written and funny and riveting. The plot is full on. I felt sorry for Jack - all the bad news that kept show more hitting her was horrible. Plus all the hits Herb kept taking. But she's totally badass. And Herb is ready to eat.

The cat gets me everytime.

A purring sound made me turn around. Mr. Friskers was sitting in McGlade’s lap, a dead rat in his jaws. “Good kitty,” Harry said. “Good fucking kitty.” And he continued to pet him until the ambulances arrived.

Konrath, J.A.. Jack Daniels Series - Three Thriller Novels (Whiskey Sour #1, Bloody Mary #2, Rusty Nail #3) . Kindle Edition. Well...the cat and Harry.

I can't recommend these books highly enough. They're amazing. show less