Tag: 4 Stars Page 9 of 83

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 30: Zero Game by R. T. Slaywood: Something’s Afoot!

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On August 4, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode 30: Zero Game

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #30
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: August 4, 2023

…whatever happens next you have to believe or we’re worse than dead.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised. They make their way to a fast-food taco joint and Bonaduke really needs to refuel to keep going. He tries, but fails to get food because he keeps passing out. Thankfully, the clerk is the same guy from the liquor store and he both recognizes him and gives him first aid.

What’s Zero Game About?

Before Bonaduke can get some food or come up with a decent plan for what to do next, the squatters find them and try to invade the restaurant to get the woman back (and probably punish Bonaduke). She wakes up, very conveniently, and takes charge—getting the clerk and Bonaduke to follow her lead pretty effortlessly (but not entirely willingly).

Then things get dangerous and weird.

So, what did I think about Zero Game?

Oh, ho. This is full of things happening. There’s zero naval-gazing or setup for later here (well, a little setup)—it’s about action and the story moving forward. This woman, apparently named Zero, is someone that I want to get to know better. And I think we’re going to get that chance.

Now I’m really annoyed that I took last week off because I could’ve been reading Episode 31 today otherwise. I really want to see what Zero does next.

4 Stars

Real Tigers by Mick Herron: Things Hit Close to Home for the Slow Horses

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On August 3, 2023

In Fiction, Mick Herron, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Slough House

Real TigersReal Tigers

by Mick Herron

DETAILS:
Series: Slough House, #3
Publisher: Soho Crime
Publication Date: January 19, 2016
Format: Hardcover
Length: 343 pg.
Read Date: May 21-June 2, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

Real Tigers‘ Flap Copy

I don’t like what I’ve come up with to describe the book, so I’m just going to use the flap copy:

London: Slough House is the MI5 branch where disgraced operatives are reassigned after they’ve messed up too badly to be trusted with real intelligence work. The “Slow Horses,” as the failed spies of Slough House are called, are doomed to spend the rest of their careers pushing paper, but they all want back in on the action.

When one of their own is kidnapped and held for ransom, the agents of Slough House must defeat the odds, overturning all expectations of their competence, to breach the top-notch security of MI5’s intelligence headquarters, Regent’s Park, and steal valuable intel in exchange for their comrade’s safety. The kidnapping is only the tip of the iceberg, however—the agents uncover a larger web of intrigue that involves not only a group of private mercenaries but the highest authorities in the Secret Service. After years spent as the lowest on the totem pole, the Slow Horses suddenly find themselves caught in the midst of a conspiracy that threatens not only the future of Slough House, but of MI5 itself.

The Introduction

I absolutely love the way that Herron introduces Slough House and its denizens in each book. It reminds me of the way that Rex Stout’s Archie gives the rundown of Wolfe’s Brownstone and the routine in each book. But Herron’s unique approach to each introduction has really clicked with me and I look forward to this part of the books.

I can see just opening up one of these at random from time to time, reading the description of Slough House, and moving on with just a quick refreshing hit of Herron’s magic.

Roddy Ho

Roddy Ho is a great hacker—that’s clear. He’s probably almost as good as he thinks he is. The level of delusion he has about his desirability to women outdoes even Crais’ John Chen (and that’s saying something)—it’s a fun character trait, even if it is hard to believe that someone can be that clueless about themselves.*

* 5 minutes on social media reminded me of the power of self-delusion. Never mind.

That said…it’s easy between books to remember how fun it is to see him getting verbally smacked around by Lamb or River pressuring him to work, and how good he is at the technical stuff, etc.—but to forget just what wholly unpleasant person he is. I mentioned John Chen before, Chen is helpless and harmless (while being a misogynistic creep). Roddy doesn’t have that veneer of hapless charm that Chen carries—and is a bigger misogynistic creep. I just want to wash my hands after a scene focused on him if it shows him thinking or talking about women. He probably belongs in prison and would’ve ended up there if not for being employed by MI5.

Team Building?

I will say, for a bunch of misanthropic individualists, when it comes to one of their own, the Slow Horses are really good at teamwork. They spend so much time on their own, regretting their own mistakes that landed them in Slough House, dreaming and scheming their way back to Regent’s Park, etc. that they all have a serious bit of tunnel vision. They’re all focused on themselves to the exclusion of pretty much everyone else—but they’re becoming closer to a true team—particularly when one of them is in some sort of jeopardy.

It’s nice to see—and generally funny, because they’re so bad at teamwork. But the bits that they get right—either on the job or off—are heartwarming to see.

As heartwarming as this series gets, anyway.

So, what did I think about Real Tigers?

The way that this book deals with the Dead Lions-aftermath is the best part for me. Obviously, most of that has to do with Lousia, but it’s there for everyone to one degree or another. Yes, these books can be read as stand-alones, but there’s an impact to be felt from the previous novels. The MI5 and political machinations behind all the actions—the twists, double-twists, and triple-twists. I know that’s part-and-parcel for this series, so I’m not complaining about that. It felt off…overdone maybe? The Slow Horses doing their thing was entertaining enough. But the package as a whole felt like a letdown.

Still, I loved reading this book. Herron can put together a sentence like no one else. I can’t imagine there’s something I wouldn’t want to read him describe. Even when I didn’t really connect with the story, I couldn’t stop reading—that’s all down to Herron’s skill and the fantastic characters he fills his books with. I’m not just talking about the Horses, even the characters that you’re going to see for 1-2 chapters feel like they’ve got a depth to them that could sustain a novel.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

The Ballad of Bonaduke—Episode 29: All Talk by R. T. Slaywood: What a Small World

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On July 21, 2023

In Urban Fantasy

The Ballad of BonadukeThe Ballad of Bonaduke—
Episode Episode 29: All Talk

by R.T. Slaywood

DETAILS:
Series: The Ballad of Bonaduke, #29
Format: Kindle Vella Story
Read Date: July 20, 2023

Just once I would like to wake up on something warm and soft.

The Story So Far…

A drunken Michael Bonaduke decides to use a grift (with maybe some sort of magic/magic-like “help”) to win on a scratch-off lottery ticket so he has money to buy more to drink. He pulls off whatever he did, gets his money and some booze and stumbles off into the darkness to drink himself into oblivion so he can start again the next day. He’s hit by dark memories (probably what’s driving him to the drinking) of fire, pleading, and screaming. There’s going to be a price to pay for his grift, and he’s trying to be ready.

He’s abducted by some representatives of a mysterious group who subject him to a test—if he passes, everything will be explained to him (and hopefully the reader, too). He passes—and is brought somewhere for answers, or maybe training, or maybe another test. Time will tell (or things are going to get really annoying). Answers aren’t quick to come—but the mysteries and questions keep piling up.

Things get hairy and Bonaduke leaves and finds himself back in the neighborhood he started from. He takes refuge in a homeless encampment shortly before a police raid. He’s apprehended and finds himself an interrogation room and shortly escapes after using his grift (but with results he didn’t quite intend). He finds himself by a group of squatters who seem to have strapped a woman to a chair for reasons that can’t be good. He attempts to rescue her before he even realizes what he’s doing, and seems to have succeeded—well, the two of them got away from the group anyway—breathing but bruised.

What’s All Talk About?

Desperate for something to eat to help him keep going, Bonaduke walks up to a drive-thru restaurant and places an order. Now, unless things are different where Slaywood or Bonaduke reside, he shouldn’t get served there—but he does. Well, almost. The employee at the window is someone the reader and Bonaduke know. So things go downhill fast (that conjunction might not be the best to use, but who do we know that Bonaduke does where things would go well after running into them?).

Without intending to, Bonduke uses his grift. He and the (still) unconscious woman find themselves a place to wait in relative security while waiting for the next shoe to drop and/or he decides what his next move will be.

So, what did I think about All Talk?

It’s not all talk—but it largely was. It’s one of the more dialogue-heavy episodes thus far—maybe the heaviest. But Slaywood’s kept the forward momentum going—and that’s what’s important.

I can think of nothing I didn’t like about this episode, Bonaduke keeps trying to help this woman, and while not enjoying it, successfully pushes this kid around to do just that. And maybe because he enjoys it a bit.

I really don’t have anything else to say. Good job, and I’m eager to see what happens next.

4 Stars

Random Sh*t Flying Through the Air by Jackson Ford: Whimsical Title Aside, Ford is NOT Playing Around

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On July 18, 2023

In Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Random Sh*t Flying Through the AirRandom Sh*t Flying Through the Air

by Jackson Ford

DETAILS:
Series: Frost Files, #2
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Format: eBook
Length: 544 pg.
Read Date: June 19-21, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores


There is no good reason that it’s taken me three years to read this book given how much I enjoyed its predecessor. But it did, and now I can answer the question:

What’s Random Sh*t Flying Through the Air About?

Teagan and her team are back on course after the events of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind, she’s still haunted by those events (or, more specifically who was behind them). Still, they’re back in action as if they’d never been chased by the police, and have even added a new member to the team (and I’m so glad that Ford figured out a nice way to work him in) to the series.

Teagan’s no longer considering her team coworkers (coworkers by coercion, no less), but friends. She has plans to take cooking classes. That’s not all, she’s even trying to repair the disaster that is her friendship/budding romance. Things are looking up, basically.

Which means it’s time for things to start going wrong. And boy howdy, do they go wrong in a big way. One thing that Teagan, her team, and the shadowy government officials who employ them learned in the previous book, is that there are other people out there with abilities like hers.

For example, there’s this cute little kid—he’s smart enough that it’s a super-power in and of itself—he’s like Teagan, but his powers work best with rock, dirt, soil—basically, anything you focus on in Geology class. And he discovers that if he can access a fault line, he can do a whole lot. Between his power, his intelligence, and a complete lack of moral compass—this discovery isn’t good for anyone.

The question quickly becomes: can Teagan and the rest of her team stop him before mapmakers need to redo the Western coast of North America?

The Stakes

That last line wasn’t a joke—the stakes are literally that high in this one. This is a big jump—we go from a confused younger adult convinced he’s doing the right thing by killing a few people to literally risking several states and provinces? “Ford’s not really going to…oh, yes he is.”

It’s hard to imagine how the stakes could be higher (I’m a little nervous about the next two books), but this remained a very personal story. Amidst the threat of death and widespread destruction, the novel is about Teagan, the boy, and a few people in their immediate circle. Yes, the fate of millions hangs in the balance—but our focus never gets bigger than twenty people.

Personal Growth

At the end of The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind, Teagan’s in a better place than she began the novel in—she’s gained a little self-acceptance, has a better relationship with her team, and so on. But she’s essentially the same person. Which is both good and bad.

What we see in this novel is how much she needs to grow as a person—and as someone with abilities and knowing how/when/why to use them. She does grow a lot in these ways, as you’d hope. But we also see how far she still has to go. Sure, readers could tell that (like her rival) her abilities could be strengthened and improved in her debut—but I don’t know if I realized how far she had to go emotionally as I did this time.

It’s good to see that she is growing—and seems to be aware of her shortcomings, so we can expect to see more of it. Which is all we can ask for.

So, what did I think about Random Sh*t Flying Through the Air?

This is just what you want in a super-hero-ish kind of book. There’s drama, there’s action—the kind that CGI wouldn’t quite render right—there’s comedy, there’s honest and brutal emotion. Come to think of it, that’s pretty much what I want in any kind of book (well, I don’t demand action in every one…but you know what I mean). There’s a depth to RSFTtA that TGWCMSWHM didn’t quite have, but it maintained the same voice.

Yeah, I talked about emotional growth and high stakes and all—but at the core of the book is still Teagan’s snarky inner monologue taking us through everything. She takes some hard hits physically, mentally, and emotionally through these events, but it’s still her voice talking us through them. So the book is still entertaining no matter what.

If Ford is going to up his game—and up Teagan’s as well—this much between books 1 and 2, I can’t imagine what’s in store for us in the next two books. But man, am I going to enjoy finding out. I do recommend grabbing the first one before diving in here, but it’s not essential. Either way, pick this up.

4 Stars
This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
20 Books of Summer

The Beginning and End of All Things: A Biblical Theology of Creation and New Creation by Edward W. Klink III: This Is Our Father’s World

By

On July 16, 2023

In Theology/Christian Living

The Beginning and End of All ThingsThe Beginning and End of All Things:
A Biblical Theology of Creation and New Creation

by Edward W. Klink III

DETAILS:
Series: Essential Studies in Biblical Theology
Publisher: IVP Academic
Publication Date: May 30, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 172 pg.
Read Date: June 4-25, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

While there is some biblical wiggle room for us to disagree about how God created the world, we better not misunderstand who God is and who humanity was designed to be, or what God intended to do in the world, ultimately through the work and person Jesus Christ, or why God made the world in a way that explains my life and purpose in the world. In short, if we misread the beginning of the story, we potentially misread the rest of the story. And since this story is about the Creator and his creation, the stakes could not be higher.

The Beginning of All Things (Mostly of the Book)

Every time the term creation or even doctrine of creation was used, the Christians in my church were thinking of origins. It was as if the only category the term creation would elicit in their minds was the beginning of time when the world came into existence. The only question was about what happened in the beginning, and even then, the primary focus was clearly on the heavily debated “six days” The rest of the history of the world, the physical reality in which we live our lives, or even the purposes for which the world was created were not even part of the equation. It seemed to me to be like a man who, when asked about his marriage, was unable to think of anything else besides his wedding ceremony. His love and commitment to his wife, the purpose and design of marriage, and even the current state of his marriage and the family it produced were viewed as distinct or unrelated. My point is not to deny the importance of the first six days of creation but to make important every created day.

Klink starts out by stressing that a doctrine of creation is not about what the first two chapters of Genesis mean—it’s not about how God made the Earth. Or at least, it’s not just about that. It’s about why God made the Earth—what was His purpose in creating, what’s His goal for the creation, and so on. It’s about the goodness of the creation and how we are to enjoy and preserve it. It’s ultimately about the new creation, what is going to happen on that Last Day when creation is renewed, restored, and recreated.

With that in mind, Klink then looks at how these (and related) ideas and themes are expressed throughout the Biblical narrative, from the Fall through Christ’s ministry on Earth, and on through the time up to the End.

The End of All Things (and of the Book)

…Creation was good but not yet finished to perfection. Again, quoting Gunton: “As created, it is perfect, because it is God’s project. . . . But it is not pertest in the sense of completion. It has somewhere to go” To be clear, this is eschatology. Not in the sense of the last few years of human history (the end times) but the entirety of human history. Eschatology, therefore, is referring to God’s goal or purpose for creation, his ordained intention and the plot of the world. Thus, eschatology 1s the aim of trajectory of all things, the goal of all things. Our argument in this chapter—and the book as a whole has been that the biblical stary of creation and new creation, which includes redemption, is a biblical theology of the goal of all things. The use of etymology for defining eschatology (the study of the end times) should be banned by royal decree! Eschatology ts only tangentially defined by interpretive questions regarding a millennium, let alone a rapture. Simply stated, eschatology is referring to the intentions of God for the world, even the will of God. Eschatology, which extends from creation to new creation, is the goal of all things.

From the Introduction through the first nine chapters, Klink has kept one eye on the Eschaton (and kept the reader looking for it, too). Chapter 10, Creation’s Consummation, focuses on that. He shows how all those earlier themes bring us to this point, and Creation and Redemption will shape the coming New Creation. This chapter is worth at least half of the purchase price of the book. It’s a great way of tying the book together and reminding the reader what our focus should be during our pilgrimage on Earth.

He follows this with a concluding few pages of Pastoral Reflections. He talks about the importance of thinking—and having pastors getting their flocks to consider—about creation in a fuller sense than just the “beginnings.” He also tries to show ways that the doctrine of creation should be applied and worked out in the believer’s life, what it should look like lived out. It’s a brief few pages, but very powerful.

So, what did I think about The Beginning and End of All Things?

…the Christian life is not merely a spiritual life but a physical life—a life lived in creation and in relation to the Creator. If Christians are united to their Creator in Christ and through the Spirit, then they should be the most aware of their physical existence and createdness. A few examples might be helpful. First, Christians should have a robust theory and practice of the human body and reflect God’s concern for its purpose and care. Second, Christians should be both aware of and concerned for physical creation, especially the earth, which is a gift from God that he both created and will re-create.”’ Both of these topics, however, have been minimized or manipulated by too many Christians for too long. This is not only detrimental to the church’s witness but also to the fullness of its life. In a world filled with creatures who neither know or submit to their Creator, Christians should reflect in word and deed the beauty, awe, and affection of the mystery of creation that is reflective of the new life they have been given by their Creator and Redeemer. Psalm 104 (especially Ps 104:24, 30, 33) provides us with a lens for our appreciation of the physical world and, therefore, the honor and praise due to our Creator.

When Klink started by saying that a doctrine of creation needs to be about more than what happened in Genesis 1-2, he piqued my interest and got me on his side immediately. The Introduction and Chapter 1 were just fantastic.

The “meat” of the book—Chapter 2, Creation’s Curse, through Chapter 8, Creation’s Commission—is refreshing both in outlook and insight. Any quibbles I had with Klink did show up in these chapters but were only in some of the ways he described ideas or on minor points (ultimately due to differences in confessional outlooks).

But as I indicated above, the last chapter and the pastoral reflections were as good (probably better) as the beginning of the book. At least a third of the notes I took about the whole book were on these 24 pages.

On the whole, this book is warm and pastoral, reminding the believer that the world we live in was created very good, and while it groans for the new creation, it remains full of good gifts from our Father for us to use, enjoy, and glorify Him with. I heartily encourage you to pick this up and read it.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

The Worst We Can Find by Dale Sherman: MST3K: The Satellite of Love, The Bots, The Mads, The Movies and Everything Else

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On July 7, 2023

In Non-Fiction

The Worst We Can FindThe Worst We Can Find:
MST3K, RiffTrax, and the History of Heckling at the Movies

by Dale Sherman

DETAILS:
Publisher: Applause Books
Publication Date: June 15, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 246 pg.
Read Date: June 27-29, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s The Worst We Can Find About?

This is one of those books where the sub-title tells you everything you need to know: “MST3K, RiffTrax, and the History of Heckling at the Movies.” The back of the book does give a fuller explanation:

Had you tuned in to the small television station KTMA on Thanksgiving Day, 1988, you would have been one of the few witnesses to pop culture history being made. On that day, viewers in and around St. Paul, Minnesota, were treated to a genuine oddity, in which a man and his robots, trapped within a defiantly DIY sci-fi set, cracked jokes while watching the terrible 1981 movie Invaders from the Deep. Although its origins may have been inauspicious, Mystery Science Theater 3000 captured the spirit of what had been a beloved pastime for generations of wags, wiseacres, and smart alecks, and would soon go on to inspire countless more.

The Worst We Can Find is a comprehensive history of and guide to MST3K and its various offshoots—including Rifftrax, Cinematic Titanic, and The Mads Are Back—whose lean crew of writers, performers, and puppeteers have now been making fun of movies for over thirty years. It investigates how “riffing” of films evolved, recounts the history of these programs, and considers how a practice guaranteed to annoy real-life fellow moviegoers grew into such a beloved, long-lasting franchise. As author Dale Sherman explains, creative heckling has been around forever—but MST3K and its progeny managed to redirect that art into a style that was both affectionate and cutting, winning the devotion of countless fans and aspiring riffers.

Sherman starts with some commentary on the history of what we now call “meta” and riffing in general—going back to Greek choruses. He then shows how movies started riffing/commenting on themselves (and each other).

He then focuses on MST3K itself—talking about Joel Hodgson’s background and the creation of the show. We actually get some good background on all the major players from the early years. He then describes the transitions in staff/cast as it moves from KTMA to Comedy Central to the movie (and, wow, what an effort to get that made) to SciFi and so on.

We then get a look at what the post-MST3K careers of the central figures look like and how riffing on movies has kept popping up in their lives (largely because people won’t let them stop) and how the show has come back from its ending a time or two.

My Sole Criticism

Sherman only cites previously available material—yes, he dug up a lot of things that many/most fans would never see, never think of looking for. But he doesn’t interview anyone himself, or provide anything outside a couple of personal memories that an industrious fan couldn’t have found on their own.

I don’t want to criticize what he did—it is no small feat to do what he did. And I’m so glad he did it—but the lack of original material keeps me from absolutely raving about this book.

So, what did I think about The Worst We Can Find?

Back when I talked about Scott Ryan’s Moonlighting: An Oral History, I’d said:

When I read a book about a television show, I want a few things—I want something to

    • make me want to rewatch the show
    • make me not really need to, because the book has helped me remember it in such a way that it’s not that necessary
    • give me a lot of behind-the-scenes information about the show
    • help me understand it better (not just information, but reflections on it—its legacy, cultural context, impact on television, et.)
    • Ideally, teach me something about the art and/or business of television (preferably both)
    • and if it can be fun (TV should be entertaining), that’s all the better.

Yeah, that seems like a lot to ask for from a book, but if I’m going to take the time to read a book instead of watching a behind-the-scenes show or listening to a panel discussion, I want bang for my buck—I don’t always get it (and know that going in), but I want it.

The Worst We Can Find delivered on all but the “make me not really need to” because there’s no way that someone could do that in a book form. I have watched some MST3K since then (more than I usually do because I’ve been inspired)—and some Rifftrax, too.

I don’t want ponderous, I don’t want slow. I don’t mind a lot of detail (in fact, I relish it), I don’t mind thoughtful (that’s why I read the book), but I want to be entertained. And Sherman delivered there. His chapter introductions were golden—worth at least half of the purchase price alone. I started to give a couple of examples, but why ruin it for you? So, I’ll be vague. I laughed aloud at Chapter 4’s introduction. Maybe all of them, but Chapter 4 was the point I stopped to make note of it.

I really appreciated the way Sherman pivoted in the last chapter to speak of “we” in reference to fans of the show, it’s clear throughout that he was one of us (there’s no way you do this work without that—or a bigger paycheck than he likely got for this book), but I appreciated the way he did it there.

The last paragraph was perfect, incidentally.

This was a great read, I learned a lot, I chuckled frequently, and I had a great time reminiscing about a favorite show. I think you will, too. I’d say is a must for MSTies. As I said, I can’t rave about it—but I can strongly encourage you to check it out. And keep circulating the tapes.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

PUB DAY REPOST: Flop Dead Gorgeous by David Rosenfelt: An Old Friend Brings a Challenging Case for Andy Carpenter @stmartinspress @netgalley

By

On July 4, 2023

In Andy Carpenter, David Rosenfelt, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Flop Dead GorgeousFlop Dead Gorgeous

by David Rosenfelt

DETAILS:
Series: Andy Carpenter, #27
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: July 04, 2023
Format: eARC
Length: 272
Read Date: June 13, 2023


What’s Flop Dead Gorgeous About?

Jenny Nichols went to the same high school as Andy Carpenter—but when he went to law school, she went to California and became a movie star. She comes back to Paterson frequently, even adopting a miniature French poodle from Andy’s rescue foundation and striking up a friendship with Laurie.

She’s staying in Paterson while filming her next movie in New York and Andy hosts a dinner with her and several others—during the dinner, her ex-boyfriend, current producer, and co-star (all the same person) shows up and causes a scene in an effort to see her. While Andy does nothing at all (his strength), Willie, Laurie, and Marcus shut down the producer and his bodyguards. They leave and the night goes on as before and everything seems fine.

Because this is that kind of book in that kind of series, that “fine” doesn’t last long. Jenny wakes up in the middle of the night to find her ex stabbed to death in her kitchen. With no one else in the house—and few people knowing she was staying there at all—the suspect list is really short, and it’s no time at all before Andy is hired to defend Jenny.

Wait, What?

I may be revealing what a horrible (as opposed to irresponsible) reader I am here—but in the second chapter, Rosenfelt said something that stopped me cold. Andy’s hosting that dinner for Jenny with a bunch of his friends and colleagues, including Sam, Willie and Sondra Miller, Vince Saunders—you know, the people you’d expect. Except for this: Marcus and his wife Julie. Did we know Marcus had a wife? Has she shown up a lot and I’ve totally forgotten her? I really don’t think so, but I don’t have time to read 20+ books (I can’t remember when he shows up first, book 2 or 3, I think) to see.

Part of my shock here has to do with the idea of Marcus having any kind of personal life is strange. It’s like when you’re in second grade and see your teacher in the grocery store. But I just have no recollection of this woman.

And, really, that’s not the strangest Marcus moment in the book…

Poor Eddie Dowd

Andy’s on his third associate in the series—the lawyer who does most of the actual lawyering, instead of the investigating and courtroom antics. He’s the guy who puts together briefs, looks up precedents, writes motions, and so on. This associate is usually comedic in some way, too.

Eddie shows up a little bit here, but nowhere is used to lighten the mood—we don’t even get one example of his overuse of sports metaphors. It was likely necessary to cut his jokes for space and/or to make up for the running joke (see below), but I couldn’t help but feel bad for the character. He barely got to do anything—particularly nothing interesting.

The Running Joke

There’s a running joke throughout this book that I can’t bring myself to ruin—or repeat. Initially, I wondered about Rosenfelt’s continued use of it—but in the end, I wouldn’t cut a single instance of it, and the later in the book we got the funnier I found each reappearance.

I don’t remember Rosenfelt going back to the well so often like this often (ever?).* Sure, he repeats jokes from book to book—Andy’s trying to retire, Edna’s lack of interest in work, Marcus’ lack of talking, etc. But fifteen+ appearances of a gag in one novel? I think this is new. I don’t know that we need it in every Andy Carpenter book from now on, but I wouldn’t mind it frequently.

* Fill up the comments here with the times he’s done it before and I’ve forgotten about it, by all means.

So, what did I think about Flop Dead Gorgeous?

I know I complain often about not knowing what to say about an Andy Carpenter novel that I haven’t said a few times before. And really, aside from what I’ve noted in the two sections above, I’m not sure what to say.

The one thing that I want to talk about the most is the one that I cannot discuss—the killer and the motive behind the killing. I can’t even think of a vague way to praise the choices Rosenfelt made in this novel’s structure. But for my money, the choice of the killer, motive, etc. are praiseworthy.

I do like the way Rosenfelt is aging Ricky—especially while not aging Tara—and letting Ricky pay attention to this case. Good character work.

Flop Dead Gorgeous features some of Rosenfelt’s funniest material in years. More of Andy in court (or so it seems) than we’ve been treated to lately. Good character work (both with regulars and new characters)—except for poor Eddie. The best mystery Rosenfelt’s given us in a long time. And Andy’s narrative voice has never been better (rarely been worse, too)—there are a couple of paragraphs that made me stop and note, “This is why I keep coming back to this series.”

We’re twenty-seven books in and I still laughed and was left on tenterhooks to see how Andy was going to prevail. That’s no mean feat. Rosenfelt hasn’t lost a step, and neither has this series. Naturally, I recommend Flop Dead Gorgeous to your attention.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Flop Dead Gorgeous by David Rosenfelt: An Old Friend Brings a Challenging Case for Andy Carpenter @stmartinspress @netgalley

By

On June 16, 2023

In Andy Carpenter, David Rosenfelt, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Flop Dead GorgeousFlop Dead Gorgeous

by David Rosenfelt

DETAILS:
Series: Andy Carpenter, #27
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: July 04, 2023
Format: eARC
Length: 272
Read Date: June 13, 2023


What’s Flop Dead Gorgeous About?

Jenny Nichols went to the same high school as Andy Carpenter—but when he went to law school, she went to California and became a movie star. She comes back to Paterson frequently, even adopting a miniature French poodle from Andy’s rescue foundation and striking up a friendship with Laurie.

She’s staying in Paterson while filming her next movie in New York and Andy hosts a dinner with her and several others—during the dinner, her ex-boyfriend, current producer, and co-star (all the same person) shows up and causes a scene in an effort to see her. While Andy does nothing at all (his strength), Willie, Laurie, and Marcus shut down the producer and his bodyguards. They leave and the night goes on as before and everything seems fine.

Because this is that kind of book in that kind of series, that “fine” doesn’t last long. Jenny wakes up in the middle of the night to find her ex stabbed to death in her kitchen. With no one else in the house—and few people knowing she was staying there at all—the suspect list is really short, and it’s no time at all before Andy is hired to defend Jenny.

Wait, What?

I may be revealing what a horrible (as opposed to irresponsible) reader I am here—but in the second chapter, Rosenfelt said something that stopped me cold. Andy’s hosting that dinner for Jenny with a bunch of his friends and colleagues, including Sam, Willie and Sondra Miller, Vince Saunders—you know, the people you’d expect. Except for this: Marcus and his wife Julie. Did we know Marcus had a wife? Has she shown up a lot and I’ve totally forgotten her? I really don’t think so, but I don’t have time to read 20+ books (I can’t remember when he shows up first, book 2 or 3, I think) to see.

Part of my shock here has to do with the idea of Marcus having any kind of personal life is strange. It’s like when you’re in second grade and see your teacher in the grocery store. But I just have no recollection of this woman.

And, really, that’s not the strangest Marcus moment in the book…

Poor Eddie Dowd

Andy’s on his third associate in the series—the lawyer who does most of the actual lawyering, instead of the investigating and courtroom antics. He’s the guy who puts together briefs, looks up precedents, writes motions, and so on. This associate is usually comedic in some way, too.

Eddie shows up a little bit here, but nowhere is used to lighten the mood—we don’t even get one example of his overuse of sports metaphors. It was likely necessary to cut his jokes for space and/or to make up for the running joke (see below), but I couldn’t help but feel bad for the character. He barely got to do anything—particularly nothing interesting.

The Running Joke

There’s a running joke throughout this book that I can’t bring myself to ruin—or repeat. Initially, I wondered about Rosenfelt’s continued use of it—but in the end, I wouldn’t cut a single instance of it, and the later in the book we got the funnier I found each reappearance.

I don’t remember Rosenfelt going back to the well so often like this often (ever?).* Sure, he repeats jokes from book to book—Andy’s trying to retire, Edna’s lack of interest in work, Marcus’ lack of talking, etc. But fifteen+ appearances of a gag in one novel? I think this is new. I don’t know that we need it in every Andy Carpenter book from now on, but I wouldn’t mind it frequently.

* Fill up the comments here with the times he’s done it before and I’ve forgotten about it, by all means.

So, what did I think about Flop Dead Gorgeous?

I know I complain often about not knowing what to say about an Andy Carpenter novel that I haven’t said a few times before. And really, aside from what I’ve noted in the two sections above, I’m not sure what to say.

The one thing that I want to talk about the most is the one that I cannot discuss—the killer and the motive behind the killing. I can’t even think of a vague way to praise the choices Rosenfelt made in this novel’s structure. But for my money, the choice of the killer, motive, etc. are praiseworthy.

I do like the way Rosenfelt is aging Ricky—especially while not aging Tara—and letting Ricky pay attention to this case. Good character work.

Flop Dead Gorgeous features some of Rosenfelt’s funniest material in years. More of Andy in court (or so it seems) than we’ve been treated to lately. Good character work (both with regulars and new characters)—except for poor Eddie. The best mystery Rosenfelt’s given us in a long time. And Andy’s narrative voice has never been better (rarely been worse, too)—there are a couple of paragraphs that made me stop and note, “This is why I keep coming back to this series.”

We’re twenty-seven books in and I still laughed and was left on tenterhooks to see how Andy was going to prevail. That’s no mean feat. Rosenfelt hasn’t lost a step, and neither has this series. Naturally, I recommend Flop Dead Gorgeous to your attention.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Grandpappy’s Corner: Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator): Will Make You Say, “Awwww.”

By

On June 14, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m posting about the two books (so far) in the Little Aiden series today, which is turning into a bigger challenge than I expected. The two books are pretty similar in terms of style, quality, etc. So, yeah, the second post might sound a lot like the first—occasionally I’m just going to copy and paste. Sorry about that. But they should be different enough to justify your time as well as mine.

Little Aiden - A Love Book for Toddlers

Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Little Aiden 
Publisher: Mytogo Publishing
Publication Date: May 22, 2023
Format: eBook
Length: 41 pg.
Read Date: June 10, 2023

What’s Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers About?

This book is basically someone* narrating a day in Aiden’s life (or a bunch of activities over a few days), assuring him of their love in all the things he’s up to—when he’s being brave, when he’s being calm, when he’s sad, anxious, scared, and so on. All throughout the day and with a promise that this love will continue.

*Presumably his mother, given the art—although you could make the case that it’s from the point of view of the dad seeing both of them. It really doesn’t matter.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

The art is as adorable and eye-catching here as it was in the other Little Aiden book. Fantastic expressions, great background illustrations, etc. These are going to be very fun for a toddler—and whoever is reading with the toddler—to stop and talk about.

Braskó’s use of Aiden’s teddy bear is fantastic, once I saw what she did on the “Brave” illustration I had to go back through the whole book just looking for what was going on with the bear. (adding the rest of the toys to the mix on the “Confident” page was great, too)

I like her use of the first Little Aiden book here—that was such a nice touch. I wonder how many toddlers will notice?

Be sure to check out some of the samples on Braskó’s website.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I don’t mean this in a bad way—but this isn’t going to do much for the adult reader. It’s a simple and repetitive text. You don’t get to do any fun rhymes, tongue twisters, silly voices, or goofy noises (well, maybe a couple). And it’s okay, because it’s not that kind of book.

It’s the kind of book that’s intentionally repetitive—this is how you can help the child learn. It’s written simply for the same reason. Short and clear sentences that make it easy to grasp the point.

It’s also the kind of book that’s easy to stop reading to discuss—what Aiden is doing, the art, what his Teddy Bear is doing (alongside or in contrast to Aiden), or whatever. And that’s where the engagement for the adult reader is going to come in.

And, hey, some of the pages serve as a good reminder to the adult that it’s okay for the toddler to be frustrated and angry—because it’s really easy for parents/caretakers to forget that sometimes. It’s good for us to vocalize that.

So, what did I think about Little Aiden – A Love Book for Toddlers?

This is just so sweet. There’s some fun to be had (primarily from Braskó’s art, because the text is earnest), but it’s largely warm and sweet reminders of a parent’s affections.

It just made me melt, it’ll likely do the same for you.

It’ll be a great springboard for a parent/grandparent/caregiver to use to talk about all the different ways and times they love the toddler they’re reading with—and who can’t use something like that?

Another heartily recommended book from this series.

4 Stars

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Grandpappy’s Corner: Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator): Nothing Less than Feelings

By

On June 14, 2023

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m posting about the two books (so far) in the Little Aiden series today, which is turning into a bigger challenge than I expected. The two books are pretty similar in terms of style, quality, etc. So, yeah, the second post might sound a lot like the first—occasionally I’m just going to copy and paste. Sorry about that. But they should be different enough to justify your time as well as mine.

Little Aiden - A Feelings Book for Toddlers

Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers

by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Series: Little Aiden 
Publisher: Mytogo Publishing
Publication Date: December 17, 2022
Format: eBook
Length: 41 pg.
Read Date: June 10, 2023

What’s Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers About?

There’s one simple point to this book:

It is okay to have feelings.

It’s the first sentence and that sentiment is repeated fourteen times over the book as we follow Aiden through a bunch of scenarios where he’s feeling things that kids can identify with. Scared, tired, happy, playful, silly, helpless, and more.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Little Aiden’s expressions are clear—it’s a piece of cake to tell what he’s feeling, even for a little one just trying to put words to facial expressions.

But I think Braskó’s real strength is in the rest of the illustrations—what’s Aiden’s body doing with the feeling? What’s going on around him? Is there a mess? Does he have toys? How’s he interacting with his environment? Those really help fill out the ideas of the book.

These are going to be very fun for a toddler—and whoever is reading with the toddler—to stop and talk about. “He’s sure a messy eater, isn’t he? What’s that on the floor there next to his sippy cup? What’s that on his face?”

The illustration that goes with embarrassed is probably my favorite (and that probably says something about my maturity level).

Be sure to check out some of the samples on Braskó’s website.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I don’t mean this in a bad way—but this isn’t going to do much for the adult reader. It’s a simple and repetitive text. You don’t get to do any fun rhymes, tongue twisters, silly voices, or goofy noises (well, maybe a couple). And that’s okay, because it’s not that kind of book.

It’s the kind of book that’s intentionally repetitive—this is how you can help the child learn. It’s written simply for the same reason. Short and clear sentences that make it easy to grasp the point.

It’s also the kind of book that’s easy to stop reading to discuss—the feeling in question, the art, or whatever. And that’s where the engagement for the adult reader is going to come in.

And, hey, some of the pages serve as a good reminder to the adult that it’s okay for the toddler to be frustrated and angry—because it’s really easy for parents/caretakers to forget that sometimes. It’s good for us to vocalize that.

So, what did I think about Little Aiden – A Feelings Book for Toddlers?

Feelings can be scary—sometimes a toddler isn’t sure why they’re having the emotional reaction they are, sometimes a toddler can see the adults around them reacting to the toddler’s emotions in a way that can be frightening or off-putting, sometimes a toddler doesn’t like the way an emotion makes them feel. It doesn’t do much good to assure the toddler that it doesn’t get much better sometimes as an adult.

But what you can assure them of is that it’s okay to feel things. The Chois have given toddlers a handy and helpful book to tell them this. As they read and re-read it with someone they trust they can examine these feelings and get the reminder—or get the lesson—that it’s okay to feel emotions.

How to react to those emotions is a talk for a different time—but for now, it’s about being okay with having and feeling them.

I heartily recommend this book.

4 Stars

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