Tag Archives: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego

Universal Donor by Jeri Westerson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Universal Donor
Author: Jeri Westerson
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

The first half of this short story felt a whole lot less dark than I was expecting. Or that the tone of the story hinted at. After all, it was all focused on a guy trying to donate blood and constantly fainting… and then the darkness came in. And I realised that this story fits very nicely within this collection. And that it was actually MUCH more dark and twisted than I had anticipated.

As with everything with a “bad guy” I loved that the ending kind of had a moment of poetic justice to it. I mean, it was, again, very dark and twisted. But it was a good way for justice to prevail. Even if no one would’ve known that it was karmic justice of a kind.

This whole story was creepy and disturbing. But it did also highlight how dangerous entitlement can be. I mean, being a universal blood donor doesn’t entitle you to any kind of privilege, or special treatment. Particularly the kind this guy seemed to think he was entitled to…

<- Last CallMurder and Mayhem in Muskego ->

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Murder and Mayhem in Muskego edited by Jon & Ruth Jordan

Book Review, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego
Author: Jon Jordan, Ruth Jordan, Megan Abbott, Dana Cameron, Reed Farrel Coleman, Hilary Davidson, Sean Doolittle, J.M. Edwards, Andrew Grant, Ted Hertel, Jr., Chris F. Holm, Brad Parks, Gary Phillips, Kat Richardson, Greg Rucka, Marcus Sakey, Tom Schreck, Nathan Banks, Zoe Sharp, Bryan VanMeter & Jeri Westerson
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Mystery, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I loved this collection, it is very aptly named – truly a collection of murder and mayhem. Hilariously so if I’m being honest. Alright, some of the stories aren’t all that hilarious – because they are somewhat disturbed. But, still, this was a fantastic collection. One that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to reading again in the future.

Although there were a few mystical stories in this collection, the majority were contemporary tales. That definitely made them more relatable and kind of disturbing. I did like that there were the occasional paranormal stories though. They just added a little bit of variety, and some unexpected twists to the tales throughout this collection. Although, they pretty much all dealt with murder, regardless of what kind of genre they sat within.

I loved that pretty much every story in this collection is filled with chaos, and some pretty serious horribleness being planned. In one way or another. I mean, it wouldn’t be a anthology of murder stories if they weren’t planned… that’d be manslaughter. Admittedly, there were one or two stories that didn’t fit the mould. But the majority were deliciously filled with horrible acts.

Honestly, I really enjoyed this anthology. Maybe not every story was my cup of tea, and it wasn’t my favourite anthology ever. But it was still enjoyable. And one I plan to keep on my shelves so that I can read it again in the future!

<- Universal DonorHollywood Lanes ->

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The Particular Talents of Lenny Bright by Zoe Sharp

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Particular Talents of Lenny Bright
Author: Zoe Sharp
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really loved the setup throughout this short story for the twist at the end. Which, if I don’t want to put spoilers in this review, I won’t talk too much about. But, the setup didn’t actually tell you what was going to happen, but, in hindsight, it definitely pointed you towards what that final moment was going to reveal.

This is a fun and light short story, particularly when you compare it to many of the other stories in the Murder and Mayhem in Muskego collection. I mean, there isn’t really any murder. Or blood. Or general stabbing-ness that has been prevalent throughout the rest of the short stories thus far.

This is a good reminder to never judge a book (or old lady) by its cover. I mean, we get told that all the time. And we all know that you shouldn’t just judge on outward appearances. But this short story is a great reminder as to why.

<- The Muskego Long CountLast Call ->

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Last Call by Bryan VanMeter

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Last Call
Author: Bryan VanMeter
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This short story is all a great, big build up to a murder. And it’s brilliant. You know that everything is going to end in death, although you kind of hope that you’re wrong. It’s a great way to build tension without making it too painful.

I spent this whole story kind of hoping that the bar tender would somehow be pardoned. Even though he knowingly got himself into this situation, I was still incredibly hopeful. There was something so relatable and likeable about the gambling degenerate. And his obvious love for his regulars and job definitely helped with this feeling.

The ending to this wasn’t necessarily quite what I’d hoped, although I’m not really sure what I hoped for. It was a good, fun read, and definitely a great departure from real life for a short while (which is generally why I read).

<- The Particular Talents of Lenny BrightUniversal Donor ->

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The Muskego Long Count by Tom Shreck & Nathan Banks

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Muskego Long Count
Author: Tom Shreck & Nathan Banks
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really enjoy how this story jumps between two points of view. You have that really sinister voice that is planning bad things. And then there’s the more innocent bystander who ends up saving the day and making sure that the sinister things just don’t happen. It definitely helped to heighten the sense of thrill and suspense. Knowing that there were bad things about to happen, not knowing if the story will end with a better ending than death…

Duffy is a great character. Boxer, with an out of control dog. Actually, it’s really Al that technically saves the day. But I love the normalcy of Duffy’s interactions with the other characters and movements throughout this story. The unwitting hero is always quite a bit of fun. Particularly when they’re actually a bumbling dog that is just taking everyone out in his quest for food.

As with anything that touches upon the psychological, I found the bomb maker to be quite scary. I mean, massive many people killing vendetta is scary enough. But having that point of view written in a totally logical and calm manner? Terrifying.

<- Gravity and NeedThe Particular Talents of Lenny Bright ->

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Gravity and Need by Marcus Sakey

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Gravity and Need
Author: Marcus Sakey
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I knew that this was going to be a bit of a twisty kind of story. But I really didn’t see that ending coming. It was kind of brilliant and in one way, I really enjoyed it… on the other hand, it was pretty twisted and disturbing. There was not a moment in this that I could imagine being in the shoes of the two characters, but also not a moment in which I didn’t feel connected to them and sympathetic to both of their plights.

This short story makes till death do us part take on a whole new meaning. And not necessarily in a good way, it was pretty disturbed if I’m being honest. And of course, that is exactly what I loved about it. Kind of twisted and disturbed, a whole lot of fun. And when we talk about death, it’s really not the kind of death that you expect.

This short story is pretty dang dark and fatalistic. I, being the slightly twisted human that I am, absolutely adored it. Definitely a short story that I would be intrigued to read again.

<- The End is Never PrettyThe Muskego Long Count ->

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The End is Never Pretty by Greg Rucka

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The End is Never Pretty
Author: Greg Rucka
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Spies
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

You don’t even have to start reading this short story to realise that there isn’t really going to be an overly happy ending here. I mean, it’s literally called The End is Never Pretty. And then the story starts, and you continue to have that feeling that nothing is going to end well here. Which is fun, because you spend the entirety of this tale on pins and needles waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Although this is mostly in chronological order, it is kind of disjointed in its telling as well. As you read it, it becomes clear that it is more and more difficult for Nessuno to actually figure out who she is. I mean, we all have that battle at times – figuring out who we are and who we want to be. But most people aren’t doing this whilst literally pretending to be someone else. The disjointed nature of the story line works to highlight the disconnect that Nessuno is feeling more and more as her deception unfolds.

Honestly, there wasn’t really a surprising twist at the end of this story – two agents who have a moment in time together, and talking about the lines that you’ll cross to keep cover? Yeah, I kind of saw the ending coming. But I was really hoping that it wouldn’t be the case. It was just a little bit too tragic, most definitely working as a poignant end to a short story.

For all that this is a pretty damn dark story, it’s also a pretty easy read. I mean, it’s dark and twisty. Focusing on spy versus spy and the darkness of double agents, but it was still a simple read. One that I would probably enjoy reading again.

<- ChemotherapyGravity and Need ->

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Serenity by Brad Parks

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Serenity
Author: Brad Parks
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I enjoyed the way in which the wisdom prayer was used to create the name of this short story. It’s definitely a prayer that has come up a few times in my life over the years. I know in this context, it’s used in relation to AA. But still, it was a nice little moment.

This story is kind of horrible in places. Which is unsurprising because it features a murder. But I was weirdly happy about the fact that the lead in this story didn’t have a drink. So yeah,  he murdered someone and is about to dispose of the body and (theoretically) get away with murder. But he didn’t give up on his AA and have a drink.

You kind of gues from the beginning that Billy is dead. Yet, it isn’t till the end that you get that confirmation. And I kind of needed that. Mostly to make sure I wasn’t insane in my understandings. Also, there’s a great, somewhat graphic description of just how the man is killed.

<- The Great PlainsChatter ->

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Chemotherapy by Kat Richardson

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Chemotherapy
Author: Kat Richardson
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This short story had a completely unexpected turn. It was quite dark and filled with death and crime (expected), but with a much, much, much darker ending than I expected. Like, actually kind of horrifying. Although that could just be because it hit some of my sensitive points.

The little girl in this is just so damn adorable. But honestly, all I could think about when I finished this was how scared the child is going to be. It was totally heartbreaking. There was so much emotional connection in this story, and it was very difficult to not feel kind of sad at her story.

I honestly thought that this story was about a murder and would be a bit if a whodunit. But, as mentioned earlier, it was filled with unexpected twists and turns. So, ultimately it was about something entirely different. And I just loved that fact…

<- ChatterThe End is Never Pretty ->

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Chatter by Gary Phillips

Book Review, ,
Overview
Murder and Mayhem in Muskego: Jordan, Jon & Ruth, Phillips, Gary, Richardson, Kat: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Chatter
Author: Gary Phillips
In: Murder and Mayhem in Muskego (Jon & Ruth Jordan)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Down and Out Books
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This short story was pure dialogue. Which makes sense, considering the fact that the title of it is literally Chatter. I mean, the whole thing read like chatter. And it was chaos, pure and simple. Considering it’s a short story in a collection about murder and mayhem, that was seriously apt.

This short story was rambling and chaotic, but really fun. Although, admittedly, it was so rambling that I’m not 100% sure of what was happening throughout. Still, that lack of understanding was kind of fun and is part of the reason I’d like to reread this story.

Even with my lack of understanding, I found this story to be wonderfully dark and twisty. Seriously enjoyable.

<- SerenityChemotherapy ->

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