The Wowzer

by Frank Wheeler Jr.

In the Arkansas Ozarks, old-timers spin tales of the Wowzer, a giant panther-like creature that decapitates those who wander too far into the woods. County sheriff's deputy Jerry was raised on Wowzer stories, but they aren?t enough to stop him from carrying out his own business in the remote hills. Jerry's more than a sheriff's deputy; he moonlights as muscle for local drug traffickers, who sometimes need people to get hurt?or get dead. Fortunately, Jerry's pretty good at his job. And since Tom Haskell runs the sheriff's office and the drug-protection racket, Jerry doesn?t see much of a moral dilemma. That is, until he starts thinking about getting out of the trade, and then things get complicated fast. For starters, Jerry's girl Maggie flees the state after learning about a disturbing diagnosis tucked inside Jerry's psych report. And now Sheriff Haskell is dragging his feet paying Jerry his cut of the drug money. Is Haskell just reluctant to lose his top muscle? Or is he plotting to take out the man who knows his dirtiest secrets? Fans of hardboiled, ?country noir? fiction will love gnashing on Frank Wheeler's violent and darkly comic debut, sneaking a glimpse into the mind of a killer whose inner monster is about to be unleashed.

Genres: Fiction

310 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[Susan (aka Just My Op) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admit it, the blurbs for the book sucked me in: “One part Dexter, one part Southern gothic, with a dash of psychosis for good measure...” and “darkly comic debut.” That sounds like something I'd like. Unfortunately, this book just didn't work for me. The narrator, a psychopath working for a corrupt sheriff, just didn't interest me much. He was extremely violent but it seemed it was violence for shock value, not really adding much to the story. Ho-hum, how many people are going to meet ghastly ends this time?

The Southern hillbilly dialect was overdone. The dark comedy, well, no, there wasn't much of it. I did find the book mildly entertaining, and I was interested in Jerry's relationship with his little dog and his sometimes girlfriend. But that didn't make up for a weak plot and fairly mundane writing.

I was given a copy of this book for review.

[Rory Costello · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book does a number of things well. It has a good Jim Thompson-type vibe; "The Getaway" in particular came to mind. Psychology, use of local dialect, and some rousing action scenes were other positives.

Somehow, though, it just didn't click for me. I found myself laboring to get through. The plot line was hazy, and this type of story in general works when it's a good deal shorter.

[Rod Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arkansas will never seem the same after finishing this wild ride. This was one I enjoyed from page 1 till the end.

[Aric Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! Reminded me-in a good way-of some of Daniel Woodrell's stuff, mixed with some truly twisted typically urban crime fiction. Highly recommended.

[Phil Judd · Rating 1 out of 5]

first 100 pages...I was thinking ..wow...great ...original, this is refreshing.
By page 200 I was tiring... page 230...threw in the towel...very disappointing.
Waste of space characters...no likeables...all shallow violent drivvle with no deep,
discerning 'message' or direction.

[Ed [Redacted] · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Killer Inside Me updated, a very solid novel just this side of excellent.

[Kailey Sitzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Frank Wheeler's books was included into our classes. I love reading novels where we get to meet the author and we were able to hold a question and answer session with Frank. He is such a down to earth amazing guy. This book is a complete 180 from his personality. While the main character is ruthless and humanized only by his four legged companion, Frank is warm and very friendly. This novel takes you an a roller coaster ride through the depths of the corruption in the Ozarks. It is a page turner that you won't be able to put down. The only reason I gave this novel four stars instead of five is because I didn't enjoy what the Wowzer turned out to be. I felt it failed to meet my expectations for what it would turn out to be. You will have to read to find out what it is and decide whether you disagree with my judgement or not.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to the ToS with Amazon's Vine program, I am unable to post my review at any site that does not exclusively sell books through Amazon, unless that site is an independent site from which no book links are placed. Therefore, in order to view my review, place go to my blog, here:
http://katysozaeva.blogspot.com/2012/...

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting how the narrator gradually is becoming undone as the story goes on. The Arkansas accent written into the narrative sometimes throws me off. I sometimes have to read a sentence 2 or 3 times before I understand it. I've finished 7 chapters as of this writing (3/14/2013).

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a little time to get into the Arkansas Ozark dialect but enjoyed the story.

[M. Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark and compelling new novel.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backwoods justice. If you like "Justified" or the books that's based off of then you'd probably like this.

[John Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody, action-packed. But evokes characters and places that keep one in the story.

[jeannine d. silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowza

Wowza

Different , but good . Kept me interested. couldn't put it down
.I like his style of writing. would like more from this author

[Angela Neese]

Can't wait to read my cousins new book!!

[Jake Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think, "Elmore Leonard." If Raylan Givens were a bad guy, he'd be Jerry.