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Fixer #1
Fixer
As a child, he dreamed of being a superhero. Most people never get to realize their childhood dreams, but Corrigan Bain has come close. He is a fixer. His job is to prevent accidents—to see the future and “fix” things before people get hurt. But the ability to see into the future, however limited, isn’t always so simple. Sometimes not everyone can be saved.
“Don’t let them know you can see them.”
Graduate students from a local university are dying, and former lover and FBI agent Maggie Trent is the only person who believes their deaths aren’t as accidental as they appear. But the truth can only be found in something from Corrigan Bain’s past, and he’s not interested in sharing that past, not even with Maggie.
To stop the deaths, Corrigan will have to face up to some old horrors, confront the possibility that he may be going mad, and find a way to stop a killer no one can see.
Corrigan Bain is going insane . . . or is he?
Because there’s something in the future that doesn’t want to be seen. It isn’t human. It's got a taste for mayhem. And it is very, very angry.
By the author of the Immortal series and The Spaceship Next Door.
“Don’t let them know you can see them.”
Graduate students from a local university are dying, and former lover and FBI agent Maggie Trent is the only person who believes their deaths aren’t as accidental as they appear. But the truth can only be found in something from Corrigan Bain’s past, and he’s not interested in sharing that past, not even with Maggie.
To stop the deaths, Corrigan will have to face up to some old horrors, confront the possibility that he may be going mad, and find a way to stop a killer no one can see.
Corrigan Bain is going insane . . . or is he?
Because there’s something in the future that doesn’t want to be seen. It isn’t human. It's got a taste for mayhem. And it is very, very angry.
By the author of the Immortal series and The Spaceship Next Door.
268 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2013
56 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Gene Doucette
44 books435 followersGene Doucette is a hybrid author, albeit in a somewhat roundabout way. From 2010 through 2014, Gene published four full-length novels (Immortal, Hellenic Immortal, Fixer, and Immortal at the Edge of the World) with a small indie publisher. Then, in 2014, Gene started self-publishing novellas that were set in the same universe as the Immortal series, at which point he was a hybrid.
When the novellas proved more lucrative than the novels, Gene tried self-publishing a full novel, The Spaceship Next Door, in 2015. This went well. So well, that in 2016, Gene reacquired the rights to the earlier four novels from the publisher, and re-released them, at which point he wasn’t a hybrid any longer.
Additional self-published novels followed: Immortal and the Island of Impossible Things (2016); Unfiction (2017); and The Frequency of Aliens (2017).
In 2018, John Joseph Adams Books (an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) acquired the rights to The Spaceship Next Door. The reprint was published in September of that year, at which point Gene was once again a hybrid author.
Since then, a number of things have happened. Gene published two more novels—Immortal From Hell at the end of 2018, and Fixer Redux in 2019—and wrote a new novel called The Apocalypse Seven that he did not self-publish; it was acquired by JJA/HMH in September of 2019. Publication date is May 25, 2021.
Gene plans to continue writing novels for both markets (traditional and self-published) as long as that continues to make sense. His most recent self-published novel is Immortal: Last Call (2020). He is currently at work on a large science fiction world-building project taking place on his Patreon site, the result of which will be a multi-novel series.
When the novellas proved more lucrative than the novels, Gene tried self-publishing a full novel, The Spaceship Next Door, in 2015. This went well. So well, that in 2016, Gene reacquired the rights to the earlier four novels from the publisher, and re-released them, at which point he wasn’t a hybrid any longer.
Additional self-published novels followed: Immortal and the Island of Impossible Things (2016); Unfiction (2017); and The Frequency of Aliens (2017).
In 2018, John Joseph Adams Books (an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) acquired the rights to The Spaceship Next Door. The reprint was published in September of that year, at which point Gene was once again a hybrid author.
Since then, a number of things have happened. Gene published two more novels—Immortal From Hell at the end of 2018, and Fixer Redux in 2019—and wrote a new novel called The Apocalypse Seven that he did not self-publish; it was acquired by JJA/HMH in September of 2019. Publication date is May 25, 2021.
Gene plans to continue writing novels for both markets (traditional and self-published) as long as that continues to make sense. His most recent self-published novel is Immortal: Last Call (2020). He is currently at work on a large science fiction world-building project taking place on his Patreon site, the result of which will be a multi-novel series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 19, 2018
Gene Doucette’s Unfiction was awesome. Strikingly original. One of the best speculative fiction treasures of recent. So checking out more of his work was an absolute must and though disappointingly for me a bulk of it seems to be series (I don’t like the emotionally manipulative aspect or serials), this one was another standalone. And with superpowers. Yes. Get it, got it, good. It really is good, it just isn’t great, like Unfiction was. The originality is still there and so is the cleverness, the perfect combo recipe for a tasty read. I love the fact that Doucette seems to deliberately make his books smarter than the basic requirements of popular fiction demand. This one features an essentially quantum physics powered superguy, although we don’t know quite the why or how, he just is and can, can see 5 or 6 seconds into the future, so he uses it to save who he can. Corrigan Bain is that nice of a guy. But the he also sees ghosts of those he didn’t manage to save. And once as a kid he witnessed a horrific massacre (exceptionally well written long scene) by an invisible man. And now someone invisible is killing off scientists who might have worked out an explanation for viewing the near future. And Corrigan is asked by an old flame who is an FBI agent to assist with the investigation. But how do you find a killer who is always ahead of you, literally. And how do you know which future to follow. And how do you avoid the angry ghosts. Corrigan Bain is going insane. But the man is a superhero, he can’t indulge in taking vacations from reality. Go Corrigan. Sounds fun? It is fun. The science is slightly complicated and the time jumping, like all time travel, muddled my brain, but this was a great story, inventive, exciting, singularly conceptualized and nicely executed. The imagination and creativity of this author is really something awesome to behold. The story is definitely something that can be sequelized, Corrigan is strong enough of a character to carry that off, tights optional. The only thing that peeved was his lady friend FBI agent’s decision to wear a gown and dress shoes for the entire (very long) final act. Not to go all feminist, but hasn’t culture done enough to put women in uncomfortable inappropriate clothing? Do we need to see yet another perfectly reasonable and practical woman dress up to the nines for seemingly no other reason than the comedic effect of her trying to ambulate in a speedy fashion in Manolo Blahniks and complain about it? All so that she looks hot on page? Seriously? That was totally contradictory to her character. Anyway, that aside, great read, enormously entertaining, something new for supers genre. Recommended.
April 2, 2013
This review has been posted on My Reading Lounge: http://myreadinglounge.blogspot.com
Have you ever watched one of those movies that leave you sitting on the edge of your seat, wondering if your heart will stop beating before the end? Good thriller movies are like that, but this kind of suspense is extremely rare to be found on written pages.
Well, Fixer has it.
Gene Doucette tells the story of Corrigan Bain, a superhero whose adventures are set in an everyday context. Corrigan, whose strange name is the surname of the otherwise unknown man who fathered him, was born with a mysterious gift. He sees forward in the future, or, as it becomes evident as the story develops, he can see all the possible futures of the people who surround him. When the future entails an accident that would end the life of the subject, Corrigan knows he's supposed to get on the accident’s location and (try to) prevent it.
It took time for Corrigan to accept his gift, but he did so and became the Fixer. He's learned to avoid failure, because the consequences would fall on him: when he fails to intervene, and the person destined to die in fact dies, his ghost will haunt him.
The story of this unusual superhero unfolds through different times: we follow Corrigan's adventures as a child, living with his Mom in a commune full of weirdos. They must run away when Corrigan is suspected to have harmed the commune's leader, and he's afraid that his mother doesn't trust him. Then we know that his mother finds a job in the psychiatric ward of a hospital, where Corrigan becomes friends with some patients of the “Mildly Crazy” ward. This long flashback is masterfully written by Gene Doucette, and it brings the readers to one of the most impressive parts of the whole novel.
Little Corrigan wanders inside the mental hospital looking for his mother and discovers that something terrible is happening: a madman is inside, killing both inmates and staff. There are dead bodies and an eerie silence. Where are the adults? Where is his mom? Will the boy be killed, too? Although you know that the boy is now a man, alive and well, the tension is maddening... Even if it were only for those thirty pages, this book would deserve to be read.
But there is much more in Fixer.
Who was that terrible killer who marred Corrigan's childhood? Corrigan saw something in that hospital, but no one believed him.
When a group of young, promising researchers working on theories about time are attacked by an invisible killer, Corrigan is summoned by the FBI for the most important mission of his existence. The agent he's paired with is a beautiful woman he knew in the past, and the passion they briefly shared may tie them again. If they don’t die, that is.
Because how can you stop a killer who doesn't belong to your same time and is always a minute forward?
Camilla and Raum
Have you ever watched one of those movies that leave you sitting on the edge of your seat, wondering if your heart will stop beating before the end? Good thriller movies are like that, but this kind of suspense is extremely rare to be found on written pages.
Well, Fixer has it.
Gene Doucette tells the story of Corrigan Bain, a superhero whose adventures are set in an everyday context. Corrigan, whose strange name is the surname of the otherwise unknown man who fathered him, was born with a mysterious gift. He sees forward in the future, or, as it becomes evident as the story develops, he can see all the possible futures of the people who surround him. When the future entails an accident that would end the life of the subject, Corrigan knows he's supposed to get on the accident’s location and (try to) prevent it.
It took time for Corrigan to accept his gift, but he did so and became the Fixer. He's learned to avoid failure, because the consequences would fall on him: when he fails to intervene, and the person destined to die in fact dies, his ghost will haunt him.
The story of this unusual superhero unfolds through different times: we follow Corrigan's adventures as a child, living with his Mom in a commune full of weirdos. They must run away when Corrigan is suspected to have harmed the commune's leader, and he's afraid that his mother doesn't trust him. Then we know that his mother finds a job in the psychiatric ward of a hospital, where Corrigan becomes friends with some patients of the “Mildly Crazy” ward. This long flashback is masterfully written by Gene Doucette, and it brings the readers to one of the most impressive parts of the whole novel.
Little Corrigan wanders inside the mental hospital looking for his mother and discovers that something terrible is happening: a madman is inside, killing both inmates and staff. There are dead bodies and an eerie silence. Where are the adults? Where is his mom? Will the boy be killed, too? Although you know that the boy is now a man, alive and well, the tension is maddening... Even if it were only for those thirty pages, this book would deserve to be read.
But there is much more in Fixer.
Who was that terrible killer who marred Corrigan's childhood? Corrigan saw something in that hospital, but no one believed him.
When a group of young, promising researchers working on theories about time are attacked by an invisible killer, Corrigan is summoned by the FBI for the most important mission of his existence. The agent he's paired with is a beautiful woman he knew in the past, and the passion they briefly shared may tie them again. If they don’t die, that is.
Because how can you stop a killer who doesn't belong to your same time and is always a minute forward?
Camilla and Raum
July 23, 2013
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2017
Gene Doucette’s Fixer was intriguing the entire way through, using time jumps to show you the Bain’s background, and it seriously puts a twist on the old war phrase “Kilroy was here” in a slightly terrifying manner.
This book was not my usual type of book, but it was up for an ARC on Netgalley, and it looked interesting, so I figured I’d try for it, and I got it! How exciting!
The summary for the book says, “What would you do if you could see into the future?
As a child, he dreamed of being a superhero. Most people never get to realize their childhood dreams, but Corrigan Bain has come close. He is a fixer. His job is to prevent accidents—to see the future and “fix” things before people get hurt. But the ability to see into the future, however limited, isn’t always so simple. Sometimes not everyone can be saved.
“Don’t let them know you can see them.”
Graduate students from a local university are dying, and former lover and FBI agent Maggie Trent is the only person who believes their deaths aren’t as accidental as they appear. But the truth can only be found in something from Corrigan Bain’s past, and he’s not interested in sharing that past, not even with Maggie.
To stop the deaths, Corrigan will have to face up to some old horrors, confront the possibility that he may be going mad, and find a way to stop a killer no one can see.
Corrigan Bain is going insane . . . or is he?
Because there’s something in the future that doesn’t want to be seen. It isn’t human. It’s got a taste for mayhem. And it is very, very angry.”
At first I was a little confused as to where Doucette was going to go with the story, but he knew what he was doing. It was an enjoyable book, earning three and a half stars from me. It was a concept that is rarely traversed, with Corrigan Bain being slightly psychic, although not really. (I won’t explain how, you’ll just have to read it! And the little bit of science Doucette threw in was actually kind of refreshing.
There are some type errors where the typeface did not match the rest of the book, some minor typos, etc, but since this was an ARC, I’m sure they will fix them. The only thing that bothered me was when the typeface changed mid-sentence, occasionally mid-word. It got really annoying, but again – I’m sure they’ll fix it before it goes out for purchase.
Corrigan Bain (What a cool name! Seriously!) has a really interesting story, one that I would love to have continued eventually, but I’d also like to learn more about why Maggie Trent kept investigating. What’s her backstory? And whatever happened to the others at the hippie commune? Not particularly important to this story, but they’d still be interesting to learn about.
I’m gonna give Fixer by Gene Doucette 4 stars, because it was really good. I have no major issues with it, but it wasn’t my favorite book in the world. I hope that you all enjoy this when it comes out officially!
This book was not my usual type of book, but it was up for an ARC on Netgalley, and it looked interesting, so I figured I’d try for it, and I got it! How exciting!
The summary for the book says, “What would you do if you could see into the future?
As a child, he dreamed of being a superhero. Most people never get to realize their childhood dreams, but Corrigan Bain has come close. He is a fixer. His job is to prevent accidents—to see the future and “fix” things before people get hurt. But the ability to see into the future, however limited, isn’t always so simple. Sometimes not everyone can be saved.
“Don’t let them know you can see them.”
Graduate students from a local university are dying, and former lover and FBI agent Maggie Trent is the only person who believes their deaths aren’t as accidental as they appear. But the truth can only be found in something from Corrigan Bain’s past, and he’s not interested in sharing that past, not even with Maggie.
To stop the deaths, Corrigan will have to face up to some old horrors, confront the possibility that he may be going mad, and find a way to stop a killer no one can see.
Corrigan Bain is going insane . . . or is he?
Because there’s something in the future that doesn’t want to be seen. It isn’t human. It’s got a taste for mayhem. And it is very, very angry.”
At first I was a little confused as to where Doucette was going to go with the story, but he knew what he was doing. It was an enjoyable book, earning three and a half stars from me. It was a concept that is rarely traversed, with Corrigan Bain being slightly psychic, although not really. (I won’t explain how, you’ll just have to read it! And the little bit of science Doucette threw in was actually kind of refreshing.
There are some type errors where the typeface did not match the rest of the book, some minor typos, etc, but since this was an ARC, I’m sure they will fix them. The only thing that bothered me was when the typeface changed mid-sentence, occasionally mid-word. It got really annoying, but again – I’m sure they’ll fix it before it goes out for purchase.
Corrigan Bain (What a cool name! Seriously!) has a really interesting story, one that I would love to have continued eventually, but I’d also like to learn more about why Maggie Trent kept investigating. What’s her backstory? And whatever happened to the others at the hippie commune? Not particularly important to this story, but they’d still be interesting to learn about.
I’m gonna give Fixer by Gene Doucette 4 stars, because it was really good. I have no major issues with it, but it wasn’t my favorite book in the world. I hope that you all enjoy this when it comes out officially!
March 13, 2013
This review is posted in its entirety on My Fiction Nook.
"Don't let them know you can see them."
Fixer, the latest offering by Gene Doucette is written in much the same style as his previous books - witty, snarky and always highly entertaining. Due to the subject matter, I suggest ingesting much caffeine and/or sugar before starting this book, so your brain and you are wide awake when reading this. The complexity of the theories employed in this book does not make for a little night time reading.
Which, of course, is perfectly fine. It would be a damn shame if you missed the little zingers the authors throws in every few paragraphs, just because you're getting ready to sleep. You know, those little snarky jokes that made you grin and snort and laugh out loud. Gene Doucette delivers as expected. The irreverent inner and outer voice of the protagonist is a big part of what makes this book such a fun read.
The story moves along at a rather quick pace and, fittingly, tosses the reader from the present to the past back to the present at rapid speed. Again, make sure you're wide awake when reading. Thankfully, Gene Doucette provides time indicators that let the reader follow along without too much difficulty.
The book tells the story of Corrigan Bain, a self-proclaimed super-hero hanging onto reality by a hair. He fixes things, meaning he prevents people from having accidents that might end up killing them. He's also slightly insane, due to unwillingly living a few seconds or minutes in the future most of the time. Still, he feels obligated to use his talent/special ability to save as many people as he can.
When his past catches up with him, in the present, it's with the help of someone from his past and a sexy FBI agent from his present, who's also his part-time lover, that Corrigan survives his most insane moment yet.
Gene Doucette also created a fine cast of supporting characters that all played a pivotal role in the plot development, whether they are from Bain's future, past or present.
The book poses some interesting questions as well.
What, exactly, is time? Can it be manipulated, and if so, how? How does seeing a few seconds or minutes into the future affects someone's reality? I've heard of String Theory, and I've heard of Einstein's Theory of Relativity, though I understand neither. And that's unfortunately why I can't give this book five stars. The subject matter went over my head a few times, and on occasion, I had to re-read a few sentences to make sure I understood what was being talked about.
I would recommend this book to readers with an interest in physics and the concept of time. Be sure to have coffee and sugar at the ready.
I received a free ARC directly from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return.
"Don't let them know you can see them."
Fixer, the latest offering by Gene Doucette is written in much the same style as his previous books - witty, snarky and always highly entertaining. Due to the subject matter, I suggest ingesting much caffeine and/or sugar before starting this book, so your brain and you are wide awake when reading this. The complexity of the theories employed in this book does not make for a little night time reading.
Which, of course, is perfectly fine. It would be a damn shame if you missed the little zingers the authors throws in every few paragraphs, just because you're getting ready to sleep. You know, those little snarky jokes that made you grin and snort and laugh out loud. Gene Doucette delivers as expected. The irreverent inner and outer voice of the protagonist is a big part of what makes this book such a fun read.
The story moves along at a rather quick pace and, fittingly, tosses the reader from the present to the past back to the present at rapid speed. Again, make sure you're wide awake when reading. Thankfully, Gene Doucette provides time indicators that let the reader follow along without too much difficulty.
The book tells the story of Corrigan Bain, a self-proclaimed super-hero hanging onto reality by a hair. He fixes things, meaning he prevents people from having accidents that might end up killing them. He's also slightly insane, due to unwillingly living a few seconds or minutes in the future most of the time. Still, he feels obligated to use his talent/special ability to save as many people as he can.
When his past catches up with him, in the present, it's with the help of someone from his past and a sexy FBI agent from his present, who's also his part-time lover, that Corrigan survives his most insane moment yet.
Gene Doucette also created a fine cast of supporting characters that all played a pivotal role in the plot development, whether they are from Bain's future, past or present.
The book poses some interesting questions as well.
What, exactly, is time? Can it be manipulated, and if so, how? How does seeing a few seconds or minutes into the future affects someone's reality? I've heard of String Theory, and I've heard of Einstein's Theory of Relativity, though I understand neither. And that's unfortunately why I can't give this book five stars. The subject matter went over my head a few times, and on occasion, I had to re-read a few sentences to make sure I understood what was being talked about.
I would recommend this book to readers with an interest in physics and the concept of time. Be sure to have coffee and sugar at the ready.
I received a free ARC directly from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return.
December 14, 2012
Corrigan Bain is going insane.
The refrain is oft-repeated in the course of this novel, and at one point I almost believed it to be true. In fact, I do think Bain lost his grip on rationality at some point, but that's probably because I'm temporally-challenged.
I am not, in fact, a superhero.
He is.
Corrigan can see the future within a certain construct. He has chosen to use this power for good, as it were, and help people - rescuing them, fixing situations in advance of their being broken, really. His life is exhausting, but generally fulfilling in many ways. He has a system. And he has a beautiful woman who believes him, who stands by him at need, and who, by the way, can effectively chase a bad guy in three-inch heels. He has had a mentor or two, of sorts, and a lifetime of experiences.
The very smart (bring your whole brain with you), very witty(you'll want to highlight stuff just like I did) story that Gene Doucette has written is told in a fitting-but-frenzied manner. We are in the present - we are tossed back to a past - we are in the present again. All with time-indicators ("Now" or "Thirty years ago" or however long the time break is). And while that might get a bit distracting, it is also perfect for the story, because of the nature of the plot itself. My favorite "past" is when Corrigan Bain was young Corry Bain and when he learned he could really be a superhero. The thoughts of the young man are charming and some of my favorite lines in the whole book are lodged in that headspace. The past is absolutely essential in how it affects the main Fix This! conflict of the story.
Because aren't we all made up of past experiences?
Corrigan's past experiences have shaped his present and his future. And when his present is affected by what is probably the only thing that can derail his grasp on reality, it is the influences from his past combined with the sexy FBI agent of his present that help him survive to the future.
Corrigan Bain is going insane. And I give him - and this book - a 4.75 rating. Because that derailing influence? That kind of jumped the shark for me. It might be just perfect for everyone else. :) As the summary says: Because there’s something in the future that doesn’t want to be seen. It isn’t human. It’s got a taste for mayhem. And it is very, very angry. This is true, but it jarred me out of my sheer enjoyment as the book sped to the big confrontation necessary for all superhero stories.
I received this ARC from the publisher, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House, in exchange for an honest review.
The refrain is oft-repeated in the course of this novel, and at one point I almost believed it to be true. In fact, I do think Bain lost his grip on rationality at some point, but that's probably because I'm temporally-challenged.
I am not, in fact, a superhero.
He is.
Corrigan can see the future within a certain construct. He has chosen to use this power for good, as it were, and help people - rescuing them, fixing situations in advance of their being broken, really. His life is exhausting, but generally fulfilling in many ways. He has a system. And he has a beautiful woman who believes him, who stands by him at need, and who, by the way, can effectively chase a bad guy in three-inch heels. He has had a mentor or two, of sorts, and a lifetime of experiences.
The very smart (bring your whole brain with you), very witty(you'll want to highlight stuff just like I did) story that Gene Doucette has written is told in a fitting-but-frenzied manner. We are in the present - we are tossed back to a past - we are in the present again. All with time-indicators ("Now" or "Thirty years ago" or however long the time break is). And while that might get a bit distracting, it is also perfect for the story, because of the nature of the plot itself. My favorite "past" is when Corrigan Bain was young Corry Bain and when he learned he could really be a superhero. The thoughts of the young man are charming and some of my favorite lines in the whole book are lodged in that headspace. The past is absolutely essential in how it affects the main Fix This! conflict of the story.
Because aren't we all made up of past experiences?
Corrigan's past experiences have shaped his present and his future. And when his present is affected by what is probably the only thing that can derail his grasp on reality, it is the influences from his past combined with the sexy FBI agent of his present that help him survive to the future.
Corrigan Bain is going insane. And I give him - and this book - a 4.75 rating. Because that derailing influence? That kind of jumped the shark for me. It might be just perfect for everyone else. :) As the summary says: Because there’s something in the future that doesn’t want to be seen. It isn’t human. It’s got a taste for mayhem. And it is very, very angry. This is true, but it jarred me out of my sheer enjoyment as the book sped to the big confrontation necessary for all superhero stories.
I received this ARC from the publisher, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House, in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2012
This book is brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I don't know what I can say about Corrigan Bain that won't come out like a gushing, fan-girlie mess, but he is imperfectly perfect. At his core, he is the best kind of person. He is a fixer; his ability allows him to prevent accidents from occurring.
Friend and former lover, FBI agent Maggie Trent asks for his help on a case, and Corrigan learns there's a lot more to seeing a few seconds into the future. Without giving away any more of the plot, the story takes twists and turns never expected. When one question is answered, be prepared to have three new ones asked. The concept is unique and intriguing and will hold your attention--you'll be at the edge of your seat--until the final page.
Put this book on your to-read shelf, you'll thank me later. I promise!
Friend and former lover, FBI agent Maggie Trent asks for his help on a case, and Corrigan learns there's a lot more to seeing a few seconds into the future. Without giving away any more of the plot, the story takes twists and turns never expected. When one question is answered, be prepared to have three new ones asked. The concept is unique and intriguing and will hold your attention--you'll be at the edge of your seat--until the final page.
Put this book on your to-read shelf, you'll thank me later. I promise!
November 15, 2012
Let me just say, you will be swooning over Corrigan Bain as much as being blown away by an amazing story. A must read!
March 28, 2013
Reviews on Passion for Pages
I loved his Immortal series, so when I discovered a new Doucette book, you better believe I snatched it up as quickly as I could.
Fixer is another one of those books that you will not be able to put down. I love the way Doucette spins a tale—his writing style is just so fresh and new. The creativity that goes into his books is just something that makes you sit there and wonder how one man can be so bloody brilliant.
It’s not a romance novel by any means, yet I fell head over heels for Corrigan. I want a Corrigan. Big, strong, burly motorcycle riding piece of yum. Sure he might be a little crazy, but it’s the insane
ones that will always keep things interesting.
But is Corrigan really insane?
No. Absolutely not. He’s as sane as I am….um, well that might not be a very good comparison. Okay, so maybe he’s slightly insane, but really it’s an insane that means well. Corrigan is a fixer—he uses his ability to see the future to stop life threatening accidents from happening. So you can understand how the man might feel a little loony when he’s living seconds ahead of everyone else in time.
The story is faced paced which is always good, but beware: you’re thrown back and forth into past and present flashes so fast that if you’re not paying attention you’re left wondering “wtf just happened?” Paying attention to this book shouldn’t be a problem though so you’re confusion level should be just fine.
As entertaining as the book is, once it was over it really made me stop and wonder about the concept of time, and if it’s really that easy to manipulate it. You’ll know what I mean when yhou read it for yourself. And trust me, you HAVE To read this book. If it’s the only book you read in 2013 make it Doucette’s. You know you’ve just read a truly amazing book when not only do you finish it feeling more than satisfied but you walk away from it pondering huge questions.
I loved his Immortal series, so when I discovered a new Doucette book, you better believe I snatched it up as quickly as I could.
Fixer is another one of those books that you will not be able to put down. I love the way Doucette spins a tale—his writing style is just so fresh and new. The creativity that goes into his books is just something that makes you sit there and wonder how one man can be so bloody brilliant.
It’s not a romance novel by any means, yet I fell head over heels for Corrigan. I want a Corrigan. Big, strong, burly motorcycle riding piece of yum. Sure he might be a little crazy, but it’s the insane
ones that will always keep things interesting.
But is Corrigan really insane?
No. Absolutely not. He’s as sane as I am….um, well that might not be a very good comparison. Okay, so maybe he’s slightly insane, but really it’s an insane that means well. Corrigan is a fixer—he uses his ability to see the future to stop life threatening accidents from happening. So you can understand how the man might feel a little loony when he’s living seconds ahead of everyone else in time.
The story is faced paced which is always good, but beware: you’re thrown back and forth into past and present flashes so fast that if you’re not paying attention you’re left wondering “wtf just happened?” Paying attention to this book shouldn’t be a problem though so you’re confusion level should be just fine.
As entertaining as the book is, once it was over it really made me stop and wonder about the concept of time, and if it’s really that easy to manipulate it. You’ll know what I mean when yhou read it for yourself. And trust me, you HAVE To read this book. If it’s the only book you read in 2013 make it Doucette’s. You know you’ve just read a truly amazing book when not only do you finish it feeling more than satisfied but you walk away from it pondering huge questions.
April 1, 2013
I do believe Corrigan Bain is my new fave character that Doucette has written. I used to love Adam from The Immortal books, but nope Corrigan is pretty epic.
Fixer is written in various points of view. Corrigan's is the main one, but we are able to see into other characters that effect the events that transpire. It's an awesome mystery with creepy factor.
Corrigan is our main character. He's able to see the future and tries to keep people from getting hurt. He shows up at just the right time to save unsuspecting people. He doesn't allow himself to get close to anyone. He figures nobody can really understand his abilities so why bother. He thinks he can do it all, and when he fails he takes it personally. Seeing through his eyes can be sensory overload at times. You're seeing both the present and future. Maggie, his buddy (in more ways than one) from the FBI, comes to him to help with a case. I connected with her pretty quickly. She knows that their relationship is nothing more than occasionally ending up staying the night with Corrigan. I think she wants more though. She's a fiery red-head with little filter. She pretty much says what's on her mind to those she knows.
The plot is fast paced. You get glimpses of what happened in the past, and what is happening now. Things that happened to Corrigan as a child come into play in the present. We get to see how he was raised for a period of time in his life. It's definitely odd. But important in how he chooses to live his life as an adult. The bad guy is super creepy. I definitely had trouble sleeping when I was reading before bedtime, especially when I got to a certain part in Corrigan's childhood. Freaking creepy!!! My only complaint was that some of the scientific terminology used by the MIT staff was over my head. But I got the gist of what was being said.
If you are looking for a mystery with some otherworldliness to it, definitely grab this. Doucette does a great job of bringing his characters and story to life.
Fixer is written in various points of view. Corrigan's is the main one, but we are able to see into other characters that effect the events that transpire. It's an awesome mystery with creepy factor.
Corrigan is our main character. He's able to see the future and tries to keep people from getting hurt. He shows up at just the right time to save unsuspecting people. He doesn't allow himself to get close to anyone. He figures nobody can really understand his abilities so why bother. He thinks he can do it all, and when he fails he takes it personally. Seeing through his eyes can be sensory overload at times. You're seeing both the present and future. Maggie, his buddy (in more ways than one) from the FBI, comes to him to help with a case. I connected with her pretty quickly. She knows that their relationship is nothing more than occasionally ending up staying the night with Corrigan. I think she wants more though. She's a fiery red-head with little filter. She pretty much says what's on her mind to those she knows.
The plot is fast paced. You get glimpses of what happened in the past, and what is happening now. Things that happened to Corrigan as a child come into play in the present. We get to see how he was raised for a period of time in his life. It's definitely odd. But important in how he chooses to live his life as an adult. The bad guy is super creepy. I definitely had trouble sleeping when I was reading before bedtime, especially when I got to a certain part in Corrigan's childhood. Freaking creepy!!! My only complaint was that some of the scientific terminology used by the MIT staff was over my head. But I got the gist of what was being said.
If you are looking for a mystery with some otherworldliness to it, definitely grab this. Doucette does a great job of bringing his characters and story to life.
March 26, 2013
I really liked this book. It was engaging and thrilling right from the start. And when I get to know Corrigan Bain it all made sense. The idea of being capable of saving people from terrible accidents is amazing, even though our main character has a better reason to do it: the guilt that haunts him when he fails.
So we have an amazing character who calls himself a fixer because of his "superpowers" and also an FBI agent named Maggie Trent who has a proposition for him. For the last few months, Maggie has been confronted with a strange case which involved many people dying with a slight connection between them. She thinks they were murdered, but nobody can prove it as long as they haven’t found any evidence. As if the murderer is a ghost. Here comes Corrigan Bain’s part. But even with his gift can he see the unseen?
Corrigan Bain is as normal as a hero can be, but he also possesses flaws that make him someone we can connect to. His past is filled with negative memories and bad persons, but he still ended up a good man. But is he capable of finding the truth when he needs to remember his dark past?
The author offers us an alternation of the past with the present and this seems to be very important for the case. It was great to discover bit by bit about our character and to be able to understand him better. I liked Corrigan and Maggie's relationship even though they act cool about it and pretend to be just friends. She is also the reason he starts to work with the FBI, especially when he wants to avoid prof. Archibald Calvin who has an obsession about strange events and Corrigan isn't the most ordinary man. At first sight this book might appear very scientific, but if you read it carefully you can understand the theories that revolve around Corrigan's ability, so you don't have to have to be an expert in physics.
I recommend it to everyone who can enjoy a good mystery and also some complexity, because "Fixer" is a good combination of many genres.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
So we have an amazing character who calls himself a fixer because of his "superpowers" and also an FBI agent named Maggie Trent who has a proposition for him. For the last few months, Maggie has been confronted with a strange case which involved many people dying with a slight connection between them. She thinks they were murdered, but nobody can prove it as long as they haven’t found any evidence. As if the murderer is a ghost. Here comes Corrigan Bain’s part. But even with his gift can he see the unseen?
Corrigan Bain is as normal as a hero can be, but he also possesses flaws that make him someone we can connect to. His past is filled with negative memories and bad persons, but he still ended up a good man. But is he capable of finding the truth when he needs to remember his dark past?
The author offers us an alternation of the past with the present and this seems to be very important for the case. It was great to discover bit by bit about our character and to be able to understand him better. I liked Corrigan and Maggie's relationship even though they act cool about it and pretend to be just friends. She is also the reason he starts to work with the FBI, especially when he wants to avoid prof. Archibald Calvin who has an obsession about strange events and Corrigan isn't the most ordinary man. At first sight this book might appear very scientific, but if you read it carefully you can understand the theories that revolve around Corrigan's ability, so you don't have to have to be an expert in physics.
I recommend it to everyone who can enjoy a good mystery and also some complexity, because "Fixer" is a good combination of many genres.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
March 29, 2013
Tagline: What would you do if you could see into the future?
As a contemporary, science fiction, fantasy novel - The “Fixer” – caught my full attention from the very beginning. Being a fan of Gene Doucette’s previous work – The “Immortal” series – I could hardly wait to dive into this new book as well. Though I was somewhat prepared for a mind-boggling adventure, I was by no means ready for where this story would mentally take me. An added bonus was a creative lesson in applied science that I have never cared much for but found myself wanting to know more about. This is why I am such a big fan of Doucette. He has a very distinct writing style and voice that fully entertains and stimulates the minds of his readers. I am already looking forward to what comes next.
Full review available on my blog - http://tracyjamesjones.wordpress.com/
As a contemporary, science fiction, fantasy novel - The “Fixer” – caught my full attention from the very beginning. Being a fan of Gene Doucette’s previous work – The “Immortal” series – I could hardly wait to dive into this new book as well. Though I was somewhat prepared for a mind-boggling adventure, I was by no means ready for where this story would mentally take me. An added bonus was a creative lesson in applied science that I have never cared much for but found myself wanting to know more about. This is why I am such a big fan of Doucette. He has a very distinct writing style and voice that fully entertains and stimulates the minds of his readers. I am already looking forward to what comes next.
Full review available on my blog - http://tracyjamesjones.wordpress.com/
March 23, 2013
Originally posted on Bookshelf
An adult paranormal, entertaining, interesting and complex story.
This is not the typical adult crime novel that I was expecting. I had forgotten that it was supposed to have a touch of paranormal so it came as a surprise. I kept wondering how things were possible and trying to figure it out but I just couldn't understand everything.
This story kept me interested the whole time. I liked how everything was "physically" possible that I had to keep reading to get the full explanation. They don't start talking about mathematical formulas, so if you don't like that, don't worry. The characters also need to understand it in English so they explain what's happening.
An adult paranormal, entertaining, interesting and complex story.
This is not the typical adult crime novel that I was expecting. I had forgotten that it was supposed to have a touch of paranormal so it came as a surprise. I kept wondering how things were possible and trying to figure it out but I just couldn't understand everything.
This story kept me interested the whole time. I liked how everything was "physically" possible that I had to keep reading to get the full explanation. They don't start talking about mathematical formulas, so if you don't like that, don't worry. The characters also need to understand it in English so they explain what's happening.
February 17, 2013
I received this book as a First Reads win. Let me start by saying it's not my typical genre of book to read. Having said that, I found this story very intriguing and spellbinding. It is a mix of time travel and psychic ability of sorts. It catches you from the beginning and sweeps you right into the story, which after finishing, felt like watching a sort of time tornado from the start until it pulls you into the middle for the final whirls and spins. Very cool! And at the end, it leaves you with your feet planted firmly on the ground. Great book!
March 19, 2013
We’re one of today’s stops on the virtual book tour for Fixer by bestselling author Gene Doucette. Normally we get approached to host a stop on a book tour before checking out the book but this time we had already chosen this book when we learned about the book tour. Perfect! Fixer is a genre bending novel that combines science fiction and mystery with a bit of horror and fantasy into its own unique blend of fiction that works very well. Sound interesting? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5602.
November 15, 2012
This book was fabulous.
Corrigan Bain is my new swoon-worthy guy.
Is he insane? He certainly wonders.
And this:
Don't let them know you can see them.
Yes, gave me shivers!
Just where IS Corrigan, anyway? Is he a super hero? Maybe. All I know is that I want him on my side where he's always in time.
Now we need to get a petition going: SEQUEL!
Corrigan Bain is my new swoon-worthy guy.
Is he insane? He certainly wonders.
And this:
Don't let them know you can see them.
Yes, gave me shivers!
Just where IS Corrigan, anyway? Is he a super hero? Maybe. All I know is that I want him on my side where he's always in time.
Now we need to get a petition going: SEQUEL!
March 21, 2013
This was a great book! It started out really interesting and held my attention straight through to the end with ease! I think I have found a new author to add to my 'go to' list! I rate this read a 4/5 and a definite book to buy for my reading friends. Also, I do believe I have a crush on the main character Corrigan Bain- a rescuer, future savvy problem fixer. Hope there's a sequel!
February 10, 2013
It started out strong. I liked it better when the past was short snippets. I have to think on how I feel about the ending. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads
March 25, 2013
Well written book from a very talented author. I liked it more than the Immortal series!
May 31, 2019
A must read
Admittedly I enjoy everything that Gene Doucette has written (at least what I've read so far). So it's no stretch to say that I thought "The Fixer" was a lot of fun.
Corrigan Bain has a rather strange talent - he can see into the future; not a lot but enough to make changes that alter life in the present. For instance, if someone is about to step in front of a speeding car, he is able to stop them before it happens. Hence, his nickname "The Fixer" - he fixes problems. But it's not always easy and he can't always know where to be next and there have been times when he just didn't get it right. Those situations haunt him, as do the folks he couldn't save. Despite all that he remains sane so far but losing his sanity is one of his biggest fears.
This was a lot of fun to read and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
Admittedly I enjoy everything that Gene Doucette has written (at least what I've read so far). So it's no stretch to say that I thought "The Fixer" was a lot of fun.
Corrigan Bain has a rather strange talent - he can see into the future; not a lot but enough to make changes that alter life in the present. For instance, if someone is about to step in front of a speeding car, he is able to stop them before it happens. Hence, his nickname "The Fixer" - he fixes problems. But it's not always easy and he can't always know where to be next and there have been times when he just didn't get it right. Those situations haunt him, as do the folks he couldn't save. Despite all that he remains sane so far but losing his sanity is one of his biggest fears.
This was a lot of fun to read and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
August 12, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting, Well-Written Book
August 12, 2021
First, I apologize if the publishing specifics for Gene Doucette's 2013 novel [[ISBN:9781535325295 "Fixer, Book 1: Fixer"]] aren't correct. I can find 4 different sets of information for publication date and ISBN. So, I picked the set on the author's home page. Anyway, like almost all of Doucette's books, this is a well-written, nicely paced, highly interesting one. Outside of being a bit depressing and then scary near the middle, I've got no issues with it. Though I will add that what he does with his protagonist's ability near the end had me scratching my head trying to figure out if it's internally consistent (as near as I can tell, it is – so again, interesting). I rating it at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5 and will be picking up its sequel.
Interesting, Well-Written Book
August 12, 2021
First, I apologize if the publishing specifics for Gene Doucette's 2013 novel [[ISBN:9781535325295 "Fixer, Book 1: Fixer"]] aren't correct. I can find 4 different sets of information for publication date and ISBN. So, I picked the set on the author's home page. Anyway, like almost all of Doucette's books, this is a well-written, nicely paced, highly interesting one. Outside of being a bit depressing and then scary near the middle, I've got no issues with it. Though I will add that what he does with his protagonist's ability near the end had me scratching my head trying to figure out if it's internally consistent (as near as I can tell, it is – so again, interesting). I rating it at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5 and will be picking up its sequel.
March 24, 2019
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
This is a great take on time travel! How hard would it be to see five seconds into the future and stay sane? Corrigan Bain is not doing it so well...
The story jumps around in time as we learn about Corrigan's ability and past, but his present-day life is causing his brain to break. His ability has become a research project, without his knowledge, and this causes events to unfold that feel right out of Flatliners.
I enjoyed the attempt to explain his ability by science and the weird twist it takes near the end. Corrigan is a likable character, and seeing there is a sequel, I'll be happy to read more about him.
Read it!
This is a great take on time travel! How hard would it be to see five seconds into the future and stay sane? Corrigan Bain is not doing it so well...
The story jumps around in time as we learn about Corrigan's ability and past, but his present-day life is causing his brain to break. His ability has become a research project, without his knowledge, and this causes events to unfold that feel right out of Flatliners.
I enjoyed the attempt to explain his ability by science and the weird twist it takes near the end. Corrigan is a likable character, and seeing there is a sequel, I'll be happy to read more about him.
Read it!
October 9, 2017
This book came just a little shy of getting 4 stars from me. The idea of the novel was interesting and overall it was a good story. I felt that too much of the book was taken up by back flashes into the main characters earlier life. The often quirky perspective of the main character (being able to experience the world around him in several seconds in the future) is interesting and imaginative. Despite only giving this book 3 stars I will likely read other books by this author. This is the first book by Gene Doucette that I've read.
April 16, 2024
This book was so good and so mind-bendingly time-twisty. Gene Doucette is one of my most favorite authors (I've so enjoyed all his Immortal stories) and his way of conveying the topic of the flexibility of time that is understandable and completely plausible just amazes me. The characters and how the story develops with the perfect pacing and the perfect amount of compelling mystery is just a delight. I am looking forward to Corrigan Bain's next adventure in time!
February 4, 2017
A different vibration than the immortal series.
A different vibration than the immortal series. More complicated, more interesting. Still entertaining and a pleasure to read. A definite yes.
A different vibration than the immortal series. More complicated, more interesting. Still entertaining and a pleasure to read. A definite yes.
January 9, 2019
Intriguing
I enjoyed the characters and the way the story unfolded. This was well worth reading but does not live up to fun of The Spaceship Next Door. It was a bit more horror than I really like.
I enjoyed the characters and the way the story unfolded. This was well worth reading but does not live up to fun of The Spaceship Next Door. It was a bit more horror than I really like.
June 6, 2019
Fun book - cool concept
I really enjoyed this book a great deal a l and highly recommend it. I hope he does more. It has some plot holes but in general t :) e timely-whimey stuff is well handled.
I really enjoyed this book a great deal a l and highly recommend it. I hope he does more. It has some plot holes but in general t :) e timely-whimey stuff is well handled.
September 12, 2019
Definitely an interesting concept. At times, I just wanted the book to finish, as I was just tired of what was going on inside, and it took a while to start and truly grab attention...but near the end, it was rather enjoyable and intriguing.
April 25, 2023
A man who could see a few seconds in the future. Intriguing concept but the execution was problematic. Particularly towards the end, the novel devolved into a mess of alternate realities. The last fight was also less than satisfying. But willing to give the next book in the series a chance.
March 23, 2017
Some interesting ideas, but took too long to get there. I skipped the middle of the book and did not feel that I had missed anything when the story was resolved.
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