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Odd Jobs
Since his father’s murder, Kevin Davenport has worked every odd job known to man to support himself and his widowed mother. But when he signs on to haul beef at Kosher World Meat Factory, what he thought was just another lousy part-time gig turns out to be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Kevin discovers that the meatpacking business is a front for a treacherous criminal syndicate. While working at the corrupt meat factory he finds out who killed his father and now all bets are off. Kevin has the chance to settle the score and he’ll tackle any job—club fighting, bookmaking, even drug dealing—to earn his revenge. But can he do it all without sacrificing his soul…or, God forbid, flunking out of school?
Praised by bestselling author James Patterson as “a tightly-wound, well-written mystery that I read in one sitting,” Odd Jobs introduces a bold and edgy new voice to the ranks of American crime fiction.
Kevin discovers that the meatpacking business is a front for a treacherous criminal syndicate. While working at the corrupt meat factory he finds out who killed his father and now all bets are off. Kevin has the chance to settle the score and he’ll tackle any job—club fighting, bookmaking, even drug dealing—to earn his revenge. But can he do it all without sacrificing his soul…or, God forbid, flunking out of school?
Praised by bestselling author James Patterson as “a tightly-wound, well-written mystery that I read in one sitting,” Odd Jobs introduces a bold and edgy new voice to the ranks of American crime fiction.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2010
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573 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 11, 2013
Odd Jobs is the type of suspense novel that keeps you turning the pages. There are dealings with the mafia, gory murders, drug dealing, bookies and the like. The protagonist Kevin is occasionally annoying but for the most part likable as he navigates a crime-ridden path of vengeance. This book requires a sick sense of humor. Fortunately, I can appreciate a protagonist with a dubious moral compass and an over-the-top plot with disturbing twists and seamy situations. Odd Jobs is not what you would call subtle, but it's an enjoyable quick read.
Lieberman's language is gritty and laced with profanity. His voice comes across loud and clear. For the most part, Lieberman does a good job of crafting realistic dialogue, but in some of the story's very unrealistic situations, it occasionally feels strained. Surprisingly, Lieberman even manages to fit in some decent views on the American class system and hypocrisy. It's not subtle and thus sometimes irritating, but there are some good insights. This book is a little rough around the edges, but it has a lot of potential. It is a debut novel after all. I would probably read a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
Lieberman's language is gritty and laced with profanity. His voice comes across loud and clear. For the most part, Lieberman does a good job of crafting realistic dialogue, but in some of the story's very unrealistic situations, it occasionally feels strained. Surprisingly, Lieberman even manages to fit in some decent views on the American class system and hypocrisy. It's not subtle and thus sometimes irritating, but there are some good insights. This book is a little rough around the edges, but it has a lot of potential. It is a debut novel after all. I would probably read a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
July 5, 2011
Kevin Davenport works at Kosher World. Kevin is definitely the new guy. With the status of “new guy”, Kevin is tested. Kevin has a knack for fighting. He is good at it. When Kevin beats up one of the big guys, Kevin earns respect. With this new respect comes an invitation into the dirty world of crime. We are not talking petty crime but mobster style crime. Will Kevin be in over his head?
All I have to say is that I am glad I am not in Kevin’s shoes. Working at Kosher World would not only be considered an odd job but one of the worst jobs that you would never want to work at. You have to have a stomach of iron to work at a place like this. A warning to the wise…”Don’t go drinking the night before or you could go puking your cookies into a barrel of cow parts”. Kevin learned this lesson the hard way. I did like this book, I just did not embrace it as much as the other readers that read this book. The characters were bad guys but they were cold and I didn’t have any feelings toward them including Kevin. For me, this book was just alright.
All I have to say is that I am glad I am not in Kevin’s shoes. Working at Kosher World would not only be considered an odd job but one of the worst jobs that you would never want to work at. You have to have a stomach of iron to work at a place like this. A warning to the wise…”Don’t go drinking the night before or you could go puking your cookies into a barrel of cow parts”. Kevin learned this lesson the hard way. I did like this book, I just did not embrace it as much as the other readers that read this book. The characters were bad guys but they were cold and I didn’t have any feelings toward them including Kevin. For me, this book was just alright.
August 27, 2011
Pow! Up Pops Ben Lieberman!
Read even the first few pages of this debut novel by New York writer Ben Lieberman and then try to believe that this is his first novel! ODD JOBS is a quirky, entertaining, at times edge of the seat novel that is most impressive in the quality of writing that Lieberman demonstrates. He is always in the moment of the story, has created enough of a history for each of his carefully drawn characters that benefit the credibility of each of them when the asides happen, and most of all he understands architecture of knowing when to begin and end chapters that makes them like the connected cars on a moving train, a train so fast moving that the reader dares not jump off for relief. Yes, he really is that fine a writer.
The story involves a college kid, Kevin Davenport, who despite his attraction to drinking it up with the guys, is dedicated to paying his way through college: his father and sister were the victims of a hit and run accident, his mother is so depressed she cannot assist him, so Kevin must go on his own. He lands in a good paying job - hauling beef carcasses and other odious jobs at the Kosher World Meat factory - but has to prove himself (and opt for more income) by becoming the fighter for the factory. Once accepted by the workers and by the manager of the factory, Kevin climbs his way into the machinations of the truly illegal situation that entails not only the men of the Kosher World Meat Factory but the sidelines of crime involving men who he discovers are privy to the details of the accident of his father and sister. And from that point on he endures life threatening situations, uses his brain, and is driven by revenge on the order of a comic book hero.
Though stories of his type flood the screens of the movie theaters and the pulp fiction books one the stands at airports, few can compare tot he way Lieberman uses this action plot as a launching pad for his debut of his writing skills. Actually, Lieberman is better than this story: it feels as though he needed an entry into a well-loved terror drama format to get his feet wet. Unfortunately, the title ODD JOBS is followed by the designator 'A Kevin Davenport Novel' - and that usually means that the focus of his creativity will be devoted to 'the further adventures of' type books. And unfortunately he elected to have applauding quotes from James Patterson and Donald Trump on the cover of this edition. In reality, Ben Lieberman doesn't need gimmicks to launch his career - he is simply a very fine writer who doesn't need popular crutches to assist his potential as one of the rising American talents in literature. But all of this may have been publisher/editorial advice to sell this first book, and maybe they are right: endorsements and popular story tastes do a novel sell. But this reader would rate the story 4 and the skills of Ben Lieberman 5, and hope that he will branch out and rise to his potential. In that way Ben Lieberman (AKA Kevin Davenport) could make the best of the gifts given him.
Grady Harp
Read even the first few pages of this debut novel by New York writer Ben Lieberman and then try to believe that this is his first novel! ODD JOBS is a quirky, entertaining, at times edge of the seat novel that is most impressive in the quality of writing that Lieberman demonstrates. He is always in the moment of the story, has created enough of a history for each of his carefully drawn characters that benefit the credibility of each of them when the asides happen, and most of all he understands architecture of knowing when to begin and end chapters that makes them like the connected cars on a moving train, a train so fast moving that the reader dares not jump off for relief. Yes, he really is that fine a writer.
The story involves a college kid, Kevin Davenport, who despite his attraction to drinking it up with the guys, is dedicated to paying his way through college: his father and sister were the victims of a hit and run accident, his mother is so depressed she cannot assist him, so Kevin must go on his own. He lands in a good paying job - hauling beef carcasses and other odious jobs at the Kosher World Meat factory - but has to prove himself (and opt for more income) by becoming the fighter for the factory. Once accepted by the workers and by the manager of the factory, Kevin climbs his way into the machinations of the truly illegal situation that entails not only the men of the Kosher World Meat Factory but the sidelines of crime involving men who he discovers are privy to the details of the accident of his father and sister. And from that point on he endures life threatening situations, uses his brain, and is driven by revenge on the order of a comic book hero.
Though stories of his type flood the screens of the movie theaters and the pulp fiction books one the stands at airports, few can compare tot he way Lieberman uses this action plot as a launching pad for his debut of his writing skills. Actually, Lieberman is better than this story: it feels as though he needed an entry into a well-loved terror drama format to get his feet wet. Unfortunately, the title ODD JOBS is followed by the designator 'A Kevin Davenport Novel' - and that usually means that the focus of his creativity will be devoted to 'the further adventures of' type books. And unfortunately he elected to have applauding quotes from James Patterson and Donald Trump on the cover of this edition. In reality, Ben Lieberman doesn't need gimmicks to launch his career - he is simply a very fine writer who doesn't need popular crutches to assist his potential as one of the rising American talents in literature. But all of this may have been publisher/editorial advice to sell this first book, and maybe they are right: endorsements and popular story tastes do a novel sell. But this reader would rate the story 4 and the skills of Ben Lieberman 5, and hope that he will branch out and rise to his potential. In that way Ben Lieberman (AKA Kevin Davenport) could make the best of the gifts given him.
Grady Harp
July 17, 2013
Starts Out Strong But Changes As The Book Goes Along
Odd Jobs is the story of Kevin Davenport, a financially struggling college student who is working any job he can to pay for college. This summer he is working at Kosher World Meat Factory - it's a nasty job but it pays very well and it will only last a few weeks, right?
Kevin has to struggle because his family life was shattered years ago when his little sister and his father, a prosecutor, were ran over in a hit and run accident that was never solve. His mom never really recovered from the shock and Kevin is hustling to pay for college. But, he gets a bigger shock when he finds out that one of his connections at Kosher World helped kill his father. The more he digs the more he decides he will get his revenge no matter what.
*******Warning: SPOILER ALERT!********
At this point the book completely changes its tone. Rather than being a book about a scrappy lovable loser with some athletic talent and a funny personality, it becomes a dark revenge book in which the lovable loser sells his soul. He needs cash to get revenge so he sells drugs, he operates a sports betting operation (he becomes a bookie), hires guys to offer fake advice to milk gambling addicts with a sports betting service to get even more money. At this point, I wondered what his prosecutor father would have thought about his son breaking the laws and becoming like the organized crime figures that his father was killed for investigating. Way too much detail about dealing drugs and even more detail with lots of slang about the sports betting. I love sports but don't care anything about the betting scene.
So, if you believe a college student, his two stoner friends and his spunky girlfriend can engineer the fall of a mafia kingpin in just a few months, this is your book.
**************End of Spoilers*****************
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through the Amazon Vine program.
See all of my reviews (almost all way more positive than this one) at my review site: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/
Odd Jobs is the story of Kevin Davenport, a financially struggling college student who is working any job he can to pay for college. This summer he is working at Kosher World Meat Factory - it's a nasty job but it pays very well and it will only last a few weeks, right?
Kevin has to struggle because his family life was shattered years ago when his little sister and his father, a prosecutor, were ran over in a hit and run accident that was never solve. His mom never really recovered from the shock and Kevin is hustling to pay for college. But, he gets a bigger shock when he finds out that one of his connections at Kosher World helped kill his father. The more he digs the more he decides he will get his revenge no matter what.
*******Warning: SPOILER ALERT!********
At this point the book completely changes its tone. Rather than being a book about a scrappy lovable loser with some athletic talent and a funny personality, it becomes a dark revenge book in which the lovable loser sells his soul. He needs cash to get revenge so he sells drugs, he operates a sports betting operation (he becomes a bookie), hires guys to offer fake advice to milk gambling addicts with a sports betting service to get even more money. At this point, I wondered what his prosecutor father would have thought about his son breaking the laws and becoming like the organized crime figures that his father was killed for investigating. Way too much detail about dealing drugs and even more detail with lots of slang about the sports betting. I love sports but don't care anything about the betting scene.
So, if you believe a college student, his two stoner friends and his spunky girlfriend can engineer the fall of a mafia kingpin in just a few months, this is your book.
**************End of Spoilers*****************
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through the Amazon Vine program.
See all of my reviews (almost all way more positive than this one) at my review site: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/
February 15, 2014
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
the first 124 pages were pretty good and then the novel took a drastic turn. it became a completely different book of boredom. instead of the boxing, meat packing plant, and the mob, it became nothing except conversations about betting. and when he isn't betting he's macking on some chick. and later on he talks to her about betting. the main character instantly switches to someone that you're not rooting for anymore. he's supposed to be on a path of craziness and revenge, but he chooses the most boring path of revenge possible instead. the book had potential, but after all the betting on games talk, i really didn't care what happened to anyone in this book. around page 244 when something half way interesting starts happening again, it's too late.
the first 124 pages were pretty good and then the novel took a drastic turn. it became a completely different book of boredom. instead of the boxing, meat packing plant, and the mob, it became nothing except conversations about betting. and when he isn't betting he's macking on some chick. and later on he talks to her about betting. the main character instantly switches to someone that you're not rooting for anymore. he's supposed to be on a path of craziness and revenge, but he chooses the most boring path of revenge possible instead. the book had potential, but after all the betting on games talk, i really didn't care what happened to anyone in this book. around page 244 when something half way interesting starts happening again, it's too late.
May 13, 2012
Well, this is not my proudest hour in literary terms, but I finished reading Odd Jobs on my kindle. It was cheap, and I have never been able to pass up a bargain. There was little or no redeeming quality in this tale of self-serving violence and disregard for law and order. I don't usually mind an unusual tale with different and quirky characters, but I found the entire plot-line far-fetched and the characters unbelievable. I stayed around for the entire train wreck - from the first faint sound of the whistle in the distance until the last dust mote settled on the wreckage. It was disturbing, but I couldn't seem to turn away. Although the novel is crude and trite, there was something that kept me reading.
April 22, 2012
Don't expect to find a morsel of Truth, Beauty or Goodness in this book. A good subtitle would be "Wholesale Meat Packing, Bookmaking, Drug Dealing and Murder for Dummies.". I would guess there was a long delay as the author tried to come up with an ending after painting himself into a remote corner. The solution was preposterous, but self-serving. His "Hero (???)" will return for sequels. The only good I got out of it was the reminder that I liked beef tongue sandwiches on rye. I went to the local Jewish deli the next day.
March 5, 2016
Great suspense
First few chapters were hard for vegetarians like me to read. But I'm glad I read it all. Kevin lost his father and sister, just ten years old and trying to take care of his mother. Working many odd jobs, dead end job at the meat packing company. After learning why his father was killed all he thinks revenge. Many innocent and some not so innocent people killed. Keep reading you'll feel good about the ending, maybe...
First few chapters were hard for vegetarians like me to read. But I'm glad I read it all. Kevin lost his father and sister, just ten years old and trying to take care of his mother. Working many odd jobs, dead end job at the meat packing company. After learning why his father was killed all he thinks revenge. Many innocent and some not so innocent people killed. Keep reading you'll feel good about the ending, maybe...
September 26, 2018
I'd just finished a book that I liked, but was my usual genre. So, to change things up a bit, I chose this one, a book that had been sitting on my kindle for ages that I'd gotten for a bargain and then couldn't remember why I'd purchased it.
It's not a terrible book. It's just not my style. It started out different - college kid trying to make some money in ways that I didn't necessarily relate to, but were interesting. The hook comes into play, he finds out who actually killed his father, and we should be off to the races - him figuring out a way to exact revenge and all the potential fun that could have been had there.
Instead, we're mired in the intricacies of how to make the most money dealing drugs, how being a bookie works, and how much he's interested in his girl. When he finally gets around to explaining what the revenge will be, it's so convoluted it's confusing, and to be honest, I no longer care.
Once I hit the 80% mark, it finally got interesting again. Or, it tried. Once again, I'm left sitting, waiting (and getting cravings for pancakes), and not really knowing what's going on. And when something finally happens, once again, it's anticlimactic.
I left the book with two feelings - relief that I'd finally finished it and could move on to another recommendation, and irritation that I didn't choose a better change up to my normal fare.
It's not a terrible book. It's just not my style. It started out different - college kid trying to make some money in ways that I didn't necessarily relate to, but were interesting. The hook comes into play, he finds out who actually killed his father, and we should be off to the races - him figuring out a way to exact revenge and all the potential fun that could have been had there.
Instead, we're mired in the intricacies of how to make the most money dealing drugs, how being a bookie works, and how much he's interested in his girl. When he finally gets around to explaining what the revenge will be, it's so convoluted it's confusing, and to be honest, I no longer care.
Once I hit the 80% mark, it finally got interesting again. Or, it tried. Once again, I'm left sitting, waiting (and getting cravings for pancakes), and not really knowing what's going on. And when something finally happens, once again, it's anticlimactic.
I left the book with two feelings - relief that I'd finally finished it and could move on to another recommendation, and irritation that I didn't choose a better change up to my normal fare.
February 16, 2019
Satisfying read
Brilliantly developed, complex characters that disgust and charm you at the same time. Fast-paced story, with twists and turns but still moves in a logical line. I recommend it for lovers of action and adventure, and anyone who loves to be entertained by a good book.
Brilliantly developed, complex characters that disgust and charm you at the same time. Fast-paced story, with twists and turns but still moves in a logical line. I recommend it for lovers of action and adventure, and anyone who loves to be entertained by a good book.
September 25, 2021
surprisingly catchy
This story caught me off guard. It surprisingly grabbed my attention and kept it very intensely through the end. I don’t like violence but I hate power and the associated corruption. This story rocked it.
This story caught me off guard. It surprisingly grabbed my attention and kept it very intensely through the end. I don’t like violence but I hate power and the associated corruption. This story rocked it.
March 7, 2019
Picked up the further you got in the book.
February 11, 2021
Twisted and awesome
Never saw any of the twists and turns, jabs or books. Totally different take in every every way
Well done
Never saw any of the twists and turns, jabs or books. Totally different take in every every way
Well done
January 2, 2022
Great book!
I loved the characters and rooted for them. The good guys mostly win and the bad guys get most of what they deserve.
I loved the characters and rooted for them. The good guys mostly win and the bad guys get most of what they deserve.
October 10, 2025
2.75⭐️
November 23, 2024
This mystery/crime/thriller isn't for the squeamish or the faint of heart. I had access to the audiobook for free from Audible, and I wasn't sure if I would finish it. Had to laugh at myself that I, a vegetarian for most of my adult life, had chosen a book that has the protagonist employed early on at a meatpacking plant, and descriptions can be rather graphic, especially when he is relegated to working in the "tongue room", turning cow tongues into lunchmeat.
Through this job and continuing into college, he tries to make a living and fights for survival (and revenge, it turns out) in a seamy underworld of mob and gang activity and violence. I did finish the book, and I credit the audiobook reader, Will Damron, who voiced the various characters of all walks of life, ethnicities, and genders very ably.
Through this job and continuing into college, he tries to make a living and fights for survival (and revenge, it turns out) in a seamy underworld of mob and gang activity and violence. I did finish the book, and I credit the audiobook reader, Will Damron, who voiced the various characters of all walks of life, ethnicities, and genders very ably.
August 14, 2011
This review first appeared on my blog: http://www.knittingandsundries.com/20...
Kevin Davenport is a typical college student, working his way through college at various odd jobs. His current job at the Kosher World Meat Factory is carrying beef carcasses. It's a good union job, with good pay, and he has Jimmy Balducci, a friend's father, to thank for it.
Kevin's father was a prosecutor in the D.A.'s office, and when Kevin was 11 years old, he was a witness to the death of both his father and his little sister in a hit-and-run accident.
As Kevin works at Kosher World, his mettle is tested, and he finds himself with a "side job" that involves fighting after hours. He keeps his eyes open, and figures out that something is not right at Kosher World. A a co-worker ends up in pieces inside another worker's locker, and Kevin finds himself in deep danger when he witnesses criminal activity. In a world populated by a brutal crime syndicate, Kevin does what he can to keep himself in one piece. When he finds out that his father was actually murdered, he also finds out who is responsible, and his long-range plan turns into one of revenge.
This is a pulse-pounding type of read; very fast-paced and with some very tense, nail-biting moments. I think it started out a bit slow, but as I continued to read, I would likely have finished it in one sitting, I became so engrossed in the drama and intrigue. Definitely a worthy read.
I have seen some reviews panning the writing (typos, grammatical errors, etc.), but I'm thinking that those reviewers may have read the first self-pubbed copy. My copy went through a publisher and the editors there must have done a fine job, as I did not have any of those complaints.
All in all, I would totally recommend this one for lovers of thrillers who aren't afraid of a little grit. There's even a touch of a really cool romance, and the friendships here are true-blue. I really enjoyed this one.
QUOTES
It's like this place is draining and stealing souls.
Balducci wants more production before he'll fork over benefits. Yet there is more production than they're seeing. Every single day so many boxes just up and disappear. That extra nut would add a lot to both company profits and ammo for union benefits.
The fact that an hour ago his guys were sending me to hotdog heaven kinda leads one to the conclusion that something's not kosher in Kosher Word. That being said, I think either I'm in or I'm out, and out probably means body parts filling Lily's locker.
Curtis says, "It's like a f**ing zombie movie here. These guys don't know they're dead."
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Characters: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 4.5 out 5 stars
BOOK RATING: 4.25 out of 5 stars
Sensitive Reader: Some profanity and at least one scene of violence that caused me as a reader to instinctively close my eyes.
Kevin Davenport is a typical college student, working his way through college at various odd jobs. His current job at the Kosher World Meat Factory is carrying beef carcasses. It's a good union job, with good pay, and he has Jimmy Balducci, a friend's father, to thank for it.
Kevin's father was a prosecutor in the D.A.'s office, and when Kevin was 11 years old, he was a witness to the death of both his father and his little sister in a hit-and-run accident.
As Kevin works at Kosher World, his mettle is tested, and he finds himself with a "side job" that involves fighting after hours. He keeps his eyes open, and figures out that something is not right at Kosher World. A a co-worker ends up in pieces inside another worker's locker, and Kevin finds himself in deep danger when he witnesses criminal activity. In a world populated by a brutal crime syndicate, Kevin does what he can to keep himself in one piece. When he finds out that his father was actually murdered, he also finds out who is responsible, and his long-range plan turns into one of revenge.
This is a pulse-pounding type of read; very fast-paced and with some very tense, nail-biting moments. I think it started out a bit slow, but as I continued to read, I would likely have finished it in one sitting, I became so engrossed in the drama and intrigue. Definitely a worthy read.
I have seen some reviews panning the writing (typos, grammatical errors, etc.), but I'm thinking that those reviewers may have read the first self-pubbed copy. My copy went through a publisher and the editors there must have done a fine job, as I did not have any of those complaints.
All in all, I would totally recommend this one for lovers of thrillers who aren't afraid of a little grit. There's even a touch of a really cool romance, and the friendships here are true-blue. I really enjoyed this one.
QUOTES
It's like this place is draining and stealing souls.
Balducci wants more production before he'll fork over benefits. Yet there is more production than they're seeing. Every single day so many boxes just up and disappear. That extra nut would add a lot to both company profits and ammo for union benefits.
The fact that an hour ago his guys were sending me to hotdog heaven kinda leads one to the conclusion that something's not kosher in Kosher Word. That being said, I think either I'm in or I'm out, and out probably means body parts filling Lily's locker.
Curtis says, "It's like a f**ing zombie movie here. These guys don't know they're dead."
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Characters: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 4.5 out 5 stars
BOOK RATING: 4.25 out of 5 stars
Sensitive Reader: Some profanity and at least one scene of violence that caused me as a reader to instinctively close my eyes.
September 8, 2011
Kevin Davenport has worked a variety of Odd Jobs throughout his life to put himself through college. His dad and little sister were killed by a hit and run driver when he was just ten years old. His mother was never the same and Kevin became the man of the house. After he finished middle school he won a scholarship to a private high school and became friends with a very important young man. This relationship changed his life forever. Or did it really change the day his dad and little sister died?
His "odd job" during a summer break from college was working for his high school friend's dad. While there Kevin discovers some shocking news. His father's death was not an accident, it was a hit! His sister was collateral damage. Kevin is out for revenge and is going to do everything in his power to bring down his father's killer or die trying.
My Thoughts
The front of the book has praise from James Patterson. The back has praise from Donald Trump. Odd Jobs has a gritty intense plot and I did enjoy it but parts were a little unbelievable. It was a good escape for a few hours.
The plot started well, it was just hard to believe what this college student was able to pull off. Kevin was the type of underdog character you wanted to root for. The detail and descriptive writing was really good. There are some gory parts as with most books of this genre.
This is a debut novel and as with most first time authors the writing had a few peaks and valleys, but in the end it all came together. I think as the author hones his writing skills he will be very successful. This is a very good first effort. I will be watching for more stories from this author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Cadence Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
His "odd job" during a summer break from college was working for his high school friend's dad. While there Kevin discovers some shocking news. His father's death was not an accident, it was a hit! His sister was collateral damage. Kevin is out for revenge and is going to do everything in his power to bring down his father's killer or die trying.
My Thoughts
The front of the book has praise from James Patterson. The back has praise from Donald Trump. Odd Jobs has a gritty intense plot and I did enjoy it but parts were a little unbelievable. It was a good escape for a few hours.
The plot started well, it was just hard to believe what this college student was able to pull off. Kevin was the type of underdog character you wanted to root for. The detail and descriptive writing was really good. There are some gory parts as with most books of this genre.
This is a debut novel and as with most first time authors the writing had a few peaks and valleys, but in the end it all came together. I think as the author hones his writing skills he will be very successful. This is a very good first effort. I will be watching for more stories from this author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Cadence Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 31, 2011
‘It’s amazing how many places I can’t fit in.’
Kevin Davenport is a student, funding his college studies by working various odd jobs. His current job is at the Kosher World Meat Factory - unloading sides of beef in the morning, and carrying racks of hotdogs in the afternoon. It’s a good union job, with good pay and Kevin can thank Jimmy Balducci (the father of a friend) for it.
It doesn’t take Kevin long to work out that the Kosher World Meat Factory is controlled by a crime syndicate. When Kevin finds a connection between the Kosher World Meat Factory and the death of his father (a prosecutor in the D.A.’s office) and sister in a hit-and-run accident ten years ago, which he witnessed as an eleven year old, he’s keen for revenge. Going to the police does not appear to be an option for Kevin: especially not after seeing a co-worker end up in pieces inside a fellow worker’s locker. When Kevin proves himself as a winning fighter in some organised fights between companies, he becomes trusted by those who run the plant. This gives him some useful insights, and some opportunities. So Kevin Davenport has a plan, but can he survive, and triumph against a brutal crime syndicate? And what about his friends?
‘Let your mistakes be your own.’
I mostly enjoyed this novel: I was caught up in Kevin’s story from the beginning and while some aspects of the story seemed slow to develop, the pace really picked up about half way through and then I couldn’t put the book down. There are some unexpected twists, and some unlikely laugh- out- loud moments. This is Ben Lieberman’s debut novel, and it’s well worth reading. Especially if you enjoy stories about revenge, and can handle the blood and guts of a meat factory. I hope that Kevin Davenport reappears in future novels.
Note: I was offered, and accepted, a copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Kevin Davenport is a student, funding his college studies by working various odd jobs. His current job is at the Kosher World Meat Factory - unloading sides of beef in the morning, and carrying racks of hotdogs in the afternoon. It’s a good union job, with good pay and Kevin can thank Jimmy Balducci (the father of a friend) for it.
It doesn’t take Kevin long to work out that the Kosher World Meat Factory is controlled by a crime syndicate. When Kevin finds a connection between the Kosher World Meat Factory and the death of his father (a prosecutor in the D.A.’s office) and sister in a hit-and-run accident ten years ago, which he witnessed as an eleven year old, he’s keen for revenge. Going to the police does not appear to be an option for Kevin: especially not after seeing a co-worker end up in pieces inside a fellow worker’s locker. When Kevin proves himself as a winning fighter in some organised fights between companies, he becomes trusted by those who run the plant. This gives him some useful insights, and some opportunities. So Kevin Davenport has a plan, but can he survive, and triumph against a brutal crime syndicate? And what about his friends?
‘Let your mistakes be your own.’
I mostly enjoyed this novel: I was caught up in Kevin’s story from the beginning and while some aspects of the story seemed slow to develop, the pace really picked up about half way through and then I couldn’t put the book down. There are some unexpected twists, and some unlikely laugh- out- loud moments. This is Ben Lieberman’s debut novel, and it’s well worth reading. Especially if you enjoy stories about revenge, and can handle the blood and guts of a meat factory. I hope that Kevin Davenport reappears in future novels.
Note: I was offered, and accepted, a copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
June 15, 2011
Kevin Davenport seems to be your typical college student, willing to take odd jobs to get money for college. But Kevin is anything but typical. During a summer job at a meat processing plant he learns that his "boss" was behind his father and younger sister's deaths many years ago. So Kevin does what any self-respecting person seeking revenge does, he goes back to college, becomes a drug-dealer and bookie with the intention of bringing down the mafia boss responsible for his father and sister's deaths, Jimmy Balducci.
Odd Jobs is not a typical mystery, suspense thriller novel. That may be appealing to many readers. I enjoy different and quirky reads but this simply wasn't one of those reads for me. There were parts of the story that were enjoyable to read and others that seemed far-fetched, such as the elaborate plot to bring down Jimmy Balducci. The characters are interesting enough but all seem to be willing to overlook illegal actions simply because they are for the greater good, including beating up a teenage sibling to a college basketball player to get a "fixed" game "unfixed" so they don't lose money. I'm not quite sure why I didn't enjoy this book, perhaps my sense of right-and-wrong interfered in any possibility of enjoying this book. Although this didn't appeal to my reading tastes if you enjoy reading an atypical suspense thriller then Odd Jobs may be just the book for you.
Odd Jobs is not a typical mystery, suspense thriller novel. That may be appealing to many readers. I enjoy different and quirky reads but this simply wasn't one of those reads for me. There were parts of the story that were enjoyable to read and others that seemed far-fetched, such as the elaborate plot to bring down Jimmy Balducci. The characters are interesting enough but all seem to be willing to overlook illegal actions simply because they are for the greater good, including beating up a teenage sibling to a college basketball player to get a "fixed" game "unfixed" so they don't lose money. I'm not quite sure why I didn't enjoy this book, perhaps my sense of right-and-wrong interfered in any possibility of enjoying this book. Although this didn't appeal to my reading tastes if you enjoy reading an atypical suspense thriller then Odd Jobs may be just the book for you.
September 11, 2011
Odd Jobs by Ben Lieberman
Kevin Davenport is the main character in this story Kevin has had enormous tragedy in his life. The story is a coming-of-age in the seamier side of life.
Kevin was a likable character in spite of his many faults. I think because of the characterization and the language he truly represented a guy his age dealing with some pretty major problems. I think this seems represented in the factory where he was being hazed by the guys were true to life. Any college kid that has worked in a factory for a summer job has discovered that there oftentimes is resentment of the fact that they're in college and their peers aren't.
It is a sad reality of life the crime does exist. Most of us are fortunate enough not to have been exposed to it. The book was pretty fast-paced and highly compelling. I think the author did an excellent job at the end in explaining the negative side effects of seeking revenge. If you get put off by violence and graphic action you may want to avoid this book.
I recommend book.
Kevin Davenport is the main character in this story Kevin has had enormous tragedy in his life. The story is a coming-of-age in the seamier side of life.
Kevin was a likable character in spite of his many faults. I think because of the characterization and the language he truly represented a guy his age dealing with some pretty major problems. I think this seems represented in the factory where he was being hazed by the guys were true to life. Any college kid that has worked in a factory for a summer job has discovered that there oftentimes is resentment of the fact that they're in college and their peers aren't.
It is a sad reality of life the crime does exist. Most of us are fortunate enough not to have been exposed to it. The book was pretty fast-paced and highly compelling. I think the author did an excellent job at the end in explaining the negative side effects of seeking revenge. If you get put off by violence and graphic action you may want to avoid this book.
I recommend book.
January 29, 2012
Odd Jobs is the debut novel by author Ben Lieberman, a mystery novel that had me turning the pages, unable to put it down. The plot was well-written and engaging, the action perfectly well-paced. In my opinion, it's the characters that drive the story. Enough of a history is created for them, without overwhelming the story with too much distracting back story. Kevin Davenport is the real push to the story, a character that is easily believable. His life hasn't been easy and the trials and tribulations that he has been through has left him somewhat damaged. It is those faults that make him a great character. It makes him real, rather than a larger than life lead that isn't all that similar to the average reader.
This character, combined with a fabulous plot, gives a book that I truly hope is made into a series, or at least followed by a sequel. I read the book in a night, completely unable to put it down. I will definitely be reading more from this author as he publishes!
This character, combined with a fabulous plot, gives a book that I truly hope is made into a series, or at least followed by a sequel. I read the book in a night, completely unable to put it down. I will definitely be reading more from this author as he publishes!
October 12, 2013
Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged. - Samuel Johnson
Kevin Davenport is an unlikely protagonist in this tale of revenge. He does anything (and everything) to get back at the people responsible for the hit-and-run death of his D.A. father and his little sister.
The scenes in the meatpacking plant were over-the-top, nauseating, or darkly comedic.
The Tongue Room in all its glory, mobsters, dealing drugs, bookmaking, shades of "Fight Club," romance, Loot and Carey, darkly funny passages followed by just plain dark prose - all wrapped together to bring us readers a grand reading experience.
This book reminded me on many ways of one of my favorites - "Beat the Reaper" by Josh Bazell. Same tongue-in-cheek humor intertwined with darkness.
This is a definite recommendation to read from me.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Kevin Davenport is an unlikely protagonist in this tale of revenge. He does anything (and everything) to get back at the people responsible for the hit-and-run death of his D.A. father and his little sister.
The scenes in the meatpacking plant were over-the-top, nauseating, or darkly comedic.
The Tongue Room in all its glory, mobsters, dealing drugs, bookmaking, shades of "Fight Club," romance, Loot and Carey, darkly funny passages followed by just plain dark prose - all wrapped together to bring us readers a grand reading experience.
This book reminded me on many ways of one of my favorites - "Beat the Reaper" by Josh Bazell. Same tongue-in-cheek humor intertwined with darkness.
This is a definite recommendation to read from me.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 12, 2014
Man, what a long journey. Kevin Davenport was a typical suburban kid with a normal family, until a random accident threw his life into turmoil. So he works odd jobs to put himself through college, and when the story picks up, he's working in a kosher meat factory.
Except the meat factory isn't what it seems, and Kevin gets deeper and deeper into all kinds of crazy things: fighting for money, running a bookmaking operation, dealing drugs and plotting revenge. And things get even crazier from there!
The beginning of the story was definitely a little more graphic than necessary. Kevin definitely has a habit of suddenly displaying needed skills you never knew he had. But the story moved fast and kept my interest.
Except the meat factory isn't what it seems, and Kevin gets deeper and deeper into all kinds of crazy things: fighting for money, running a bookmaking operation, dealing drugs and plotting revenge. And things get even crazier from there!
The beginning of the story was definitely a little more graphic than necessary. Kevin definitely has a habit of suddenly displaying needed skills you never knew he had. But the story moved fast and kept my interest.
June 2, 2012
Kevin watches his father and sister die in a hit and run accident when he is young. He works odd jobs to pay for college and care for his ailing mom. One job brings him in contact with the crime underworld, where he discovers his father was actually killed for knowing too much. He becomes more involved with the crime world to plot revenge on his father's killer.
This is an interesting story with some colorful characters and situations. I found some of it a bit slow and predictable but the action picks up as pieces fall together in the last quarter for a fast-paced ending. Overall a pretty good read.
This is an interesting story with some colorful characters and situations. I found some of it a bit slow and predictable but the action picks up as pieces fall together in the last quarter for a fast-paced ending. Overall a pretty good read.
October 17, 2013
I consider this an "airplane book", meaning grab a copy in the airport, read it on a long flight, maybe leave it on the seat when I leave. It certainly kept me turning the pages, if only to see how ludicrous the next chapter would be. It seems to have left the door open at the end to turn this into a series. Perhaps instead of cramming all of the events of this book into an unbelievable timeframe, it would have been better served to spread it over a series (I almost think graphic novel/comic may have been better suited).
Full disclosure - I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads.
Full disclosure - I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads.
March 7, 2015
The premise was promising: a lovable, funny, down-on-luck college student who lost his father and little sister years ago in a hit-and-run case takes up a job in New York's meatpacking district. He discovers that the owner of the factory is a shady character who orchestrated the hit on his father who was an honest District Attorney. Our guy decides to avenge the deaths and sells his soul to raise funds for the mission.
The first third of the book was engaging but then the story got mired in the mechanics of all the unsavory activities our avenger gets involved in. Gaping plot holes and a weak resolution made for forced reading. Not recommended.
The first third of the book was engaging but then the story got mired in the mechanics of all the unsavory activities our avenger gets involved in. Gaping plot holes and a weak resolution made for forced reading. Not recommended.
December 22, 2011
If you like suspense, action, love loss, gambling, the mob, good guys lossing and winning, twist and turns..well then this is the book for you.
There are times you love the main character and times you want to smack him upside the head. But you defiantly want to follow him through his madrid of jobs to find out if he gets what he wants/needs in the end. You will watch him grow in character as well.
Wont bore you, keeps you guessing, and turning those pages.
Thank you Ben for the chance to read your book.
There are times you love the main character and times you want to smack him upside the head. But you defiantly want to follow him through his madrid of jobs to find out if he gets what he wants/needs in the end. You will watch him grow in character as well.
Wont bore you, keeps you guessing, and turning those pages.
Thank you Ben for the chance to read your book.
June 4, 2012
Not my usual read, but every once in a while I need to read a "manly" book with some blood, guts, and violence. This fit the bill and then some. It was entertaining, although some of the descriptions of the gambling, bookie, and pot-dealing businesses got a little tedious, and I caught myself skimming. However, I compulsively continued reading. I couldn't wait to see how Kevin was going to get himself out of his next jam. Most of the time, I was surprised and impressed. Sometimes I was dismayed. I liked that Lieberman didn't stick to predictable solutions. Good read!
August 18, 2013
This was rough...you could tell it was written by a new author ( but still better than I could do!). Interesting plot but seem to be never ending. Similar reviews mentioned switch in plot when main character started into his criminal phase. It was hard to sympathize with "done and out " character when he was a bookie and selling drugs. After explaining himself to his "girlfriend" it did get better but I never really wanted to finish it. I did but had to force myself ...not as bad as the novels I would just quit reading!
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