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The Dogs of Mexico
In this literary thriller, former government agent Robert Bohnert has left the life behind—but it won't leave him. Broken by the destruction of his family, he agrees to one last job—this time for the other side. When a "straightforward" diamond smuggling operation goes south—literally—Bohnert finds himself trekking through Mexico, pursued by killers, including, a cross-dressing hit man, a psycho meth addict, and a fellow operative who was once a close friend. An unlikely love story complicates his flight when the woman who defects from his pursuers becomes the one person who might offer him salvation. The question becomes, ultimately, will they make it out of Mexico alive, and does the canister really contain diamonds, or is Robert being used to import an unimaginable horror into the U.S.? “…(K)ill a few hours enjoying the suspense and human drama.” — Publishers Weekly
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 19, 2012
Robert Bohnert, a disaffected former CIA agent escapes from a Texas mental institution, settles accounts with his ex-wife, and starts a new, very low-profile, career in a Miami landscaping business. Then he gets recruited by an old colleague for a simple, off-the-grid, delivery job down in Mexico. What could go wrong? Plenty, it seems, especially when the opposition consists of a diverse collection of low-life foreigners blundering their way around a harsh, sad, and complicated country, which in John Asher’s good hands is as much a character as Bohnert himself. This is good old-fashioned crime novel cooked up with a touch of cruelty.
Asher, a native Texan, has written another novel set in Mexico, but with a different tone, called A Dignified Exit, also well worth a read.
Asher, a native Texan, has written another novel set in Mexico, but with a different tone, called A Dignified Exit, also well worth a read.
March 22, 2020
I couldn't finish it
Trying to read this book is akin to listening to a speaker who speaks in an low, uninflected monotone. For all I know, this could be a really great story. But I can't force myself to read it. I probably quit at about 25%, but who knows because I couldn't muster any interest.
Trying to read this book is akin to listening to a speaker who speaks in an low, uninflected monotone. For all I know, this could be a really great story. But I can't force myself to read it. I probably quit at about 25%, but who knows because I couldn't muster any interest.
August 22, 2020
I read it was a change of pace from the books which I’ve read lately. The story had plenty of twists and turns sometimes I was not always happy with the way characters aspects were described almost in language terms you expect from a Raymond Chandler Era book then something written in more modern times. I was torn between giving three or four stars wish they could let you you do a half star
March 24, 2021
Asher
This book had so much going on that half the time I had no idea what was happening. Otherwise a good story with interesting characters and plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
This book had so much going on that half the time I had no idea what was happening. Otherwise a good story with interesting characters and plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
December 23, 2016
I've read a number of Asher's books. He's such a good writer.
This is another one of his compelling stories.
This is another one of his compelling stories.
February 5, 2015
After a family tragedy, CIA operative Robert Bonhert, disappears and starts a new life in Florida. However, several years later, he is located by a former colleague and blackmailed into participating in a scheme to smuggle diamonds out of Mexico. Needless to say, the scheme does not go to plan and what follows is a white knuckle ride style adventure, where anything can happen.
Early on, Asher introduces us to a cast of characters who lulled me into thinking the story was going to be little more than a mad-cap caper. For instance, some of the people Robert has to deal with on his travels are a bitter German drunk, a stroppy teenage wild child, a transvestite and a psychotic midget. There is a shocking incident not too fat into the story, however, which lets the reader know in no uncertain terms that this is, in fact, a gritty, hard-hitting tale and, from that point on, the action doesn’t stop.
We are taken on a relentless, action fuelled read complete with car chases, gun fights and stand-offs. There are times I feared the action was so full on, the story was in danger of careering out of control but Asher manages to hold a steady course despite the breakneck speed he employs. Alongside the action, we have the side story of Robert’s relationship with Ana, a troubled woman who he rescues from her abusive partner, Helmut.
I enjoyed the story and found myself anxiously reeling from one near miss to another as Robert tries to navigate his way through Mexico. Asher’s use of the landscape and poverty of Mexico is particularly effective. He creates an intoxicating vision of hell which heightens the tension even further. If you like adventures that are gritty and pull no punches then The Dogs of Mexico is definitely one for you.
Early on, Asher introduces us to a cast of characters who lulled me into thinking the story was going to be little more than a mad-cap caper. For instance, some of the people Robert has to deal with on his travels are a bitter German drunk, a stroppy teenage wild child, a transvestite and a psychotic midget. There is a shocking incident not too fat into the story, however, which lets the reader know in no uncertain terms that this is, in fact, a gritty, hard-hitting tale and, from that point on, the action doesn’t stop.
We are taken on a relentless, action fuelled read complete with car chases, gun fights and stand-offs. There are times I feared the action was so full on, the story was in danger of careering out of control but Asher manages to hold a steady course despite the breakneck speed he employs. Alongside the action, we have the side story of Robert’s relationship with Ana, a troubled woman who he rescues from her abusive partner, Helmut.
I enjoyed the story and found myself anxiously reeling from one near miss to another as Robert tries to navigate his way through Mexico. Asher’s use of the landscape and poverty of Mexico is particularly effective. He creates an intoxicating vision of hell which heightens the tension even further. If you like adventures that are gritty and pull no punches then The Dogs of Mexico is definitely one for you.
June 24, 2015
I choose this e-book for two reasons: I like stories about exotic places(like Mexico), and the author has the same name as a fellow in my church! Asher is a common name in Oklahoma. Johnny Bench comes from Asher, Oklahoma, I believe.
Anyway, there was indeed a wealth of geographical and cultural content-bravo! The storyline was okay, and once I settled down with the characters(so many to sort out!), I was engaged. There were many last-second reprieves! (are you surprised?) The protagonist's appreciation of life and his struggles to reconcile the present with the past were touching. I really liked the way his spirit was strong enough to go on despite tragedy and heartache.
The only reason I didn't give this four stars is because I found the scenes a little confusing at times. The set-up of the scene became too complicated for me to follow, especially the compound with the old woman. But I might not have been focusing, so I don't blame the author much.
This was a enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Anyway, there was indeed a wealth of geographical and cultural content-bravo! The storyline was okay, and once I settled down with the characters(so many to sort out!), I was engaged. There were many last-second reprieves! (are you surprised?) The protagonist's appreciation of life and his struggles to reconcile the present with the past were touching. I really liked the way his spirit was strong enough to go on despite tragedy and heartache.
The only reason I didn't give this four stars is because I found the scenes a little confusing at times. The set-up of the scene became too complicated for me to follow, especially the compound with the old woman. But I might not have been focusing, so I don't blame the author much.
This was a enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
February 5, 2015
This book was a real page turner. The action is intense and believable but does not completely overwhelm the book, as it does in some suspense novels. In this book the characters have a chance to develop and show their flawed personalities--and each of them is quite flawed. This includes both the protagonists and the main antagonists.
The description of Mexican scenery was enjoyable and seemed realistic.
I did not like the way the woman protagonist is always screaming, panicking, freezing, begging for mercy for the antagonists or covering her face with her hands. I hate the way women are always portrayed as weak things needing to be protected by men. Nevertheless, she does develop some and the relationship between the woman and man protagonists is believable except that it does reinforce another stereotype which is that men cannot behave rationally around women.
If you're looking for something fun to read, action packed, a little gory, and you're a man, this is a good book for you.
The description of Mexican scenery was enjoyable and seemed realistic.
I did not like the way the woman protagonist is always screaming, panicking, freezing, begging for mercy for the antagonists or covering her face with her hands. I hate the way women are always portrayed as weak things needing to be protected by men. Nevertheless, she does develop some and the relationship between the woman and man protagonists is believable except that it does reinforce another stereotype which is that men cannot behave rationally around women.
If you're looking for something fun to read, action packed, a little gory, and you're a man, this is a good book for you.
January 23, 2016
I struggled to finish this book. I had just read Mr. Asher's "A Dignified Exit" which I enjoyed very much so I was surprised that this one was so very different. I like noir thrillers a lot so the genre wasn't the problem. The problem was that it didn't grab me and hold on. It was all too easy to set it aside and difficult to pick it back up. It was a non-stop monotony of deadly peril with a few good passages in between. It was also fairly predictable. Having said that, i should say that it isn't a bad book and I think it would have been more enjoyable if I had read it in one sitting. If you like espionage type books where someone is almost killed in every chapter, then you will like this book.
February 7, 2015
Nice surprise
No matter how hard you try to get away from your past, it always catches up with you or in this situation,it finds you. This is an ex-CIA betrayal murder novel with a lot of double crossing and witty banter. There are spies and counter spies, twists and turns in every chapter. The main character Robert is flawed and sometimes out of control but because of prior tragic events in his life, his heart and good sense always prevail over the craziness that has suddenly become his life.
I want expecting much from this book and it was nice to be surprised. I would recommend it to all readers of any genre.
No matter how hard you try to get away from your past, it always catches up with you or in this situation,it finds you. This is an ex-CIA betrayal murder novel with a lot of double crossing and witty banter. There are spies and counter spies, twists and turns in every chapter. The main character Robert is flawed and sometimes out of control but because of prior tragic events in his life, his heart and good sense always prevail over the craziness that has suddenly become his life.
I want expecting much from this book and it was nice to be surprised. I would recommend it to all readers of any genre.
February 3, 2015
Adventure in Mexico
At its core this is an ex-CIA agent, betrayal, murder novel with a little fun thrown in. Having been to most of the Mexican towns mentioned I can say that the depictions are quite good and capture the good and bad of the country. It was good to read a story set in Mexico not dominated by drug cartels and there evil doings. I read it over two days , found none of it so unrealistic as to cause nausea and felt it well worth my valuable time. Probably worth you time too!
At its core this is an ex-CIA agent, betrayal, murder novel with a little fun thrown in. Having been to most of the Mexican towns mentioned I can say that the depictions are quite good and capture the good and bad of the country. It was good to read a story set in Mexico not dominated by drug cartels and there evil doings. I read it over two days , found none of it so unrealistic as to cause nausea and felt it well worth my valuable time. Probably worth you time too!
July 31, 2015
It's plain from the start Asher knows Texas.
I don't think I've ever heard of a book that begins with a escape from a mental institution. This one does and it is readily obvious the author knows Texas and how harsh the climate can be. The escape grabbed me right away. He apparently also knows the harshness of Mexico.
I thought it was a good story with several really colorful characters. Some of the scenes in Mexico reminded me of the movie "Once upon a time in Mexico".
I enjoyed the book.
I don't think I've ever heard of a book that begins with a escape from a mental institution. This one does and it is readily obvious the author knows Texas and how harsh the climate can be. The escape grabbed me right away. He apparently also knows the harshness of Mexico.
I thought it was a good story with several really colorful characters. Some of the scenes in Mexico reminded me of the movie "Once upon a time in Mexico".
I enjoyed the book.
February 23, 2015
This story surprised me. I put off reading it for a long while because the title doesn't do it justice. It was well written, the characters jumped right off the page, and the plot superb. This was my first novel by Asher and I was blown away. I loved the noir style of writing with a modern day setting and topic. Lots of action, not too gruesome, yet realistic, and a touch of suspenseful, romantic interest to keep it interesting. I look forward to reading more by this author. KUDOS
March 21, 2016
I've given this 2 stars purely because I wanted to see how the story finished. A tale of cross and double cross involving spies in Mexico should have been good, unfortunately it was pretty average.
For a book with such a varied and colourful cast, I found myself unable to care or empathise with any of them, in fact they were all pretty dislikeable. Also the dialogue between the characters was (in my opinion) forced and melodramatic and it all summed up as a OK read, nothing more.
For a book with such a varied and colourful cast, I found myself unable to care or empathise with any of them, in fact they were all pretty dislikeable. Also the dialogue between the characters was (in my opinion) forced and melodramatic and it all summed up as a OK read, nothing more.
December 31, 2012
Great suspenseful book with a little romance added right to the end of the book. A little disappointed in the ending, not how I thought it would end but, it was a good ending it leaves you hanging.....
January 30, 2013
Good thriller, lots of subplots that all eventually influence each other. A bit weird of an ending. A lot of violence, a little sex. Moved fast. Read it quickly. Hmmmm.... is how I feel about it.
March 11, 2019
Intense Action Never Lets Up!
Spies and counter spies, twists and turns all woven with deception at every corner holds the reader's intense interest throughout! What an exciting read and I highly recommend it. Well worth the time.
Spies and counter spies, twists and turns all woven with deception at every corner holds the reader's intense interest throughout! What an exciting read and I highly recommend it. Well worth the time.
April 8, 2015
Boring
There is some action, but it gets into a repetitive theme. Get into trouble with the bad guys, find some way to get out of the trouble until the bad guys find you again. It got very boring.
There is some action, but it gets into a repetitive theme. Get into trouble with the bad guys, find some way to get out of the trouble until the bad guys find you again. It got very boring.
August 2, 2015
Complicated
Some nice geography elements, dogs are only peripheral to the story. Unanswered questions remained at the end, though. Some motives of the characters likewise remained unknown and unknowable. Some editing problems - using "it's" instead of "its" most notably.
Some nice geography elements, dogs are only peripheral to the story. Unanswered questions remained at the end, though. Some motives of the characters likewise remained unknown and unknowable. Some editing problems - using "it's" instead of "its" most notably.
August 1, 2015
Thanks for the memory!
Of course our time in San Miguel de Allende wasn't quite as exciting as this book! However, you brought back memories that we treasure. Well written and always a surprise right around the next page. I look forward to reading more of your books.
Of course our time in San Miguel de Allende wasn't quite as exciting as this book! However, you brought back memories that we treasure. Well written and always a surprise right around the next page. I look forward to reading more of your books.
August 18, 2015
I enjoyed this book
I did enjoy the book, but had to re-read the first few chapters to keep the characters straight. Once I knew who every one was it was a fast pace interesting read.
I did enjoy the book, but had to re-read the first few chapters to keep the characters straight. Once I knew who every one was it was a fast pace interesting read.
August 19, 2015
This booklet me wanting to know what was going to happen next. It was one of the free kindle books I downloaded from booksy.
I would recommend that you read other reviews to see if this is one you would like to read .
I would recommend that you read other reviews to see if this is one you would like to read .
September 8, 2016
This book was a total hoot. Just when you decide you know where the author is going, it's like he rolled the dice, and decided on another plot twist. And the characters are...well, total characters!! A mile a minute laughs!!
December 8, 2012
This author is extremely talented and reminds me that there is still such a thing as literary fiction. This is also a suspenseful mystery that keeps you reading into the night.
February 10, 2015
3.5-3.75
March 20, 2015
Great suspense
A bit confusing at times but worth figuring out. A lot of mystery and suspense with a love story thrown in. Glad I read it
A bit confusing at times but worth figuring out. A lot of mystery and suspense with a love story thrown in. Glad I read it
September 4, 2015
Not to bad
This book was pretty good but hard to follow at times. I would probably read more from this author in the future.
This book was pretty good but hard to follow at times. I would probably read more from this author in the future.
September 9, 2015
Liked it but slow read
I restarted it twice because I felt like I had no clue what it was about. Confusing in places & had graphic violence.
I restarted it twice because I felt like I had no clue what it was about. Confusing in places & had graphic violence.
November 15, 2015
Crime novel set in Mexico is a good read. I would recommend it to you.
December 30, 2015
Loved the scenery, and the authors writing style. I immediately liked the main character. Hands down the best book I read this year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews