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Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers: A Novel
The "Great American Novel" served St. Louis style!
Missouri Towers, once the swankiest address in St. Louis, but now tagged “Misery Towers,” is a shabby apartment building blessed with breathtaking views of the iconic Gateway Arch. Amongst its eccentric dwellers is a trapeze artist whose love life is dangling from a wire, a struggling realtor who can never close a deal, a Bosnian immigrant who is infused with the spirit of Winston Churchill, an aging stripper who refuses to relinquish her grip on the pole, an undertaker on a mission of vengeance, a broken-hearted soul searching for his own pretty woman — one hooker at a time, a beat cop tired of dodging bullets, and a dogged collector of lucky pennies who picks up a cursed coin. On a hot and dangerous August night, against the backdrop of a city on edge, the interwoven lives of these characters will collide with devastating consequences.
By turns, hilarious, bawdy, tender, and tragic, Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers is a fast-paced, action-packed novel, filled with razor-sharp prose and cringe-worthy dark humor. It offers a unique insight into the psychological landscape of life in a Rust Belt city, plagued with violence and wrestling decline.
Finalist - Royal Palm Literary Awards (Florida Writer's Association) - Longlisted in the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition
“Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers, a Carl Hiaasen-style novel, is a masterful blend of comic and tragic.” - IndieReader
“Channeling the spirit of bawdy classics like North Dallas Forty, James Aylott marries soap operatic drama to provocative observances about American society.” - Blueink Review
“A tale where grit and wit dance with dark humor among the desperate hunt of self-discovery.”- Feathered Quill Book Reviews
“Manically satirical…” - Kirkus Reviews
“Atmospheric and firmly rooted in a sense of place and purpose, Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers captures the heart and soul of St. Louis.” D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer - Midwest Book Review
“A tale where grit and wit dance with dark humor among the desperate hunt of self-discovery.” - Feathered Quill Book Reviews
“Well written, and because of the clever combination of tragedy and humor, this story will stay with me for a very long time.” - Readers’ Favorite
"Gritty!" - The Big 550 KTRS - St. Louis
Missouri Towers, once the swankiest address in St. Louis, but now tagged “Misery Towers,” is a shabby apartment building blessed with breathtaking views of the iconic Gateway Arch. Amongst its eccentric dwellers is a trapeze artist whose love life is dangling from a wire, a struggling realtor who can never close a deal, a Bosnian immigrant who is infused with the spirit of Winston Churchill, an aging stripper who refuses to relinquish her grip on the pole, an undertaker on a mission of vengeance, a broken-hearted soul searching for his own pretty woman — one hooker at a time, a beat cop tired of dodging bullets, and a dogged collector of lucky pennies who picks up a cursed coin. On a hot and dangerous August night, against the backdrop of a city on edge, the interwoven lives of these characters will collide with devastating consequences.
By turns, hilarious, bawdy, tender, and tragic, Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers is a fast-paced, action-packed novel, filled with razor-sharp prose and cringe-worthy dark humor. It offers a unique insight into the psychological landscape of life in a Rust Belt city, plagued with violence and wrestling decline.
Finalist - Royal Palm Literary Awards (Florida Writer's Association) - Longlisted in the Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition
“Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers, a Carl Hiaasen-style novel, is a masterful blend of comic and tragic.” - IndieReader
“Channeling the spirit of bawdy classics like North Dallas Forty, James Aylott marries soap operatic drama to provocative observances about American society.” - Blueink Review
“A tale where grit and wit dance with dark humor among the desperate hunt of self-discovery.”- Feathered Quill Book Reviews
“Manically satirical…” - Kirkus Reviews
“Atmospheric and firmly rooted in a sense of place and purpose, Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers captures the heart and soul of St. Louis.” D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer - Midwest Book Review
“A tale where grit and wit dance with dark humor among the desperate hunt of self-discovery.” - Feathered Quill Book Reviews
“Well written, and because of the clever combination of tragedy and humor, this story will stay with me for a very long time.” - Readers’ Favorite
"Gritty!" - The Big 550 KTRS - St. Louis
416 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2024
37 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
James Aylott
2 books82 followersJames Aylott is a former sharp-elbowed Hollywood paparazzo and ruthless supermarket tabloid photo editor. His award-winning debut novel, Tales from The Beach House, was both critically acclaimed and a hit. His follow-up work of fiction, Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers is set in St. Louis, Missouri, one of America’s most dangerous cities. The author took inspiration not only from the colorful characters he met while embedding himself in the real estate business but also from the mayhem of everyday life on the wild streets of St. Louis. James Aylott is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and King’s College, London. He is happy to call a leafy suburb of St. Louis, Missouri his home.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 30, 2025
Of course I’m going to rate my own book five stars. It’s out in June, but get your preorders in now!
December 16, 2024
This book was a little slow but readable, so I stuck with it until the end.
The storyline follows several real estate office employees and how their lives are changing for one reason or another.
It is based in St. Louis and doesn't make the city a vacation destination. It's more like a city to avoid.
If you work in real estate or like St. Louis, you should enjoy this book.
A footnote: There are a couple of sweet love stories at the end of the book that are worthwhile to read.
This makes up for some of the less interesting storylines.
The storyline follows several real estate office employees and how their lives are changing for one reason or another.
It is based in St. Louis and doesn't make the city a vacation destination. It's more like a city to avoid.
If you work in real estate or like St. Louis, you should enjoy this book.
A footnote: There are a couple of sweet love stories at the end of the book that are worthwhile to read.
This makes up for some of the less interesting storylines.
April 28, 2025
another book i gave up on. this book got good reviews, and I was looking forward to it, but ... it was a little much for me. I didn't like vivid description of certain things, words he used, the way he described situations. But admittedly that is just me. Some people don't mind that.
I HATED the perception of St. Louis as he portrayed it. Geez you would think it was a war zone or something. Collecting bullet casings off the ground on a regular basis, the crime problems, the housing problems. It's not as bad as he says and every major city has the same problems and pockets of areas that are worse than others. St. Louis is no different.
And HOW MANY TIMES does he need to mention St. Louis? For heaven's sake, it was in just about every sentence. We know where the character lived. Didn't need a constant reminder.
Rarely do I give up on books, but this year I am determined not to waste my time on something I'm not enjoying. I tried to keep going with this book ... almost 200 pages worth. But I just couldn't do it.
I HATED the perception of St. Louis as he portrayed it. Geez you would think it was a war zone or something. Collecting bullet casings off the ground on a regular basis, the crime problems, the housing problems. It's not as bad as he says and every major city has the same problems and pockets of areas that are worse than others. St. Louis is no different.
And HOW MANY TIMES does he need to mention St. Louis? For heaven's sake, it was in just about every sentence. We know where the character lived. Didn't need a constant reminder.
Rarely do I give up on books, but this year I am determined not to waste my time on something I'm not enjoying. I tried to keep going with this book ... almost 200 pages worth. But I just couldn't do it.
December 13, 2023
Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers by James Aylott delivers a narrative that unravels against the complexity of modern life in the heart of St. Louis – a tale where grit and wit dance with dark humor among the desperate hunt of self-discovery.
The Missouri Towers of St Louis, a dilapidated apartment building ironically offering a soothing view of the St. Louis Arch, becomes the stage for a collision of fates involving a cast of eccentric characters. In the midst of the tumult of a city contending with civil rights concerns and simmering tensions, the experiences and undertakings of the inhabitants of Missouri Towers metaphorically parallel broader endeavors of a city against racial and social inequities.
Mike Love, a striving real estate agent, embraces adventurous and ambitious dreams that collide with the humble visions of his partner, Gloria, a trapeze artist. As they navigate their contrasting aspirations, Madison Stone, a debutante transformed into a carefree spinster, emerges with her whimsical approach to relationships. Can Madison's whimsy inject a fresh perspective into the pair’s contrasting aspirations?
Meanwhile, the quirky agent Nick Pipeman’s attempt to spice up the stagnant real estate market stirs a scandal, prompting his colleague Mike Love to consider a strategic cover-up. In the cutthroat realm of St. Louis, will selfless acts prevail, or is Nick merely a pawn in Mike's pursuit of self-gain? Enters Daris, an established Bosnian immigrant in the real estate industry, contending with strategic moves by rival agents. As the ambitions of these real estate go-getters collide and intertwine, will their destinies become the driving force behind a thrilling ride of ambition and deceit, transforming the city into an arena for unforeseen twists, betrayals, and unexpected alliances...
The plot thickens as the charismatic conman Colton Chesterfield and Reginald Oakland, a former undertaker seeking justice for the losses he suffered at Colton's hands, come into the spotlight. The narrative intensifies when Butterfly, a seasoned strip-club dancer, enters Reginald's scheme, forging an unusual partnership that transcends her profession. Amid the drama, Sam Robinson, disillusioned with modern dating, seeks companionship through paid encounters. Could Sam’s newfound paid contract Alice, and the motive behind her unconventional profession, be the catalyst that shatters the walls of his self-imposed prison – a barrier erected from the disillusionment of failed post-divorce relationships and social expectations of a man?
A blend of the genres of mystery, drama, and satire, Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers is a mosaic of stories that represent the human search for meaning and self-identity in a world that has commodified even companionships. Aylott uses dark humor deftly to counteract the contemplative topics and tense situations in which the protagonists find themselves. As the hilarious nature of some scenarios counterbalances the graveness of the problems at hand, the narrative balances comedy with gravity to hook readers while also emphasizing the profound nature of the characters' experiences.
The book, with its explicit descriptions of sexual encounters, profane language, and observation about mental health and suicidal conditions caters to mature audiences. The work promises a thought-provoking read for those who encourage the interplay of dark humor with profound and reflective issues.
Quill says: Through a diverse ensemble of outlandish individuals, Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers delves into the perennial human impulses for vocational aspirations, human connections, and self-discovery.
The Missouri Towers of St Louis, a dilapidated apartment building ironically offering a soothing view of the St. Louis Arch, becomes the stage for a collision of fates involving a cast of eccentric characters. In the midst of the tumult of a city contending with civil rights concerns and simmering tensions, the experiences and undertakings of the inhabitants of Missouri Towers metaphorically parallel broader endeavors of a city against racial and social inequities.
Mike Love, a striving real estate agent, embraces adventurous and ambitious dreams that collide with the humble visions of his partner, Gloria, a trapeze artist. As they navigate their contrasting aspirations, Madison Stone, a debutante transformed into a carefree spinster, emerges with her whimsical approach to relationships. Can Madison's whimsy inject a fresh perspective into the pair’s contrasting aspirations?
Meanwhile, the quirky agent Nick Pipeman’s attempt to spice up the stagnant real estate market stirs a scandal, prompting his colleague Mike Love to consider a strategic cover-up. In the cutthroat realm of St. Louis, will selfless acts prevail, or is Nick merely a pawn in Mike's pursuit of self-gain? Enters Daris, an established Bosnian immigrant in the real estate industry, contending with strategic moves by rival agents. As the ambitions of these real estate go-getters collide and intertwine, will their destinies become the driving force behind a thrilling ride of ambition and deceit, transforming the city into an arena for unforeseen twists, betrayals, and unexpected alliances...
The plot thickens as the charismatic conman Colton Chesterfield and Reginald Oakland, a former undertaker seeking justice for the losses he suffered at Colton's hands, come into the spotlight. The narrative intensifies when Butterfly, a seasoned strip-club dancer, enters Reginald's scheme, forging an unusual partnership that transcends her profession. Amid the drama, Sam Robinson, disillusioned with modern dating, seeks companionship through paid encounters. Could Sam’s newfound paid contract Alice, and the motive behind her unconventional profession, be the catalyst that shatters the walls of his self-imposed prison – a barrier erected from the disillusionment of failed post-divorce relationships and social expectations of a man?
A blend of the genres of mystery, drama, and satire, Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers is a mosaic of stories that represent the human search for meaning and self-identity in a world that has commodified even companionships. Aylott uses dark humor deftly to counteract the contemplative topics and tense situations in which the protagonists find themselves. As the hilarious nature of some scenarios counterbalances the graveness of the problems at hand, the narrative balances comedy with gravity to hook readers while also emphasizing the profound nature of the characters' experiences.
The book, with its explicit descriptions of sexual encounters, profane language, and observation about mental health and suicidal conditions caters to mature audiences. The work promises a thought-provoking read for those who encourage the interplay of dark humor with profound and reflective issues.
Quill says: Through a diverse ensemble of outlandish individuals, Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers delves into the perennial human impulses for vocational aspirations, human connections, and self-discovery.
July 2, 2024
5 stars all around. This book is fantastic!
The first chapter begins with an introduction (through vignettes) to the main characters. Then it takes the reader back to eight days before - to what led up to the first chapter.
Why is this book so good? It's a middle-class novel with beautifully described and highly relatable characters. They're all connected by proximity via Missouri Towers (Misery Towers), an apartment complex in St. Louis, Missouri. A few of them also work together as realtors. I loved that. When do you ever read a novel about real estate agents?
Another reason this book is so good is the writing. It's fabulous. The only flaw I can find with this book is that sometimes the writer (who is clearly well-read) goes a little overboard with extensive character descriptions. I had to stop and figure out the meaning. But I should add that whenever I did, I enjoyed having to stop and figure out what the author meant.
This is a middle-class book about middle-class people who are at different stages in their lives making middle-class decisions. So relatable and yet gorgeously written at the same time. I'm not exaggerating. You've got to read this book.
Why? Because of the characters. Because it's good. And because it's a fabulous depiction of American life, the ignored-by-mainstream-media middle class in not just middle America. It's also a fabulous depiction of a once-great American city that you'll probably want to visit as well as begin to fear as a result of reading this novel. So. So. Good
The first chapter begins with an introduction (through vignettes) to the main characters. Then it takes the reader back to eight days before - to what led up to the first chapter.
Why is this book so good? It's a middle-class novel with beautifully described and highly relatable characters. They're all connected by proximity via Missouri Towers (Misery Towers), an apartment complex in St. Louis, Missouri. A few of them also work together as realtors. I loved that. When do you ever read a novel about real estate agents?
Another reason this book is so good is the writing. It's fabulous. The only flaw I can find with this book is that sometimes the writer (who is clearly well-read) goes a little overboard with extensive character descriptions. I had to stop and figure out the meaning. But I should add that whenever I did, I enjoyed having to stop and figure out what the author meant.
This is a middle-class book about middle-class people who are at different stages in their lives making middle-class decisions. So relatable and yet gorgeously written at the same time. I'm not exaggerating. You've got to read this book.
Why? Because of the characters. Because it's good. And because it's a fabulous depiction of American life, the ignored-by-mainstream-media middle class in not just middle America. It's also a fabulous depiction of a once-great American city that you'll probably want to visit as well as begin to fear as a result of reading this novel. So. So. Good
October 26, 2024
This was a "chewy" read for me, rich with flavorful words. Juicy metaphors and descriptions drip from each page. The characters are entertaining and regularly surprised me.
The first quarter or so is introducing the menagerie of odd characters who intertwine at the end. Writing life-like characters is challenging - too many authors buy into tropes or stereotypes. Not so here. Oddly, the protagonist Mike is probably my least favorite, perhaps due to a hint of self-pity and a parade of poor decisions. Nevertheless, I wanted to see how his portion of the tale ended.
I'd probably give this 4.5 stars. Is it as impactful to me as a James Michener, Guy Gavriel Kay, Khaled Hosseini, or Amor Towles novel? No. But it's still a memorable tale.
Note: if you grew up in the Midwest - especially St. Louis - you may be triggered by some of the description. As someone who migrated here after my youth, I agreed with many of the observations about this city that sabotages its potential. The "merchant aristocracy" descriptions are especially poignant.
The first quarter or so is introducing the menagerie of odd characters who intertwine at the end. Writing life-like characters is challenging - too many authors buy into tropes or stereotypes. Not so here. Oddly, the protagonist Mike is probably my least favorite, perhaps due to a hint of self-pity and a parade of poor decisions. Nevertheless, I wanted to see how his portion of the tale ended.
I'd probably give this 4.5 stars. Is it as impactful to me as a James Michener, Guy Gavriel Kay, Khaled Hosseini, or Amor Towles novel? No. But it's still a memorable tale.
Note: if you grew up in the Midwest - especially St. Louis - you may be triggered by some of the description. As someone who migrated here after my youth, I agreed with many of the observations about this city that sabotages its potential. The "merchant aristocracy" descriptions are especially poignant.
April 2, 2024
4.5 Stars - This story is a captivating exploration of the eclectic tapestry that is St. Louis, set against the backdrop of an iconic tower apartments building. With a diverse cast of characters ranging from enterprising real estate agents to resilient strippers and dedicated police officers, this novel immersed me in a richly textured urban landscape. The author skillfully wove intersecting storylines, each one offering a unique glimpse into the city's vibrant soul.
What sets this book apart is its ability to make St. Louis itself a compelling character, its streets and neighborhoods pulsating with life and history. Amidst the reputation as a dangerous city of chaos, there is charm as protagonist Mike's journey unfolds, propelled by two perplexing women whose presence disrupts his already stressful life.
Fans of the author's previous work will not be disappointed by this tale that celebrates the resilience and complexity of urban life in St. Louis.
What sets this book apart is its ability to make St. Louis itself a compelling character, its streets and neighborhoods pulsating with life and history. Amidst the reputation as a dangerous city of chaos, there is charm as protagonist Mike's journey unfolds, propelled by two perplexing women whose presence disrupts his already stressful life.
Fans of the author's previous work will not be disappointed by this tale that celebrates the resilience and complexity of urban life in St. Louis.
November 23, 2025
Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers is a gritty, fast-moving, and wildly entertaining portrait of a Rust Belt city on the edge. James Aylott brings St. Louis to life with sharp prose, vivid atmosphere, and an unforgettable cast of characters who are equal parts broken, hopeful, absurd, and deeply human. The way he weaves their lives together, trapeze artists, strippers, undertakers, immigrants, dreamers, hustlers, and lost souls, creates a mosaic that is as funny as it is heartbreaking.
What makes this novel shine is its raw honesty. Aylott isn’t afraid to explore the blurred lines between tragedy and comedy, dignity and desperation, or chaos and hope. Misery Towers feels like a character of its own, pulsating with tension, history, and dark humor. By the end, you not only understand the world these characters inhabit, you feel it. This is a bold, original, and immersive novel that delivers laughs, emotion, and razor-edged social commentary in equal measure.
What makes this novel shine is its raw honesty. Aylott isn’t afraid to explore the blurred lines between tragedy and comedy, dignity and desperation, or chaos and hope. Misery Towers feels like a character of its own, pulsating with tension, history, and dark humor. By the end, you not only understand the world these characters inhabit, you feel it. This is a bold, original, and immersive novel that delivers laughs, emotion, and razor-edged social commentary in equal measure.
January 2, 2024
James Aylott's Tales of Whiskey Tango from Misery Towers was a fun read through the lives of a diverse group of colorful characters that Aylott does a great job of developing. His dry and sometimes dark humor reminded me of the humor found in the Netflix series Shits Creek. It's set in downtown St. Louis and you don't need to have ever been to St. Louis to enjoy it, but if you have spent any time there you'll definitely enjoy all the local references. Personally, I think this book would also make a great Netflix series.
October 25, 2024
If you've lived in St. Louis, this fictional story tells life as it really is.
All the characters and their actions are like seeing yourself doing the same in the heat and humidity of St. Louis. Seeing the Eads Bridge as the "bridge of love" is a new concept. Plenty of fun, interesting characters.
The book is entertaining and flows well. I enjoyed reading the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All the characters and their actions are like seeing yourself doing the same in the heat and humidity of St. Louis. Seeing the Eads Bridge as the "bridge of love" is a new concept. Plenty of fun, interesting characters.
The book is entertaining and flows well. I enjoyed reading the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2024
Written by a non-St.Loisan
It's obvious this author is not a St. Louis native. He paints the city as a crime ridden hell hole and it is not. I've lived here my entire life and it's not the filthy, miserable place he makes it out to be. That being said, the story is good and it kept my interest. I just don't want people to think St. Louis is the hell hole he paints it to be.
It's obvious this author is not a St. Louis native. He paints the city as a crime ridden hell hole and it is not. I've lived here my entire life and it's not the filthy, miserable place he makes it out to be. That being said, the story is good and it kept my interest. I just don't want people to think St. Louis is the hell hole he paints it to be.
September 10, 2024
Valium Worthy
So Mr. Aylott must have had a very bad youth in St. Louis. While not too wrong about the city which is the pits, run by democrats for decades, need I say more the county is very well done and safe.
After reading 9% of the book I woke up in the hospital after attempting to take my life. Is there a lower rating then 1 star🤮.
So Mr. Aylott must have had a very bad youth in St. Louis. While not too wrong about the city which is the pits, run by democrats for decades, need I say more the county is very well done and safe.
After reading 9% of the book I woke up in the hospital after attempting to take my life. Is there a lower rating then 1 star🤮.
April 16, 2024
The apartment block was once known by a different name than what is now called as it has gone into disrepair. This follows the lives of those living in the block. A great tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
May 30, 2024
Wonderful humor! Fast paced. Action packed. Beautifully written. Wonderful historical peace. Great job.
July 22, 2024
Could have been a good book with significant editing.
Use of St Louis history and locations was best part of the book.
Use of St Louis history and locations was best part of the book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews