For the Hell of It

Crimes of Inhumanity #2

by John Dolan

"Apologies for all the deaths. But in my defense, I was really, really bored."

James Fosse - psychopath and all-round bad egg - has been declared officially dead.
But he's not enjoying his afterlife in the Philippines, where so many people around him are having fun committing crimes and getting away with it.
Perhaps it's time he started killing again?

482 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2024

About the author

"Makes a living by travelling, talking a lot and sometimes writing stuff down. Galericulate author, polymath and occasional smarty-pants."

John Dolan hails from a small town in the North-East of England. Before turning to writing, his career encompassed law and finance. He has run businesses in Europe, South and Central America, Africa and Asia. He and his wife Fiona currently divide their time between Thailand and the UK.

John is the author of the Time, Blood and Karma and Children of Karma series, as well as several standalone novels.

Reviews

[Brenda Perlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

For The Hell Of It, Crimes of Inhumanity brings back our beloved David Braddock but also our most hated villain, James Fosse from beyond the grave. Or at least we thought he was dead!

This is classic Dolan. John Dolan writes with command and great control. He knows how to leave his reader in suspense and always with a smirk.

The author weaves a tale that is so rich and realistic that he has me believing these characters are actually people from life and not made up in his imagination.
The writing is razor sharp and crystal clear.
In a world full of nonsense, these novels are the best escape ever! If you haven’t picked up one of Dolan’s novels I would suggest you get on with it.

[Jak60 · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a less than fortunate attempt in the previous book to relocate Braddock's stories in gloomy England, Mr Dolan brings us back now to exotic Southeast Asia, and that is a better result altogether.

This is actually Jim Fosse's book as much as it is Braddock's; it's as usual a rather complex (when not quixotic) plot with a very surprising final twist which I found deliciously karmic; overall the prose flows nicely and makes for a rather compelling read.

Since "duologies" are not as popular as "trilogies", and given the author's compulsion for subsequent triplets, a third book of this sub-series is in order. This of course assuming Mr Dolan would find enough characters to populate one more story as the mortality rate here keeps increasing worryingly; my money anyway is on a second resurrection of the super villain Jim Fosse.

I just wholeheartedly hope it won't mark another come-back to the bleakly UK...

[Olga Miret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and reviewed most (probably all, but I’d need to check to make sure I haven’t missed anything) of John Dolan’s books, and he is one of the authors whose books I’m happy to read without even checking the plot or what they are about. He is that good (in my opinion), and he hits all the right notes for me.
He is best known for his two (now three) detective series (that interconnect in interesting ways) set mostly, but not exclusively, in Thailand, although he has written such varied books as a mock-dictionary and another where mythology plays a big part.
He has a very dry and sometimes dark sense of humour, very British as well (in the best sense); his love for the written language and his finesse lift his stories well above standard detective fair, and he also has a penchant for creating memorable characters, and not only his protagonists (David Braddock, his detective/philosopher/therapist is the main one) but also many very distinctive secondary characters his readers love and want to keep meeting, book after book.
Oh, and let’s not forget some fabulous baddies. The main one is Jim Fosse, who takes centre stage in this novel and whom I must admit to have a soft spot for: he is very intelligent, unapologetic and also has a pretty dry and dark sense of humour. We find ourselves smiling at some of his comments, thoughts, and wit, and immediately feel bad and guilty about it, because he is perverse.
One of the most interesting points of this novel, and the series as a whole, is that David Braddock (the protagonist) and Jim Fosse (his antagonist) share more than a few characteristics, as one of the secondary characters remarks during a meeting with Braddock. It is a bit like Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde as if Jim Fosse was the embodiment of Braddock’s dark side. But other characters seem to mirror each other throughout the novel, on the good and the bad side, and there are all kinds of grey tonalities thrown in too.
The way the story is told is interesting in its own right, as we have access to the diaries (written in the first person, as is to be expected) of both, Fosse and Braddock, and we also find chapters narrated in the third-person, which move the plot along and allow us to appreciate what is happening from a certain distance and be able to make our own minds up as to the actions and motivations of the characters.
The novel takes us around the world and shows us the breadth and depth of the author's knowledge about politics and society in countries as varied as the Philippines, Thailand, or the UK, with many others making brief appearances as well.
I don’t want to go into too much detail (because it is difficult not to reveal any spoilers) but I will just mention some of the themes and events that make an appearance on its pages (and those so inclined will discover many references, literary and otherwise): assassination plots, drug cartels, widespread corruption, international finances, and fraud, hired assassins, strange phobias, multicultural family life and its complications, Sherlock Holmes, psychopathic killers (in plural), CIA agents and their investigations, fake passports and identities, arson attacks, desecration of tombs, complex revenge schemes, destructive Buddhas, Karma, old monks, dementia, terminal illnesses, grief, torture, threats, and ultimatums…
I kept highlighting paragraphs but realised that most of them gave too much of the plot away, so my advice to readers wondering if this novel will suit their taste is to check a sample of the book, as I don’t dare to share any quotes for fear of revealing too much.
The novel offers information about the background of the story. It brings up some of the connections and events that got the characters to this point, so I am convinced that somebody who’s never read any books in the previous two series (or even book 1 in the current series) would be able to follow the action and enjoy the plot. However, they would miss some of the complexities and beauty of how the threads come together in the end. And, if they do, they can always go back and catch up with the rest.
And those who read the books in the three series long ago needn’t worry; there are sufficient reminders to refresh their memories.
I enjoyed the ending and found it beautifully symmetric, as it restores order to the chaos, but do not be misled. This is not a happy book. There is much loss and heartache for all the characters involved, and also for the readers.
John Dolan is a truly original voice, and I don’t hesitate to recommend this novel unreservedly. It is fantastic, as is the rest of his work.

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Fosse is back and I’m here for it! This time he’s about to wreak havoc of epic proportions which will send seismic waves all over the world and ultimately reach David Braddock when he least expects it. I don’t want to give away much of the story but wow, what a ride it took me on! If you’re like me and have been following the PI all over the globe over the years, you’ll definitely enjoy reconnecting with familiar characters (I especially appreciated the return of the Old Monk). There will be plenty of death (one of them just about destroyed me because ugh, how could you, Mr. Dolan? I understand the whole killing of your darlings thing but damn, this one hurt!) but there will also be plenty of moments to celebrate. As always, I hated to see the story end and the only thing that will help my book hangover is knowing that Mr. Dolan will definitely bring David Braddock back, sooner rather than later;) As always, highly recommended!

[Mat Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Dolan has, yet again, managed to scribe another amazing book that is impossible to put down.

This latest offering features Jim Fosse who, at the beginning, you almost find yourself liking. Until you find out his real plans - then hatred takes over.

The book is unbelievably skilfully written, gripping, funny and dark all at the same time!

I genuinely had no idea how it was going to end.

Only one problem....

I really want more of this (or at least a TV series!)

Thank you Mr Dolan for another fabulous book!

[Doris Ko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how this would turn out but suffice to say, it was worth it. Reading during Christmas isn't ideal as not much time to read. So I resorted to reading as much as I could in bed. I kept wanting to read another few pages and as a result, little sleep. John Doyle manages to draw you in and make you want to read more!

Jim Fosse, David Braddock and other old friends some of whom I'd forgotten about feature. Really enjoyed the book!

[Rin Hoshigumo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out With A Bang!

A wonderful, satisfying conclusion to this series, with an unpredictable, upbeat ending that not only I failed to see coming.

[Brenda Guiton · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Hell of It is book 2 in the Crimes of Inhumanity series, featuring the beloved PI, David Braddock. Somewhat of a maverick, his life has captured our imagination throughout the previous series, all of which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed.

Jim Fosse, devil incarnate, is back with a vengeance! Though his return was inevitable at some point, what a mind-blowing comeback it is! Fosse has a hit list. Fate has dealt him a cruel blow, making him more determined than ever to fulfil his goal. It will come as no surprise to learn that David Braddock is his prime target, given that it was Braddock who put a bullet in his back.

Since faking his death, Fosse has been living in the Philippines under various aliases. Over the years, despite being out of action, he’s kept close tabs on David, the PI blissfully unaware of this. Braddock has moved on with his life and is happily settled in London with Da. Having closed the door on his past, thoughts of his nemesis are far from his mind.

What suddenly prompts Fosse to rise from the ashes and pursue his evil vendetta? And how can he bait David Braddock and ensure that he suffers in the way Fosse intends? The answer to these questions lies in a skilfully crafted plot, breath-taking in its intensity and filled with foreboding.

Integral to the story are some familiar faces whose fate hangs in the balance. The new characters are a set of nefarious individuals (all as devious as each other and equally as dangerous), who are willing to dance to Fosse's tune – for a price. The tension is heightened when, once again, we are drawn into the mind of a psychopath as Fosse formulates his elaborate plan.

David Braddock is jolted out of his complacency following the revelation that someone close to them has been murdered and he and Da travel to Thailand for the funeral. It is there that the old monk makes an appearance. A mere shadow of his former self, David is shocked to find he is now a shrunken old man – gone is the energy he once radiated and there is no longer a shine in his eyes. Reading this, I couldn’t help but feel sad, Ananda being one of my favourite characters.

The heat is on after David and Da return to London and Fosse's plans start to take shape. The intrigue never wanes. As the tension built I was transfixed, consuming endless cups of coffee into the early hours, to keep the lids from falling.

There is less philosophising in this book, an aspect of this author’s writing I always enjoy, but the pace is spot on nevertheless and the humour still shines through. I found the depiction of various characters particularly amusing.

John Dolan is, without doubt an exceptionally talented writer. His broad knowledge, extensive vocabulary, wonderful powers of description and authentic dialogue single him out as one of the best in today’s heavily populated market. It will be interesting to see what he comes up with next. Whatever that may be, I feel sure he won’t disappoint.
Thank you, Mr Dolan, for presenting us with yet another riveting tale – not least its satisfying and surprising denouement. 5*

[Laurette Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you thought an author couldn’t get any better…
I've read (and re-read) all the novels in John Dolan’s sweeping series, ‘Time Blood and Karma’. In reviews I’ve waxed lyrical about the myriad talents of the author- his linguistic and stylistic brilliance, his impressive cast of unforgettable characters and their vast karmic connections, his mastery of intricate plot-twists, his playfulness, his manipulation of illusion and reality to keep the reader gasping and guessing.
But this book floored me. ‘Floored’ is the term used by Braddock himself at one point (no spoilers) and it couldn’t be more apt.
The blurb prepares us for the return of Jim Fosse, who set the ball rolling in the first book, and who has since popped up regularly like a malevolent genie. An evil, psychopathic killer. What could be worse? Answer - two evil, psychopathic killers, a man and a woman, one stone-cold, the other a bubbling volcano, one a control freak who doesn’t like to get his hands dirty, the other possessed by a rabid instinct to gleeful bloody savagery. Part 2 of the book, ‘Conjuring Chaos’, starts with a quotation from ‘The Odyssey’: ‘There will be killing till the score is paid.’ It is the toxic coupling of Jim Fosse and Wattana Chentip that, after an ominously low-key start to the story, unleashes such unstoppable, almighty chaos. The reader can only turn the pages, trapped in a room with a ticking bomb and no sign of any good guys arriving with clippers and defuse kits.
I once wrote that it’s hard to let go of Dolan’s superbly-drawn characters. But all bets are off here. Braddock’s distinctive ‘voice’ – self-deprecating, irreverent, philosophical, contemplative, cocky – has taken on a new tone. After all, he’s approaching the big Six-0, has exchanged his Panama hat for a less raffish model with earflaps, is respectably married and hen-pecked (there’s even a new addition to the gang of women who boss him around, a certain Mrs Savage…) Has he lost his mojo? ‘Everything we love and value declines, becomes unrecognisable to us,’ he writes in his journal. ‘The tide ebbs, the moon wanes, the centre does not hold.’
Prepare to be floored, furious, energised, hopeful, surprised, moved, devastated. Prepare for a roller-coaster ride with Karma waiting at the end. Prepare, after the last page, to ask: is this really the end? Or, if not, what the hell comes after ‘for the hell of it’? A five-star read with bells on.

[Tony McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been completely addicted to John Dolan’s stories illustrating his protagonist, David Braddock’s adventures since April 2014 when, lying on my back in a Chiang Mai hospital bed, I opened up the novel, “Everyone Burns,” the first of four terrific books in a series. called, “Time, Blood and Karma.” Then three more exciting novels were published in a series called, “Children of Karma.”
A hiatus followed, and fans came to believe that the party was over and the adventures of David Braddock were history, Until Mr. Dolan surprised us with the superb novel, “Possessed by Death”, in a new series, “Crimes of Inhumanity”, in which we learned that David Braddock had moved out of Thailand to relocate in London. The PI is now married to his assistant, Da, has a family and is working as a “therapist”.
“For The Hell of It” is the second book in this series and the ninth Braddock book overall. It’s a truly gripping story, full of intrigue, vice and powerful scenes of violence and brutal death. I was delighted to welcome the return of Braddock’s nemesis, the psychopathic Jim Fosse, who has to be one of the great villains of crime fiction. And though officially dead, he’s back, living in the Philippines and up to all his old tricks. The first half of the book is dedicated to Fosse and his schemes and machinations. And the reader gets to see how manipulative and clever the man is as he outmaneuvers criminals and CIA officers alike. But now he’s on a warpath, driven by an all- consuming malice and packing a kill list of his enemies; a list which features David Braddock.
As the story builds, and Braddock comes into the picture, we become aware that a showdown lies ahead. It’s tantalizing stuff. No plot spoilers from me other than to say that when it comes, the ending, the denouement, is electrifying.
I’m pleased to say that all Braddock’s personality idiosyncrasies his fans have come to enjoy are on display; the acerbic wit, the self-doubt, the introspection etc.
Dolan’s narrative is, as always, excellent. His ability to weave a complex, dramatic, thrilling, tale, peppered with dry humor is masterful. I await the next instalment in the series with great anticipation. “For The Hell of It”, gets my highest recommendation.

[Robert Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Complex Plot Delivered with Aplomb

Allegedly, this is the very last appearance of Mr. Dolan’s iconic detective and amateur therapist, David Braddock. I dearly hope that’s not true, but the bitter-sweetness helped me savor the current offering.

When I say the plot is complex, I mean I actually had trouble following the machinations of Braddock’s arch enemy and psychopath extraordinaire, Jim Fosse. But it hardly mattered because it all holds together seamlessly, allowing me to bypass mental gymnastics in favor of turning pages at a rapid rate.

Braddock doesn’t even appear until the second half of the book. Clever, that Dolan. Following Fosse from intricate conspiracy development to actual murder and mayhem is electrifying. Watching Fosse engage in masterful manipulation of hardened criminals and experienced CIA agents is superbly entertaining.

Once Braddock enters the picture, it is clear that the novel is building to a final encounter between Fosse and Braddock. Braddock has the penetrating and intuitive mind of a master detective. Fosse is smart, devious, and crafty. They are worthy opponents.

The suspense, as they say, was killing me. But Mr. Dolan has rarely produced a narrative and denouement that does anything less than make you fall off your chair, and make no mistake, he once again delivers. You cannot possibly anticipate the ending, and that is as it should be.

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always a pleasure to read John Dolan’s work. His characters, well-drawn, are always real, rife with flaws, and no matter how harsh or dark their predicaments may be, often amusing.

As Dolan’s character Jim Fosse, who faked his own death by murdering his twin brother, returns in this expertly woven thriller to carry out his final plans for revenge/murder on a list of targets he’s put together in his “For the hell of it” folder. As the quote above this book’s blurb indicates, Fosse doesn’t need a “good” reason to kill. Boredom is a perfectly acceptable motivation. So true, especially when one is devoid of conscience.

On Fosse (aka James Martin)’s kill list, is P.I. David Braddock, who readers have come to know in Dolan’s many other books: a wonderful character whose exploits I always enjoying reading. As I’m not one to recap a plot, I’d like to tell prospective readers why they should read this author’s work.

First, this engaging thriller is beautifully crafted. Each of the many characters play their roles ingeniously, in a plot that makes sense and feels as if everything comes together naturally. That is Dolan’s gift — to easily thread together a tantalizing story with none of it feeling contrived. What else do I like about this author? He has a wonderful use of language and his snarky, oft-times cheeky humor is never too far away. In fact, I guarantee you it’s always waiting just around the corner.

[Kathleen Harryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Fosse is back and he's compiled a list - For the Hell of It - containing the names of those who have wronged/irritated him and only their death is going to satisfy Mr Fosse. For those of us avid David Braddock readers, Jim Fosse is bad news. While he's delightfully amusing, he is a psychopath, a bored psychopath—expect a huge body count.

The book is broken up between characters, so we get a wonderful, if disturbing, insight into Mr Fosse's plans, and he's a very busy boy. David Braddock is well, David Braddock, dabbling in PI work and annoying his wife, Da. Unaware of Mr Fosse's For the Hell of It list, Mr Braddock's main issues are getting a secretary, drinking coffee, solving cases, and keeping Da happy. That is of course until Mr Fosse makes his move.

I have enjoyed this series of PI David Braddock books, so it was with nail-biting trepidation that I read For the Hell of It, after all, it's always sad to say farewell (if not entirely) to a well-loved character. The author has spiced things up with this one. It's a two-pronged approach and a rollercoaster of a ride. We see the return of some much-loved characters and the demise of others. This is a story that comes together piece-by-piece, is unpredictable, glorious and a whopper of an ending for David Braddock and Co.

[Pat Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

You didn't have to read the 'Time, Blood and Karma' and 'Children of Karma' books to appreciate the 'Crimes of Inhumanity' books 1 and 2, but you would have missed so much about the characters in them if you haven't.
The sign of a good writer for me is when you've read everything they have written and I have read everthing by John Dolan. What makes an 'excellent' writer is when you go back and read them again. I have re-read the Karma series twice now and still take such pleasure from them.
'For the Hell of it' had me enthralled and worried in equal measures because it felt like the end of something I never wanted to end (except maybe for Jim Fosse, the Moriarty to David Braddock's Holmes). Of course, I didn't want this book to end, the threats were too great. Endings aren't something I'm good at writing myself, it's probably because if you like a character you want them to remain immortal. However, I never give plots away or endings, but I got to this one in the middle of the night with a beaming smile on my face.
If you read for pleasure, I recommend reading these books in order. Such excellence and amazing Karma. Thank you John Dolan

[Martin Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOR THE HELL OF IT – John Dolan

John Dolan has blossomed again. A great thriller from a brilliant writer!

Jim Fosse, a psychopathic killer, manages to fool everyone that he is dead by murdering his twin brother and swapping identities with him. A retired American cop is not convinced however, and ultimately neither is therapist-come-detective, David Braddock. Jim Fosse delights in murder, and just for the hell of it, decides to embark on a program of eliminating a few of his contentious acquaintances from the past before he expires. Fosse’s complicated lifestyle involves his weird fascination of Wattana Chentip, a vicious sociopath. He extricates her from jail for succour and support but finds her uncontrollable.

Dolan melds his well-developed characters together with an intense and suspenseful plotline, captivating the reader until a clever and most satisfying denouement. He is without doubt, one of the best writers around, and one you can rely on to deliver a most original and convincing storyline. I love his work, and cannot praise it enough. Five well earned stars for this captivating page-turner!

[Veronica Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are bad men in the world. And sometimes, they come back.

Jim Fosse aka James Martin is one of those men. The itch to do evil deeds has returned. Murder is on his mind as he masterminds a deadly, international scheme to inflict a last act of revenge on those who thwarted his efforts years ago. The plan is meticulously executed around the globe, with deadly results--most according to plan. But not all.

In London, P.I. David Braddock reluctantly meets with an acquaintance he'd rather forget. The man reveals new allegations that bring Jim Fosse's murderous plot to a new light. As the crimes and clues are connected, David embarks on a journey to stop a notorious fiend that might be his last.

Author Dolan once again delivers a chilling tale of murder and international intrigue that pits characters together in a final act of deadly vengeance. Who will survive? Spoiler alert, you won't know until the last page. A suspense filled thriller, sure to keep you guessing, highly recommended!

[Eichin Chang-Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Hell of It by John Dolan is a gripping thriller that plunges readers into the tumultuous world of Private Investigator David Braddock and his chilling adversary, Jim Fosse. Dolan masterfully weaves suspense, razor-sharp wit, and vivid character dynamics to create an unforgettable story.
Braddock’s self-aware humor contrasts brilliantly with Fosse’s calculated malevolence, crafting a narrative as engaging as it is tense. Dolan’s signature dark humor adds moments of levity without undercutting the intensity, making the twists and turns all the more impactful. Each plot twist keeps you guessing, challenging your assumptions and blurring the line between reality and deception.
Rich character development makes the journeys of both familiar and new characters deeply compelling. The open-ended conclusion leaves readers eagerly anticipating what’s next in this complex and thrilling saga.
With its blend of sharp storytelling, nuanced characters, and darkly humorous undertones, For the Hell of It is a must-read for fans of intricate and intelligent thrillers.

[Cathleen Maza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For the Hell of It" is the latest murder thriller (Book 2 in the Crimes of Inhumanity series) written by author John Dolan. In this installment, bad guy Jim Fosse is evil incarnate after he returns from the dead to begin stirring up deadly mayhem that starts in the Philippines. As his luck begins to run a little thin, though, the diabolical Fosse moves across countries like a chess piece in order to fixate on his own agenda and personal hit list. Unfortunately, said list includes our favorite P.I., David Braddock, who now lives contentedly in London with his family. The intrigue and murders pile up, bringing the necessary players together for the ultimate game of cat and mouse. The story is more than enough to hook readers, but the wit and sarcasm of Dolan's characters most definitely add to the action and adventure. And there is a good twist at the end, to boot. Five stars and a "must read" for this suspenseful crime thriller!

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Hell of It (Crimes of Inhumanity, #2) by John Dolan is a slow-burn, thrill ride filled with shady characters that resemble the grizzled men in Panama hats you might see holding up the airport bar in a tropical airport that seem to have (a lot) more going on than what first meets the eye.

I have read almost everything this fantastic author has written and was delighted to see two characters I know quite well in the thick of it. Author, John Dolan writes unreliable characters so incredibly well, I expect them to take me on a ride and as always, I'm never disappointed.

The ending made a seamless finish, as it dropped a doozie and I loved every minute of it.

If you enjoy well-written novels with snarky wit, a tangible sense of place and mystery ... you have found your sweet spot. Well done!

[Lee Holz · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Dolan has long been the master of the first person singular form as his several series of David Bradford books attest. Now he has given us the multiple person singular mixed with third person. The result is a complicated and engrossing set of puzzles punctuated by violence. The reader gets into the heads of a number of characters. All are interesting and entertaining, even the villains. The pacing is sure, the seams were they should be. Buddhism and karma play a role as usual. Author Dolan has hit another one out of the park (or over the boundary (if you are over the pond from me).

[Ted Bun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crisp writing
Lots of twists
Great tension all the way to the last page
Superb… re@d it