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Dominick Price
Murder Boy
Dominick Prince is out of options. He’s lived in Detroit long enough to use his experiences of crime and poverty to fuel his writing, but he’s ready to move on to bigger and better things. Dominick’s thesis advisor, the elitist Parker Farmington, refuses to let Dominick pass his class, thinking the genre of potboilers beneath him. Which means rather than becoming the next literary sensation, Dominick will spend his life asking customers if they’d like fries with that. And if that’s the only plan, kidnapping doesn’t seem like such a bad plan B.
So if Farmington won’t pass him willfully, Dominick will make him do it forcefully. And once he has Farmington’s signature, fame and fortune are within Dominick’s grasp. But while Dominick may have a devious and brilliant mind on the page, in reality he’s more Betty White than Walter White. And before he can write ’the plot thickens,’ Dominick’s plan begins to go horribly wrong. Teaming with Farmington’s jilted mistress and her loose-cannon bounty hunter brother, Dominick finds that if even the best laid plans go awry, then his doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell. And being a great writer won't matter much if he's six feet under.
So if Farmington won’t pass him willfully, Dominick will make him do it forcefully. And once he has Farmington’s signature, fame and fortune are within Dominick’s grasp. But while Dominick may have a devious and brilliant mind on the page, in reality he’s more Betty White than Walter White. And before he can write ’the plot thickens,’ Dominick’s plan begins to go horribly wrong. Teaming with Farmington’s jilted mistress and her loose-cannon bounty hunter brother, Dominick finds that if even the best laid plans go awry, then his doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell. And being a great writer won't matter much if he's six feet under.
- GenresMystery
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
10 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Bryon Quertermous
15 books39 followersBryon Quertermous is the New York Times bestselling author of the the Dominick Prince trilogy and Jackpot, co-written with Stuart Woods. His short stories have appeared in a number of print and online journals of varying repute. He was shortlisted for the Debut Dagger Award from the Crime Writers Association.
Bryon lives in suburban Detroit where he can be found screaming at the TV during football and baseball season and playing video games and board games with his kids the rest of the time. Visit him online at bryonquertermous.com
Bryon lives in suburban Detroit where he can be found screaming at the TV during football and baseball season and playing video games and board games with his kids the rest of the time. Visit him online at bryonquertermous.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 20, 2015
Full disclosure: This book was provided to me gratis in exchange for my honest review.
To begin with, what I liked about the book. The story is told from the point of view of the protagonist, Dominic Prince, in a humorous, wise-cracking, almost stream of consciousness fashion. Dominic is an aspiring writer, currently stymied in his attempts to get his college thesis advisor to sign off on his final project novel, preventing Dominic from moving on in his writing career. This state of affairs has Dominic in a rather frantic state of mind, and he hatches a less than well thought out scheme to kidnap his mentor and somehow force him to provide the necessary signature of approval. The novel unfolds into a fever-dreamish, altered reality-feeling burlesque of a story through the introduction of a truly bizarre cast of characters who do their best to help/hinder Dominic in his efforts to achieve his goal. All of this I could appreciate.
However...
I have to preface my criticisms by acknowledging that I am not by any means a professional literary critic, and that my likes and dislikes are purely personal taste. That being said, I really wanted to like this novel. However, the facets of the novel which annoyed me unfortunately overwhelmed the aspects which I liked. I found the rapid fire conversational segments to be confusing and tedious; I thought the constant interruptions between speakers was way overused and annoying. I found myself having to re-read too many of the conversations in order to keep the story thread straight; again, somewhat annoying. By the conclusion of the story I realized that I had had to suspend my disbelief in too much of the story to find it enjoyable. Finally, the straw that broke this camel's back was something that is a personal pet-peeve of mine; there were just too many proof-reading errors present to allow me to read through the book unperturbed.
As I said above I really wanted to like this book (I patiently read it all the way though) but in the final analysis it just didn't make for a satisfying read for me (sorry, Bryon).
To begin with, what I liked about the book. The story is told from the point of view of the protagonist, Dominic Prince, in a humorous, wise-cracking, almost stream of consciousness fashion. Dominic is an aspiring writer, currently stymied in his attempts to get his college thesis advisor to sign off on his final project novel, preventing Dominic from moving on in his writing career. This state of affairs has Dominic in a rather frantic state of mind, and he hatches a less than well thought out scheme to kidnap his mentor and somehow force him to provide the necessary signature of approval. The novel unfolds into a fever-dreamish, altered reality-feeling burlesque of a story through the introduction of a truly bizarre cast of characters who do their best to help/hinder Dominic in his efforts to achieve his goal. All of this I could appreciate.
However...
I have to preface my criticisms by acknowledging that I am not by any means a professional literary critic, and that my likes and dislikes are purely personal taste. That being said, I really wanted to like this novel. However, the facets of the novel which annoyed me unfortunately overwhelmed the aspects which I liked. I found the rapid fire conversational segments to be confusing and tedious; I thought the constant interruptions between speakers was way overused and annoying. I found myself having to re-read too many of the conversations in order to keep the story thread straight; again, somewhat annoying. By the conclusion of the story I realized that I had had to suspend my disbelief in too much of the story to find it enjoyable. Finally, the straw that broke this camel's back was something that is a personal pet-peeve of mine; there were just too many proof-reading errors present to allow me to read through the book unperturbed.
As I said above I really wanted to like this book (I patiently read it all the way though) but in the final analysis it just didn't make for a satisfying read for me (sorry, Bryon).
March 20, 2015
I just finished reading an advance copy. Wow, what a ride. This book moves quickly across the upper mid-west, into and out of Canada, the initial perpetrator and pursuer becoming the pursued. This book is wildly funny. Quertermous does a juggling act, keeping the dozen or so characters in play and never drops the thread or misleads the reader.
This is also a really sweet story.
I look forward to his next offering.
This is also a really sweet story.
I look forward to his next offering.
January 29, 2022
A hot mess but in many ways a good way. I was strongly reminded of the Confederacy of dunces while reading this. There were many amusing points in this novel and I applaud the author for originality. However, it all got a bit much for this reader and I ended up skimming the last bit. I think it could’ve greatly used an editor and much of this could’ve been condensed.
April 8, 2015
Put yourself into this situation: You are Dominick Prince. You have worked hard at college and have a job lined up for after graduation. You are excited about the prospects that lie in front of you. The only thing that stands between you and your future is having your college thesis accepted by your advisor. Your college advisor informs you that he will not sign off on your thesis, a proclamation that will destroy your plans and will officially ensure you have a life devoid of any hope to be successful. WHAT DO YOU DO?
Well if you are the main character in Bryon Quertemous’ novel, Murder Boy, you would begin to plot to kidnap your advisor and get him to sign off on your thesis one way or another. The cast of characters that Quertemous has created are off the wall and more than up to the challenge of helping Prince get what he desires.
The story is so well written that I got lost in the plot. There were parts where I laughed out loud, parts where I wanted the chapters to hurry up so I could find out how situations would end, and parts where I was praying the book would never end. When you put all these emotions together, you can easily see why this book was a winner in my eyes.
I have read some of Quertemous’ work in some short story anthologies, but getting to read his work in a longer vehicle such a this novel, was a pleasure. He has a writing style that is suited for short stories or novels and that tells me he is an author to watch. This book is going to be talked about for a long time, it is that good.
Highly recommended.
Well if you are the main character in Bryon Quertemous’ novel, Murder Boy, you would begin to plot to kidnap your advisor and get him to sign off on your thesis one way or another. The cast of characters that Quertemous has created are off the wall and more than up to the challenge of helping Prince get what he desires.
The story is so well written that I got lost in the plot. There were parts where I laughed out loud, parts where I wanted the chapters to hurry up so I could find out how situations would end, and parts where I was praying the book would never end. When you put all these emotions together, you can easily see why this book was a winner in my eyes.
I have read some of Quertemous’ work in some short story anthologies, but getting to read his work in a longer vehicle such a this novel, was a pleasure. He has a writing style that is suited for short stories or novels and that tells me he is an author to watch. This book is going to be talked about for a long time, it is that good.
Highly recommended.
June 14, 2015
This is a roller coaster ride reminiscent of Charles Willeford. It reminds me too of why all university professors fear their students. When a professor refuses to sign off on Dominick's thesis, thus putting an obstacle between Dominick and his future in a graduate program and his success as a writer, the story takes off. There is barely a moment to catch your breath in this funny, witty, ride through the streets of Detroit with detours into Canada for a Tim Horton stop. Getting inside Domick's brain and listening to his repartee is pure joy.
November 1, 2015
"Murder Boy" is a wild ride straight down a roller coaster of violence and what can be called a happy-go-lucky plan involving kidnapping, murder, extortion and late night Taco Bell runs. SE Michigan serves as the main location for this book, with Toledo and southern and east Ontario as well. This is an amazing fast read and the narrative voice takes you along as a passenger enjoying the ride.
February 4, 2021
One of the worst books I have read.
October 23, 2022
atrocious.
August 29, 2015
Having been stuck in the wasteland that is crime and poverty-ridden Detroit for the majority of his life, things were finally headed in the right direction for Dominick Prince; he was on the verge of getting a fresh start.
As soon as his creative writing professor, Parker Farmington, signed off on Dominick’s final thesis project, Dominick would be on his way to New York City and a waiting writing fellowship. But a funny thing happened on the way to the bright lights of the Big Apple.
Farmington refused to sign off.
At the end of his rope and desperate, Dominick comes up with a novel solution: kidnap Farmington and force him to sign. Not the way most people would go, granted, but Dominick is truly convinced he has nothing left to lose.
And so, fueled by a combination of alcohol, rage and desperation, with a chaser of self-delusion, Dominick sets his plot into motion. The results are undeniably disastrous, and marvelously madcap. As Dominick’s ill-conceived plan pinballs from pillar to post, author Bryon Quertermous introduces a colorful cast of supporting characters, each of whom adds their own special flavor to the mix.
Femme fatale Posey Wade, Farmington’s disgruntled girlfriend (“Let’s keep that buzz going while you tell me about this kidnapping plan of yours.”), and her unstable bounty hunter brother (“I find people, I chase people, and occasionally I shoot people.”) are first to the party, and if Dominick’s plan wasn’t already doomed the addition of the Wade family decidedly seals its fate. Add in an angsty serial killer trying to find his voice (“We’re two young guys trying to find our ways. Yours is writing, mine is killing.”), a University Police Sergeant with fuzzy motives and loyalties (“I know people who know people who know stuff…and shit. You know?”), the pompous professor himself (“If we’re going to work together, you’re going to have to increase your verbal skills.”), and perhaps the most unique fan club this side of Trekkers, and it all makes for a deliciously dark skewering of crime fiction, academia, ambition and envy.
Done straight-up, there’s nothing particularly original about a desperate man driven to criminal lengths to accomplish his life’s goal. With Murder Boy, however, Quertermous has made the bold decision to add a tremendous injection of gallows humor to the traditionally dead serious crime fiction arena. Don’t let the lighter tone fool you though. Woven in amidst the antics is a subtle journey of self-discovery, as well as a rather biting, and accurate, commentary about the perils of tying one’s identity to one’s ambition.
The end result of it all is a wonderfully refreshing change of pace, and an authorial voice that immediately sets itself apart from the pack.
As soon as his creative writing professor, Parker Farmington, signed off on Dominick’s final thesis project, Dominick would be on his way to New York City and a waiting writing fellowship. But a funny thing happened on the way to the bright lights of the Big Apple.
Farmington refused to sign off.
At the end of his rope and desperate, Dominick comes up with a novel solution: kidnap Farmington and force him to sign. Not the way most people would go, granted, but Dominick is truly convinced he has nothing left to lose.
And so, fueled by a combination of alcohol, rage and desperation, with a chaser of self-delusion, Dominick sets his plot into motion. The results are undeniably disastrous, and marvelously madcap. As Dominick’s ill-conceived plan pinballs from pillar to post, author Bryon Quertermous introduces a colorful cast of supporting characters, each of whom adds their own special flavor to the mix.
Femme fatale Posey Wade, Farmington’s disgruntled girlfriend (“Let’s keep that buzz going while you tell me about this kidnapping plan of yours.”), and her unstable bounty hunter brother (“I find people, I chase people, and occasionally I shoot people.”) are first to the party, and if Dominick’s plan wasn’t already doomed the addition of the Wade family decidedly seals its fate. Add in an angsty serial killer trying to find his voice (“We’re two young guys trying to find our ways. Yours is writing, mine is killing.”), a University Police Sergeant with fuzzy motives and loyalties (“I know people who know people who know stuff…and shit. You know?”), the pompous professor himself (“If we’re going to work together, you’re going to have to increase your verbal skills.”), and perhaps the most unique fan club this side of Trekkers, and it all makes for a deliciously dark skewering of crime fiction, academia, ambition and envy.
Done straight-up, there’s nothing particularly original about a desperate man driven to criminal lengths to accomplish his life’s goal. With Murder Boy, however, Quertermous has made the bold decision to add a tremendous injection of gallows humor to the traditionally dead serious crime fiction arena. Don’t let the lighter tone fool you though. Woven in amidst the antics is a subtle journey of self-discovery, as well as a rather biting, and accurate, commentary about the perils of tying one’s identity to one’s ambition.
The end result of it all is a wonderfully refreshing change of pace, and an authorial voice that immediately sets itself apart from the pack.
October 22, 2015
Picked up "Murder Boy" at Bouchercon, and even listened to Bryon on one of the panels. I really wanted to like the book more than I did...ya know, that personal connection; however, I found some of the protagonist's asides and comments stopped the pace too often for me, and somewhere around page 150 in my copy, I think the copy-editor fell asleep for several pages, which made me trip too many times over what should have been simple lines. Can't put all that on the writer though. While I liked the odd-ball assortment of characters, I found some of the twists a bit hard to follow (as did our hero), which made me have to reread too many lines for clarity. And some of the characters did not really fitting into their roles easily. Readers read, and some of the characters who were supposedly readers did everything but read. They were squeezed into the plot, like a fat lady into a slinky wedding gown, for the shock effect of contradiction more than anything else it seemed.
Still it was a heck of a run, and I like a fish out of water character who gets beaten and knocked around, because, well, he should come up bruised; he's in unfamiliar territory. One thing that bugged me was that I lost some believability in the protagonist's journey in the middle of the story. He had a safety net if all went bad. Also, he was self-centered beyond my tolerance for a mid-20-year-old lamenting never being the writer he might be because he might have to work at a menial job. Dude! That's where you find some stories to cut your teeth on. It gets a barely there four from me, because, well, I saw him speak at Bouchercon and...ya know
Still it was a heck of a run, and I like a fish out of water character who gets beaten and knocked around, because, well, he should come up bruised; he's in unfamiliar territory. One thing that bugged me was that I lost some believability in the protagonist's journey in the middle of the story. He had a safety net if all went bad. Also, he was self-centered beyond my tolerance for a mid-20-year-old lamenting never being the writer he might be because he might have to work at a menial job. Dude! That's where you find some stories to cut your teeth on. It gets a barely there four from me, because, well, I saw him speak at Bouchercon and...ya know
March 28, 2015
First off, I'd like to thank Bryon for sending me an advanced copy his debut novel to read and review.
This was one wild and crazy ride with some of the strangest cast of characters this side of Elmore Leonard. In many ways it's like a b-movie version of Michael Chabon's Wonder Boys crossed with Out of Sight.
Dominick Prince is so desperate to jump start his writing career that he plans to kidnap his writing instructor because he won't sign off on his thesis. Being a wannabe crime writer, what choice does Dominick have? Although plan is a pretty strong word for what Dominick has in mind for his mentor, Parker Farmington.
Helping and hindering him in this adventure are Parker's girlfriend Posey and her bounty hunting brother, Titus. We also meet a lovelorn policewoman named Lindsey Buckingham and would be serial killer named Rickard, whose trying to find his voice.
Oh, did I mention the guys in wedding dresses causing havoc?
From some of Detroit's mean streets and over the Canadian border, it all comes to a head in Toledo at a book festival attended by some strange individuals.
Though far from perfect, Murder Boy is a fun, somewhat sweet, adventure. In the end, Dominick learns a lot about himself and forces us to care how it all comes out.
I'm looking forward to see what Bryon Quertermous delivers next.
This was one wild and crazy ride with some of the strangest cast of characters this side of Elmore Leonard. In many ways it's like a b-movie version of Michael Chabon's Wonder Boys crossed with Out of Sight.
Dominick Prince is so desperate to jump start his writing career that he plans to kidnap his writing instructor because he won't sign off on his thesis. Being a wannabe crime writer, what choice does Dominick have? Although plan is a pretty strong word for what Dominick has in mind for his mentor, Parker Farmington.
Helping and hindering him in this adventure are Parker's girlfriend Posey and her bounty hunting brother, Titus. We also meet a lovelorn policewoman named Lindsey Buckingham and would be serial killer named Rickard, whose trying to find his voice.
Oh, did I mention the guys in wedding dresses causing havoc?
From some of Detroit's mean streets and over the Canadian border, it all comes to a head in Toledo at a book festival attended by some strange individuals.
Though far from perfect, Murder Boy is a fun, somewhat sweet, adventure. In the end, Dominick learns a lot about himself and forces us to care how it all comes out.
I'm looking forward to see what Bryon Quertermous delivers next.
July 16, 2015
File this one under "There's no accounting for taste." And by that, I mean mine. By all accounts, this is one that should've appealed to me. The premise promises something like The Wonder Boys meets Fargo and Koryta's endorsement (among others) makes it seem like that promise is fulfilled.
But nope. Just didn't do anything for me at all. Didn't find it funny. Didn't buy any of the characters. I wanted the protagonist/narrator to get smacked around and dumped in the trunk of the car for everything after chapter 4 (and I wouldn't have been incredibly concerned with the state of his health while in the trunk). Really, nothing about it (apart from the premise) appealed to me.
Quertermous mingles in some thoughts (maybe insights?) about narrative -- both what we read and what we construct for ourselves. There's actually a lot of metanarrative fodder for thought sprinkled throughout. And if I liked this book -- even a little -- I think I'd have found it insightful and entertaining. But as things were, it just came across as pretentious and annoying.
I might -- might -- give this another shot when the sequel comes out. Or I just might try the sequel, to see if it was my mood, the kind of books I'm reading at the moment, or something else that shows my problem with the book was internal. But right now? Just humbug.
But nope. Just didn't do anything for me at all. Didn't find it funny. Didn't buy any of the characters. I wanted the protagonist/narrator to get smacked around and dumped in the trunk of the car for everything after chapter 4 (and I wouldn't have been incredibly concerned with the state of his health while in the trunk). Really, nothing about it (apart from the premise) appealed to me.
Quertermous mingles in some thoughts (maybe insights?) about narrative -- both what we read and what we construct for ourselves. There's actually a lot of metanarrative fodder for thought sprinkled throughout. And if I liked this book -- even a little -- I think I'd have found it insightful and entertaining. But as things were, it just came across as pretentious and annoying.
I might -- might -- give this another shot when the sequel comes out. Or I just might try the sequel, to see if it was my mood, the kind of books I'm reading at the moment, or something else that shows my problem with the book was internal. But right now? Just humbug.
October 25, 2015
I simply cannot finish this book. I was going to give up at chapter 4, but thought, "No keep going, give it a try…" but now at chapter 15 I'm throwing in the towel. Nothing rings true, in any sense whatsoever, I don't care about any of the characters, let alone follow the choppy storyline. It's hard for me to put my finger on it, but there's something pretentious about it, to have the author have a character (who is also an author, or likes to think he is) say, "I was never good with words in person, but I could make them dance on the page", well…. I certainly don't find any words dancing here. And if the protagonist (or author) holds himself in such high esteem, maybe it's a good idea to not forego proofreading for grammatical errors that is needed here.
To use the author's own words, sums this up for me, "It was just a big jumble with no spine", and "There are no delineated plot points to keep readers interested. There's just a random series of events triggered by even more random minutiae".
To use the author's own words, sums this up for me, "It was just a big jumble with no spine", and "There are no delineated plot points to keep readers interested. There's just a random series of events triggered by even more random minutiae".
September 27, 2015
Grad student and aspiring crime writer Dominick Prince just wants his professor to sign off on his thesis so he can move on into the nice writing fellowship he sees as his ticket out of Detroit. But when the snotty Parker Farmington refuses to put his name on the dotted line, Dominick concocts a plot with the professor's equally disgruntled girlfriend and her insane bounty hunter brother to kidnap him and force him to sign. Poor Dominick is quickly in over his head, because let's face it, this schmendrick would be out of his depth in a rain puddle.
The plot ricochets from place to place, with bizarre and hilarious characters and situations popping up and recurring with the surreal almost-logic of a bad dream. There's a lot of "WTF?" followed by a lot of "ROTFL!" Hardcore crime fiction fans will spot a few in-jokes here. I confess, this book took a little getting used to at first, but pretty soon I was digging it. Highly recommended.
The plot ricochets from place to place, with bizarre and hilarious characters and situations popping up and recurring with the surreal almost-logic of a bad dream. There's a lot of "WTF?" followed by a lot of "ROTFL!" Hardcore crime fiction fans will spot a few in-jokes here. I confess, this book took a little getting used to at first, but pretty soon I was digging it. Highly recommended.
October 24, 2015
"To my uncle, John Merkel. He gave me my first typewriter and my first crime novel. This is all his fault". Thus Quertermous kicks us off into a Duane Swierczynski like universe. Given a crazy premise and a crazy protagonist, one isn't surprised by the crazy changes of direction in the 'plot' or the out of sync reactions of the players.
But as the pages turn and the whining never ceases one becomes worn down---at least I did. Laughs turned to chuckles which faded, finally hitting bottom as impatience.
POLIS books did not do anyone a favor with the line editing; the book is rife with egregious errors.
After setting the hook with a fine Dedication, Quertermous fades away well before the stretch. My guess is that it would have been a better book if he spent four years writing it instead of eight.
But as the pages turn and the whining never ceases one becomes worn down---at least I did. Laughs turned to chuckles which faded, finally hitting bottom as impatience.
POLIS books did not do anyone a favor with the line editing; the book is rife with egregious errors.
After setting the hook with a fine Dedication, Quertermous fades away well before the stretch. My guess is that it would have been a better book if he spent four years writing it instead of eight.
June 8, 2015
Dominick Prince plans one TINY kidnapping, and then everything spins out of control. And often out of any reasonable sense.
MURDER BOY has one of the most epically bizarre casts of characters I've read in years. More than once I had to go back and re-read paragraphs, sometimes a whole chapter, because I just couldn't believe what was going on. And I mean that in the best possible way.
This is Bryon Quertermous' first novel, and there's apparently a sequel on the way. I can't imagine what's coming next.
MURDER BOY has one of the most epically bizarre casts of characters I've read in years. More than once I had to go back and re-read paragraphs, sometimes a whole chapter, because I just couldn't believe what was going on. And I mean that in the best possible way.
This is Bryon Quertermous' first novel, and there's apparently a sequel on the way. I can't imagine what's coming next.
February 24, 2016
Kind of torn on this review. I found the book highly entertaining, but lacking in realism and character depth. All this outrageous stuff is going down, but the characters don't show much emotion or care. But it was a fun, quick read. If there was more flexibility in the rating system, I'd probably give 3.5 stars based on entertainment value.
July 21, 2015
Proof that crime fiction does not need to be bleak to be highly enjoyable. With a motley cast of characters and threads of truth underlying a well paced plot, Murder Boy both pokes at and champions the crime lit genre.
January 2, 2016
A solid debut novel. Comparisons to Christopher Moore are well suited because of the humor in the story. Overall, I think the next book will likely be the stronger showing but I do recommend Murder Boy for fans of crime fiction who want a different spin on a crime story.
September 1, 2016
Equal parts Leonard, Chabon and Eugenides all sharing a joint and a bottle of good rye.
There's a good playfulness here, a screwball noir and an engaging, self deprecating narrator who makes this descent into horror and murder into a swift, amiable book.
There's a good playfulness here, a screwball noir and an engaging, self deprecating narrator who makes this descent into horror and murder into a swift, amiable book.
April 30, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews