Big Mojo

Austin Carr Mystery #3

by Jack Getze

“Gordon Gekko meets Janet Evanovich in this wry and winning caper—Jack Getze does it again!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony and Mary Higgins Clark Award winning author of Truth Be Told

Wall Street garbage washes up on the Jersey Shore when a wacky stock-jockey falls in love. Is he really attracted to the redheaded beauty—or her brother’s inside information? To survive, divorced father Austin will have to ward off Las Vegas gamblers who threaten his daughter, discover the fate of a jewel called Big Mojo, slam the lid on those potentially career-ending insider trading charges, and out-fox Mama Bones Bonacelli, the only woman in Jersey who runs a crew of mobsters.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2014

About the author

Former newsman Jack Getze's screwball mysteries -- BIG NUMBERS, BIG MONEY, BIG MOJO, and BIG SHOES -- were published by Down and Out Books, as was a thriller, THE BLACK KACHINA, and a new family suspense novel, MAKING HEARTS. His short stories have appeared online at A Twist of Noir, Beat to a Pulp, The Big Adios, and several anthologies.
Series:
* Austin Carr Mystery

Reviews

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Getze hasn't disappointed yet - Austin Carr continues battling bad luck in the third of the series, 'Bad Mojo.'

While the second ended on a cliffhanger which shows the main character's financial fortune may finally be turning around, this continuation of the story shows that particular journey is always perilous and on the brink of being lost.

While Carr holds back a little with his trademark 'full-boat grin' being written in' he's as likeable as ever. Unless it's my imagination, his previous brushes with danger have given him more of a backbone now when facing foes who want to beat him to a pulp or worse. He's still as tempted by dangerous women, however, which almost always gets him into some kind of trouble.

Mama Bones has a stronger firmhold on the story as she dabbles with superstitious creations, resulting in the heart of this book's humor. Louis is as clever and captivating as ever, even if he may have finally met his match.

I enjoyed Austin's parenting woes with his aging daughter, Beth, especially in a funny exchange at the bar and grill. These funny touches are a delight to read, but even if the humor is removed, there's always something happening and pacing is strong to the end. I can almost hear TV show theme music playing in the background as Austin either saunters or flees from one adventure to another.

Mystery wise, there's a nice twist or two at the end I wouldn't have guessed, as well as a clever save that results in yet another turn-around in Austin's life. The series continues to improve with each book, with this one being the best of the three. Can't wait to read more!

[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed the 2nd book in Getze's Austin Carr Series, , in March of 2014 and loved it.

Well, many of the characters from Big Money are in the new installment, Big Mojo. Austin is still preoccupied with and getting into trouble over women's *ahem* attributes, but this time it wasn't entirely his fault. At the wedding of a couple of friends, Mama Bones is wearing a scent that causes people who sniff it to fall in love with the next person who kisses them.

Mama Bones is Vic's mother, and Vic is Austin's former boss and now "junior partner". Mama B's idea is for Austin to kiss the bride after sniffing her scent, causing him to fall head over heels for his friend's new wife. Unfortunately, Vic's mistress steps in and kisses Austin before he can get to the bride. Vic doesn't put much stock in his mother's potions, but he may have to change his mind ... and fork over the $20K they bet on it working or not.

And if there's ever a case study for not giving ANYONE your computer passwords, Austin would be a case study. His partner Vic, in an attempt to get Austin stripped of his securities license (thereby forcing him to sell back control of the brokerage at a bargain price), trades on insider information on Austin's account. Yikes!!

Add to the mix a jealous, abusive ex-boyfriend for the aforementioned new bride, who just happens to be an enforcer for some people in Vegas. These same folks in Vegas pay Vic for this information with the "Big Mojo" a large ruby.

There are so many plot lines and connections in Big Mojo that it reminds me of trying to pick a single noodle out of a big pot of spaghetti. So do you just sit there and stare at it while it goes cold? No! You get a fork, twirl those noodles around and enjoy! Just like I did with Big Mojo.

Mr. Getze's writing style reminds me of those old black-and-white detective dramas like Perry Mason or Dragnet. I loved those back in the day, just like I enjoyed Big Mojo this past week or so. Getze relies on his writing skill and knowing his characters. (Austin has his own blog for Pete's sake!)

Big Mojo is a great addition to the Austin Carr Series. Now I just have to read the first book, Big Numbers before the 4th installment, Big Shoes, comes out this summer!

If you like noir fiction, this book and the series of which it is part, belongs on your TBR.

(Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.)

[Michele Seigfried · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out with numerous seemingly mismatched people and stories. A stock broker, an old Italian lady casting spells, a bartender about to be married, a red-headed woman, a thug from another country. At first I thought, where is this all going? But by the end of the book, the author wraps up all the story lines together in one big bow. I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book because of the author’s descriptive writing style and wouldn’t be surprised to see this book turned into a movie one day.

I enjoyed that the book took place down the Jersey shore, as I am a native New Jersey girl. I loved the name the author gave the river, a combination of the Manasquan and Navesink. I also enjoyed following the characters through Red Bank and Sandy Hook–places I know well. The only thing that made me raise an eyebrow was when Austin saw a pelican. Pelicans aren’t really associated with the northern shores of Jersey. A seagull, yes. Pelican? In nearly 44 years having lived in NJ, I’ve never heard of one being there. I know that’s a silly observation, and certainly didn’t detract from the story, but I just felt it sounded strange enough to stick in my head.

All-in-all, I enjoyed this thriller and look forward to reading more from this author. The characters are likeable and I didn’t feel lost in the plot, despite the fact that I hadn’t read the other books in the series. 4 stars.

*Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a book tour.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

First there was Big Numbers. Then came Big Money. Now we have Big Mojo. Jack Getze and Austin Carr make quite a pair. Getze brings Carr to life on each and every page.

Wherever Austin Carr goes trouble follows. There’s trouble at the office, Vic is not happy Austin now has 51% of his company and Rags thinks the company should belong to him. He has trouble at home with a teenage daughter flexing her teenage muscles. And then you have Mama Bones wanting to help her son Vic, but mainly looking out for herself and she is not afraid to use a little voodoo magic to get what she wants. Austin could end up in jail or dead and for what, a gigantic rock that may or may not be real.

Getze writes a tangled web that all seems to lead to the BIG MOJO. Like every book in this series you can be on the edge of your seat on moment and laughing out loud the next. I really feel bad for Austin Carr. He always wants to do the right thing and just when he thinks things are starting to go his way someone flips the tables and he running for his life and trying to keep his kids safe.

Jack Getze packs a huge punch with these shorter novels. Drama takes place at breakneck speed so you had better hold on tight. Big Mojo can be read as a stand alone but you need to start at the beginning to get the full Austin Carr experience. BIG SHOES is coming soon!

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we go again! Austin Carr, in this third book in the series, is once again enamored of a redhead. Of course, it’s never just any redhead and this time is no different. This redhead belongs to Mr. Vic and she comes with a little insider trading information to make it more interesting yet. Oh, yes, there’s also the big red stone, a stalker, a comatose Mr. Vic, Mama Bones, Austin’s mortal enemy, Rags Ragland and of course, since we’re talking Austin there has to be a federal investigation in there somewhere.

Our hero is off and running. Trying to keep his daughter, the new love of his life and himself safe takes a lot of running around and chasing and being chased but as always he can count on his buddy Luis who has an interest in what’s going on since the guy stalking Austin’s family seems to be someone from his new brides past. Mama Bones is keeping her finger in this puddle of crazy and stirring it up just a little.

Memorable characters and a fast moving story which is well written are what I love about this series. These books just seem to get better and better.

I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Numbers...Big Money and now,
BIG MOJO

Austin Carr continues to attract women as well as big trouble. When a love spell is cast that goes terribly wrong, Austin finds himself infatuated for yet another redhead. Could this be the "Big L"?? When a ginormous ruby, a ridiculous amount of money, and a jealous boyfriend get thrown in the mix things start getting pretty heavy. How in holy heck is Austin going to muddle through this mess unscathed? You wouldn't guess in a million years!

Jack Getze nailed it again!
I stumbled upon his first book by winning a free copy of "Big Numbers" from a Goodreads contest. I am an ultra picky reader and mystery/suspense is not the genre I am drawn to. I confess that from the very first page of his very first book i was absolutely hooked. All Jack's books have been over-the-top hilarious and use just the right amount of sarcasm to make him one of my top 3 authors EVER!

[Christa Nardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austin Carr is back and his investment business is still fraught with with woe, mostly at the hands of Vic and Rags. Vic wants Austin dead, but Mama Bones is sure one of her magic potions will do the trick. Add in Partricia Willis, whether dressed to kill or punked out, and the excitement builds. Austin wants to play it straight, but the boys from Vegas are involved along with the Big Mojo (is it real or fake?). To complicate things, his teenage daughter Beth is, well, being a teenager and rebelling. Somehow Austin has to avoid being killed or going to prison for insider trading while he protects Beth, who seems to have inherited his screwball tendencies. As with the previous books in the series, Getze has done it again and created a thoroughly enjoyable entertaining read. Yes, BIG MOJO can be read as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself of the previous two?

[Jaime K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this in a goodreads giveaway.

I have not read any other books by Getze, though I may want to just to have a better grasp on the background of this novel. This was more of a 3.5 due to some awkward circumstances (not within the plot but written into the story)

Austin Carr is a broker who has caused problems for his former boss, Vic, and his ex sales manager, Rags. Vic's girlfriend, Patricia, has some inside stock information that can bring in the big bucks...and possibly cause the loss of a license. She also ends up falling for Austin after Vic's mother, Mama Bones, concocts a love potion for Austin to make his life a bit more difficult - even though, deep down, she has a soft spot for him. Austin also learns of Santa Vargas, his friend's ex and a man who is intricately involved in everything.

Suddenly, Austin is under attack by Rags, Vic, the FBI, Santos, and an ex-cop...with guns, threats, and/or painful words.
It's the guns that Austin doesn't like.

It's very nice to read a novel about someone in a high-stakes job who doesn't fear guns, but does not take the business end of one lightly. He gets nervous when confronted with one, and doesn't act completely cocky.
I also like that the focus changes between first-person (Austin) and third person (Mama Bones). I know not everyone likes that, but the transitions were smooth (and the breaks were noticeable). Knowing what Mama Bones was doing on the side almost made it movie-like and helped move the plot along.

Patricia tells Austin another secret: Not only did Vic rake in the big bucks before a merge, but he was able to get his hands on a ruby named the Big Mojo. Now Austin has to worry about the fate of that as well as his job.
And his daughter's life (as well as his own). His daughter, Beth, seems like an odd addition, but she does have an important role in the story. Some of her scenes (and Austin's with her or thinking of her) read a bit awkwardly.

[Robin Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the first few lines of the book: “The big thing Jersey stockbrokers: we’re in cutthroat business. If we don’t keep our client names and their contact information secure, other brokers will pirate our business.” To this the fact his firm barely has any income, because his is derived just from his own sales and transactions involving his personal clients; and that Austin Carr is a ladies man and womanizer continues to attract them. And then add in voodoo spells. What I got is get is a roller coaster ride of a story in which the twists and fast turns it takes can make some readers dizzy.

In the mix for the storyline this book takes you have the boyfriend of a woman he’s involved, a gigantic ruby, a vast amount of money, and the risk of our main character going to jail. While I’d been rooting for him as I read this book, all this made me wonder whether or not even had a slim chance of surviving. What happened to Austin in the end; whether or not he did survive, I’m not telling. You’ve got to read the book and take this ride yourself.

For the fun ride I’ve received in reading this book, I’m more than happy to give it 5 STARS ! ! !

I received an autograph copy of this book in a GoodReads giveaway in return for my honest review of this book.

Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of a recently released book entitled, “Micro Fiction – An Anthology”; as well as a MG/YA Paranormal Romance novel entitled “I Kissed a Ghost.”

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS



I like Austin Carr more and more. He is smart, gets into so much trouble, lots of drama, action and you are not sure who is good or bad until the end. Austin Carr has a lot of enemies, but he also has some good friends, and enemies.



His partner Mr. Vic Bonacellis calls him into his office and introduces him to a beautiful women who has insider information. They want him to buy stocks with the information and think they can get away with it. Austin does think about it for a moment but he is not willing to risk going to jail and risking his future with his kids.



Vic hates Austin especially after he left him holding a mess of trouble last year and he ended up now as major partner of the firm. He wants his mom to have him killed.



Mama Bones Bonacelli likes Austin but is willing to mess with him. She decides to put a spell on him. Mama is part of the local mob. The spell goes wrong if it works.



You never can guess where this story goes it has so many twists and turns. Austin is beat up a couple of times, he is being accused of insider trading, trouble with his daughter, he is falling in love and is best friend at a wedding. It has a little bit of everything in this story. It is a book that is not boring at all.



The setting is the Jersey Shore.



I was given Big Mojo to read and in return I agreed to give honest review and be part of Big Mojo's book tour.

[Roxann · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the cover: Wall Street garbage washes up on the Jersey Shore when a small time broker falls in love: Is he attracted to the beautiful lady—or her brother’s inside information? It's even possible the savvy, fast-talking Austin Carr was tricked into his condition by a love potion. Whatever the reason, Austin is again held spellbound by a steamy redhead, this one with a dubious past and a get-rich-quick, insider trading scheme. Austin must overcome the ill-tempered “Mr. Vic” Bonacelli, who wants his redhead back, Mr. Vic's mother, local mob lieutenant and amateur chemist, Angelina “Mama Bones” Bonacelli, plus a violent criminal from his friend Luis' past. To survive, Austin will have to shoot a man, discover the fate of a jewel called the Big Mojo, slam the lid on a career-ruining insider trading case, then settle up with Mama Bones from inside a giant, sharp-bladed dough mixer


This is the third book in the series. Our hero is off and running from the beginning of the book. He, Austin, tries shuffling to keep his daughter, new lady friend and himself safe from the ‘bad guys’. He has the help of his friend Luis. The feds are involved in this story and many things are pointing to Austin. The story is enjoyable. I really liked the character Mama Bones. She almost makes me laugh. The ending of this story is wonderful-just how Austin comes out looking good.

I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Johannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. One it's short, and each chapter is therefore readable in a few minutes, like while you are stopped at a red light.

Ok, I didn't really read it while driving - but seriously any time I had a few minutes -- I could catch up with the mayhem going on in the book. And sadly, just a few minutes is what I have to spare in my hectic life, so this book fit me perfectly.

Not sure of what was really going on and why for a long time, nevertheless enjoying the twists and turns -- while trying to figure out what really was going to happen, and how it was possibly going to work out for the main character Austin Carr was enjoyable for me. Plus it didn't ask me to invest a lot of time - as the short chapters packed tons of information to digest and was able to fully describe the action.

Took me into the 20's chapter wise but when I got there, I knew I had to find a chair and finish the book. And not to spoil it, but I loved how it turned out in the end.

Thank you, Goodreads and Jack Getze for a book that didn't ask me to invest a lot, but was very enjoyable to read.

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a little humor in mysteries and, of course, cozies are the most likely places to find it but Big Mojo isn't one of those. In a way, it sort of harks back to the days of the "caper" that is still around but not quite as prevalent as in past years. It also has the "Lucy" touch, as in Lucille Ball, meaning things get all screwy and hilarity ensues. In other words, Big Mojo made me smile a lot and even occasionally laugh out loud.

Austin is the kind of guy who is easily tempted or, at the very least, distracted and this time the big enticements are a chance to do a little insider trading and a goodlooking redheaded woman. He sees the light pretty quickly about the trading but still lands in a heap of trouble over it and, unfortunately for him, redheads are his particular weakness. His partner, Vic, is looking for a way to get rid of Austin and Vic's mother, Mama Bones, is tinkering with a bit of black magic. Oh, and bullets are flying.

And, at home, Austin has to cope with that most difficult of people, a teenage daughter.

This was my first encounter with Austin Carr and I will most certainly be on the lookout for his earlier adventures and those still to come.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a former Securities Agent. We all live in fear of having to stand before the SEC and losing our licenses. I really identified with Austin Carr, the main character. I have since left the industry, but so often we would see or hear something that would make us cringe and think "There goes my license". Austin is "invited" in to a client meeting with his former Boss Vic. there is a stunning red head in the room named Patricia. Patricia shares a tale of information gleaned from her brother about a merger. The profit made form this information could be staggering. And it is highly illegal.



The story progresses and characters are added. Colorful characters who made me laugh and wince. The ride this story takes you on is worth the price of admission. Several surprises along the way make this a page turner that was almost impossible to put down. I am now a fan. I need ot go back and read the previous stories. I suspect austin car and I have unfinished business.

[Rich Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as it is reminds of an old school story of a flawed but likeable hero.The story contains a variety of story lines and characters that come to a satisfying conclusion.The only complaint I had is it probably would have been beneficial to have read the earlier Austin Carr books to fully understand all the characters and their relationships. ######I won this book through goodreads in exchange for an unbiased review. ######

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first time reading anything by Jack Getze, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced, great characters and well done mystery. My only regret is that I have not read any of the other Austin Carr series, which will now be on my list. Thanks jack! I won this great book on GoodReads and like I do with most my wins I will be paying it forward by giving my win either to a friend or library to enjoy.

[Sandralk · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to thank Goodreads (and author, Jack Getze), as I won this autographed book from their Giveaway!

For a short book the pages were action packed with a variety of suspicious characters It was difficult to determine which person was lying of just plain crazy.

The story takes place on the East Coast, in New Jersey where stockbroker Austin Carr
gets caught up in a hot mess. You'll read about money, greed, Italian family, friendship, lust and a crazy spell or two.

[Ken Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully funny, entertaining and engaging novel. Great visual descriptions, fast moving plots woven together well, satisfying climax and close. I read it at the beach, and while traveling and chuckled as I couldn't put it down. Wonderful.

This was a First Read book sent to me and signed by the author.

[Delta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read the first two Austin Carr books so I guess I missed some of the character development. However, the book is still full of character development and plot. I would have liked to have the story a bit longer with the scenes more developed, but it's a good short book for some quick action and adventure.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

[Sweetpea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads Program in exchange for an honest review. Big Mojo was a very enjoyable read with lots of interesting characters and many twists and turns.

[Sharon Teagarden-king · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really felt sorry for Austin; not too smart to get into the trouble he did, needed to make better friendsa. Mama Bones in reality is unbelievable in the world of the mob, all in all an enjoyable read with twists and turns; a page turner

[Dagmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, entertaining. I didn't have much time to connect with the characters but they were not without depth and believable. There is even a little bit of magic! No, you'll not get lost in the story but still enjoy the ride. A good book to read at the doctor's office or in an airplane.

[Julie Witte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through GoodReads First Reads. I loved loved this book. I read this in one day because I just could not put it down. Smoothly plotted, with a surprise around many corners. A great read! Top-Shelf.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to goodreads for sending me this book. It's the first Austin Carr I've read. It's an actual 3.5 but I rounded up because I enjoyed the sense of humor. It's direct, fast paced, easy to read and engaging. I would like to see Mama Bones on the movie screen. She would be a hoot.

[Vykki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent mystery it really kept you reading. I really enjoyed the characters and the story was great. I won this book on good reads.

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: received for free via Goodreads.

A worthy successor to Big Money and Big Numbers--and even more thrilling, if that's possible. Getze has really found his voice.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so excited to get this book through the First Reads program. The reviews are terrific and it just seems like a fun read. Looking forward to it!

[Judy Walraven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Goodreads giveaway was a clever book with eclectic characters and a fast story.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good mystery. I liked the way it ended,

[Linda Gwiazdowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed this book,loved the characters and their interactions with each other.