Perk Noir

by Chris Garson

What do jazz, coffee, football, and ninja girls have in common? Me, that's who. Mason Ezekiel Barnes. I'm a retired NFL tackle turned author, a big-headed man (as in large, not proud) living in a world dominated by small-headed people like Conrad Bancroft, whose noggin isn't much bigger than a light bulb. That twerpy little gnome thinks his writing puts mine to shame. So far, the critics agree, but for the life of me, I can't understand why. His latest novel was about buffalo, for God's sake! Don't the adventures of my naughty ninja, Mia Killjoy, taking on the evil Dr. Cockadoodle sound more interesting than Bancroft's snooze fest? Fine. If a licensed to kill ninja-assassin trained by Yeti-worshipping Tibetan monks can't win the hearts and minds of literary aficionados around the globe, then I know just the ticket - Perk Noir, the one-of-a-kind jazz coffee shop where Bancroft and I ply our craft. The joint is thick with mysteries. When I solve them, I will win my Pulitzer. Then I'll watch the gnome weep.

374 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2014

Reviews

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was well written and had an overall smooth flow. Very interesting and unique characters added to the overall tone of the story. The overall story line was good, character development was good. Great bits of humor throughout. The book had two major themes, a mystery / investigation mixed with character drama (love, life, death). Overall, I did not find myself getting into the mystery side of the story, but once the character struggle really kicked into gear, the story took off from there.

[T D Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, enjoyable, and refreshing. There were moments where I didn’t want to put it down, but I had to go to bed for work the next day.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

•audiobook•
3.75

Sexual content and language

The book is better than the book description.

I’ve looked forward to a mystery that does not stem from a dead body and Pert Noir was a delicious find!

Mason was an intriguing, complex main character using good old fashioned tools to unravel the mystery of his legendary blues icon, Lightning.
I liked his story, Lightning’s story, and how it unraveled. It motivated me to get past the things I didn’t like, which were plenty.
Along for the ride is (in my opinion) an overzealous stalker Shelley, who dresses and acts like Mia, his MC in the series he’s penning. Maybe as a cosplayer, she’s considered ‘normal’, but between her intimate knowledge of everything in his life (except she didn’t know he wasn’t close to his family) and her undying love (I call it infatuation) is the age gap ... which was creepy.
For a novel written with such attention to minute details of daily activities, the two or three times information was dumped (events that happened on days that we already read/listened to), was more noticeable.
And it’s really irking, if not cliche, that everyone who meets them, assumes they’re a couple.
I liked the book and would recommend it to adult listeners, but I don’t think I’d pick up another in the series. Shelley is just too disappointing.
The narrator had good, distinctive voices. Although I didn’t care for Shelley, the voice given to her didn’t help make he endearing either.
I have picked up another book by this narrator and will listen to it next.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say that I was intrigued when I was told about this book. I am a sucker for a well written mystery and I must say this one is very well written . Who knew that you could write a mystery with a coffee shop as the center of all what goes on . This is where we meet Mason a big ole country boy , ex football player and writer. We also meet the memory of Earl Lightening Perkins a jazz player and former owner of Perk Noir. The story will take you on an adventure as you read there is also a second part to this book and its about concussions in the NFL and it adds to the story very nicely. I won't go into anymore detail about that part , you have to read that for yourself .
I will say the characters are so well written and complex . The main character in the book for me is actually PERK NOIR, the jazz inspired coffee house. The shop holds so many memories and secrets that are just waiting to be unraveled. Mason is a good ole boy who use to play football, loves his dog and writes about a spy named Mia with her killer vagina . He is also on a quest to become an all knowing Perk kensie on all things lightening Perkins . When we first meet Mason we think of him as a good ole boy that loves his coffee and writing . As the story goes along there is much more going on inside that head of Mason's. He is suffering from something that happened in his NFL days that are making him rethink his sanity at one point . When we meet Shelly she is the quintessential fan girl / cosplayer . As we watch her and Mason grow closer we see them both mature and become more to each other then they want to admit. She is the kick in the ass that Mason needs to get through what he needs to do . To me they are a pretty kick ass couple that grow stronger with each turn of the page.
This book is a great weekend read . The author takes us on such an adventure and mixes in a little danger and romance. This book had me reading well into the night I just couldn't put it down . To me it had it all, history, some good comic relief and great pop culture references that will keep you reading . The big twist at the end was a mind blower for me . I so didn't see it coming at all . I must say that I was giggling and laughing at a few scenes in this book and I was also on the edge of my seat throughout most of the reading . the author balanced the comedy and the seriousness of the book quite well . I will also tell you and give you fair warning . If you start this book in the evening you will stay up late and have a book hangover. So if you want a great read for the lazy days at the cabin check it out .

[Keith Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book! Mason Barnes is a baller. That is until injuries ended his career and sent him on the path of writing. Though the proud author of the successful naughty ninja, Mia Killjoy adventure series, what Mason really wants is the Super bowl trophy of writing, the Pulitzer and the long sought after title of Perk Kensai. But it's a long shot as Mason's pain in the ass associate, Bancroft, takes glee in reminding him of. But then, a blast from the past, and Shelly, a Mia killjoy super fan, with a mysterious watch, show up in his life, sending them both on a wild ride, leading them to answers which may land Mason the coveted Pulitzer and the title of kensai Mason has long sought. And the chance to stick it to the annoying little "gnome" Bancroft. Want a great read with fascinating characters, twists and turn, with plenty of laughs throw in? Pick up this book and your favorite beverage, take a seat and ride along with Mason and Shelly! Oh, and be sure to bring some biscotti. I hear Snippy loves them!

[Scott Carruba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like coffee, and I like coffeehouses, so as one may suspect, I felt right at home diving into Chris Garson's Perk Noir. But it's more than about coffee and cool places to drink it. I was taken by the characters and how in-depth they are, how alive. This, of course, led to some interesting reactions in myself when certain revelations were made as the story unfolded. The tale is, at heart, about people. It's about the past, and how that may affect our present and future. It's about struggling with the things life throws at us. It is also clearly well-researched, which grounds the story as well as enriching it. I certainly lost myself at many a time as I read through Mason Barnes' adventure and mystery. The entire choice of characters and plot comes off almost harmless or disarming, but it really has a bite and digs in as you go on the ride.

[Chris Garson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasticc! Interesting characters, a good mystery and surprises lurking around every corner.