Mixed Messages

by Thomas Jast

An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here

Sometimes to find oneself, one must first be truly lost.

Alex Aberdeen returns with a new job, new coworkers and a careless, cynical attitude that’s even worse and more manipulative than before. Writing for the local newspaper, her desire to express herself is only forcibly held back by boring things such as ethics, morals and human decency.

When Alex meets a mysterious new friend, all bets are off. Will her old life clash with the new as she’s outclassed and taken out of her element?

Mixed Messages is the unhinged, worrisome sequel to Calculated Regrets where anything can—and shouldn’t—happen.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2015

About the author

Thomas Jast is a Canadian writer that takes the world around us and turns it into something more. A darker, funnier, more colourful version of reality where nothing is quite what it seems. His eclectic collection of characters always feel like people you already know... and those you wish you had never met! With a unique approach to narrative techniques and dialogue that jumps off the page, Jast's books will never be confused for someone else's.

His primary genres are split between pop-culture-soaked comedic dramas and women's fiction with a splash of dark humour.

Reviews

[Cat Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The return of Alex Aberdeen. This book had no real discernable plot, but it was all the same still enjoyable to catch up on the hijinks and misadventures of Alex. The addition of Paige was also a welcome one. I'm a little disappointed there was no resolution with Tom...hopefully he will show up in the sequel!

[Lucha Comics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Aberdeen returns with a new job, new coworkers and a careless, cynical attitude that’s even worse and more manipulative than before. She is barely held back by boring things such as ethics, morals and human decency. As she meets a new friend, all bets are off as her old life clashes with the new one.

Mixed Messages is the unhinged, worrisome sequel to Calculated Regrets where anything can—and shouldn’t—happen.

[Joshua Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's start with what I liked: the writing, the humor, the characters. Everything you loved about Calculated Regrets is just as good in this sequel. What I didn't care for so much were a couple devices he used that seemed to be little more than filler (short Onion-like articles that Alix would write for her own amusement, in particular). It would have been a better (albeit shorter) book without those. Like the first book, there isn't really a plot, but that's not a problem. Because the main character continues to be so over-the-top weird that you just revel in watching her exist. She gets introspective toward the end, which took away some of the zaniness, but I can't argue with the author's choice to have his characters grow. People do that, after all. I think I'm done reading about Alex/Alix. But I'm not done reading Thomas Jast, because he has a peculiar brand of humor that I really, really enjoy.

[Aila Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's back, she's blonde and she spells Alix with an i.

Alex (Or Alix?) Aberdeen is just as fiery as ever, if not more so. She has a new job and a new set of people to work. Not to mention she meets a new friend that is just like her. What could possibly go wrong?

Plenty.

I was thoroughly impressed by author Thomas Jast's skillful exploration deeper into Alex's neurosis by way of letting us experience her, let's call them interesting, dreams.

I wanted a page-turner and Mr. Jast did not disappoint. His unique writing style is easy on the eyes and he wraps up the ending in such a way it leaves you satisfied but craving more.

Discovering the works of Thomas Jast is a real treasure for any reader.