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Cliché
New From International Bestselling Author Aaron Patterson....Archer Cross is the best detective LAPD has ever had. Or so he believes.Fictitious Praise and Reviews for Cliché by Aaron Patterson & Nora Robb“If you could only read one book this year you MUST read Cliché. It over promises and under delivers… masterful in so many ways!”—James Patterson, #1 international bestselling author of over a million, billion novels in every genre “Cliché will be the next blockbuster movie of all time, and I will produce it, or my name isn’t Mark Wahlberg!”—Mark Wahlberg, World famous actor, and the producer of just about every show out there worth watching“Aaron Patterson? Never heard of her…” —Chuck Norris“GGWWWRGHH… AARRGWWWGGHHAA.”—Chewbacca (Chewie)“This novel terrified me. I found myself up late at night thinking about it why the Dark Tower series is taking so long to be made into a movie—You made sure to put in a plug for the Dark Tower movie right? Just making sure…”—Stephen King, #1 New York Times bestselling author and all around good guy“After reading Cliché last night I stayed up all night and wrote 42 new songs!” —Taylor Swift“I would love to write a thriller…”—J.K. Rowling, Author of the Harry Potter series and I think one other book“If I were to write a book about myself, it would have to stand at a 45 degree angle and pause for dramatic effect just before putting on a pair of sunglasses. Looks like Cliché closes the book on that deal…………………………… lets just hope there is enough paper to print the masterpiece.” —Horatio Caine, CSI Miami“If I ever was going to read a book, I’d read Cliché. I’ve got to go but—I’ll be back!”—Arnold Schwarzenegger“I laughed so hard that I wet myself!”—Jimmy Fallon
- GenresFiction
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 25, 2020
I received a free review copy of this audio book, at my request, and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
Cliche is a short book, with a long intro. It's less than 5 hour narrative is also broken up into 70+ chapters, making for many chapters of only a few lines. This, however, does not detract from this book.
What does detract, however, is the authors inability to choose between writing a parody and a serious novel. This book rides the fence and it makes the book worse for it. It lacks sarcasm, whit, physical comedy or even absurdity that would lend it into the comedy realm, like "Space Team" or "Post Apocalyptic Nomadic Warrior". However, the decisions and attitude of the main character take away from it being a proper mystery/thriller. I feel that this was supposed to be a "Naked Gun" type story, but it just couldn't pull it off. Often, while listening to the book I would slip into a "real story" mind set and think "well that a stupid cliche" then remember why.
However, the story is enjoyable, the characters likeable and the plot is mostly believable.
The characters are one dimensional caricatures of police officers. They are seemingly meant to represent the stereotypes of cops on TV.
The crime plot of the book is fairly straightforward. As part of the pov is told from the killer perspective, motives are clear and it is a cat and mouse story, rather than mystery. And it all flows fairly well, until one plot breaking statement towards the end.
The audio quality is very good and I love the touch of different effects for phone calls over speech. The voice acting by J Scott Bennett is very good. Male a female voices are distinct and he has a good range of voices.
In the end this a great audio book with an alright story, but I would have liked it to pick a style and lean into it. If the author does this for book 2, I'll definitely be back.
***spoilers ***
The issue with the plot is we have a serial killer who takes revenge on random men for reasons known to her. The pov from the killers pov has her picking victims and carrying out the murders alone. In the last instance we have Liv confessing that she was pulling the strings and killed before she can elaborate. But this actually doesn't make much sense. It maybe could have been written around if we had an explanation but as it stands we have one person who said they were in charge, but doesn't act like it when the 2 criminals were together, and a killer who's pov has her being a lone wolf. It was a reveal that would have been better off omitted.
Cliche is a short book, with a long intro. It's less than 5 hour narrative is also broken up into 70+ chapters, making for many chapters of only a few lines. This, however, does not detract from this book.
What does detract, however, is the authors inability to choose between writing a parody and a serious novel. This book rides the fence and it makes the book worse for it. It lacks sarcasm, whit, physical comedy or even absurdity that would lend it into the comedy realm, like "Space Team" or "Post Apocalyptic Nomadic Warrior". However, the decisions and attitude of the main character take away from it being a proper mystery/thriller. I feel that this was supposed to be a "Naked Gun" type story, but it just couldn't pull it off. Often, while listening to the book I would slip into a "real story" mind set and think "well that a stupid cliche" then remember why.
However, the story is enjoyable, the characters likeable and the plot is mostly believable.
The characters are one dimensional caricatures of police officers. They are seemingly meant to represent the stereotypes of cops on TV.
The crime plot of the book is fairly straightforward. As part of the pov is told from the killer perspective, motives are clear and it is a cat and mouse story, rather than mystery. And it all flows fairly well, until one plot breaking statement towards the end.
The audio quality is very good and I love the touch of different effects for phone calls over speech. The voice acting by J Scott Bennett is very good. Male a female voices are distinct and he has a good range of voices.
In the end this a great audio book with an alright story, but I would have liked it to pick a style and lean into it. If the author does this for book 2, I'll definitely be back.
***spoilers ***
The issue with the plot is we have a serial killer who takes revenge on random men for reasons known to her. The pov from the killers pov has her picking victims and carrying out the murders alone. In the last instance we have Liv confessing that she was pulling the strings and killed before she can elaborate. But this actually doesn't make much sense. It maybe could have been written around if we had an explanation but as it stands we have one person who said they were in charge, but doesn't act like it when the 2 criminals were together, and a killer who's pov has her being a lone wolf. It was a reveal that would have been better off omitted.
May 7, 2016
This was truly a different kind of book one that pulls you in as you wonder just how much of a totally idiot these people really are. I did enjoy this and found humor which made me chuckle from time to time. Archer is something else leaving you wonder just how this man has stayed alive this long. In his mind he is the best because he has watched all the cop shows and knows the ins and outs that most police over look. When his boss begs him to come back to work he knows he has her where he wants her. There is no way they can find the killer without him. She cannot stand him and wants him go, one mistake she finds him back on the beat with her looking for a means to get rid of him. This would make a wonderful comedy and I could see this as a movie with no problem.
Not only is Archer the best detective he seem to think he is the best in and out of bed being able to get all the hot chicks. Once you see just what this detective looks like you know there has to be something else going on. There is no way any women would chase a man like this. The serial killer is something else as she works on getting rid of those that get in her way. The ending you will not see coming and will blow your mind.
J. Scott Bennett does a wonderful outstanding job of narration he has a wonderful strong clear voice you have no trouble listening to. His male voices are just as wonderful as his female ones. You have no trouble knowing who is talking or what their emotions are. I heard no background noise or breaks. There was no time in the audio where the voice went from high to low. You could not tell if Mr. Bennett took any breaks. He made this a fun listen as he sets the stage for the characters that run amuck. I found him to be very professional I am not sure I could have read some of this and not chuckled. For me he made this more enjoyable than if I had read the book. I can’t wait to listen to more audios by this narrator.
I thought this had a great plot with fun characters, the authors really put some thought into it as they twist and turn their way to a jaw dropping ending. If you enjoy humor with your thrill you should enjoy this. There is no doubt you will be rolling your eyes a time or two as you see these cops at their worse.
March 24, 2016
Cliche tries to use most of the most known cliches of all procedurals and hard-boiled detective stories. Our lead character is an idiot who thinks he is the greatest detective ever, and the text even acknowledges that he’s the kind of character who can do everything wrong yet come out winning in the end. We have the boss who can’t stand her detective. She’s trying to keep her department and personal career going even though she’s only got a shoestring budget. We also have not one but two evil lady characters. The main serial killer is cartoonish, but that’s also what the authors’ intention was.
I started laughing as soon as the audio started playing. That’s a great sign with something that is marked as comedy. The narrator was spot on with the different voices of the fake accolades and reviews that start the book. I thought I’d surely be in for a great listening experience with this book.
I thought the content beyond the reviews and fake front matter would be funnier consistently throughout the book, but it wasn’t. I realize, though, that the book wasn’t trying to be a laugh out loud humor piece. This book was written badly on purpose in a serious tone to mock all the conventions of the genre. In that, I would say the authors achieved what they set out to do.
Since I did listen to this as an audiobook, I note that the narrator was capable with a voice appropriate for this type of work. The production is clean and lets the story, such as it is, shine.
For me personally this was an okay but not great book. It was a fast listen, though, and the best audience for this one might be those who already love pulpy procedurals and, like main character Archer Cross, watching TV shows like CSI Miami just so they can copy Horatio Cane’s moves.
Disclaimer: This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
I started laughing as soon as the audio started playing. That’s a great sign with something that is marked as comedy. The narrator was spot on with the different voices of the fake accolades and reviews that start the book. I thought I’d surely be in for a great listening experience with this book.
I thought the content beyond the reviews and fake front matter would be funnier consistently throughout the book, but it wasn’t. I realize, though, that the book wasn’t trying to be a laugh out loud humor piece. This book was written badly on purpose in a serious tone to mock all the conventions of the genre. In that, I would say the authors achieved what they set out to do.
Since I did listen to this as an audiobook, I note that the narrator was capable with a voice appropriate for this type of work. The production is clean and lets the story, such as it is, shine.
For me personally this was an okay but not great book. It was a fast listen, though, and the best audience for this one might be those who already love pulpy procedurals and, like main character Archer Cross, watching TV shows like CSI Miami just so they can copy Horatio Cane’s moves.
Disclaimer: This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.
April 15, 2016
What can I say about Cliche, other than it's..... well it's totally cliche, but so much fun!
Archer Cross thinks he is gods gift to law enforcement. He is the best of the best, so isn't surprised when his captain begs him to take on this serial killer case. Well, of course she would, wouldn't she!! So Archer takes the case and so begins the hunt for a killer!
So. Many. Cliches!! I mean, when a book starts out with "It was a dark and stormy night" and with fake reviews from high profile authors, you just know that it's going to be a fun read. And it was! It was so bad, it's good. It's a mark of a great author when they set out to write a bad story only for the reader to become invested in it and eager to see what happens next! It's a fun, fast paced read that kept me entertained and hooked till the end.
I have to say that Archer Cross was such a great character! He thinks he's the best detective ever and tries to emulate Horatio Cane from CSI. He even says it himself, that he is the best cop because he watches all these shows and it makes him better. He is the type of detective that could have the culprit right under his nose and be totally oblivious! Again, he is so bad, that he is good! A unlikably written character, that you can't help but like and root for.
J. Scott Bennett did such a brilliant job reading this. It sounded like he had fun doing it and enjoyed the story. He really brought Archers personality to life and I hope he reads the next installment! (There HAS to be more Archer!! He is too good not to expand ;) )
* I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
Archer Cross thinks he is gods gift to law enforcement. He is the best of the best, so isn't surprised when his captain begs him to take on this serial killer case. Well, of course she would, wouldn't she!! So Archer takes the case and so begins the hunt for a killer!
So. Many. Cliches!! I mean, when a book starts out with "It was a dark and stormy night" and with fake reviews from high profile authors, you just know that it's going to be a fun read. And it was! It was so bad, it's good. It's a mark of a great author when they set out to write a bad story only for the reader to become invested in it and eager to see what happens next! It's a fun, fast paced read that kept me entertained and hooked till the end.
I have to say that Archer Cross was such a great character! He thinks he's the best detective ever and tries to emulate Horatio Cane from CSI. He even says it himself, that he is the best cop because he watches all these shows and it makes him better. He is the type of detective that could have the culprit right under his nose and be totally oblivious! Again, he is so bad, that he is good! A unlikably written character, that you can't help but like and root for.
J. Scott Bennett did such a brilliant job reading this. It sounded like he had fun doing it and enjoyed the story. He really brought Archers personality to life and I hope he reads the next installment! (There HAS to be more Archer!! He is too good not to expand ;) )
* I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
April 2, 2016
I received a free copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.
Cliche start out exactly the way you'd expect a book with this title to begin - It was a dark and stormy night. The plot is pretty standard for a thriller and hits a lot of cliches. There is a serial killer on the loose and Archer is the detective who needs to solve the case. And despite the fact that the subtile mentions epic foreshadowing, there were some things I didn't see coming. There were a lot of different POVs which works well with this story., but made it occasionally feel a little disjointed.
The narrator has a great presence and does a nice variety of voices. I can always tell who's talking. The Archer Cross voice is especially perfect for the character.
There was only one cop cliche that I believe got missed. I do listen to books while driving and it's possible it happened while I was momentarily not focused on the book. I'll be listening again to see if it's there. There was definitely some "so bad it's good" in the story along with a healthy dose of humor. The book is entertaining and I enjoyed it. I'd recommend it to fans of satire and thrillers.
Would I read this book again? yes
Would I read this author again? yes, I'd be interested in a sequel as well at this style for different genres - especially a romance.
Would I listen to this narrator again? yes.
four stars - I liked it
Cliche start out exactly the way you'd expect a book with this title to begin - It was a dark and stormy night. The plot is pretty standard for a thriller and hits a lot of cliches. There is a serial killer on the loose and Archer is the detective who needs to solve the case. And despite the fact that the subtile mentions epic foreshadowing, there were some things I didn't see coming. There were a lot of different POVs which works well with this story., but made it occasionally feel a little disjointed.
The narrator has a great presence and does a nice variety of voices. I can always tell who's talking. The Archer Cross voice is especially perfect for the character.
There was only one cop cliche that I believe got missed. I do listen to books while driving and it's possible it happened while I was momentarily not focused on the book. I'll be listening again to see if it's there. There was definitely some "so bad it's good" in the story along with a healthy dose of humor. The book is entertaining and I enjoyed it. I'd recommend it to fans of satire and thrillers.
Would I read this book again? yes
Would I read this author again? yes, I'd be interested in a sequel as well at this style for different genres - especially a romance.
Would I listen to this narrator again? yes.
four stars - I liked it
May 10, 2016
I wasn't sure what to expect from this listen. About an hour in, though, I had to admit to myself that I was invested in this story. It was like a train wreck that you can't stop watching!
Archer Cross, who appears to be delusional, is the self-described 'best detective the LAPD has ever known'. So good that his Lieutenant begs him to take on a developing serial killer case. We soon discover that there is a method to Lt. Vanderling's seeming madness. Once Archer is officially assigned to the case, all hell breaks loose. Archer grew on me as the book went on. I began to like him. A little. By the end, I was rooting for him. Every aspect of this book, from the characters backgrounds to the dialogue, is a cliché. Despite that flaw (or maybe because of it) this was a really fun listen. Aaron Patterson, Nora Robb: You're experiment worked!
I will listen to anything J. Scott Bennett narrates in the future. I might even go look for other books he has narrated. Every voice he did (and there were many in this book) was unique and nuanced. When they were on the phone, it sounded like they were on the phone! Mr. Bennett really made this listen for me and is a good part of why the book was so enjoyable.
I received this audiobook free from Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review.
Archer Cross, who appears to be delusional, is the self-described 'best detective the LAPD has ever known'. So good that his Lieutenant begs him to take on a developing serial killer case. We soon discover that there is a method to Lt. Vanderling's seeming madness. Once Archer is officially assigned to the case, all hell breaks loose. Archer grew on me as the book went on. I began to like him. A little. By the end, I was rooting for him. Every aspect of this book, from the characters backgrounds to the dialogue, is a cliché. Despite that flaw (or maybe because of it) this was a really fun listen. Aaron Patterson, Nora Robb: You're experiment worked!
I will listen to anything J. Scott Bennett narrates in the future. I might even go look for other books he has narrated. Every voice he did (and there were many in this book) was unique and nuanced. When they were on the phone, it sounded like they were on the phone! Mr. Bennett really made this listen for me and is a good part of why the book was so enjoyable.
I received this audiobook free from Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
Oh my goodness!!! Just about every Cliche you have heard in relation to police stories are found in this book. It was so far overboard it was hilarious !!!
The narration was well done, The characters were excellently portrayed.
Oh my goodness!!! Just about every Cliche you have heard in relation to police stories are found in this book. It was so far overboard it was hilarious !!!
The narration was well done, The characters were excellently portrayed.
April 13, 2016
3.5 stars
This was a fun little read. A little short of the goofiness indicated by the fictional review intro. The story underneath was pretty good.
The narration was well done.
This was a fun little read. A little short of the goofiness indicated by the fictional review intro. The story underneath was pretty good.
The narration was well done.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews