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Slim in Little Egypt #2
Red Dog
One hot summer day, in his home in the southern Illinois coal country known as Little Egypt—a Midwest Gothic wonderland of barren vistas, sinister hollows, petty corruption, and deeply strange characters—the self-appointed “redneck detective” known as Slim gets a visit from a shady-looking pair who introduce themselves as Sheldon Cleaves and his son, A. Evan, looking to hire him to find a missing dog.
As a miner with a reputation for “bloodhounding”—tracking down missing persons the police can’t find or won’t—Slim is accustomed to looking for people, not pets. On the other hand, he needs the cash to fix his air conditioner. But when he pulls the thread that leads to the Cleaveses’ red-haired purebred pitbull—and then the dognapper is discovered with his head blown off—Slim finds himself plunged into a world of underground dogfights and white supremacists. . .all because he just wanted to get cool.
As bitingly funny as it is starkly violent, Red Dog marks the emergence of a new, gritty voice in detective fiction.
As a miner with a reputation for “bloodhounding”—tracking down missing persons the police can’t find or won’t—Slim is accustomed to looking for people, not pets. On the other hand, he needs the cash to fix his air conditioner. But when he pulls the thread that leads to the Cleaveses’ red-haired purebred pitbull—and then the dognapper is discovered with his head blown off—Slim finds himself plunged into a world of underground dogfights and white supremacists. . .all because he just wanted to get cool.
As bitingly funny as it is starkly violent, Red Dog marks the emergence of a new, gritty voice in detective fiction.
338 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2016
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287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 23, 2016
Light-hearted yet violent, with great dialogue and sense of place, Miller shows growing gifts as a writer in this second Slim in Little Egypt mystery. Set in rural Southern Illinois and Northern Kentucky, Miller is able to create interesting characters without turning them into grotesque caricatures. He plainly loves this landscape and the people in it, without being blind to the weaknesses and inherent weirdness of it all. Whether you prefer the humor of Carl Hiassen and Tim Dorsey, or the darker violence of a Donald Ray Pollack or Frank Bill, you're likely going to enjoy this series.
December 7, 2017
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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I really can't decide what part of these books I like best -- Slim's dogged determinism when it comes to finishing what he's started, Jeep's almost-superhuman capabilities (he's Hawk + Joe Pike, with a better romantic life while not as tied to reality), or Anci. Okay, that's a lie. It's Anci -- she's smart, she's insightful, she's sweet, she's got an attitude that just won't quit.
In this book, Anci takes time out from critiquing The Hound of the Baskervilles to convince Slim to take a case for a couple of odd strangers that show up on their doorstep. They want him to find their dog for him. They're pretty sure where the dog is, but they don't think they could retrieve her.
Slim takes the case, and within hours he's cut off part of a man's body, had several threats made against him, and discovers a dead body. Oh, he finds the dog, too. But that doesn't matter, because he's arrested before he can return the dog.
Things go haywire from there -- Slim's still bound and determined to find the dog while he clears his name (or vice versa). The hunt for the dog and the real killer takes him to all sorts of places he probably shouldn't go -- many of which make the coal mining he left behind seem like a safe alternative to his current job. I hate to say this, but it's in the publisher's description (and on the cover image), but one of the places that Slim shouldn't go is to dog fights. His reaction to them is visceral, and you almost feel it as much as he did as you read.
The characterizations are as deep and wonderful as before (including a couple of characters that'd make Flannery O'Connor balk), the evil that Slim confronts is very dark and twisted, and Slim's voice is deadly serious one minute, and seamlessly laugh-out-loud funny without giving the reader a sense of whiplash. There's some violence -- brutal stuff -- yet it's Slim's brain that does most of the work. Basically, it's the whole package.
The Bonus Story About Those Danged Chickens, "Hardboiled Eggs," was a hoot -- not strong enough to work as a part of the novel, but it tied in well (and best read after the book) and was nice example of Anci and Slim working together.
I hope there's more to come in this series, because I just can't get enough. Miller's style is great -- the prose is smooth and fluid, so much so that you don't realize just how dark and twisted the events are until it's too late because you're having too much fun reading. Take some time to visit Little Egypt and you'll see what I mean.
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“And for sixty-flve dollars, too.”
Anci rolled her eyes. “Oh, I know. Usually, you get kicked in the head for free. Why not try it for money this time? Besides, this is your chance to do a good deed, pile up some karma.”
“You can’t eat karma, darlin’..”
“No, but it can eat you.”
I really can't decide what part of these books I like best -- Slim's dogged determinism when it comes to finishing what he's started, Jeep's almost-superhuman capabilities (he's Hawk + Joe Pike, with a better romantic life while not as tied to reality), or Anci. Okay, that's a lie. It's Anci -- she's smart, she's insightful, she's sweet, she's got an attitude that just won't quit.
In this book, Anci takes time out from critiquing The Hound of the Baskervilles to convince Slim to take a case for a couple of odd strangers that show up on their doorstep. They want him to find their dog for him. They're pretty sure where the dog is, but they don't think they could retrieve her.
Slim takes the case, and within hours he's cut off part of a man's body, had several threats made against him, and discovers a dead body. Oh, he finds the dog, too. But that doesn't matter, because he's arrested before he can return the dog.
Things go haywire from there -- Slim's still bound and determined to find the dog while he clears his name (or vice versa). The hunt for the dog and the real killer takes him to all sorts of places he probably shouldn't go -- many of which make the coal mining he left behind seem like a safe alternative to his current job. I hate to say this, but it's in the publisher's description (and on the cover image), but one of the places that Slim shouldn't go is to dog fights. His reaction to them is visceral, and you almost feel it as much as he did as you read.
The characterizations are as deep and wonderful as before (including a couple of characters that'd make Flannery O'Connor balk), the evil that Slim confronts is very dark and twisted, and Slim's voice is deadly serious one minute, and seamlessly laugh-out-loud funny without giving the reader a sense of whiplash. There's some violence -- brutal stuff -- yet it's Slim's brain that does most of the work. Basically, it's the whole package.
The Bonus Story About Those Danged Chickens, "Hardboiled Eggs," was a hoot -- not strong enough to work as a part of the novel, but it tied in well (and best read after the book) and was nice example of Anci and Slim working together.
I hope there's more to come in this series, because I just can't get enough. Miller's style is great -- the prose is smooth and fluid, so much so that you don't realize just how dark and twisted the events are until it's too late because you're having too much fun reading. Take some time to visit Little Egypt and you'll see what I mean.
October 14, 2016
An engrossing, fantastic read. Jason Miller's second installment of the Slim in Little Egypt series has managed to do what I did not think was possible: surpass the debut novel, Down Don't Bother Me. It took me a while to clear the calendar space to devote to reading Red Dog, but once I started I couldn't stop. Jason does a masterful job of weaving humor and suspense to produce an honest-to-God page turner. I can't wait to read what happens next to Slim and his precocious daughter, Anci, so please, Jason, MORE and SOON. In the meantime, if you haven't already, get your hands on Red Dog and enjoy!
May 22, 2016
This is a perfect follow-up to Miller's debut mystery novel. Slim is back on the case with his precocious teenage daughter in tow, this time taking on white supremacists, dog-fighters, and ignorant criminals in general.
The writing is whip-smart and super fast-paced. It's not that the mystery itself is secondary, but by the end I'd had such a good time reading about their latest endeavors that I didn't really care whodunnit, just that they did or didn't get away with it.
One of my favorite things about Miller's writing is that he hides really smart commentary on social issues in the middle of a southern grit-lit. Slim, a redneck private eye, is sarcastic and quick-witted and therefore you don't have to sit through any long speeches or soliloquies. The big man says more in a line or two than most do in a full conversation. When talking doesn't work, he busts heads or shoots backsides. Action is never far behind the easy, poetic descriptions of poor, southern life.
The writing is whip-smart and super fast-paced. It's not that the mystery itself is secondary, but by the end I'd had such a good time reading about their latest endeavors that I didn't really care whodunnit, just that they did or didn't get away with it.
One of my favorite things about Miller's writing is that he hides really smart commentary on social issues in the middle of a southern grit-lit. Slim, a redneck private eye, is sarcastic and quick-witted and therefore you don't have to sit through any long speeches or soliloquies. The big man says more in a line or two than most do in a full conversation. When talking doesn't work, he busts heads or shoots backsides. Action is never far behind the easy, poetic descriptions of poor, southern life.
December 29, 2016
The follow up book to Jason Miller's outstanding debut mystery "Down Don't Bother Me", features his iconic protagonist Slim, his precocious teenage daughter Anci and intimidating sidekick Jeep Mabry. The self described "Redneck Detective" accepts an assignment to recover a valuable pit bull allegedly dog-napped. The simple job soon turns violent and he's is once again in the cross hairs of unknown bad guys. Quick witted Slim reminded me of those wildly funny characters created by Dan Jenkins or Joe Lansdale. Slim however, is a totally unique protagonist who jumps off the page while drawing apt analogies along the way. Jason Miller's follow up book is better than his first and is already a must read series for me. I'm going to need extra stars!
September 14, 2016
I little too much "snappy repartee" , but I especially like Anci, the daughter.
January 10, 2019
I love this series and this author, and I wish they were more popular! All rural libraries need to push this series to their mystery and gritty readers--they are perfect. The setting is southern Illinois, so I appreciate hearing about Olney, Makanda, etc., and the people are pretty much the lowest of the low in that area--dog fighters, meth makers, and swindlers. But, whoa, it's such a good read.
Slim and his 13-year-old daughter take a simple case of finding and retrieving a pit bull, but it turns into a huge mess that even the FBI can't sort out. These books are funny and snarky and full of literary, pop culture, and redneck references and I just can't get enough of them. Hoping a Book 3 will be out soon!
Slim and his 13-year-old daughter take a simple case of finding and retrieving a pit bull, but it turns into a huge mess that even the FBI can't sort out. These books are funny and snarky and full of literary, pop culture, and redneck references and I just can't get enough of them. Hoping a Book 3 will be out soon!
December 30, 2016
If I had started this book earlier in the day I would have finished it in one sitting. This is the second book by Jason Miller and I hope it's far from his last. The main characters Slim, his daughter Anci and his best friend/partner Jeep are fun, rowdy and fully developed. From the beginning of the book until the end it keeps you fully engrossed in the story that you can't help but keep turning the pages to see what kind of mess Slim has gotten himself into next. With crisp well written text and bitting humor these are characters that you wouldn't mind having a beer with. I will be buying Jason Miller's 1st book Down Don't Bother Me soon.
March 27, 2018
Let's go to Southern Illinois, Tennessee, and other Southern Environs and get mixed up with some very odd and evil folks. We will be accompanied by PI Slim and sometimes his daughter Anci, or his old friend Jeep. There is plenty of violence, most of which is not overly graphic but some is definitely not for the squeamish (most especially a torture incident that is the most horrendously demonic thing I've never thought any one could think to do to a living being).
I enjoyed the story, the style and the characters and will try and meet up with them again.
I enjoyed the story, the style and the characters and will try and meet up with them again.
January 13, 2022
Redneck detective Slim works in the Little Egypt area of Southern Illinois. He's a good old boy with a smart and sassy daughter and this time he's trying to clear his name of murdering a local crook involved in dogfighting.
Jason Miller's laconic style eases the action along as mayhem ensues. He's skilled addy creating a sense of place in this hardscrabble ass-end of Illinois. Read this book!
Jason Miller's laconic style eases the action along as mayhem ensues. He's skilled addy creating a sense of place in this hardscrabble ass-end of Illinois. Read this book!
October 29, 2018
Fun “redneck noir”. The plot was a little convoluted but the characters were wonderfully developed and the dialogue snappy and funny. Miller follows the Robert B. Parker formula of a wisecracking detective with a large, dangerous and loyal sidekick and throws a unique twist to it.
I’m going to check out his other stuff, for sure.
I’m going to check out his other stuff, for sure.
May 25, 2022
I guess I am partial to this author and his Little Egypt Series (wish there were more) because I am from (and still live in) the area in southern Illinois where this series takes place. I love Slim and Anci and Jeep and Peggy and Opal. And Cheezie. I usually do not read books with so much violence in them but it is not so much that I can't withstand it for the story line. And the dialogue.
July 7, 2025
Crackling dialogue, bizzare, wonderful characters!
You have to pay attention or you will get lost in the story, but you will love the ride through this writer's imagination. Laugh out loud funny dialogue coupled with in your face violence will keep you riveted.
You have to pay attention or you will get lost in the story, but you will love the ride through this writer's imagination. Laugh out loud funny dialogue coupled with in your face violence will keep you riveted.
August 8, 2025
And so 2025 became the year I accidentally read through the entire crop of Jason Miller's prose, and I feel fine, although far finer would be the prospect of having more stories about Slim and Jeep and Anci to enjoy. Because they're better than good, they are occasionally approaching the sublime. Top stuff, really.
January 21, 2018
“Flannery O’Connor would have considered him implausibly grotesque.” 😜 If you haven’t read Jason Miller (or at least his Twitter feed), you’re missing out.
February 6, 2018
First rate - author has a unique voice!
June 12, 2019
Enjoyable byplay between detective and his daughter. Bit southern noir, but pulp fiction. Violence a bit high for me, could have done
Without the torture, but definitely will be back for more
Without the torture, but definitely will be back for more
September 3, 2020
Really excellent writing. Current, witty. Terrible subject matter handed the way I'd want to do it if I were at all like the protagonist.
July 31, 2025
Funny, coal country mystery
February 20, 2017
New words are such a joy! I knew I’d like Red Dog when in the first ten pages there were three words that are not often used in conversation (one is ratiocination, which is probably the one that gets the few the extra points to get into the expensive schools) . The presence of Anci is a joy. She is thirteen, an avid reader of Sherlock Holmes, and the daughter of Slim, who has been a coal miner, and has a sign in his front yard announcing his occupation: SLIM: REDNECK INVESTIGATIONS. (p 9) It is summer vacation and Anci is at home and the air conditioner has broken. They both are trying to figure out how to make the money to fix it.
On Sheldon Cleaves who appears in their (secluded) yard: “The older man….wasn’t much taller than five four and was basically a beer belly on legs.” (p 8) Sheldon's “boy,” A. Evan as described by Slim: He was in his late twenties, probably, but it was a rough late twenties. The years had not been kind. In fact, they’d been downright mean. His hair was thin blond, balding a little anywhere you looked, and his skin was pitted and discolored as though with small bruises. He might literally have been beat with the ugly stick. His gaze was flat and his eyes irregularly shaped, his lips stretched as though tugged from either side by fishhooks, which gave his jaw an off-center appearance, like the top part of his skull had been set down carelessly atop it. He wasn’t going to be on any magazine covers.” (page 9)
Slim is shocked when they want to hire him to find a two-year-old, Shelby Ann Cleaves, until the smartphone reveals she’s a purebred pit (bull). (page 12)
There is just such dry wit: Anci suggests she should have a pistol as Dr. Watson does. “Guns were for the adult people, I explained, responsible folks with calm nerves and sound judgment. The two of us shared a laugh over that one.” (19)
“Sheldon’s crazy enough to make a statue of a blind man twitch.” (127)
The characters, landscape, situations, action, are all well drawn. The bad characters are sufficiently bad and some of those we have met that were good are bad by the end of the book. There is violence, but not so graphic that this can’t be read at night before going to sleep (if you’re not extremely queasy!).
Indeed, the topics dealt with are queasy-inducing, but our world ends up being better because Slim persist. I’m looking forward to reading the first, which I missed, and the next in the series.
Best of all, on the back of the book is an image of Jason Miller and he lives in Nashville TN, a place I’ve called home for a long time!
On Sheldon Cleaves who appears in their (secluded) yard: “The older man….wasn’t much taller than five four and was basically a beer belly on legs.” (p 8) Sheldon's “boy,” A. Evan as described by Slim: He was in his late twenties, probably, but it was a rough late twenties. The years had not been kind. In fact, they’d been downright mean. His hair was thin blond, balding a little anywhere you looked, and his skin was pitted and discolored as though with small bruises. He might literally have been beat with the ugly stick. His gaze was flat and his eyes irregularly shaped, his lips stretched as though tugged from either side by fishhooks, which gave his jaw an off-center appearance, like the top part of his skull had been set down carelessly atop it. He wasn’t going to be on any magazine covers.” (page 9)
Slim is shocked when they want to hire him to find a two-year-old, Shelby Ann Cleaves, until the smartphone reveals she’s a purebred pit (bull). (page 12)
There is just such dry wit: Anci suggests she should have a pistol as Dr. Watson does. “Guns were for the adult people, I explained, responsible folks with calm nerves and sound judgment. The two of us shared a laugh over that one.” (19)
“Sheldon’s crazy enough to make a statue of a blind man twitch.” (127)
The characters, landscape, situations, action, are all well drawn. The bad characters are sufficiently bad and some of those we have met that were good are bad by the end of the book. There is violence, but not so graphic that this can’t be read at night before going to sleep (if you’re not extremely queasy!).
Indeed, the topics dealt with are queasy-inducing, but our world ends up being better because Slim persist. I’m looking forward to reading the first, which I missed, and the next in the series.
Best of all, on the back of the book is an image of Jason Miller and he lives in Nashville TN, a place I’ve called home for a long time!
March 14, 2017
I love Jason's writing style. When you need a change from the long and drawn out mystery series that get to be boring, read a quick funny Jason Miller book. I hope to see a new one for 2017!
November 22, 2016
I won this novel in a goodreads drawing.
Backwoods private eye, Slim, is hired to find a pit bull that's missing. He, along with his precocious (and annoying) daughter, find it, but then get into a whole lot of trouble with local law enforcement and the usual white supremacist underground. So he and his Hawk-type sidekick start wreaking havoc.
The book is really about the scourge of dog-fighting. Never mind that the most famous dog fighter in the world is a millionaire African American. In this book, everybody's racist, except Slim, and he isn't any too sure of himself, either.
It all turns into the sort of dueling banjos Deliverance fever dream liberals have about fly-over country. Sad, really.
Backwoods private eye, Slim, is hired to find a pit bull that's missing. He, along with his precocious (and annoying) daughter, find it, but then get into a whole lot of trouble with local law enforcement and the usual white supremacist underground. So he and his Hawk-type sidekick start wreaking havoc.
The book is really about the scourge of dog-fighting. Never mind that the most famous dog fighter in the world is a millionaire African American. In this book, everybody's racist, except Slim, and he isn't any too sure of himself, either.
It all turns into the sort of dueling banjos Deliverance fever dream liberals have about fly-over country. Sad, really.
Read
November 24, 2016Red Dog is the second in Slim in Little Egypt series. I hadn't read the first book, but I am definitely going to have to read it after reading Red Dog. The main character Slim is a private detective. His daughter is very precocious and has insights that Slim doesn't have. It was suspenseful and you will want to know what is going to happen next. The characters are likable and the style of writing is unique. Written in a folksy kinda way.
October 9, 2016
This is the second book in the "Little Egypt" series. This time we have Slim looking for a stolen pit bull which leads to dog fighting ring inside of a underground coal mine. These books are fun fast reads most should enjoy. This one has a added short story called "Hard-boiled Eggs".
February 7, 2017
Surprisingly good. I liked the snarky humor and the attitude. Not your typical private detective or case. Although this is the second book in the series, I read it as a stand alone. Definitely worth the read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
August 25, 2016
Loved this mystery. Love that the setting is Southern Illinois, Little egypt
April 23, 2017
Jason Miller is a funny guy. The one liners and snarky asides are the saving grace.
Read
June 8, 2018Hmm. I just keep getting pickier about books or maybe about everything.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews