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A Good-Looking Corpse: A Tom Tanner Mystery
Tom Tanner, the crime-scene-cleaning virtuoso of L.A. Rotten—hailed by Dianne Emley as “eloquent, profound, hilarious, and redemptive”—is going Hollywood. Because a psychopathic movie producer is planning a bloody blockbuster . . . with Tom in a starring role. Tom Tanner has a dark past but he’s no murderer. Unfortunately, Mikey Echo—the spoiled son of the most powerful man in Hollywood—seems to think otherwise. After a young actor suffers an untimely demise out a thirty-fourth-floor window, handsome ex-con Tom is summoned to scrub the splatter below. At the scene, he learns that producer Mikey has an indecent proposal to make—and for Tom, that means signing a deal with the devil. The rotten part is, things had finally been going Tom’s way. He’s got good steady work, a feisty woman to come home to, even a little notoriety for solving a string of grisly motel murders. Now Tom just wants this mad prince of Tinseltown to leave him alone. But the fatalist within braces for the To get Mikey Echo off his back, someone must die. Praise for Jeff Klima’s L.A. Rotten “A really impressive debut . . . The book’s black humor reminded me a little of Donald E. Westlake, while the setting and dialogue could have come from Elmore Leonard. Those are two crime-writing legends whose names I don’t evoke lightly. Hopefully, L.A. Rotten is just the start for Jeff Klima.”—Crime Fiction Lover “Eloquent, profound, hilarious, and redemptive, L.A. Rotten has a heart of gold.”—Dianne Emley, bestselling author of the Nan Vining mysteries “A must-read novel for those who enjoy raw, ‘pulpy’ mysteries . . . Engrossing and satisfying, L.A. Rotten is a hard-boiled thriller that readers will be unable to put down.”—Gina Fava, author of The Sculptor
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
18 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Klima
3 books13 followersJeff Klima is the cofounder of Orange County Crime Scene Cleanup.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 18, 2016
This is a exciting and thrilling novel in the pulp tradition. Ex-con Tom Tanner cleans up gory crime scenes for a living. His life is going pretty well, he is living with his lively, celebrity obsessed girlfriend, Ivy. Business is doing well, after the death of the previous owner, Harold. All this is set to change as he attends the scene of the suicide of actor Alan Van. There he meets an associate of the bonkers and deranged producer that is Mikey Echo. He is informed that the suicide is a murder arranged to gain access to Tom. Mikey is wanting to make a movie of Tom's life. Tom wants him to leave him alone, but that is not going to happen. So Tom's life is turned upside down and becomes a nightmare. In addition, he finds himself being targeted by Coco and the Lowriders Street Gang who have every intention of ensuring that Tom ends up dead. In a story full of twists, it ends with all the strands connecting and a thrilling finale. There is plenty of humour and wisecracks. A well plotted story with an easy and fluent writing style. It is an entertaining and absorbing story. Thanks to Random House Alibi for an ARC.
July 23, 2016
I would like to thank Net Galley for giving me the a preview copy of this book. This is has to be one the better books I read this year. I can't believe the twists and turns in the book. Tom Tanner runs a Trauma-Gone Crime scene cleaning company which he inherited from his former boss who was murdered by a street gang. While attending a call to clean up the body of an up and coming actor Alan Van who took a dive from a building of his agent. He thought it was just a normal clean up but that is when his troubles begin. While waiting for the police to get done with procedure a man by the name and Raman tells him that he Van was murdered by his boss Micky Echo who is the son of George Echo. The Echo's run Hollywood. There are so many twists and turns in this book that you can't put it down. Tom is living with a girl by the name of Ivy who works for a PI. There are so many suprises in this book that you really don't know if Tom is going to come home unscathed.
I look forward to reading another book by this author is because his writing reminds me of Jackie Collins (in the respect that rich, poor, bad and good people are the characters). The flow was mostly good but to me was just a little choppy but nothing that would say that the author doesn't know what how to write. I look forward to reading more from this author and thank you once again for Net Galley giving a pre-released copy.
I look forward to reading another book by this author is because his writing reminds me of Jackie Collins (in the respect that rich, poor, bad and good people are the characters). The flow was mostly good but to me was just a little choppy but nothing that would say that the author doesn't know what how to write. I look forward to reading more from this author and thank you once again for Net Galley giving a pre-released copy.
July 9, 2016
This was such an entertaining book. It read kind of like an old time crime novel, but it was present day. The main character, Tom, was a clean up guy. He cleaned up the grisly scenes after a death, no matter the cause.
Somehow he gets involved with this rather morbid and grotesque film producer (he saves famous skulls) who wants to be his friend and who wants to do a movie about him and his life. I'm sitting there reading this book and thinking "what a horrible, dull, boring movie that would be". Then I find out there are other, not so legal, motives involved. Meanwhile, Tom has pissed off a street gang that wants him dead. So Tom is spending most of his time looking everywhere he goes for some kind of a trap.
This was a really good book with lots of humor thrown into the story. He comes up with some pretty funny ways to try and get the bad guys. Of course, there are the serious moments as well.
I really enjoyed reading this book and would read more by this author. I liked the writing style and the character development. Definitely recommendable.
Thanks Random House and Net Galley for the free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Somehow he gets involved with this rather morbid and grotesque film producer (he saves famous skulls) who wants to be his friend and who wants to do a movie about him and his life. I'm sitting there reading this book and thinking "what a horrible, dull, boring movie that would be". Then I find out there are other, not so legal, motives involved. Meanwhile, Tom has pissed off a street gang that wants him dead. So Tom is spending most of his time looking everywhere he goes for some kind of a trap.
This was a really good book with lots of humor thrown into the story. He comes up with some pretty funny ways to try and get the bad guys. Of course, there are the serious moments as well.
I really enjoyed reading this book and would read more by this author. I liked the writing style and the character development. Definitely recommendable.
Thanks Random House and Net Galley for the free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2016
Great follow up of LA Rotten, what a great series this is becoming. Loved visiting with Tom and Ivy again, and this one finds them in the mix of some nasty stuff again. Trouble seems to follow Tom, and now with his touch of fame he got from his mix up with the serial killer in the first book, it finds him in a big way. Loved the twist in the middle of the book. Dark, twisted characters with a touch of humor thrown in makes it a great way to spend a weekend.
August 10, 2020
A young actor takes flight, through no fault of his own, and ends up splattered on the pavement 34 stories below. The whole world is in mourning while watching the latest news on Alan Van’s death. The headlines read the young man committed suicide, but as a few of the passersby watch on intently, there are a couple of people who know differently. How is it these two men know that this actor didn’t commit suicide? As Tom Tanner is summoned to the crime scene, or suicide as the media is trying to spin it, he notices two men who seem completely out of place. So much so, one actually comments to Tom that Alan was murdered. Say what? Why would anyone just state a fact like that as if they were there? That’s exactly what Tom wanted to know, and what he later finds out is that Hollywood isn’t just make-believe, but life come true.
Tom Tanner’s job is a very important function and one that most people don’t often think about. When someone dies, who cleans up after the deceased has long since moved on? It’s not something most of us want to think about, but Tom does just that. His successful death clean-up company, if you will, Trauma Be-Gone, goes out and handles the mess life leaves behind through death. And this scene was no different than some of the others he’s had to clean up. In fact, there wasn’t much he hasn’t seen.
When one of the bold spectators asks if he could borrow Tom’s services, it left him feeling a little on edge. But even though he wasn’t really feeling Ramen, the little man with so much to say, he decided to go out to dinner with him and see just what he was up to. When Tom finishes with his conversation, he learns that a very powerful movie producer would like to make his acquaintance. It was unfortunate that that one chance meeting turned Tom’s world into total mayhem.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really care much for this story. I loved Tom’s character with his toughness and raw personality and his sarcasm and quick wit was to die for, but the problem I had was where exactly was the mystery? There was plenty of Hollywood allure and factual information given, but I didn’t feel it had a rightful place in this story. When I think of a mystery, I think of a dead body and someone trying to figure out who done it. This story didn’t really take the reader there. In fact, you already knew who did it, but it’s more a matter of why this person did it. I couldn’t really figure out the true motive. There also seemed to be several stories wrapped up in one, but I didn’t feel the detail gave me much inside knowledge. The things I needed to know, I felt were lacking and what I didn’t care to know, were written in abundance. This isn’t a bad story; it just wasn’t my kind of mystery. In fact, I kept wondering as I read did I “miss-the-story?”
A Good-Looking Corpse reminded me of one of those old investigative-type movies, where your protagonist is the narrator taking you through the story, but the difference here being, I just didn’t get where I was really trying to go? The murderer was almost a joke to me and his story didn’t really do much for me. I didn’t feel there was enough detail about the mystery itself, but rather focused on the silly things, and I think that’s where I had my problem.
The Sexy Nerd gives A Good-Looking Corpse three stars. Overall, this wasn’t a bad read by any stretch, just wasn’t my style of mystery. A Good-Looking Corpse is on sale now and in stores wherever books are sold. I think many of you will like this book, and I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on it. Pick up a copy today.
Tom Tanner’s job is a very important function and one that most people don’t often think about. When someone dies, who cleans up after the deceased has long since moved on? It’s not something most of us want to think about, but Tom does just that. His successful death clean-up company, if you will, Trauma Be-Gone, goes out and handles the mess life leaves behind through death. And this scene was no different than some of the others he’s had to clean up. In fact, there wasn’t much he hasn’t seen.
When one of the bold spectators asks if he could borrow Tom’s services, it left him feeling a little on edge. But even though he wasn’t really feeling Ramen, the little man with so much to say, he decided to go out to dinner with him and see just what he was up to. When Tom finishes with his conversation, he learns that a very powerful movie producer would like to make his acquaintance. It was unfortunate that that one chance meeting turned Tom’s world into total mayhem.
Unfortunately, I didn’t really care much for this story. I loved Tom’s character with his toughness and raw personality and his sarcasm and quick wit was to die for, but the problem I had was where exactly was the mystery? There was plenty of Hollywood allure and factual information given, but I didn’t feel it had a rightful place in this story. When I think of a mystery, I think of a dead body and someone trying to figure out who done it. This story didn’t really take the reader there. In fact, you already knew who did it, but it’s more a matter of why this person did it. I couldn’t really figure out the true motive. There also seemed to be several stories wrapped up in one, but I didn’t feel the detail gave me much inside knowledge. The things I needed to know, I felt were lacking and what I didn’t care to know, were written in abundance. This isn’t a bad story; it just wasn’t my kind of mystery. In fact, I kept wondering as I read did I “miss-the-story?”
A Good-Looking Corpse reminded me of one of those old investigative-type movies, where your protagonist is the narrator taking you through the story, but the difference here being, I just didn’t get where I was really trying to go? The murderer was almost a joke to me and his story didn’t really do much for me. I didn’t feel there was enough detail about the mystery itself, but rather focused on the silly things, and I think that’s where I had my problem.
The Sexy Nerd gives A Good-Looking Corpse three stars. Overall, this wasn’t a bad read by any stretch, just wasn’t my style of mystery. A Good-Looking Corpse is on sale now and in stores wherever books are sold. I think many of you will like this book, and I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on it. Pick up a copy today.
September 16, 2016
When a young actor "falls" to his death from a 34th floor window, crime scene cleaner Tom Tanner is called to clean up the mess. When a big Movie Mogul's son, Mikey Echo, has a proposal for Tom, things get even messier. Things were looking up for Tom, well, if you don't count the feud with the gang that killed his business partner and are looking to finish Tom off as well. He's moved in with a woman, his business is looking good, and he's cleaned up his act. (no pun intended).
I haven't read the first book, L.A. Rotten, but really wish I had. Not because I needed it to follow along in this book, but because this story was really good, and I would like to read more by Mr. Klima. I'm certain there will be more to come about Tom Tanner, and I'll be looking for them. This has promise to be a series I'll enjoy following. Recommended.
Thanks to Random House Publishing - Alibi Via Netgalley for a ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I haven't read the first book, L.A. Rotten, but really wish I had. Not because I needed it to follow along in this book, but because this story was really good, and I would like to read more by Mr. Klima. I'm certain there will be more to come about Tom Tanner, and I'll be looking for them. This has promise to be a series I'll enjoy following. Recommended.
Thanks to Random House Publishing - Alibi Via Netgalley for a ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
July 14, 2016
A new Tom Tanner story sets the trauma cleaner in an intrigue involving the movers and shakers of Hollywood. While this is another entry in a series, you don't have to read the previous books to fully appreciate the story. The death of a young actor from a 34 story fall kicks off the adventure as Tanner is called to clean the area.. The subsequent action leads through all forms of human depravity involving the rich and famous., gangs, and ex-cons. Tanner is a flawed hero, but a likeable man. He learns to love and trust while struggling to survive enmity and betrayal. The story has many surprises and real depth as multiple plot threads collide for an exciting and gut-wrenching conclusion.
November 23, 2017
Misleading title -- the corpses are messed up
The characters are well drawn. The plot moves quickly. The premise is a bit contrived, but then it is Hollywood. Quirky but following its own internal logic.
The characters are well drawn. The plot moves quickly. The premise is a bit contrived, but then it is Hollywood. Quirky but following its own internal logic.
December 27, 2017
A crime scene cleaner who also has to deal with the under belly of the film world- There are some surprising twists to keep the readers on their toes.
March 1, 2017
From what I can find about Jeff Klima, the author of “A Fine Looking Corpse,” he has the same job as his protagonist, Tom Tanner. They are both crime scene cleanup scene practitioners, Jeff in real life, Tom in the book. Someone has to do it. Klima decided to write about it, added some twists to the actual job of cleaning up blood and guts, and thus was born Tom Tanner.
In this book, the second in a series, a psychopathic movie producer, Mikey Echo, wants to feature Tom in a movie. Tanner, a former drug addict and ex-con, doesn’t want the role but Echo won’t take no for an answer. It all starts with the suicide of a young heartthrob who plunges thirty-four stories and creates a mess that Tom is called on to clean up. But is it really a suicide? Echo informs Tanner that he ordered the actor to be turned into a flyer. In turn, he wants Tanner’s life story on film and uses a death threat and a guilt hook and to persuade him.
I offer this spoiler tidbit. Mikey is into collecting celebrity skulls. Dozens of skulls line the shelves with a few prizes on special podiums. Mikey hands Tom one cranium that he excitedly proclaims to be that of Marilyn Monroe and tells him that he also has skulls of many other old and new celebrities including Ted Bundy, Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn, John Candy, Bob Hope, and Sharon Tate. He claims to have employees at cemeteries and funeral homes all over Los Angeles who keep him well supplied with treasures. As part of the show-and-tell Tom gets to watch dermestid beetles scavenging a skull of all its flesh.
Want more? The characters are many and confusing. The situations are far fetched. The dialogue is strained and sophomoric. I wasn’t thrilled and won’t tell you any more about the story. You can read it yourself if you’re so inclined.
In this book, the second in a series, a psychopathic movie producer, Mikey Echo, wants to feature Tom in a movie. Tanner, a former drug addict and ex-con, doesn’t want the role but Echo won’t take no for an answer. It all starts with the suicide of a young heartthrob who plunges thirty-four stories and creates a mess that Tom is called on to clean up. But is it really a suicide? Echo informs Tanner that he ordered the actor to be turned into a flyer. In turn, he wants Tanner’s life story on film and uses a death threat and a guilt hook and to persuade him.
I offer this spoiler tidbit. Mikey is into collecting celebrity skulls. Dozens of skulls line the shelves with a few prizes on special podiums. Mikey hands Tom one cranium that he excitedly proclaims to be that of Marilyn Monroe and tells him that he also has skulls of many other old and new celebrities including Ted Bundy, Frank Sinatra, Katharine Hepburn, John Candy, Bob Hope, and Sharon Tate. He claims to have employees at cemeteries and funeral homes all over Los Angeles who keep him well supplied with treasures. As part of the show-and-tell Tom gets to watch dermestid beetles scavenging a skull of all its flesh.
Want more? The characters are many and confusing. The situations are far fetched. The dialogue is strained and sophomoric. I wasn’t thrilled and won’t tell you any more about the story. You can read it yourself if you’re so inclined.
February 14, 2017
Equally as entertaining as Klima's first book in the Tanner series. Enjoyed the character development. Looking forward to the next one.
August 8, 2016
This is a story about Tom Tanner, a crime scene cleaner. Blood and gore is his livelihood. He has a goofy girlfriend, Ivy, who he lives with. They both have a lot of bad past history, but coming together seems to have made them both better people. The story is well told with lots of good character development. There are many surprise twists to keep you interested and wanting to read more. I liked this book and would read more by this author. I received this arc ebook free from NetGalley for an honest review.
September 1, 2016
Murder, suicide, suspense and a ditzy girlfriend who tries maybe a bit too hard; its all here. Tom Tanner cleans up crime scenes and as you can imagine, sees some of the seedier elements around Hollywierd. This latest adventure drags him right into the middle of the low life set posing as good people. Suspense is added with people not necessarily being who they say they are. It's easy to get on a real roll with this book and finish several chapters before you know you've done it.
July 15, 2016
(1 1/2). Tom Tanner is a really fun protagonist, but this is a pretty formulaic wise guy type mystery. Hollywood bad guys, former stripper girl friend, silly twists and turns with the lead guy entertaining as hell. This was a nice road diversion but nothing to get serious about in any way, shape or form.
July 24, 2016
This is a well-written book with lots of dark humor and twists.
Tom Tanner gets mixed up with a messed-up, morbid film producer. I enjoyed reading how Tom dealt with his situation, figured out who the bad guys are, and then dealt with the bad guys.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable book.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tom Tanner gets mixed up with a messed-up, morbid film producer. I enjoyed reading how Tom dealt with his situation, figured out who the bad guys are, and then dealt with the bad guys.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable book.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2016
I received a free copy from Net galley in exchange for an honest review. Tom Tanner works as a crime scene cleaner. Ivy is his Girlfriend they live together. Tom is called to the scene of the supposed suicide of Alan Van an Actor. But a few people know it was really murder. A twisted thriller with an old style gangster theme . Plenty of mystery and twists and turns to keep you guessing.
November 18, 2016
You will love this!
I liked the cover, so I read the teaser. I read a few of the reviews and said what the heck. I bought it an d could not put it down.
Tom is amazing. Bad guys are too weird to be believed, but it is set in Hollywood after all.
Bottom line if in doubt, go for it. Buy it. Read it. You will enjoy it.
I liked the cover, so I read the teaser. I read a few of the reviews and said what the heck. I bought it an d could not put it down.
Tom is amazing. Bad guys are too weird to be believed, but it is set in Hollywood after all.
Bottom line if in doubt, go for it. Buy it. Read it. You will enjoy it.
October 26, 2016
This is a well-written, tightly-plotted, deeply-twisted thriller with a Hollywood theme, but it is DARK, DARK, DARK! The hero's issues have problems and his enemies? Mystery inside conundrum inside puzzle. And yet I find myself curious to read the previous novel(s) to fill in some of the gaps.
September 11, 2016
Twists, turns, nicely written and pretty entertaining. this would make a good movie (I know, I know, the Hollywood angle but seriously, it would). THanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Try this one if you'd like a light and dark quick murder mystery read that isn't a cozy.
July 26, 2016
A fun well written page turner,
August 10, 2016
I received this arc from Netgalley.
Two words sum up this book. Boring and ridiculous. Enough time wasted on this disaster. I'll be avoiding this author in the future.
Two words sum up this book. Boring and ridiculous. Enough time wasted on this disaster. I'll be avoiding this author in the future.
December 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and have already bought his other book"L.A. Rotten". It was kind of graphic, maybe a little manga, but it sucked me right in, and I found myself cheering on Tom and Ivy. I'd recommend this to others like-minded.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews