Mojo Rising

by Bob Pastorella

A new drug called Mojo is tearing through Southeast Texas, directly competing with Juney's own product. What starts as a minor annoyance quickly spirals into something much more serious once Juney discovers his cook murdered and his brother mysteriously missing, the Mojo trademark left at the crime scene. Mojo Rising is a strange trip through a world of thugs and junkies, hallucinations and apocalypses. Some doors you walk through, you can't come back in. Includes the bonus short story, "Pork Chop."

Genres: Drugs, Horror, Crime

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2016

About the author

Bob Pastorella is the co-host of the This Is Horror podcast. He is also the author of They’re Watching (with Michael David Wilson), with numerous tales in such publications as Lost Films, Borderlands 6, Warmed & Bound: a Velvet Anthology, and the Booked Anthology. The Small Hours is Bob’s debut solo novel. Bob lives in southeast Texas with his cat, Squeaky, and is currently working on another vampire story.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a new meth in town and its name is Mojo Rising. Bloody good stuff. The best. “Period.” Just ask Juney or Home Skillet. This s*it is so good you’ll want to sell your babies just to get you some. Or maybe make some cool crank crafts to sell for drug dough because everybody knows that tweakers could be damn crafty when they weren’t scratching their arms bloody…or polishing nuts and bolts on the rusty lawnmower.

I’m not entirely sure how to rate this one. It was written well and the story flowed, but I kept waiting for a big reveal or bloody gangster drug war showdown that never materialized. An entertaining read but could have used a little something more. 3 stars

[Shane Douglas Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing has been one of my favorite publishers for awhile now and the reason is simple: they've got huge cajones. They're willing to take risks, publishing books that many other publishers would shy away from. Because of this, the books they publish are often groundbreaking, frequently shocking and, in the case of the works I've read by them, outrageously entertaining. Bob Pastorella's new book, MOJO RISING, is such a book, falling firmly into the "outrageously entertaining" category.

"Chance wasn’t answering his phone. All calls, straight to voicemail. Texts unanswered as well, but they had a rule about not texting one another anyway. It wasn’t a big deal, but considering Juney hadn’t talked to Chance in a few days, and he really needed to talk to him now, it was irritating. There was no product to deliver, and no one there to pick it up. The gears were slipping in a bad way and Juney needed answers fast."

That opening paragraph does several thing simultaneously that prove that Bob Pastorella is no stranger to story and has studied his craft well. It raises multiple questions right from the start. Who is Chance? What product are they missing? What does he mean by, 'the gears are slipping?' This creates intrigue and mystery, grabbing your interest straightaway and making you want to know more. The opening also serves the purpose of introducing the protagonist and starting the process of investing you in his plight. The story is in motion from the very first sentence and the main character is already in conflict. This is how a good author keeps you reading beyond that first paragraph.

The trick then, is to keep us interested and Pastorella does a great job with that as well. For those of you who haven't read my reviews, I should tell you that it is not my habit to synopsize a story. You can read the synopsis above and learn enough to pique your interest, and to tell you much more would risk spoiling it. What I will tell you about the story is what moved me and, in my opinion, made the book really work. There are a couple things that Bob Pastorella did that kept this thing moving and kept me moving right along with it. To start with, his main character, although fucked up and initially semi-unlikable, is interesting and real and he grows on you as the story progresses, eventually becoming a character you care about and find yourself cheering on as his goals change and his mission becomes a much more noble endeavor than the one he initially set out on.

And that brings me to the second thing that really kept me engaged in the story. The pacing is as rock solid as it can get, driving the narrative along through the use of damn near perfect description and dialogue that is both captivating and natural sounding:

“Good thing Chance wasn’t there. Any word from him?” Ian sounded like he was from around New Orleans, maybe Houma. Good old southern boy with an education.
“No, but I’ll find him.”
“He’s done this before, right? Kinda flighty?”
Juney stirred his coffee, thanking the waitress with a nod. “Guess you could say that. He’s not going to be a problem.”
“Then we won’t worry about him until it is a problem. What’s the story with these Mojo guys? They’re fairly organized. A little bold actually.”
“Bastards. I got some friends, and friends of some friends. We’ll round them up, take them out. Nice and quiet.”
There’s silence on the line for a second like Ian was thinking. “No, that’ll just bring the heat. Arrange a meeting.”
Juney gently placed his spoon down on his napkin. It took every ounce of willpower not to stab it into the table. “Why? They killed Garrett.”

The above is an example of how masterfully Pastorella handles dialogue. There are no 'he said, she saids' in there anywhere and yet, through the use of interesting exchange and intermittent exposition, it flows smoothly and you never become confused about who is speaking. Couple this with almost non-stop action, danger, and violence galore and you've got a story that keeps you reading to the unexpected, surreal and tantalizing finish.

I haven't read Bob Pastorella's work before but I'll definitely read him again. MOJO RISING is a rocket fueled, white trash pulp-noir story that was over much too quickly. Add in a couple splashes of weird and surreal and you have a hugely entertaining book that leaves you longing for more. And I think/hope there's a possibility of eventually seeing more from the Mojo universe, but I won't tell you why I think that. You'll have to read the book and find out for yourself.

Best when paired with a fifth of Night Train and a pack of Lucky Strikes, MOJO RISING is solid proof that Bob Pastorella can write his ass off. If you haven't read his work, you should fix that. Soon.

[Leah Polcar · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.45

A new instantly addictive drug hits the streets in small-town Texas and a mid-level meth dealer first feels the impact on his business – his cook is killed and his bosses are pissed – and then on his personal life. Not only is Juney soon getting a Mojo monkey on his back, his brother missing and Juney has to discover the secret behind Mojo to save both his family and his life.

Thanks to Bob Pastorella, Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance copy of Mojo Rising .

This is an odd book that never really seems to go anywhere. There is a mystery here: what is Mojo, where does it come from, and how will it influence the drug trade and Juney's family? We sort of find out the answer to one and two, and by sort of, I mean it is mentioned, but never explained, and what the impact of Mojo actually is is never disclosed. In all honesty, this book made very little sense to me. It wasn't particularly well written and the dialogue was awkward. The whole Mojo thing was incomprehensible and left me wondering whether I just missed something. Did anything actually ever happen? If it did, then what actually happened? Maybe it just required a really expanded mind to understand Mojo Rising and I am just too literal and unenlightened to get it. Maybe it was supposed to be an experience? If so, then it failed since I didn't get my mind blown. If it wasn't, I think that Pastorella never really put his money where his outline was. Overall, this short novel was probably better to read than nothing at all, but a cereal box would be more explanatory and equally entertaining.

[Vincenzo Bilof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal Meth seems to be the drug of choice for artists these days; it almost seems to be a recurring character in a vast majority of stories, much like cocaine was in the 80s. Pastorella’s debut novel is set against the conflict of a new brand of the infamous drug, called Mojo. Each character in this story seems to be part of a small world, but that’s because they are larger-than-life. Our protagonist, Juney, seems to be a rather passive observer and reactionary to a sequence of events that feature people from his past, almost as if Juney’s tale is an epilogue to a much longer saga. Each encounter is episodic, as the conflict looms larger for Juney; the story’s development swings with Juney’s ability to understand himself and the people who have been a part of his life for a long time. The setting is vivid, and I felt like a tourist who had an opportunity to ride along with Juney in his truck and take in the sights. I enjoyed the metaphorical/symbolic ideas that were neatly inserted into the plot near the end, and Pastorella did not explain these ideas, which I found appropriate, considering Juney is more concerned with his own survival rather than pondering the philosophical intentions of a drug manufacturer. Despite how often Juney questions reality, the book’s greatest strength is its realistic setting and characters. This book was a quick read; and while the references to a famous rock band were something I personally enjoyed, I think the fact that each chapter represented sort of a “track” in a thematic work was a good idea and served the story well. Recommended if you like drug-crime capers.

[Autumn Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sets itself up in all the right ways to be a thrilling ride through smalltown crime and Southern weirdness. There's a new drug in town called Mojo Rising, and apparently once you get on it, you never get off. The writing is brisk, the characters interesting, and the intrigue of Mojo is ready to reveal some really weird and exciting payoffs.
However, I found myself reading into the short story attached to the end of the digital version, unaware that I'd finished the main story. None of the questions set up are ever really resolved, and the book peters out as if there had been a word count limit. I would've loved to read a Mojo Rising in which the author allowed himself to explore the full implications of the intriguing world that he'd set up.

[George Billions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right up my alley

This book really hit the nail on the head for me. Crime noir and horror are my favorite genres, and I’m crazy about stories that combine the two. I like drug narratives, but find there’s a very fine line between hallucinatory and unreadable gibberish; coherence is key. (There are some drug “classics” that I just didn’t enjoy for this reason.) Throw in some high weirdness and you’ve got a fan for life.
Pastorella deftly hits all these notes in Mojo Rising. I loved this book. Whatever you want to call this is my favorite genre.

[Sean Franco-Norris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This book will be released on March 22, 2016

I'm giving this book 3.5 star out of 5. It was different from what I normally read. The book cover was actually what got my attention. It was creepy and trippy at the same time. I read the blurb and thinking, it was different so why couldn't I give the book a shot. I was glad I was given a chance to read the book. The writing style was well done. Juney was odd character and he was the main character of the book.

The opening was good. It got me hook to the storyline. I was curious who did the murder and what was the significant about the art work that was drawn next to the dead body. It was the first mystery that got me really curious and figuring out what was happening. Juney turned out to be a drug dealer and there was a new drug called Mojo Rising. It was the main topic that caused Juney search for an answer since the dead people were close to him and he was determined to find out who did the killing.

I liked the whole story until the ending, which pulled some stars off for the rating. I felt the ending was too abruptly and too simple. It didn't leave me satisfy. It literally didn't make any sense. From the beginning to the ending, I thought this book was something entirely different. When he found out who did the killing and there was something abnormal about this person that actually ruined the book for me. When it was done, that was it. I was like..."That's it? That's all I'm getting?" I was disappointed. At least it was a quick read and it was different. I would read it again if it has an alternate ending or expanded it longer. It read as if the author ran out of idea how to end the novel.

Based on how the author writes the story, I would read more from him. He does have the creative to make his story original, which was what I was looking for.

Originality -- 5 out of 5
Storyline -- 4 out of 5
Ending -- 2 out of 5
Characters -- 4 out of 5

So, in the end, check the book out...maybe you would like the ending much better than I did.

[David Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up on the strength of my Perpetual Motion Machine Press fandom. Per usual they do not disappoint. Mojo Rising the story is a highly entertaining pulpy weird crime novella about a new hallucinogenic strain of Meth called Mojo Rising. The author doesn't really make clear what the effects of the drugs really are (I have a theory) but that is really besides the point. The story follows a lower level drug dealer named Juney who is looking for his brother Chance and discovers his meth cook dead. He then discovers Mojo Rising and things continue to get more trippy and violent from there.

There is a bonus story called "Pork Chop", which I have to say, I actually liked better than Mojo Rising. This book was hopefully an appetizer to a full collection or novel of weird crime fiction. If that is the case I will be checking it out for sure. If you are a fan of other PMMP books like me then I am confident you'll be satisfied with Mojo Rising.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cool mind bending noir-like horror novella. The setting of this book really drew me in with condemned motels, hole in the wall diners and trailer parks. There's a feeling of decay that runs through the pages and as dark as things get, this book does an excellent job of creating well rounded characters struggling for their humanity as a world of addiction and poverty takes its toll.

It's definitely not for the faint of heart. There are some disturbing scenes that lead to a well-placed gut punch of an ending. The surreal aspects left me pondering this story for a while after I finished the last page. A very solid read if you can handle the gritty details.

P.S. I'm not a huge Doors fan, but I picked up a lot of the references here. The die hard fans will probably be able to pick out more of that symbolism than I was able to and appreciate this on an even deeper level. It was a really cool touch though.

[Brennan LaFaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

While they don’t do it with all their releases, I’m enjoying how Perpetual Motion Machine will sometimes package a novella with a somewhat related short story from the author. In the case of Bob Pastorella’s release, you can read a story entitled “Pork Chop” - a 16 page affair that led to the book you’ve just read, unless you go out of order, but you’re not a monster. Are you? The story introduces one of the most interesting characters in the book, a kind of Southern Americana version of a James Bond villain who’s grafted together with kevlar.

After reading and thoroughly enjoying They’re Watching, the book co-written with Pastorella’s This is Horror co-host, Michael David Wilson, I was eager to see what portions of that book germinated from Bob’s imagination, and therefore eager to dive into Mojo Rising. This one steers into more of a gritty crime noir that feels like it only could have been penned by a writer from Texas.

Don’t get me wrong with the crime noir comparison - we definitely steer into horror territory more than once or twice. During these instances, Pastorella embraces the grotesque with a mentality that says I’m looking, so guess what? So are you. Pastorella also perpetually embraces the bizarre. In a book that centers around drugs and references The Doors this often, wouldn’t you have to?

If I had one complaint, it’s one of personal preference. My favorite stories put character ahead of all else, and though our protagonist - Juney - is an interesting guy, most of the importance is placed on setpieces and surroundings. It works for what this novella struck me as trying to accomplish. I simply didn’t find myself as invested as I like to be in the people.

Mojo Rising is exactly the type of book one might expect to come out of Perpetual Motion Machine. It’s fast, fun, strange, and contains masturbation. Trigger warning? If that’s your fare, by all means, dive in. If you just want to see what This is Horror’s resident anecdote machine can do with a pen, or a laptop anyway, check out Mojo Rising.


Review/rating coming soon

[Kev Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up in a kindle sale for £1.99 and boy was I glad I did. It drops you straight into the thick of the action. Juney, a small tone dealer of meth is looking for his missing brother who works for the same operation, but hasn't been seen in days.
Before you know it, you're knee deep in murder, betrayal and psychotropic drug trips that melt your mind right there on the page.
Everyone in this book is cracked and broken in one way or another, yet they're all believable characters with tragic paths that have led them to where they are.
I hit 60% in two half an hour sessions, I simply flew through this, hungrily flipping pages until the satisfying finale.
There's an additional story included in the release which, while not as satisfying as Mojo Rising itself, does provide an ingesting insight into the characters that occupy the same world.
Highly recommended for lovers of weird fiction and noir.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mojo Rising is a surreal weird crime novel that’s trippy as hell and takes you on a wild ride that’ll make you wonder where it will go next. Pastorella’s prose is crisp and descriptive and the story never lets up. I was never really sure which thing was actually happening as Juney snorts a new drug called Mojo and goes on a trip to find his brother and his nieces backed by the soundtrack of The Doors. There are some seriously weird things in this which unfortunately never really lets the reader know why or how it happens. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to whatever Pastorella comes up with next.

[Ryan Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers may know Pastorella from his fantastic podcast, This Is Horror. Mojo Rising is more crime, but an absolutely bonkers story with a small-time meth dealer getting hooked on a mysterious new strain. It's excellent.

[Michael Louis Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Pastorella is a brilliant writer. This is an amazing story.

[Glenda]

3.5 stars

[Cris Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a psychedelic trip of a novel. It keeps you guessing what is really happening all the way to the end. I enjoyed it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so weird and trippy and I fucking love it.

[Joseph Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chance is a meth dealer and when a new drug hits the streets his bosses don’t like that very well. Chance has to find out who is making the drug by orders of his boss

This was a drug induced ride through the back woods of Texas. Chance is trying to find his brother Garret and his wife Maggie. But everyone is fried out on this new drug Mojo. Is this Mojo drug more then a drug and can Chance find his brother before he gets hooked.

And the story channels the spirit of Jim Morrison!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to read this book for free from net galley in exchange for my review.

I was unsure what to expect from this book. It hasn't been released yet, and there are not a lot of reviews to be found, so I felt like I was going in blind with this book.
The very first thing that grabbed my attention was the artwork of the book. It's mysterious and is so fitting for the drug premise. It immediately struck my curiosity and began reading this book as soon as I got it.

The book was told from the view of Juney, who is in search of a new drug, Mojo. Mojo is supposed to be a new strain of drugs, which I'm assuming, is like Meth and cocaine mixed together that has this cherry-vanilla smell (sounds sickening). Juney is encouraged by his "bosses" to find out where the Mojo is coming from, so they can capitalize on this new drug too. While searching for this creator of this drug, Juney starts using it, and everything goes "fuzzy" from there despite the catch-phrase of the drug being "the more you take, the clearer the world becomes."
It soon become difficult to judge what is real, and what is a hallucination from the drug. Since the book is through the view point of Juney, you see and experience everything Juney is, which, I think, is one of my favorite parts of this story. Along with the search for Mojo, Juney is also out to discover where his brother is, and what has happened to his nieces.
The ending of this book gave me mixed feelings. You find out all the answers to the mystery, all of them pretty shocking (especially the Mojo discovery!!). However, I felt strangely unsatisfied. This book was too short! I want more; I need to know what happens to Juney in the end. It left me not being able to tell what was real, and was hoping it would have resolved at the end. But, I'm guessing that was the whole point of the book. It gave me the feeling that I was on the drug, in a way.
Despite my frustration, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light read with a thrilling story-line.

[Thomas Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling weird crime novella written in the authentic voice of someone from Texas who knows the streets, knows the people and how they talk, and knows how to convey it all on the page with honesty and conviction. From the first page I was hooked by the genuine portrayal of a less-than-likeable protagonist who only seemed to sink lower as he was sucked into the nightmare that is the new drug Mojo, but who ultimately sought to do the right thing. Dark, meandering, mysterious (not unlike the songs that were an essential influence), this story is thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.

[Richard Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mojo Rising is a surreal, violent, Southern gothic addiction, set to a soundtrack by The Doors, luring you out into a rippling darkness from which you may not ever return. I'm a big fan of Bob Pastorella's writing, and I really enjoyed this.

[Tracey the Lizard Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review at: http://thequeenofblades.blogspot.co.uk/

A quick read with a 'soundtrack' that saved it.

*A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Paul Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this arc from netgalley. Very entertaining. As bizarre as the mojo in the title. Keep on rising. You will dig this mojo.