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Plain Brown Wrapper
Impoverished college student Allison Kerry only thought her life was complicated. On a broiling August afternoon in Dallas, it's about to get much worse. Political blackmail leads to a political payoff gone terribly wrong and the money ends up in Allison's hands, but she has no idea where it came from or who lost it. When those who lost the money try to take it back, Allison starts to realize she's stumbled into something far worse than she imagined. To make it through, she'll have to run a gauntlet of corrupt politicians, hired thugs, a sociopathic dog-catcher, a foul- mouthed mob hit man and a pearly-toothed televangelist.
Armed with only a single ambiguous clue and the help of someone she isn't sure she can trust, Allison has many questions, few answers and far less time than she thinks to piece everything together.
Armed with only a single ambiguous clue and the help of someone she isn't sure she can trust, Allison has many questions, few answers and far less time than she thinks to piece everything together.
350 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2016
41 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Greg Lynch
22 books23 followersA native Texan, Greg Lynch grew up in Dallas and has worked careers ranging from reporter to private detective to public relations, most of which involved shamelessly sticking his nose into other peoples’ business and writing about it.
Passionate about writing, Mexican food and college football, Greg lives in Dallas with his wife, his daughter and an assortment of animals.
Passionate about writing, Mexican food and college football, Greg lives in Dallas with his wife, his daughter and an assortment of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 24, 2018
This book wasn't at all what I expected. I am learning the hard way that before I pick a book to read. I should not only read the top ten reviews, (but I should also read the bottom ten reviews).
This story is poorly written and mostly stupid. I'm not sure who the target audience is. If you are a gay man who does gay things with other gay guys behind your wife's back, and uses the (F) word in every sentence you utter. You will probably like this book. Some of the main characters in this book are the stupidest people I have ever had the un-privilege of reading about. What kind of idiot leaves a half million dollars laying on top of their car? One of my problems is the author uses either the (F) word or (GD) like 300 times in this book. I know people cuss in the real world. But it takes away from the (story) when you use the worst language you can think off all throughout your book. Not that this book had much of a story to begin with. To be honest I wasn't able to finish this book, I only read about two thirds of it, it is so bad. I wouldn't recommend my dog reading this book. I give this book (1) star, only because there is no rating for (zero) stars.
I want to recommend a better book for you guys to read. Just walk into your public library and throw a rock!......Next Please!
This story is poorly written and mostly stupid. I'm not sure who the target audience is. If you are a gay man who does gay things with other gay guys behind your wife's back, and uses the (F) word in every sentence you utter. You will probably like this book. Some of the main characters in this book are the stupidest people I have ever had the un-privilege of reading about. What kind of idiot leaves a half million dollars laying on top of their car? One of my problems is the author uses either the (F) word or (GD) like 300 times in this book. I know people cuss in the real world. But it takes away from the (story) when you use the worst language you can think off all throughout your book. Not that this book had much of a story to begin with. To be honest I wasn't able to finish this book, I only read about two thirds of it, it is so bad. I wouldn't recommend my dog reading this book. I give this book (1) star, only because there is no rating for (zero) stars.
I want to recommend a better book for you guys to read. Just walk into your public library and throw a rock!......Next Please!
February 2, 2017
You can find a copy of this review at: https://thequidnuncblog.wordpress.com...
Ok, this onw made me laugh a lot! It is filled with humour, suspence and spiciness. It is so entertaining that it screams to be made into a movie! I loved the amount of information I was given as a reader. It was just right, not overly complicating the story and giving mee a clear enough image of what kind of characters I am dealing with.
It definitely is a page-turner and the suspence is build just right, as it accumulates one follows how the characters develop with it until all the problems are solved. I great thriller. Lynch has crafted a diverse group of individuals, and each of them has an agenda that is logical and meaningful. Allison and her dream of becoming a lawyer while trying to support her brother and his ill son was one of the most gripping plots of the story. She makes a couple of decisions that may not seem logical to readers, but the decisions fit when someone is put into an illogical situation, as she is.
What loved the most is the twists. Althoug, some of them were kind of obvious they came in waves, keeping you constantly on the look for the next chapter. I read it in one breath!
I'm looking forward to reading whatever Greg Lynch comes up with next-- I think he will prove to be to Texas what Carl Hiaasen is to Florida. Lynch includes lots of little winks and "inside jokes" for readers familiar with the Dallas area, though any reader could find it relatable. An excellent summer read!!!
Ok, this onw made me laugh a lot! It is filled with humour, suspence and spiciness. It is so entertaining that it screams to be made into a movie! I loved the amount of information I was given as a reader. It was just right, not overly complicating the story and giving mee a clear enough image of what kind of characters I am dealing with.
It definitely is a page-turner and the suspence is build just right, as it accumulates one follows how the characters develop with it until all the problems are solved. I great thriller. Lynch has crafted a diverse group of individuals, and each of them has an agenda that is logical and meaningful. Allison and her dream of becoming a lawyer while trying to support her brother and his ill son was one of the most gripping plots of the story. She makes a couple of decisions that may not seem logical to readers, but the decisions fit when someone is put into an illogical situation, as she is.
What loved the most is the twists. Althoug, some of them were kind of obvious they came in waves, keeping you constantly on the look for the next chapter. I read it in one breath!
I'm looking forward to reading whatever Greg Lynch comes up with next-- I think he will prove to be to Texas what Carl Hiaasen is to Florida. Lynch includes lots of little winks and "inside jokes" for readers familiar with the Dallas area, though any reader could find it relatable. An excellent summer read!!!
August 5, 2016
A laugh-out-loud crime novel that deftly satirizes political douchebaggery without fear or favor. While not for the easily offended, Plain Brown Wrapper is highly recommended, especially for fans of Rich Leder and Janet Evanovich.
Check out the rest of my review on BestThrillers.com.
Check out the rest of my review on BestThrillers.com.
June 27, 2018
This book was So. Much. Fun.
Plain Brown Wrapper is a funny-as-hell crime novel that takes place over a few hot summer days in Dallas. I wasn't sure at first where it was all going, but after the author gives us time to get to know his cast of great characters, the action jumps to high speed and keeps it there. Our heroine is Allison, a college student who finds a small fortune that was intended as a political bribe. The two men behind the bribe - Councilman Bill Clayton and his fixer Howard Garrett - are desperate to get it back because they need it to hold off a blackmail attempt. And I don't think I'd be doing the story justice if I tried to describe it any further.
Plain Brown Wrapper is a fast-paced tale full of twists and turns, with a hundred moving parts that all somehow work together to speed us along through the story. A couple of other reviewers have mentioned Carl Hiaasen, and I think that's a good comparison. Like Hiaasen's work, this book is smart, funny, suspenseful and exciting.
I thought Allison was a great character, and as she's about my age, I found it very easy to relate to her. Howard Garrett's internal monologues sometimes had me laughing like an idiot. Dwayne's misadventures - and his really weird and creepy ideas about tracking Allison down - were just as funny.
It's not for the sensitive (and if profanity is a big problem, you should stay away), but if you're looking for a roller-coaster ride that'll keep you laughing and guessing until the surprising ending, you should definitely check this one out!
Plain Brown Wrapper is a funny-as-hell crime novel that takes place over a few hot summer days in Dallas. I wasn't sure at first where it was all going, but after the author gives us time to get to know his cast of great characters, the action jumps to high speed and keeps it there. Our heroine is Allison, a college student who finds a small fortune that was intended as a political bribe. The two men behind the bribe - Councilman Bill Clayton and his fixer Howard Garrett - are desperate to get it back because they need it to hold off a blackmail attempt. And I don't think I'd be doing the story justice if I tried to describe it any further.
Plain Brown Wrapper is a fast-paced tale full of twists and turns, with a hundred moving parts that all somehow work together to speed us along through the story. A couple of other reviewers have mentioned Carl Hiaasen, and I think that's a good comparison. Like Hiaasen's work, this book is smart, funny, suspenseful and exciting.
I thought Allison was a great character, and as she's about my age, I found it very easy to relate to her. Howard Garrett's internal monologues sometimes had me laughing like an idiot. Dwayne's misadventures - and his really weird and creepy ideas about tracking Allison down - were just as funny.
It's not for the sensitive (and if profanity is a big problem, you should stay away), but if you're looking for a roller-coaster ride that'll keep you laughing and guessing until the surprising ending, you should definitely check this one out!
February 4, 2017
This novel was a lot of fun. There was drama, laugh out loud moments, political intrigue, romance, blackmail and dangerous creatures. This story is told from multiple perspectives and I really enjoyed how the author linked up each character and what roll they played in everything. Set in Dallas this book is a riot too read.. it's fast paced and you want the character to uncover all that you know, and you want to uncover more with each chapter..plus the way this ends... Watch out ! I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes suspense, action, drama, and like I mentioned moments that literally make you laugh out loud.
January 6, 2017
Black comedy crafted with acerbic humor
“Plain Brown Wrapper” weaves multiple story lines into a dark comedy filled with acerbic humor, ridicule and absurdity. It is populated by self-serving characters with defective moral compasses, driven by self-preservation, revenge and contempt for others. Most of the characters are so hopelessly banal that any whisper of virtue, intelligence or strength sets a character head and shoulders above the others. The environment is oppressive, marked by intolerable heat that defies the best efforts to cope with poorly maintained air conditioners and copious consumption of beer. Like the paths that the characters must travel, the roads are marked by cracks and potholes that are better described as chasms, but straying off the beaten path carries greater risks embodied by dangerous reptiles, charlatans and other dangers.
The plot is largely driven by the antagonist, a remorseless, cynical mob assassin whose mission is t ensure that corruption prevails regardless of the consequences. His acerbic insults and utter contempt for mid-American values and lifestyle provide much of the humor, while his struggles to contend with the perils of life in Texas provides an element of burlesque.
The story is well-crafted with the various storylines intersecting naturally to provide further complications. It’s a quick read that keeps the reader engaged and amused. The story is reminiscent of Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours” with a touch of Wayne Kramer’s “Running Scared.”
“Plain Brown Wrapper” weaves multiple story lines into a dark comedy filled with acerbic humor, ridicule and absurdity. It is populated by self-serving characters with defective moral compasses, driven by self-preservation, revenge and contempt for others. Most of the characters are so hopelessly banal that any whisper of virtue, intelligence or strength sets a character head and shoulders above the others. The environment is oppressive, marked by intolerable heat that defies the best efforts to cope with poorly maintained air conditioners and copious consumption of beer. Like the paths that the characters must travel, the roads are marked by cracks and potholes that are better described as chasms, but straying off the beaten path carries greater risks embodied by dangerous reptiles, charlatans and other dangers.
The plot is largely driven by the antagonist, a remorseless, cynical mob assassin whose mission is t ensure that corruption prevails regardless of the consequences. His acerbic insults and utter contempt for mid-American values and lifestyle provide much of the humor, while his struggles to contend with the perils of life in Texas provides an element of burlesque.
The story is well-crafted with the various storylines intersecting naturally to provide further complications. It’s a quick read that keeps the reader engaged and amused. The story is reminiscent of Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours” with a touch of Wayne Kramer’s “Running Scared.”
June 22, 2016
This novel's title intrigued me (plus the fact that it's set in Dallas) and it totally delivered! Chapter 1 is off with a shot as you're introduced to some of it's most eccentric, though completely plausible, characters. I read this book in 10 days, which is pretty quick for me especially considering that it's relatively long, because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I guess you could characterize this novel as a wacky caper, just bizarre enough to ring true. I'm looking forward to reading whatever Greg Lynch comes up with next-- I think he will prove to be to Texas what Carl Hiaasen is to Florida. Lynch includes lots of little winks and "inside jokes" for readers familiar with the Dallas area, though any reader could find it relatable. An excellent summer read!!!
January 9, 2017
Plain Brown Wrapper
With a title like this I wasn't sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised to find a storyline filled with all types of characters and situations. Every chapter brought more suspense and surprises even though we knew all along who were the bad guys and who were the good, or at least we thought we did A surprise ending was the icing on the cake.
With a title like this I wasn't sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised to find a storyline filled with all types of characters and situations. Every chapter brought more suspense and surprises even though we knew all along who were the bad guys and who were the good, or at least we thought we did A surprise ending was the icing on the cake.
November 17, 2016
Great story and I loved all the characters. Cheered for the goodies and booked for the baddies. :) The only problem I had with this book was that fact it put me completely off ever visiting Texas!! The sweat dripped off almost every page :)
May 26, 2017
Talk about suspense and circles!
This novel read like an action-packed movie! Every twist or turn led to another, but they all tied together perfectly in the end. There was one plot line that I think was left unanswered. I'm thinking it might lead into another novel, however.
This novel read like an action-packed movie! Every twist or turn led to another, but they all tied together perfectly in the end. There was one plot line that I think was left unanswered. I'm thinking it might lead into another novel, however.
February 23, 2017
This book is a fun, fun ride! Full of laughs, action, suspense and memorable, well-drawn characters.
Set in a sweltering Dallas summer, Plain Brown Wrapper introduces us to Billy Clayton, a corrupt city politician with a blackmail problem and a complete lack of ability to tell the truth. He brings in a local political fixer to solve his blackmail issue, one thing leads to another and the three bags of cash intended to fix his problem once and for all get lost. They're found by Allison, a college student barely scraping by as she tries to support her brother and nephew. From there, things really take off.
The book is a lightning-fast tale with whip-sharp twists and turns, the events drawing together a wide array of great characters, each with his or her own agenda as things race toward an exciting conclusion.
This book reminded me of Carl Hiaasen's work, with some crazy (but believable!) circumstances and expertly wry wordplay that left me laughing time and time again. A few scenes stuck with me so well that I'd start giggling all over again days later when I thought of them.
Like I said, the characters are great. Billy's a bumbling fool you might feel sorry for if he wasn't such a bastard. The mob hit man Garrelli is a profanity-spewing force of nature. Nick's a lovable slacker in search of a mission. Allison is a very well-written female lead, a little naïve but quite smart and driven to chase her goals and protect those she loves.
Plain Brown Wrapper is a fantastic blend of thriller and humor, and I know I'll be reading it again soon!
Set in a sweltering Dallas summer, Plain Brown Wrapper introduces us to Billy Clayton, a corrupt city politician with a blackmail problem and a complete lack of ability to tell the truth. He brings in a local political fixer to solve his blackmail issue, one thing leads to another and the three bags of cash intended to fix his problem once and for all get lost. They're found by Allison, a college student barely scraping by as she tries to support her brother and nephew. From there, things really take off.
The book is a lightning-fast tale with whip-sharp twists and turns, the events drawing together a wide array of great characters, each with his or her own agenda as things race toward an exciting conclusion.
This book reminded me of Carl Hiaasen's work, with some crazy (but believable!) circumstances and expertly wry wordplay that left me laughing time and time again. A few scenes stuck with me so well that I'd start giggling all over again days later when I thought of them.
Like I said, the characters are great. Billy's a bumbling fool you might feel sorry for if he wasn't such a bastard. The mob hit man Garrelli is a profanity-spewing force of nature. Nick's a lovable slacker in search of a mission. Allison is a very well-written female lead, a little naïve but quite smart and driven to chase her goals and protect those she loves.
Plain Brown Wrapper is a fantastic blend of thriller and humor, and I know I'll be reading it again soon!
December 4, 2017
This was a very thrilling and exciting novel. The characters were not over the top, and each scenario connected well. There's only one thing that bothered me,and that's Gerrallis death. Why did Geralli die by the creek and snakes?. All the suspense from the spider bite looked like certain death, it would've went better while he chased Allison through the woods. It just was kind of an anticlamatic death for supervillain of the story. His character had so much bad luck and he survived barely, why not think he'll get his victims in the end but seize up and die from the spider bite. Well anyway that sounds way better than horse apples and snakes to me. Also Corey's character was always a problem from get go,and finding out about him being a bad guy from Allison was also a bummer in suspense. Of CV course he's gonna blackmail Billy, it's all about his future in politics. Isn't that what Billy kept telling him? This novel was good, but could've had better outcomes to some major details to give it better overall completion. But nonetheless a,very goodread!
October 31, 2017
Splendid
This book was truly a joy to read. The characters were all so richly detailed and built out as individuals that I found myself cheering for every one of them, no matter their part. E
The foreshadowing throughout made it difficult to put the book down for even a moment, especially for the last three chapters or so. Really a terrific read, one I would definitely recommend.
This book was truly a joy to read. The characters were all so richly detailed and built out as individuals that I found myself cheering for every one of them, no matter their part. E
The foreshadowing throughout made it difficult to put the book down for even a moment, especially for the last three chapters or so. Really a terrific read, one I would definitely recommend.
December 11, 2016
Title – Plain Brown Wrapper
Author – Greg Lynch
Genre – Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
352 Amazon Pages
Rating 2 stars out of 5 Posted 12/9/6
Highlights: Scumbag politicians, poisonous spider, thousands of Water Moccasins mating, lost money, dirty panties, dumber than dumb characters.
The Main Characters:
Allison Kerry – Law student, bartender, office temp., young and naive.
Nick O'Riley– Allison's neighbor and then accomplice, then boyfriend.
Billy Clayton – Dallas Councilman, scumbag politician, idiot, married but gay.
Howard Garrett – Political Fixer, smartest loser in the story.
James Garrelli – Mafia hitman from New York, obnoxious, tough, despicable, says Fuck a lot.
Dwayne Wells – About the dumbest character ever put in a book. Has the intelligence of an amoeba.
This book was hard to read and review because I disliked all of the characters except for Allison and Nick. And she was incredibly naive and not too bright.
The story revolves around a Dallas Councilman being blackmailed to throw a new stadium contract to a group of N.Y. shysters. Garrelli has photos of Billy Clayton smooching his gay lover. In order to bribe the last council vote Billy needs, Garrett is to deliver seven hundred fifty thousand dollars to the bribed councilman's house. In a tizzy with his wife, Garrett puts the money on top of his SUV and drives off. The money falls off and is found by Allison. Being the naive, dimwit she is, she calls Billy intent on giving the money back then changes her mind.
Howard hires Dwayne Wells to find Allison and get the money back. Dwayne, being the brainless idiot he is, takes a pair of Allison's dirty panties, rips them down the middle, slips them over his head and leaves then around his neck so he can sniff them and track his prey like a bloodhound. (I swear I'm not making this up) Parts of the story were so humorous I laughed out loud. Not exactly the reaction you want in a story advertized as a thriller.
Unanswered questions: Why did Garrelli leave a witness he interrogated in the hospital alive?
Why didn't that witness call the police when he awoke and tell them where Allison and Nick were?
What did Garrett say when talking to Garrelli that made Garrelli want to kill him? I read the conversation three times and never did learn what triggered that extreme reaction.
Why did Garrelli, a mob hit man, leave several witnesses alive who could later incriminate him?
Why did Garrelli become a mentor to Dwayne Wells after calling him every derogatory name imaginable?
The editing and sentence structure were good, not perfect but good enough.
Character development was good for the extreme characters described.
Details were adequate.
Research was questionable. I couldn't find any source to indicate thousands of Water Moccasins would gather to mate in an orgy like sex marathon. Instead I read that the male snake may be prone to fighting off other males in order to mate with the females.
I can't recommend this book highly because I struggled to finish it. Maybe if you're not as picky about details as I am you might enjoy the read. Good luck.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Greg Lynch
Genre – Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
352 Amazon Pages
Rating 2 stars out of 5 Posted 12/9/6
Highlights: Scumbag politicians, poisonous spider, thousands of Water Moccasins mating, lost money, dirty panties, dumber than dumb characters.
The Main Characters:
Allison Kerry – Law student, bartender, office temp., young and naive.
Nick O'Riley– Allison's neighbor and then accomplice, then boyfriend.
Billy Clayton – Dallas Councilman, scumbag politician, idiot, married but gay.
Howard Garrett – Political Fixer, smartest loser in the story.
James Garrelli – Mafia hitman from New York, obnoxious, tough, despicable, says Fuck a lot.
Dwayne Wells – About the dumbest character ever put in a book. Has the intelligence of an amoeba.
This book was hard to read and review because I disliked all of the characters except for Allison and Nick. And she was incredibly naive and not too bright.
The story revolves around a Dallas Councilman being blackmailed to throw a new stadium contract to a group of N.Y. shysters. Garrelli has photos of Billy Clayton smooching his gay lover. In order to bribe the last council vote Billy needs, Garrett is to deliver seven hundred fifty thousand dollars to the bribed councilman's house. In a tizzy with his wife, Garrett puts the money on top of his SUV and drives off. The money falls off and is found by Allison. Being the naive, dimwit she is, she calls Billy intent on giving the money back then changes her mind.
Howard hires Dwayne Wells to find Allison and get the money back. Dwayne, being the brainless idiot he is, takes a pair of Allison's dirty panties, rips them down the middle, slips them over his head and leaves then around his neck so he can sniff them and track his prey like a bloodhound. (I swear I'm not making this up) Parts of the story were so humorous I laughed out loud. Not exactly the reaction you want in a story advertized as a thriller.
Unanswered questions: Why did Garrelli leave a witness he interrogated in the hospital alive?
Why didn't that witness call the police when he awoke and tell them where Allison and Nick were?
What did Garrett say when talking to Garrelli that made Garrelli want to kill him? I read the conversation three times and never did learn what triggered that extreme reaction.
Why did Garrelli, a mob hit man, leave several witnesses alive who could later incriminate him?
Why did Garrelli become a mentor to Dwayne Wells after calling him every derogatory name imaginable?
The editing and sentence structure were good, not perfect but good enough.
Character development was good for the extreme characters described.
Details were adequate.
Research was questionable. I couldn't find any source to indicate thousands of Water Moccasins would gather to mate in an orgy like sex marathon. Instead I read that the male snake may be prone to fighting off other males in order to mate with the females.
I can't recommend this book highly because I struggled to finish it. Maybe if you're not as picky about details as I am you might enjoy the read. Good luck.
This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
November 11, 2020
I went into this book not knowing exactly what it was about and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s suspenseful AND funny. There’s so much involved: murder, mayhem, humor (almost slapstick kind of humor), political blackmail, multiple chase scenes. It was truly a good book to read. It goes fast with constant action. It’s also told from multiple viewpoints which adds to it all.
January 15, 2018
Kind of a fun read. Characters well developed Makes a statement about local political leaders and the illegal shenanigans they were involved in.
November 24, 2016
I'm on page 308, and the author has used the word "hoary" four times. Every time, it's pulled me out of the story to think, "that's a weird word to use in that description." I'm all for using fun, interesting words, but the overuse of this specific word is bothering me.
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January 11, 2017Did not like characters
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