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The Jigsaw Man
What would you be prepared to do for two million dollars?
Michael Fox answered that question for himself. The hard way. He was about to commit suicide when a stranger approached him and offered him two million in cold, hard cash. All he wanted in return was Fox's right arm...
But that's only the beginning. The mysterious surgeon's plans go far, far beyond one simple limb. And Fox is not his only 'donor'. Once Fox is trapped behind the operating room doors, he discovers there is no escape from the madness, as bit by bloody bit his body is taken from him... and gradually replaced...
Michael Fox answered that question for himself. The hard way. He was about to commit suicide when a stranger approached him and offered him two million in cold, hard cash. All he wanted in return was Fox's right arm...
But that's only the beginning. The mysterious surgeon's plans go far, far beyond one simple limb. And Fox is not his only 'donor'. Once Fox is trapped behind the operating room doors, he discovers there is no escape from the madness, as bit by bloody bit his body is taken from him... and gradually replaced...
289 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
54 people are currently reading
4336 people want to read
About the author
Gord Rollo
61 books223 followersGord Rollo was born in St. Andrews, Scotland, but now lives in Ontario, Canada. His short stories and novella-length work have appeared in many professional publications throughout the genre and his novels include: The Jigsaw Man, Crimson, Strange Magic, and Valley Of The Scarecrow. His work has been translated into several languages and his titles are currently being adapted for audiobooks.
Besides novels, Gord edited the acclaimed evolutionary horror anthology, Unnatural Selection: A Collection of Darwinian Nightmares. He also co-edited Dreaming of Angels, a horror/fantasy anthology created to increase awareness of Down's syndrome and raise money for research. He recently completed his newest horror/dark fantasy novel, entitled The Translators and can be reached at his website www.gordrollo.com
Besides novels, Gord edited the acclaimed evolutionary horror anthology, Unnatural Selection: A Collection of Darwinian Nightmares. He also co-edited Dreaming of Angels, a horror/fantasy anthology created to increase awareness of Down's syndrome and raise money for research. He recently completed his newest horror/dark fantasy novel, entitled The Translators and can be reached at his website www.gordrollo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
January 10, 2022
Michael Fox is a homeless man living on the streets of New York. One day a mysterious billionaire surgeon offers Michael two million dollars for his right arm. Michael figures it's a good deal as he is not using it for much anyways. You should know where this story is going. The surgeon forgot to mention he was going to be taking other parts to exchange them out with other "donors". Apparently Michael has been drafted into a modern day Frankenstein situation. Michael is not going to take being experimented on and turned into a Mr. Potato Head lightly. He is going to get his revenge no matter what. This book was awesome. I couldn't stop reading. I had to find out what happens and if Michael saves himself. Well written, great plot, suspense, horror....what more could you ask for.
😻😻😻😻😻
😻😻😻😻😻
October 5, 2020
DNF on page 175 of 353.
Nope. Not doing it. Already excused some ableism and poorly worded things and some odd homophobia I wasn't sure exactly what to think of because I know the book is older and it looked like it still showed some interesting promise and might be a good read in some way...but that was dashed. Wish I had read some of the reviews before I bought this.
So not only are the mustache twirling villain's disabled (well one of them) they are also gay. I can't do this. When thinking of DNFing i'll skip ahead to skim and read some reviews...I did that and i'm DNFing. Not doing it.
Nope. Not doing it. Already excused some ableism and poorly worded things and some odd homophobia I wasn't sure exactly what to think of because I know the book is older and it looked like it still showed some interesting promise and might be a good read in some way...but that was dashed. Wish I had read some of the reviews before I bought this.
So not only are the mustache twirling villain's disabled (well one of them) they are also gay. I can't do this. When thinking of DNFing i'll skip ahead to skim and read some reviews...I did that and i'm DNFing. Not doing it.
May 15, 2015
I don't know what the audio equivalent to a page turner is but I couldn't stop listening to The Jigsaw Man. Desperately needed to know how it panned out, not because it was unique or even stupendously good but it's riveting in the way a Hollywood blockbuster can grab you.
The story is a mishmash of threads that you've watched or read before, from the rich man approaching homeless street folk with offers of life changing cash, to the crazy doctor performing seriously fucked up experiments and his violently twisted bodyguard.
Michael Fox is one of a fresh batch of street bums, it took some thought but he accepted the offer of two million dollars for, wait for it, his right arm. This money he had plans for, it would be a legacy to his daughter.
On his introduction to the medical facility where all this would take place we see a head in a jar amongst other body parts, worryingly enough twitching away as if there were a decent track on the radio. Dr Nathan Marshall underlines his plans and gives them all the tour, they will all be extremely rich men from donating various body parts for a very specific purpose but of course it doesn't quite turn out as they expected.
The story is frenetically paced with an abundance of horror, the characters are for the most part believable, Drake the twisted bodyguard is someone you do just hope gets what's coming to him and his actions with the head were worthy of a proper wince.
Well worth checking out the parts of this Jigsaw Man even if they are put together by Dr Fuckfuckityfuckfuck and his assistants Holy Mary Motherfuck and nurse Clusterfuck. So if it's a high velocity horror ride you're after that doesn't require much in the way of thought then you won't go far wrong with this one.
A 3.5* rating.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
The story is a mishmash of threads that you've watched or read before, from the rich man approaching homeless street folk with offers of life changing cash, to the crazy doctor performing seriously fucked up experiments and his violently twisted bodyguard.
Michael Fox is one of a fresh batch of street bums, it took some thought but he accepted the offer of two million dollars for, wait for it, his right arm. This money he had plans for, it would be a legacy to his daughter.
On his introduction to the medical facility where all this would take place we see a head in a jar amongst other body parts, worryingly enough twitching away as if there were a decent track on the radio. Dr Nathan Marshall underlines his plans and gives them all the tour, they will all be extremely rich men from donating various body parts for a very specific purpose but of course it doesn't quite turn out as they expected.
The story is frenetically paced with an abundance of horror, the characters are for the most part believable, Drake the twisted bodyguard is someone you do just hope gets what's coming to him and his actions with the head were worthy of a proper wince.
Well worth checking out the parts of this Jigsaw Man even if they are put together by Dr Fuckfuckityfuckfuck and his assistants Holy Mary Motherfuck and nurse Clusterfuck. So if it's a high velocity horror ride you're after that doesn't require much in the way of thought then you won't go far wrong with this one.
A 3.5* rating.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
October 1, 2021
What a nightmare!!!
I liked it!!!
I liked it!!!
December 10, 2021
Oh man, what a fun romp through madness, surgeries and mayhem! For those who like the physical horror with blood, gore and all that icky stuff then this will send a few shivers down the spine. Even though this was Rollo's first mass market novel his writing was a smooth flow of ghastly delights as the story engulfed me and demanded to be finished between Saturday night and Sunday morning, nothing else would tear me away and I had a blast reading it.
I don't know if it was the fact that I used to go wild for medical thrillers and while growing up I would devour Robin Cook's books only to stop for a rare breather and read some solid horror but this book reminded me of all the great nail gripping times I sat in my dad's library and read those medical thrillers. This of course goes even deeper than most stories that Cook wrote, adding extra spice with some whacky bad guys and some gut wrenching and chillingly disturbing unpleasant medical scenarios. I certainly enjoyed the mad doctor on a rampage through people and their bodies, on a quest to complete an insane medical act. What that act is I cannot tell, one must read the book to find out, but I promise that the story starts rolling and there is no getting of, this baby was great!
The hero is flawed but not lacking a shiny golden heart deep within himself. Michael Fox has more of a Hamlet complex, the inability to act in time! Well that certainly has its up and downs through the book but when a homeless man ready to commit suicide gets stopped with people who have power and money he has no idea that the blissful prosperity with a heavy price isn't as pure as it seems. Ready for death yet without the slightest idea of what waits at a hidden castle deep in the woods where surgery is daily bread for the mad man who runs it, Michael discovers that not all that was told is true, at least not for his benefit.
This starts off as an intense ride and the story only gets more and more desperate and absolutely horrific for Michael, there are no easy hero choices here, this book has some teeth and books such as this one remind me how much more fun they are than TV, great job Mr. Rollo, you made me forget the remote exists, even if only for two days.
I don't know if it was the fact that I used to go wild for medical thrillers and while growing up I would devour Robin Cook's books only to stop for a rare breather and read some solid horror but this book reminded me of all the great nail gripping times I sat in my dad's library and read those medical thrillers. This of course goes even deeper than most stories that Cook wrote, adding extra spice with some whacky bad guys and some gut wrenching and chillingly disturbing unpleasant medical scenarios. I certainly enjoyed the mad doctor on a rampage through people and their bodies, on a quest to complete an insane medical act. What that act is I cannot tell, one must read the book to find out, but I promise that the story starts rolling and there is no getting of, this baby was great!
The hero is flawed but not lacking a shiny golden heart deep within himself. Michael Fox has more of a Hamlet complex, the inability to act in time! Well that certainly has its up and downs through the book but when a homeless man ready to commit suicide gets stopped with people who have power and money he has no idea that the blissful prosperity with a heavy price isn't as pure as it seems. Ready for death yet without the slightest idea of what waits at a hidden castle deep in the woods where surgery is daily bread for the mad man who runs it, Michael discovers that not all that was told is true, at least not for his benefit.
This starts off as an intense ride and the story only gets more and more desperate and absolutely horrific for Michael, there are no easy hero choices here, this book has some teeth and books such as this one remind me how much more fun they are than TV, great job Mr. Rollo, you made me forget the remote exists, even if only for two days.
February 21, 2015
A modern take on the classic Frankenstein story for the ages. This is my first novel by Rollo and simply put, it won't be my last. I've read some amazing books in 2014. Jigsaw Man is now not only my favorite for this year, but many other years as well. The writing is crisp and the story is one twisting turn after another. Some you can see coming. Most of them you can't. And boy does Rollo grab you by the throat with an iron-like vise of a grip. He had me believing the unbelievable every step of the way. At no point was I like "Oh that's BS. I can't buy that!". No, Michael Fox was a sympathetic character you could relate to and you rooted for him, gasped with him, and experienced his dread as if you and him were one and the same. Dr Marshall and his henchman Drake were deliciously evil without being a cardboard cut out of the stereotype. You hated them with every fiber of your being. That's impressive and hard to do. We've all read stories where the villains weren't realistic. You couldn't buy in and be completely invested. That's not the case in Jigsaw Man. I couldn't put it down. I had to see what was around the corner. And every corner I came to had something lurking that was even worse than the previous one. This story was a roller coaster ride that you didn't want to ever end. This may have been my first read by Gord Rollo, but it won't be my last. Before this review, I downloaded everything else of his I could get my hands on. If the rest of his work is only half as good as Jigsaw Man, I will consider it money well spent! Enough gushing on my part. The Jigsaw Man needs to be the next story you read. Period.
5 out of 5 stars
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
TWITTER - @KenMcKinley5
5 out of 5 stars
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
TWITTER - @KenMcKinley5
February 6, 2010
What would you do if someone offered you a million dollars for your right arm?
Of course you would instinctively say no and think they're nuts. But if you stopped and considered the proposal and what you could do with all that money, it might not seem like such a bad idea. Especially if you're homeless, have no family (except a daughter who hates your guts), and are about to jump in front of a train.
This is the dilemma facing Michael Fox in Gord Rollo's engrossing first novel, The Jigsaw Man.
Since his wife and son were killed in a car accident, Fox has had nothing to live for, becoming a homeless drunk/drug addict. His daughter, who survived the car accident, wants nothing to do with him. So, one bleak day Fox decides he's worth more dead than alive, mails his insurance policy to his daughter and heads to the railway tracks.
While Fox is waiting for the next train to end his life, a man pulls up in a limo and offers him two million dollars for his right arm. Thinking of how much that money could do for his daughter, he accepts. Of course there's more to the offer than Fox is told.
Poor Michael Fox. I don't think I've ever felt as much empathy for a character as I did for him. During the course of the novel things keep getting progressively worse for him. I don't want to give anything away, but his life definitely would have been better living on the streets. And don't even get me started on Lucas and Red Beard. I'll admit I teared up a couple of times while reading.
The characters were very well-developed. As I already mentioned, I felt empathy for the hero and truly cared about him. And I hated the antagonists with a passion. I found myself grinding my teeth when I read about some of Drake and Dr. Marshall's atrocities.
The Jigsaw Man grabbed my interest immediately and held it for the length of book with its quick pace. Whenever I thought I knew what was coming next there would be another twist.
Although parts of the book require a huge suspension of disbelief, and you know nothing like that would ever happen, it's not a problem. Rollo's writing is so convincing that you'll believe even the craziest scenarios in the novel.
I loved this book and if you're a horror fan I'm sure you will too. It looks like I may have a new favourite author.
Read more of my reviews at http://littlemisszombie.blogspot.com
Of course you would instinctively say no and think they're nuts. But if you stopped and considered the proposal and what you could do with all that money, it might not seem like such a bad idea. Especially if you're homeless, have no family (except a daughter who hates your guts), and are about to jump in front of a train.
This is the dilemma facing Michael Fox in Gord Rollo's engrossing first novel, The Jigsaw Man.
Since his wife and son were killed in a car accident, Fox has had nothing to live for, becoming a homeless drunk/drug addict. His daughter, who survived the car accident, wants nothing to do with him. So, one bleak day Fox decides he's worth more dead than alive, mails his insurance policy to his daughter and heads to the railway tracks.
While Fox is waiting for the next train to end his life, a man pulls up in a limo and offers him two million dollars for his right arm. Thinking of how much that money could do for his daughter, he accepts. Of course there's more to the offer than Fox is told.
Poor Michael Fox. I don't think I've ever felt as much empathy for a character as I did for him. During the course of the novel things keep getting progressively worse for him. I don't want to give anything away, but his life definitely would have been better living on the streets. And don't even get me started on Lucas and Red Beard. I'll admit I teared up a couple of times while reading.
The characters were very well-developed. As I already mentioned, I felt empathy for the hero and truly cared about him. And I hated the antagonists with a passion. I found myself grinding my teeth when I read about some of Drake and Dr. Marshall's atrocities.
The Jigsaw Man grabbed my interest immediately and held it for the length of book with its quick pace. Whenever I thought I knew what was coming next there would be another twist.
Although parts of the book require a huge suspension of disbelief, and you know nothing like that would ever happen, it's not a problem. Rollo's writing is so convincing that you'll believe even the craziest scenarios in the novel.
I loved this book and if you're a horror fan I'm sure you will too. It looks like I may have a new favourite author.
Read more of my reviews at http://littlemisszombie.blogspot.com
October 8, 2023
My first Rollo and it was fast-paced fun. It plays out like a Hollywood blockbuster, but with way more blood and carnage. The Jigsaw Man is a contemporary cautionary tale, much like Frankenstein before it, about the potential dangers of unchecked scientific advancement and the hubris of human ambition. It serves as a warning about the potential consequences of attempting to play the role of a creator without fully understanding the ramifications of our actions.
January 24, 2013
Man, being the “bad” reviewer sucks sometimes, did you know that? It’s true; there are actually times (few and far between albeit) where I hate having to dish out the tough love. And I feel so bad because Mr. Rollo is such a nice guy, but I read that book three months ago and I still kind of hate it. So, Gord, just remember this: I punish because I love.
And speaking of scolding, I have just one question for Mr. Rollo: What the hell were you thinking when you constructed that timeline, therefore, raping the atmosphere and massacring the pace?? One day is examined and explored for three chapters and then it jumps a few months, then it’s four chapters for two days and a few more months blink by. And it only gets worse from there, kids. The days become endless and the time jumps longer. Aside from the fact that no day should be described to that extent, the jumps confused me to the point of befriending aspirin.
But what truly catapulted my love affair with the pharmaceuticals was the cast. Never before have I seen such a large array of characters with the potential for greatness be so used, abused and finally, discarded. There is not one character in this entire book that contains even a shred of believability, common sense or a tangible history. Their actions are hilarious and predictable, their dialog laughable, and their outcome formulated to the point of nausea.
Why, Mr. Rollo, why?
Now, aside from his over-indulgence to exhaust a scene to the point of exasperation, Rollo’s style of writing is creative and straightforward. And I have to tell you, it’s refreshing. Take the plot, for instance. While he did take a good idea and drown it in a pool of excess, the point is that it was a good idea. An original idea. And for that, you have to give the man credit. Sure that good feeling only lasted for a few minutes thanks to the realization that the book cover has nothing to do with the story, but it was there.
So, with that in mind, I give this book a 2. It’s only saving grace? The original plot and the knowledge that Rollo’s writing has definite potential if he could just find a really, really good editor. Buy it at your own risk!!
-As posted on Horror-Web.com
And speaking of scolding, I have just one question for Mr. Rollo: What the hell were you thinking when you constructed that timeline, therefore, raping the atmosphere and massacring the pace?? One day is examined and explored for three chapters and then it jumps a few months, then it’s four chapters for two days and a few more months blink by. And it only gets worse from there, kids. The days become endless and the time jumps longer. Aside from the fact that no day should be described to that extent, the jumps confused me to the point of befriending aspirin.
But what truly catapulted my love affair with the pharmaceuticals was the cast. Never before have I seen such a large array of characters with the potential for greatness be so used, abused and finally, discarded. There is not one character in this entire book that contains even a shred of believability, common sense or a tangible history. Their actions are hilarious and predictable, their dialog laughable, and their outcome formulated to the point of nausea.
Why, Mr. Rollo, why?
Now, aside from his over-indulgence to exhaust a scene to the point of exasperation, Rollo’s style of writing is creative and straightforward. And I have to tell you, it’s refreshing. Take the plot, for instance. While he did take a good idea and drown it in a pool of excess, the point is that it was a good idea. An original idea. And for that, you have to give the man credit. Sure that good feeling only lasted for a few minutes thanks to the realization that the book cover has nothing to do with the story, but it was there.
So, with that in mind, I give this book a 2. It’s only saving grace? The original plot and the knowledge that Rollo’s writing has definite potential if he could just find a really, really good editor. Buy it at your own risk!!
-As posted on Horror-Web.com
February 10, 2009
Michael Fox is a homeless man who is about to jump in front of a train so that his daughter can have a better life with the insurance policy he has left to her. But before he can jump, a stranger drives up in a stretch limousine and offers him $2,000,000 for his right arm.
Thinking only of his daughter, Fox gets into the limousine and begins his journey through hell. A mad doctor has been making great breakthroughs in appendage transplants, and it's not only Michael's right arm the mad doctor needs.
Rollo kept ratcheting up the suspense and gross-out factor. He made me think of a few fates worse than death, i.e., becoming a Bleeder.
This is Gord Rollo's first horror novel and it's a doozy. Fast-paced and pushing the limits, Rollo delivers for horror fans.
Thinking only of his daughter, Fox gets into the limousine and begins his journey through hell. A mad doctor has been making great breakthroughs in appendage transplants, and it's not only Michael's right arm the mad doctor needs.
Rollo kept ratcheting up the suspense and gross-out factor. He made me think of a few fates worse than death, i.e., becoming a Bleeder.
This is Gord Rollo's first horror novel and it's a doozy. Fast-paced and pushing the limits, Rollo delivers for horror fans.
May 12, 2015
My first novel by this author and it won't be my last. It reads incredibly fast. The audio edition isn't great but for $1.99 it ain't bad either. I feel safe recommending this to practically everyone.
August 25, 2024
This insane book chewed me up and spit me tf right out. Scenes that will haunt me until I croak. ☠☠☠☠☠
June 29, 2011
I have not read a debut horror novel this good since Jack Ketchum's Off Season, and as impressive and effective as Elisabeth Massie's Sineater. This book is incredibly well paced with a perfect beginning, middle, and end. I can't say enough about this writer. There were things in this book that were so terrifying, I couldn't believe what I was reading. It runs you through a full spectrum of emotions and hooks you every step of the way.
I usually don't like first person stories, but this one really worked. Rollo perfectly balanced the characters, the mystery, the violence, the gore, and the surprises into a very exciting and original tale. I read a lot of horror (almost exclusively), and this is hands down, the best thing I've read in over a year. Gord Rollo's new book, Crimson, was just released by Leisure Books, and you can be sure I'll be picking that up fast. His other book, Strange Magic, is being published by Dark Regions Press and I've already preordered that one. And you should too.
I usually don't like first person stories, but this one really worked. Rollo perfectly balanced the characters, the mystery, the violence, the gore, and the surprises into a very exciting and original tale. I read a lot of horror (almost exclusively), and this is hands down, the best thing I've read in over a year. Gord Rollo's new book, Crimson, was just released by Leisure Books, and you can be sure I'll be picking that up fast. His other book, Strange Magic, is being published by Dark Regions Press and I've already preordered that one. And you should too.
July 22, 2012
I read this a while ago but forgot to comment about it. This was a great book and the plot and characters still stick with me. There were some genuinely creepy and terrifying moments throughout the book. It grabs you and drags you all the way to the end. If this was Rollo's first novel (first one I read) then it is fantastic debut. Can't wait to get ahold of another one of his works. Recommended!
December 28, 2019
For my taste in horror storytelling, The Jigsaw Man is a perfect book.
It's fast, it's gross, it's emotional and you're invested in everything going on. In terms of story, it's lean, kept free of extraneous subplots and filler. Instead, it takes the opportunity to really beef up the relatively simple plot and run with it.
A homeless man, who on the eve of his planned suicide, is offered two million dollars for his right arm by a medical genius working on regeneration of tissue in the human body. The man agrees, but only to find a horrific agenda and that there is no two million dollars.
Told with the delicacy of a frieght train, this story just blasts full-speed-ahead into oblivion, never stops or looks back. Love or hate The Jigsaw Man, I can guarantee you won't be bored.
One sequence that vividly describes the extraction of blood from an unusual place, had me so disturbed I had to turn away for a moment, to shake the queasiness. Of course, drawing blood is one of my least favorite things in real life, despite being a huge horror fan, there's something about blood being sucked out of a person and into a tube that just gets me light-headed every time. But still, books don't do this for me!
Kudos to Jigsaw Man for making me feel ill and telling an incredible story! I've gotta read more Rollo!
It's fast, it's gross, it's emotional and you're invested in everything going on. In terms of story, it's lean, kept free of extraneous subplots and filler. Instead, it takes the opportunity to really beef up the relatively simple plot and run with it.
A homeless man, who on the eve of his planned suicide, is offered two million dollars for his right arm by a medical genius working on regeneration of tissue in the human body. The man agrees, but only to find a horrific agenda and that there is no two million dollars.
Told with the delicacy of a frieght train, this story just blasts full-speed-ahead into oblivion, never stops or looks back. Love or hate The Jigsaw Man, I can guarantee you won't be bored.
One sequence that vividly describes the extraction of blood from an unusual place, had me so disturbed I had to turn away for a moment, to shake the queasiness. Of course, drawing blood is one of my least favorite things in real life, despite being a huge horror fan, there's something about blood being sucked out of a person and into a tube that just gets me light-headed every time. But still, books don't do this for me!
Kudos to Jigsaw Man for making me feel ill and telling an incredible story! I've gotta read more Rollo!
May 21, 2025
Mike is a homeless alcoholic who has lost everything and on the verge of suicide. A man approaches him with a proposition that will change his life forever. Give me your arm, and you will be 2 million dollars richer!
I won't go any further into the plot to not spoil it, but it's a frantically paced horror novel full of gruesome details, leaving the reader heartbroken. Gord writes in a simple but effective way, keeping the chapters short and sweet, making it a quick read. It's a bleak book but totally engaging from start to finish. 4.5 stars.
I won't go any further into the plot to not spoil it, but it's a frantically paced horror novel full of gruesome details, leaving the reader heartbroken. Gord writes in a simple but effective way, keeping the chapters short and sweet, making it a quick read. It's a bleak book but totally engaging from start to finish. 4.5 stars.
October 25, 2020
Quick and fun read by Rollo, and a good one if you are looking for some Halloween thrills! Mike is down and out, living in the streets after his life fell apart when his wife and son died in a car crash. His daughter has disowned him and he is just about to kill himself when a man in a fancy limo makes him an offer it turns out he cannot refuse. The man (Drake) works for Dr. Marshall, an experimental surgeon with a private clinic. The offer: give us your right arm and we will give your 2 million dollars! Mike has some suspicions to be sure, but goes along to the clinic, which is by all means impressive. Dr. Marshall, after he shows Mike (and three others who accepted the offer) a brief film of severed human limbs moving around (electronic impulses guided by a mainframe computer), explains that their limbs are going to his only son. His son was born with birth defects (no functioning limbs) and Dr. Marshall's dream is to transplant arms/legs.
From the film and the following tour, Mike is impressed. He and the others feel like they are doing a good thing, as well as getting rich. After snooping around one night, however, Mike begins to realize that things are not quite like the doctor's story-- he finds a room with 'bleeders', or people with no limbs at all being used as living blood banks. Things go from bad to worse when he gets caught!
Mike is a good, flawed character and tells the story in first person with workman like prose. Dr. Marshall plays a super mad doctor and Drake is a great goon. This would make a great B-movie to be sure! 4 stars.
From the film and the following tour, Mike is impressed. He and the others feel like they are doing a good thing, as well as getting rich. After snooping around one night, however, Mike begins to realize that things are not quite like the doctor's story-- he finds a room with 'bleeders', or people with no limbs at all being used as living blood banks. Things go from bad to worse when he gets caught!
Mike is a good, flawed character and tells the story in first person with workman like prose. Dr. Marshall plays a super mad doctor and Drake is a great goon. This would make a great B-movie to be sure! 4 stars.
August 6, 2021
I enjoyed Gord Rollo's The Jigsaw Man.
This book had somewhat of a lighthearted tone, which normally doesn't work for me in horror. I was able to tolerate it here because it comes from the protagonist who is surprisingly well rounded. I enjoyed his cynicism and humor and even had quite a bit of sympathy for the guy even though he is somewhat despicable.
My biggest complaint with The Jigsaw Man is that it just wasn't gory or shocking enough considering the context. This is a mad scientist story, but it felt a bit tame to me. In all honesty, the cover of this book was the most disturbing thing about it.
I do need to say that the end of this book was absolute perfection. I loved it!
I rated Gord Rollo's The Jigsaw Man 3.5 out of 5 stars.
You might like this one if you like: body horror, comedic horror, and stories about human experimentation.
This book had somewhat of a lighthearted tone, which normally doesn't work for me in horror. I was able to tolerate it here because it comes from the protagonist who is surprisingly well rounded. I enjoyed his cynicism and humor and even had quite a bit of sympathy for the guy even though he is somewhat despicable.
My biggest complaint with The Jigsaw Man is that it just wasn't gory or shocking enough considering the context. This is a mad scientist story, but it felt a bit tame to me. In all honesty, the cover of this book was the most disturbing thing about it.
I do need to say that the end of this book was absolute perfection. I loved it!
I rated Gord Rollo's The Jigsaw Man 3.5 out of 5 stars.
You might like this one if you like: body horror, comedic horror, and stories about human experimentation.
June 3, 2015
Meh. Decent read but I thought it dragged a bit in the middle.
May 31, 2025
3.5/5, rounded down.
A modern day Frankenstein tale, that is probably more sci-fi thriller than horror, but it's certainly horrifying, regardless. This was my first book by Rollo, and I had a very good time. His tale was fast paced, had great momentum and a main character that was easy to sympathize with. He also had two very detestable villains here, and they wrought some unbelievable trauma upon our protagonist and his friends. Rollo's prose is easily digestible, and while I had very minor complaints about a couple of situations playing out in ways that I found unrealistic (not because they were fantastic, but because they were a bit sloppy when considering how a person would behave, or an action they would or wouldn't take), but these were mostly nitpicking, even if they did take me out of the story briefly, now and then. On the whole, a quick, grim and entertaining story, told in economical fashion.
A modern day Frankenstein tale, that is probably more sci-fi thriller than horror, but it's certainly horrifying, regardless. This was my first book by Rollo, and I had a very good time. His tale was fast paced, had great momentum and a main character that was easy to sympathize with. He also had two very detestable villains here, and they wrought some unbelievable trauma upon our protagonist and his friends. Rollo's prose is easily digestible, and while I had very minor complaints about a couple of situations playing out in ways that I found unrealistic (not because they were fantastic, but because they were a bit sloppy when considering how a person would behave, or an action they would or wouldn't take), but these were mostly nitpicking, even if they did take me out of the story briefly, now and then. On the whole, a quick, grim and entertaining story, told in economical fashion.
March 15, 2013
This is one of those horror novels that fans of the genre long to read. It has everything a good tale requires: solid description and imagery, characters to root for and against, increasing terror and a climactic ending. Every scene was an integral part of the overall story. I appreciate a well-constructed yarn and this was a pleasure to read--up until the very last page.
Michael Fox, (one thing I dislike is his character name, because I kept picturing Michael J. Fox), more than down on his luck and about to commit suicide is offered a princely sum of dollars in exchange for his right arm. From that hook, the plot spirals into increasingly more horrific moments, any of which I'd be ruining by mentioning in this review. Suffice to say there is a doctor and henchman character involved that pay homage to Mary Shelly's Frankenstein.
The only major thing I didn't like was the last page, and the way it ultimately finished the story leaves me taking away afull three quarters of a star from the rating. It's a technical problem that I have with stories written in the first person point of view. I've mentioned this in a few other reviews and I suggest that you DO NOT read the spoiler that follows unless you want to ruin this story:
Upon conclusion of the story, there is a neat tie-in short story which almost redeems the last page of the novel.
3,495 Kindle locations. 4.25 stars. Recommended, except for the last page.
Michael Fox, (one thing I dislike is his character name, because I kept picturing Michael J. Fox), more than down on his luck and about to commit suicide is offered a princely sum of dollars in exchange for his right arm. From that hook, the plot spirals into increasingly more horrific moments, any of which I'd be ruining by mentioning in this review. Suffice to say there is a doctor and henchman character involved that pay homage to Mary Shelly's Frankenstein.
The only major thing I didn't like was the last page, and the way it ultimately finished the story leaves me taking away a
Upon conclusion of the story, there is a neat tie-in short story which almost redeems the last page of the novel.
3,495 Kindle locations. 4.25 stars. Recommended, except for the last page.
November 4, 2024
Had a great time with this one. A homeless man on the verge of suicide is offered $2 million for his right arm. Things go way south from there. The Jigsaw Man is a fast-paced, suspenseful, action-packed, and disturbing tale of body horror, science-gone-horribly-wrong, exploitation of the poor, and revenge. Think Frankenstein meets The Brain That Wouldn't Die meets the homeless hero trope. It’s also Rollo’s debut novel, which makes it that much more impressive.
September 16, 2009
Sometimes a new horror author hits a bullseye with their first book. An unheard of writer hits the scene like a Mack Truck plowing into a gas station. King did it with "Carrie", Skipp and Spector did it with "The Light at the End", Richard Laymon did it with "The Cellar", Jack Ketchum did it with "The Off Season", Brian Keene did it with "The Rising", etc. Rollo has pulled a similar feat with this book, his debut. The first third of this book is one of the most incredibly creepy, suspenseful and downright scary things I have read in years. I am a huge horror fan and I enjoy a wide array of horror fiction. Some of it shocks me, some of it disgusts me, most of it makes me think, but very little of it really scares me anymore. The first third of this book reminded me of being 13 and cracking open "Misery" by Stephen King for the first time. Completely scared out of my wits. The rest of the book was good, although it goes from being eerie and ominous to very visceral and gory. But then, even at its most gratuitous, it is supremely disturbing and excellently written. I'm not going to waste time telling you what this book is about, just take my word for it, this is what horror fiction should be. This might be the best horror novel I've read this year, and this is definitely an author that I will follow rabidly from now on.
July 12, 2016
For a super fast dose of tragedy and body horror look no further!
This was a compelling read told from the point of view of Michael, whose life takes a downward spiral after the accidental deaths of his wife and son. He ends up living on the streets, on the verge of suicide. If only he'd known that might have been the easier option ...
Lured by the promise of money and the chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his surviving teenage daughter, he agrees to take part in some dubious sounding medical experiments.
Almost a modern take on the Frankenstein mythos, this is brilliantly gory, suspenseful and fun read.
This was a compelling read told from the point of view of Michael, whose life takes a downward spiral after the accidental deaths of his wife and son. He ends up living on the streets, on the verge of suicide. If only he'd known that might have been the easier option ...
Lured by the promise of money and the chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his surviving teenage daughter, he agrees to take part in some dubious sounding medical experiments.
Almost a modern take on the Frankenstein mythos, this is brilliantly gory, suspenseful and fun read.
October 3, 2020
Man this was a chore to finish... cheesy, poorly written, and boring. I almost didn’t want to finish. The story thinks cartoonishly manic scientists are scary. Also, the overly sexual behavior was just ridiculous. There was a multitude of unnecessary details that somehow made this already short story feel too long.
This would’ve been a 1 star if not for the interesting concept.
This would’ve been a 1 star if not for the interesting concept.
May 16, 2018
What a wild and fun ride that was!!! Fast paced and easy to read modern twist on a mad scientist making his very own Frankenstein....
Great character build up and action packed story to keep you rushing to turn the pages!!
Make sure you read the short story at the end to keep you on your toes!
Great character build up and action packed story to keep you rushing to turn the pages!!
Make sure you read the short story at the end to keep you on your toes!
May 31, 2019
Книгата е с една от онези анотации, които ти развалят кефа от четенето. В случая издава развръзката и изпортва напрежението от първите три четвърти. Другата ми забележка е, че е сто процентова глупост от медицинска гледна точка.
Тези неща не ми попречиха да се насладя по никакъв начин на този зашеметяващ, кървав и изпълнен с напрежение дебют на Горд Роло. Всяка следваща страница нагнетява все повече страх и ужас в читателя и оставаш без всякаква представа къде са границите на автора и до къде ще те отведе мрачната му приказка.
Медицински трилър с брутални елементи на боди хорър и спиращо дъха повествование.
Майкъл Фокс е изтървал живота си. След катастрофа в която загиват жена му и невръстния му син, той се е отказал да се бори и живее в контейнер, като прекарва дните си надрусан до козирката. Когато съвсем му писва и решава да се самоубие, получава изненадваща оферта от богат, безскрупулен доктор – 2 милиона за дясната му ръка. Когато е отведен в частната болница, Фокс усеща, че има нещо нередно. Лудия доктор и садистичния му шеф на охраната ще го подложат на серия операции, в които Майк губи една по една телесните си части, докато...
Пълни пет звезди, малките и по-големи сюжетни дупки по никакъв начин не могат да заглушат влиянието на силния авторов глас. Мисля, че открих нов любим писател в хоръра, да видим.
Тези неща не ми попречиха да се насладя по никакъв начин на този зашеметяващ, кървав и изпълнен с напрежение дебют на Горд Роло. Всяка следваща страница нагнетява все повече страх и ужас в читателя и оставаш без всякаква представа къде са границите на автора и до къде ще те отведе мрачната му приказка.
Медицински трилър с брутални елементи на боди хорър и спиращо дъха повествование.
Майкъл Фокс е изтървал живота си. След катастрофа в която загиват жена му и невръстния му син, той се е отказал да се бори и живее в контейнер, като прекарва дните си надрусан до козирката. Когато съвсем му писва и решава да се самоубие, получава изненадваща оферта от богат, безскрупулен доктор – 2 милиона за дясната му ръка. Когато е отведен в частната болница, Фокс усеща, че има нещо нередно. Лудия доктор и садистичния му шеф на охраната ще го подложат на серия операции, в които Майк губи една по една телесните си части, докато...
Пълни пет звезди, малките и по-големи сюжетни дупки по никакъв начин не могат да заглушат влиянието на силния авторов глас. Мисля, че открих нов любим писател в хоръра, да видим.
October 5, 2018
Ugh...
The Good:
-Fantastic premise.
-Great first half, super dreadful (in a good way!) and good tension building moments.
The Bad:
-Not one single believable character in the second half. Our MC lost the plot. Everyone was a cardboard cut-out. No one made any rational decisions. The villains are like Jack Ketchum antagonists levels of evil, which always make me eye-roll, but Ketchum is a better writer.
-Pacing in the second half. We went from awesome pacing to "whoa, wait, what the fuck happened?" I was expecting more of a slow burn reassembling of some dude's body while he goes steadily more insane. Nope, all at once, BAM. No time to process. Stupid time skips.
-Plot conveniences ahoy. *yawn* Everybody in the right place at the right time and with all the right tools for the job needed. How convenient.~
The Ugly:
-Why the mustache twirling villains gotta be gay?
-Super clunky dialogue and plot development in the second half. Seriously, reading this was like reading a novel assembled (Jigsaw style, ayeee) from two different authors. First half dialogue was nothing to write home about, but at least it wasn't soooo cringey. Fanfics have better character thought processes and dialogue then the second half of this book.
Overall, can't say I recommend this. If the premise intrigues you, read the first half to get the flavor and then think up your own climax and ending, you'll likely do a more adequate job bringing the story to a close than the book does. Also you'll dodge most of the uncomfortable homo-eroticism among the hive of scum and villainy. Seriously, what happened to the second half of this book?? It started off so well.
3 stars for the first half, 1 star for the bullshit second half, negative five stars for the weird shit with the villains.
The Good:
-Fantastic premise.
-Great first half, super dreadful (in a good way!) and good tension building moments.
The Bad:
-Not one single believable character in the second half. Our MC lost the plot. Everyone was a cardboard cut-out. No one made any rational decisions. The villains are like Jack Ketchum antagonists levels of evil, which always make me eye-roll, but Ketchum is a better writer.
-Pacing in the second half. We went from awesome pacing to "whoa, wait, what the fuck happened?" I was expecting more of a slow burn reassembling of some dude's body while he goes steadily more insane. Nope, all at once, BAM. No time to process. Stupid time skips.
-Plot conveniences ahoy. *yawn* Everybody in the right place at the right time and with all the right tools for the job needed. How convenient.~
The Ugly:
-Why the mustache twirling villains gotta be gay?
-Super clunky dialogue and plot development in the second half. Seriously, reading this was like reading a novel assembled (Jigsaw style, ayeee) from two different authors. First half dialogue was nothing to write home about, but at least it wasn't soooo cringey. Fanfics have better character thought processes and dialogue then the second half of this book.
Overall, can't say I recommend this. If the premise intrigues you, read the first half to get the flavor and then think up your own climax and ending, you'll likely do a more adequate job bringing the story to a close than the book does. Also you'll dodge most of the uncomfortable homo-eroticism among the hive of scum and villainy. Seriously, what happened to the second half of this book?? It started off so well.
3 stars for the first half, 1 star for the bullshit second half, negative five stars for the weird shit with the villains.
January 6, 2009
I had never read FRANKENSTEIN or any books related to it so this was my first book of that horror sub-genre and I was quite impressed! This book was extremely fast-paced and kept you wanting to know what was going to happen next. If I had had more time available I probably would've read it in just a couple of days, but I ended up stretching it out a bit longer.
Gord Rollo detailed the scenes and characters VERY well in this book. I was able to picture most everything going on... though some of it I would have preferred to not have had such a visual on! Rollo is a very talented writer and I am definitely looking forward to reading more by him in the future.
I highly recommend this to any fans of horror as it's definitely a must read. Thanks Nick for bringing this one to my attention.
Gord Rollo detailed the scenes and characters VERY well in this book. I was able to picture most everything going on... though some of it I would have preferred to not have had such a visual on! Rollo is a very talented writer and I am definitely looking forward to reading more by him in the future.
I highly recommend this to any fans of horror as it's definitely a must read. Thanks Nick for bringing this one to my attention.
July 13, 2013
this book was not what I expected at all, that's not a bad thing though. I loved it! the mix of comically bizarre situations and truly horrifying situations reminded me of Jeff stand. if this book had been given a "wanted add" title it could have been Andrew mayhem number five. it was gory, it was funny, it was really messed up in parts but it was also well written with great characters and hard to put down.
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