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Easytown Novels #3
West End Droids & East End Dames
Just when his life seemed to be getting back on track, Detective Zach Forrest finds himself in the midst of a whirlwind of treachery, lies, and mayhem that threatens to unravel the delicate balance of power in Easytown.
Everything comes crashing down on Forrest when a rampaging cyborg attacks him, disrupting his investigation into the death of a lowly thumper club doorman who knew too much. Before he can determine his next move, a beautiful, mysterious evidence clerk lands on his doorstep, forcing her way into his life despite the NOPD's rules against fraternization -- and his missing girlfriend.
Meanwhile, to combat the rapidly increasing number of cybernetically enhanced criminals, the police chief assigns him the difficult task of tracking down and stopping the street doctors who build the abominations at any cost.
But, will it cost Zach more than he'd expected?
Everything comes crashing down on Forrest when a rampaging cyborg attacks him, disrupting his investigation into the death of a lowly thumper club doorman who knew too much. Before he can determine his next move, a beautiful, mysterious evidence clerk lands on his doorstep, forcing her way into his life despite the NOPD's rules against fraternization -- and his missing girlfriend.
Meanwhile, to combat the rapidly increasing number of cybernetically enhanced criminals, the police chief assigns him the difficult task of tracking down and stopping the street doctors who build the abominations at any cost.
But, will it cost Zach more than he'd expected?
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 25, 2019
I received this from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
Another great entry in the Easytown series, but bittersweet. This one, like the first two, ties all of the wild plot lines into a satisfying ending. And what an exciting ending! I will say that it wasn't unexpected, but I was hoping that it would end in different fashion.
Here's one reader hoping that this isn't the last we hear of Easy Town!
Another great entry in the Easytown series, but bittersweet. This one, like the first two, ties all of the wild plot lines into a satisfying ending. And what an exciting ending! I will say that it wasn't unexpected, but I was hoping that it would end in different fashion.
Here's one reader hoping that this isn't the last we hear of Easy Town!
September 15, 2017
The Easytown series by Brian Parker is one of my favorite cyberpunk series. Brian Parker has created a real winner in a story which chronicles the adventures of Zach Forrest, homicide detective as he patrols the seedy beat of Easytown. The beat has made him hard and ruthless but he was always that way to begin with.
Easytown is, essentially the resurrected Storyville of New Orleans and serves as the city's red light district. Except, instead of flesh-and-blood prostitutes--they have androids and clones serving their patron's tastes. Despite this improvement, the place is incredibly seedy and full of violence. Honestly, we don't spend enough time there and I would have liked to have seen Zach visit a few more of the town's places of ill-repute.
The previous two books established a duality with Zach. He's an excellent detective and extremely good at bringing the bad guys in but comes from the Dirty Harry school of police officers. He beats suspects, shoots to kill, is rude to everyone, and is pretty much a dozen police brutality cases waiting to happen. Unlike many real-life offers with such problems, though, he's interested in protecting the rights of those on his beat rather than the people he goes after. Indeed, he's more often likely to end up going after the rich and powerful versus the poor.
Unfortunately, living life like that means Zach is destined to lose his job and even knows it. Not even saving the Pope's life and stopping a cartel of serial killers is enough to keep him on the force much longer. Indeed, he's made so many enemies, you can imagine both sides are sick of it as he continues to coast along thanks to his big wins but never enough to secure his position. Much of the book is devoted to the cause of the buck stopping in his ability to continue like this.
For better or worse, the villains are far less impressive this time around. A drug syndicate is using cyborgs to menace the people of Easytown but their boss has far less menace than the bad guys previously. The real villains are the people in City Hall who are looking for any excuse, or are actively contriving to make one, in order to bring Zach down.
The book dumps the character of Teagan, the young waitress who loved Zach for the first two books, rather unceremoniously. Zach is no stranger to failed relationships but I felt this deserved a follow-up conversation between the two. I will say, though, I'm intrigued by the fact Zach's Siri-like A.I. companion Andi is interested in him now. The fact he no longer has to deal with the department's "Immorality Clause" about sleeping with robots is also interesting.
The action is good, the world building is well done, and the characters are likable. This isn't my favorite of the Easytown novels but it's still a book I'm glad I read. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
8.5/10
Easytown is, essentially the resurrected Storyville of New Orleans and serves as the city's red light district. Except, instead of flesh-and-blood prostitutes--they have androids and clones serving their patron's tastes. Despite this improvement, the place is incredibly seedy and full of violence. Honestly, we don't spend enough time there and I would have liked to have seen Zach visit a few more of the town's places of ill-repute.
The previous two books established a duality with Zach. He's an excellent detective and extremely good at bringing the bad guys in but comes from the Dirty Harry school of police officers. He beats suspects, shoots to kill, is rude to everyone, and is pretty much a dozen police brutality cases waiting to happen. Unlike many real-life offers with such problems, though, he's interested in protecting the rights of those on his beat rather than the people he goes after. Indeed, he's more often likely to end up going after the rich and powerful versus the poor.
Unfortunately, living life like that means Zach is destined to lose his job and even knows it. Not even saving the Pope's life and stopping a cartel of serial killers is enough to keep him on the force much longer. Indeed, he's made so many enemies, you can imagine both sides are sick of it as he continues to coast along thanks to his big wins but never enough to secure his position. Much of the book is devoted to the cause of the buck stopping in his ability to continue like this.
For better or worse, the villains are far less impressive this time around. A drug syndicate is using cyborgs to menace the people of Easytown but their boss has far less menace than the bad guys previously. The real villains are the people in City Hall who are looking for any excuse, or are actively contriving to make one, in order to bring Zach down.
The book dumps the character of Teagan, the young waitress who loved Zach for the first two books, rather unceremoniously. Zach is no stranger to failed relationships but I felt this deserved a follow-up conversation between the two. I will say, though, I'm intrigued by the fact Zach's Siri-like A.I. companion Andi is interested in him now. The fact he no longer has to deal with the department's "Immorality Clause" about sleeping with robots is also interesting.
The action is good, the world building is well done, and the characters are likable. This isn't my favorite of the Easytown novels but it's still a book I'm glad I read. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
8.5/10
January 4, 2020
Another great book in an amazingly entertaining series. Detective Zach Forest continues to be his typical hardass, rule breaking self, trying to find out who is doing illegal cybernetic enhancements and supplying Easytown with an addicting drug. Along the way, he encounters cyborgs and beautiful women (of course!) while endangering his career with the NOPD.
If you are looking for a well-written cyberpunk series with traces of noir detective novels, this is the one you need to read or listen to. While set in a futuristic New Orleans, it contains hints of detectives like Sam Spade, complete with Zach's penchant for fedora hats.
Brian Parker has developed a world full of droids, clones, cyborgs, drones and artificial intelligence, all of which seem believable and demand to be made into a movie. His characters are well-developed and I feel like I know Zach and friends. The Detective is determined to solve cases at the expense of love, life and limb, and his stubborn insistence on doing so causes him many problems. His snarky attitude and quips, even during times of extreme pain and duress, make him one of my favorite characters in current books.
The ending hints at further books in the series (YEAH!) and I look forward to following Zach's adventures. The narrator, Daniel Penz, does an absolutely awesome job, with perfect pacing and voices that perfectly match the characters. His performance added a lot to my listening enjoyment.
I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book through Audiobook Boom! and chose to review it.
If you are looking for a well-written cyberpunk series with traces of noir detective novels, this is the one you need to read or listen to. While set in a futuristic New Orleans, it contains hints of detectives like Sam Spade, complete with Zach's penchant for fedora hats.
Brian Parker has developed a world full of droids, clones, cyborgs, drones and artificial intelligence, all of which seem believable and demand to be made into a movie. His characters are well-developed and I feel like I know Zach and friends. The Detective is determined to solve cases at the expense of love, life and limb, and his stubborn insistence on doing so causes him many problems. His snarky attitude and quips, even during times of extreme pain and duress, make him one of my favorite characters in current books.
The ending hints at further books in the series (YEAH!) and I look forward to following Zach's adventures. The narrator, Daniel Penz, does an absolutely awesome job, with perfect pacing and voices that perfectly match the characters. His performance added a lot to my listening enjoyment.
I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book through Audiobook Boom! and chose to review it.
August 11, 2019
Author Brian Parker and audiobook narrator Daniel Penz hit another home run in the Easytown series of science fiction noir novels. The third book in the series is titled “West End Droids & East End Dames”. If you have not yet listened to any of the Easytown stories, I highly recommend you give them all a try as the writing is fantastic and the narration is clean and professionally performed. As you listen, simply close your eyes and you can easily imagine you are in the world or watching a big-screen movie production. I do have to warn the listener that this audiobook is not at all intended for young audiences and only mature listeners should give the series a try. I also hear rumors of a potential forth book in this great detective procedural series, yet I have not seen anything on Audible at the time of this review. Even if you are not a fan of the detective genre, as I’m not, the deep story, compelling characters, and wonderful atmosphere makes it a story nearly anyone could enjoy. As with the previous two books in the series, the third is well worth a prized Audible credit.
Each of the books in the series can be listened too as a stand-along novel. However, I highly recommend you listen to each in order to get the most out of the stories as you can. Many of the characters, issues, and locations carry over from one book to the next as Easytown is a living breathing place where these stories come alive. If you are at all familiar with the series, all of the regular characters are back in this story. The most important is our main character who is a fedora wearing detective (Zach Forrest) who is an officer with an attitude. We also have Andy who is his snarky computer assistant. Voodoo and Tegan also make their experiences as well. And, like the other books, this one jumps right into the action and entertainment right from the first chapter.
I felt this book had more complexities than the first two. However, I enjoy seeing an author mature in his writing style and complexity is not always a bad thing. It is not that the story itself is overly complex, but that our main character faces more treachery, lies, and mayhem from not only his regular enemies, but even some of those who appear to be his friends. Even with this new and elevated pressure, Zach remains a man of morals and justice. He believes that his purpose in life is to help others. He holds to the motto which says officers are “To Protect and to Serve”. The friendships are strong, the relationships are shaky, and the enemies are more powerful and difficult to address. Zach begins to understand that the consequences of one decision can have grave consequences upon not only the individual but others as well.
The author paints a very gritty and grimy futuristic cyberpunk works and weaves a compelling story with believable characters and actions. The technology was not overly strange, but updated and recognizable to the listener. As with the other two books, the author understands the need to throw in some humor and emotional elements to offset the rather deep and dark topics covered. Sometimes these are simple little wisecracks or jabs at others and other time it is relating to the environment and situation. Learning about how Zach sees the miracle of a cooking colander to a public service announcement to not mix antibiotics and large amounts of alcohol together. Another that made me laugh was learning that OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has been disbanded in the future. The author takes you on an emotional ride with times of love, laughter, and loss. Some more involved relationships and broken hearts as well. All of this occurs while the main dark and dreary aspects of the story unfold. I cannot say enough for the detailed writing and character depth.
For the audiobook’s narration, let me say that narrator Daniel Penz encompasses all that I imagine Zach Forrest, the book’s main character, to be. I’m not sure I could find a better fit for the character as well as someone who does an exceptional job with the narration itself. The volume is consistent, there are no audio artifacts I can recall, and the little added audio effects made the audiobook come alive. The characters felt unique and well voiced with both male and female characters sounding distinct.
For parents and younger listeners, I recommend this book only for mature audiences. The are some rather graphic violence, heavy sexual themes, and volumes of vulgar language. The book also includes some references to substantial alcohol and illicit drug use. Although it is a very well-written story, because of these items mentioned, I would say this audiobook is only appropriate for adult listeners.
In summary, the audiobook is a solid procedural story with heavy cyberpunk influences. The setting is strong, the writing is strong, and the narration is strong. All items that make for a really good and enjoyable book. There is plenty of action, adventure, and intrigue keeping the story flowing. But there are also times of sadness, loss, and romance to help balance out the experience. I have reviewed and enjoyed the previous two audiobooks in the series, and this one is no different. I recommend you go and give it a listen.
Each of the books in the series can be listened too as a stand-along novel. However, I highly recommend you listen to each in order to get the most out of the stories as you can. Many of the characters, issues, and locations carry over from one book to the next as Easytown is a living breathing place where these stories come alive. If you are at all familiar with the series, all of the regular characters are back in this story. The most important is our main character who is a fedora wearing detective (Zach Forrest) who is an officer with an attitude. We also have Andy who is his snarky computer assistant. Voodoo and Tegan also make their experiences as well. And, like the other books, this one jumps right into the action and entertainment right from the first chapter.
I felt this book had more complexities than the first two. However, I enjoy seeing an author mature in his writing style and complexity is not always a bad thing. It is not that the story itself is overly complex, but that our main character faces more treachery, lies, and mayhem from not only his regular enemies, but even some of those who appear to be his friends. Even with this new and elevated pressure, Zach remains a man of morals and justice. He believes that his purpose in life is to help others. He holds to the motto which says officers are “To Protect and to Serve”. The friendships are strong, the relationships are shaky, and the enemies are more powerful and difficult to address. Zach begins to understand that the consequences of one decision can have grave consequences upon not only the individual but others as well.
The author paints a very gritty and grimy futuristic cyberpunk works and weaves a compelling story with believable characters and actions. The technology was not overly strange, but updated and recognizable to the listener. As with the other two books, the author understands the need to throw in some humor and emotional elements to offset the rather deep and dark topics covered. Sometimes these are simple little wisecracks or jabs at others and other time it is relating to the environment and situation. Learning about how Zach sees the miracle of a cooking colander to a public service announcement to not mix antibiotics and large amounts of alcohol together. Another that made me laugh was learning that OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has been disbanded in the future. The author takes you on an emotional ride with times of love, laughter, and loss. Some more involved relationships and broken hearts as well. All of this occurs while the main dark and dreary aspects of the story unfold. I cannot say enough for the detailed writing and character depth.
For the audiobook’s narration, let me say that narrator Daniel Penz encompasses all that I imagine Zach Forrest, the book’s main character, to be. I’m not sure I could find a better fit for the character as well as someone who does an exceptional job with the narration itself. The volume is consistent, there are no audio artifacts I can recall, and the little added audio effects made the audiobook come alive. The characters felt unique and well voiced with both male and female characters sounding distinct.
For parents and younger listeners, I recommend this book only for mature audiences. The are some rather graphic violence, heavy sexual themes, and volumes of vulgar language. The book also includes some references to substantial alcohol and illicit drug use. Although it is a very well-written story, because of these items mentioned, I would say this audiobook is only appropriate for adult listeners.
In summary, the audiobook is a solid procedural story with heavy cyberpunk influences. The setting is strong, the writing is strong, and the narration is strong. All items that make for a really good and enjoyable book. There is plenty of action, adventure, and intrigue keeping the story flowing. But there are also times of sadness, loss, and romance to help balance out the experience. I have reviewed and enjoyed the previous two audiobooks in the series, and this one is no different. I recommend you go and give it a listen.
July 28, 2019
The future has arrived...
West End Droids & East End Dames (Easytown Novels, Book 3) by Brian Parker and narrated by Daniel Penz has a noir feel to it. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and glad I took a chance with it. If you enjoy cyberpunk, this is your typical read, or you’re looking for something new in the genre, give this book a try.
What’s it about? Zach’s job is in jeopardy and he must find those responsible while dealing with cyborgs, corruption, drugs, a deteriorating love life, brothels, and more. If you enjoy books with droids, crime, detectives, AI, and futuristic tech, this is a book for you. I enjoyed his AI partner (or sorts) the most. Sometimes I wanted a little more from certain scenes, but it is what it is. Great world building!
The narrator, Daniel Penz, did a great job! I would listen to him again.
Despite not listening the first two books in the series, I was able to jump right in and understand what was happening. Overall, it kept my interest and made me want to know more about the world/Zach’s history. I’m a bit disappointed to learn this is the last book in the series (hoping this isn’t true) as the ending leaves some things open for the possibility of more. Ended up listening to this in two sittings, but only because I had to sleep.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: swearing (throughout), death, guns and other like weapons, prostitution, drugs, and other similar situations.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
West End Droids & East End Dames (Easytown Novels, Book 3) by Brian Parker and narrated by Daniel Penz has a noir feel to it. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and glad I took a chance with it. If you enjoy cyberpunk, this is your typical read, or you’re looking for something new in the genre, give this book a try.
What’s it about? Zach’s job is in jeopardy and he must find those responsible while dealing with cyborgs, corruption, drugs, a deteriorating love life, brothels, and more. If you enjoy books with droids, crime, detectives, AI, and futuristic tech, this is a book for you. I enjoyed his AI partner (or sorts) the most. Sometimes I wanted a little more from certain scenes, but it is what it is. Great world building!
The narrator, Daniel Penz, did a great job! I would listen to him again.
Despite not listening the first two books in the series, I was able to jump right in and understand what was happening. Overall, it kept my interest and made me want to know more about the world/Zach’s history. I’m a bit disappointed to learn this is the last book in the series (hoping this isn’t true) as the ending leaves some things open for the possibility of more. Ended up listening to this in two sittings, but only because I had to sleep.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: swearing (throughout), death, guns and other like weapons, prostitution, drugs, and other similar situations.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
July 3, 2019
I loved the other Easytown Novels... they were just fantastic, and this book is no exception! There's the classic, gritty feel that you get when reading a Noir Mystery, while still holding fast to the envisioned futuristic city of New Orleans, and it's truly wonderful... it's a finely crafted juxtaposition of the old and the new!
I've mentioned in other Easytown Novel reviews, that our hardboiled protagonist, Detective Zack Forrest has girl problems, but that's nothing compared to the trouble that he's gotten into with the fairer sex in this tale! In addition to his "women issues", Zack's job is on the line. The powers that be have Zack in their sights, but that's not going to stop Zack from doing his job. He's gonna stop the manufacture and trade of a highly addictive, toxic street drug! Plus he is dealing with a "chop-shop" that's giving humans illegal cybernetic upgrades!
Daniel Penz has become one of my favorite narrators, primarily due to his stellar work on the Easytown series! Grab this audiobook, and let Penz take you into Easytown... the dark, underbelly of the New Orleans of the future!
I've mentioned in other Easytown Novel reviews, that our hardboiled protagonist, Detective Zack Forrest has girl problems, but that's nothing compared to the trouble that he's gotten into with the fairer sex in this tale! In addition to his "women issues", Zack's job is on the line. The powers that be have Zack in their sights, but that's not going to stop Zack from doing his job. He's gonna stop the manufacture and trade of a highly addictive, toxic street drug! Plus he is dealing with a "chop-shop" that's giving humans illegal cybernetic upgrades!
Daniel Penz has become one of my favorite narrators, primarily due to his stellar work on the Easytown series! Grab this audiobook, and let Penz take you into Easytown... the dark, underbelly of the New Orleans of the future!
September 24, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Everything I'd done was to keep the city safe."
The Third of the Easytown novels featuring Detective Zack Forrest relating his latest problems in the first person as he struggles to hold on to his job. Brash, rude, bullying - but committed to making things right for the people he protects, even if this means his position as a detective gets jeapardised. He's been there before and only massive public and media support saved him: will it do so again as he faces up to murderous enhanced droids and the factory outfitting the cyber implants? Lots of action and thrills, natural conversations, and Andi the AI assistant is there, too, watching his back as far as she is able. Great stuff!
This book by Brian Walker hits all of the right detective noir cyberpunk buttons. Well written, fast action, developed background world and a larger than life, does-it-his-way hero. This is all complemented by the excellent narration of Daniel Penz, who becomes the rather irascible detective, this time in a more contemplative state of mind. Not that this will stop him from charging in where he feels needed.
My thanks to the rights holder of West End Droids and Easy End Dames, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. Although third in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. I very much enjoy this Easytown series: hope that there are still more to come.
"Everything I'd done was to keep the city safe."
The Third of the Easytown novels featuring Detective Zack Forrest relating his latest problems in the first person as he struggles to hold on to his job. Brash, rude, bullying - but committed to making things right for the people he protects, even if this means his position as a detective gets jeapardised. He's been there before and only massive public and media support saved him: will it do so again as he faces up to murderous enhanced droids and the factory outfitting the cyber implants? Lots of action and thrills, natural conversations, and Andi the AI assistant is there, too, watching his back as far as she is able. Great stuff!
This book by Brian Walker hits all of the right detective noir cyberpunk buttons. Well written, fast action, developed background world and a larger than life, does-it-his-way hero. This is all complemented by the excellent narration of Daniel Penz, who becomes the rather irascible detective, this time in a more contemplative state of mind. Not that this will stop him from charging in where he feels needed.
My thanks to the rights holder of West End Droids and Easy End Dames, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. Although third in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. I very much enjoy this Easytown series: hope that there are still more to come.
August 16, 2019
Detective Zach Forrest has been a New Orleans police officer for fourteen years. For the past few years, he’s acquired the reputation of being a hard-nosed officer, bending the rules when necessary and applying force where he saw fit. Several negative notes appeared in his personnel file but were overlooked as he continued to bring in the worse of the worse that he was assigned to take down. This was late in the 2090s; drones were in widespread use to assist police, cybernetic implants and limb replacement was commonplace. This technology was also available to criminals. Our protagonist, Zach Forrest has been given the mission to find the shops that are providing the tech to criminals and shut them down. Unfortunately for Zach, times are changing, media has been focusing on police behavior, and Zach’s methods are coming under intense scrutiny. Activities behind the scenes may be moving contrary to Zach’s benefit. To what end are the conspirators willing to go? How will this interfere with Zach’s mission, if at all? This is Zach’s story. Although this is the third volume in the series, it is definitely a stand-alone novel. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 26, 2019
*This book was given to me by the author at my request, and I provided this voluntary review.*
4/ 5
I have had the wonderful opportunity to read all of Parker's books in this series for a voluntary review, and this book is no exception. Forrest's character is on point and progressing, much to where I thought it would go. I felt this story was a bit weaker than the last ones action and content-wise, but it was definitely a stepping stone to a future set of books in Easytown - no spoilers. Per usual, the audiobook performance was superb; however, I am a bit miffed by the voicing for Tommy Voodoo. He not only sounded meek and not his usual self, the actual voice acting sounded... strange, like not the usual Tommy Voodoo that we heard in the last 2 books. Above all else, this is a solid addition to the Easytown novels.
Anyway, I still love when he yells at Andi.. :D
Highly recommend.
4/ 5
I have had the wonderful opportunity to read all of Parker's books in this series for a voluntary review, and this book is no exception. Forrest's character is on point and progressing, much to where I thought it would go. I felt this story was a bit weaker than the last ones action and content-wise, but it was definitely a stepping stone to a future set of books in Easytown - no spoilers. Per usual, the audiobook performance was superb; however, I am a bit miffed by the voicing for Tommy Voodoo. He not only sounded meek and not his usual self, the actual voice acting sounded... strange, like not the usual Tommy Voodoo that we heard in the last 2 books. Above all else, this is a solid addition to the Easytown novels.
Anyway, I still love when he yells at Andi.. :D
Highly recommend.
July 19, 2019
Great addition to the trilogy
A typical day in the life for Zach only now he has human cyborgs and drug manufacturers to deal with
Daniels narration has been stellar in all three books
One of many entertaining series from Brian Parker highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
A typical day in the life for Zach only now he has human cyborgs and drug manufacturers to deal with
Daniels narration has been stellar in all three books
One of many entertaining series from Brian Parker highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
April 5, 2019
Sensational Crime Thriller
The series of Easytown books is just top drawer. Combining the best of police procedurals and a truly noir sensibility, not to be missed.
The series of Easytown books is just top drawer. Combining the best of police procedurals and a truly noir sensibility, not to be missed.
April 15, 2022
Really enjoyed this whole series. Great scifi noir detective series.
July 4, 2024
Parker needs to write some more
August 2, 2019
I was given a free review copy of this book, at my request, and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Easy Town book 3 was a true pleasure. I still haven't read/listened to book 1, but Book 2 was great and book 3 is even better!
We follow Det. Forrest as he trys to figure out where the drugs and cyborgs are comming from. And in the process find that the Police Force has had enough of his shenanigans. What we are left with is a smart story, full of tiny details to give the case a well rounded feel. Leads that don't pan out, clues that doesn't go anywhere and suspects who die, it is truly a page turner... Or whatever you call a similar audiobook.
We get some returning characters and lots of new ones. The old ones fit right back into place where they should and the new ones are well developed and are interesting. There are definitely no 1 dimensional main characters in this story.
Easytown is as sleezy as ever, but it is not showcased as previlently as book 2. The story takes place almost exclusively there, but in much fewer places than the previous entry.
The story itself is strong, and whole clues are littered throughout the story, it is never entirely clear what's happening. However, my one complaint about the book is that obvious clues are overlooked or dismissed. Someone says something or something happens, and it's clear it's going to be important, but it's never followed up on or is outright dismissed. I realize, however, that the 10 hour audiobook takes place over the course of about 2 weeks, and there is a lot going on in the life of the main character, but if my non-detective brain can pick up on it, than the greatest New Orleans detective ever should have picked it up as well.
This voice acting is again, superb. The digital augmentation during phone or radio calls feels just right. The range of male-female voices by Daniel Penz isn't great, a lot of the women sounding as men and all, but it's not terrible. As most of the characters are male anyways, it doesn't change their story that much.
I have been very pleasently surprised by this series, and I intend to find a copy of book 1. I don't know if this is the end of Det. Forrest's adventures but if there are more to come, I would be interested in going for a ride along.
***Spoilers***
I was disappointed how Branch's comment about his boss being a "her" and referring to 2 bosses as "them" was completely dismissed.
Also, in the epilog, 7 months later, Forrest is still alone. No mention of his ex girlfriend, or the IA cop or getting his AI a body. Kind of depressing leaving him alone, in easy town, with just the strip clubs for company. If nothing else, I'd like another book, even if it's just so Forrest could find some solice in his love life.
Easy Town book 3 was a true pleasure. I still haven't read/listened to book 1, but Book 2 was great and book 3 is even better!
We follow Det. Forrest as he trys to figure out where the drugs and cyborgs are comming from. And in the process find that the Police Force has had enough of his shenanigans. What we are left with is a smart story, full of tiny details to give the case a well rounded feel. Leads that don't pan out, clues that doesn't go anywhere and suspects who die, it is truly a page turner... Or whatever you call a similar audiobook.
We get some returning characters and lots of new ones. The old ones fit right back into place where they should and the new ones are well developed and are interesting. There are definitely no 1 dimensional main characters in this story.
Easytown is as sleezy as ever, but it is not showcased as previlently as book 2. The story takes place almost exclusively there, but in much fewer places than the previous entry.
The story itself is strong, and whole clues are littered throughout the story, it is never entirely clear what's happening. However, my one complaint about the book is that obvious clues are overlooked or dismissed. Someone says something or something happens, and it's clear it's going to be important, but it's never followed up on or is outright dismissed. I realize, however, that the 10 hour audiobook takes place over the course of about 2 weeks, and there is a lot going on in the life of the main character, but if my non-detective brain can pick up on it, than the greatest New Orleans detective ever should have picked it up as well.
This voice acting is again, superb. The digital augmentation during phone or radio calls feels just right. The range of male-female voices by Daniel Penz isn't great, a lot of the women sounding as men and all, but it's not terrible. As most of the characters are male anyways, it doesn't change their story that much.
I have been very pleasently surprised by this series, and I intend to find a copy of book 1. I don't know if this is the end of Det. Forrest's adventures but if there are more to come, I would be interested in going for a ride along.
***Spoilers***
I was disappointed how Branch's comment about his boss being a "her" and referring to 2 bosses as "them" was completely dismissed.
Also, in the epilog, 7 months later, Forrest is still alone. No mention of his ex girlfriend, or the IA cop or getting his AI a body. Kind of depressing leaving him alone, in easy town, with just the strip clubs for company. If nothing else, I'd like another book, even if it's just so Forrest could find some solice in his love life.
January 25, 2021
Like the other two books from this series, West End Droids & East End Dames did not disappoint. I love the aloofness of our hero, Zach, and his sense of righteousness.
There were two things I didn't like though. The romance was dreadful, I really dislike when authors create a character who is deeply in love with a police man, they push and push and when they finally hook the police man, they complain about the his job. It's old and boring and even worse when this link is severed (like in this book) and that character vanished. The other thing is the way he accept leaving the force, it goes against all we learn about this character.
The narration is amazing, as always.
There were two things I didn't like though. The romance was dreadful, I really dislike when authors create a character who is deeply in love with a police man, they push and push and when they finally hook the police man, they complain about the his job. It's old and boring and even worse when this link is severed (like in this book) and that character vanished. The other thing is the way he accept leaving the force, it goes against all we learn about this character.
The narration is amazing, as always.
May 1, 2020
Excluding the short stories collection, at the time of writing, this is the last book in the Easytown series.
Out of the 3 novels, this is the weakest. The writing, charactors and plot are on point, but it just ends on a bit of whimper, rather than a bang. If you enjoyed the previous 2 novels, then give this one a go. You do get a satifisying end to the series, but it feels like its missing an epilogue
Out of the 3 novels, this is the weakest. The writing, charactors and plot are on point, but it just ends on a bit of whimper, rather than a bang. If you enjoyed the previous 2 novels, then give this one a go. You do get a satifisying end to the series, but it feels like its missing an epilogue
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