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Jack Daniels Thriller #8
Dead On My Feet - A Thriller
SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A BAD GUY...
His name is Phineas Troutt. He's a problem solver.
If a woman is being stalked by her ex-husband, Phin can convince him to stop. If a union is being squeezed, Phin can squeeze the squeezer. He's not a mercenary. He's not a bodyguard. He's not a private dick. He's a guy who takes cash for solving problems with violence.
When a doctor at a suburban women's health clinic is being harassed, she hires Phin to make it stop. But the situation proves to be larger, and more dangerous, than even he can handle on his own. So he calls in some friends to help out; a P.I. named Harry McGlade and a female cop named Jack Daniels...
DEAD ON MY FEET by JA Konrath
He's dying to kill you...
Set in 2007, Konrath turns up the noir and gives leading man status to his favorite tough guy. Phin has appeared in the bestselling novels WHISKEY SOUR, RUSTY NAIL, SHAKEN, RUM RUNNER, LAST CALL, and many others, but now he's finally the main character. Filled with the same action, humor, and intrigue as the Jack Daniels series, but with a grittier, hardboiled edge, DEAD ON MY FEET is the first in a Phin Troutt trilogy, which also includes DYING BREATH and EVERYBODY DIES.
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
DEAD ON MY FEET
Bad Language - 8
Scary - 2
Violent - 8
Funny - 7
Sexy - 8
Crossovers - Contains characters from the Jack Daniels Thriller series, Codename: Chandler series, Timecaster series, and Konrath Dark Thriller Collective series
His name is Phineas Troutt. He's a problem solver.
If a woman is being stalked by her ex-husband, Phin can convince him to stop. If a union is being squeezed, Phin can squeeze the squeezer. He's not a mercenary. He's not a bodyguard. He's not a private dick. He's a guy who takes cash for solving problems with violence.
When a doctor at a suburban women's health clinic is being harassed, she hires Phin to make it stop. But the situation proves to be larger, and more dangerous, than even he can handle on his own. So he calls in some friends to help out; a P.I. named Harry McGlade and a female cop named Jack Daniels...
DEAD ON MY FEET by JA Konrath
He's dying to kill you...
Set in 2007, Konrath turns up the noir and gives leading man status to his favorite tough guy. Phin has appeared in the bestselling novels WHISKEY SOUR, RUSTY NAIL, SHAKEN, RUM RUNNER, LAST CALL, and many others, but now he's finally the main character. Filled with the same action, humor, and intrigue as the Jack Daniels series, but with a grittier, hardboiled edge, DEAD ON MY FEET is the first in a Phin Troutt trilogy, which also includes DYING BREATH and EVERYBODY DIES.
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
DEAD ON MY FEET
Bad Language - 8
Scary - 2
Violent - 8
Funny - 7
Sexy - 8
Crossovers - Contains characters from the Jack Daniels Thriller series, Codename: Chandler series, Timecaster series, and Konrath Dark Thriller Collective series
248 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2017
545 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
199 books3,014 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 11, 2020
I really, really enjoyed this thriller. I even loved the occasional flashbacks of Phineas - partly because they were so short. Every trope that dragged down the thriller genre was twisted to make every chapter appear fresh.
The book is set in 2007. But there's no alternate chapter dedicated to Now, then Then. This book might just be one of the best books I've read. It cracks into my 70 best books read, but I'm not sure if it enters my 60 best books.
However, J.A. Konrath should not be the mid list author that he is. His writing is sharp. He knows his ways about the seamy underbelly of the drug world. He must have done great research on the subject of drug addiction. As far as addiction goes, I'm hooked by his books. This one is not good enough to make me tell you to drop everything you're doing and buy it, but try to read it once, especially if you haven't heard of the name J.A. Konrath.
The book is set in 2007. But there's no alternate chapter dedicated to Now, then Then. This book might just be one of the best books I've read. It cracks into my 70 best books read, but I'm not sure if it enters my 60 best books.
However, J.A. Konrath should not be the mid list author that he is. His writing is sharp. He knows his ways about the seamy underbelly of the drug world. He must have done great research on the subject of drug addiction. As far as addiction goes, I'm hooked by his books. This one is not good enough to make me tell you to drop everything you're doing and buy it, but try to read it once, especially if you haven't heard of the name J.A. Konrath.
November 25, 2025
About 3/4 of the way through this I discovered that I read this series out of order. Instead of reading by publication date, I read by which number in the series this showed up as, which is #8 in Jack Daniels Series or #1 in the Phineas Troutt Mysteries. Whoopsies....🤷♀️ It's ok, because I was happily entertained because this is funny af. Many times I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face. Phin and Harry working together is insanely crazy funny. Add in the drug addicted goose and this was one hell of an adventure
March 14, 2018
J. A. Konrath hat bereits erfolgreich die Jack-Daniels-Reihe herausgebracht sowie unter dem Pseudonym Jack Kilborn Horrorromane veröffentlicht. Ich habe die Bücher von Jack Kilborn vor einiger Zeit bereits gelesen und fand sie teilweise sehr gut für ihr Genre. Besonders ‚Das Hotel‘ ist mir extrem im Gedächtnis geblieben und hat mir tatsächlich sehr viel Unbehagen beschert.
Phineas Troutt ist der Hauptprotagonist der neuen dreiteiligen Reihe von Konrath. Im Laufe der Story begegnen uns auch bereits bekannte Charaktere aus dem Universum des Autoren. Phin wird uns erstmals neu vorgestellt und wir bekommen recht schnell einen guten Einblick in sein Leben. Konraths Charaktere sind oft einfach gestrickt und entsprechen einigen Klischees. So auch Phin, denn er ist der Inbegriff eines leidenden und aufopfernden Heldens. Mit seiner morbiden Grundstimmung und wie er mit schwarzem Humor durch die Straßen zieht, hat mich die Story szenemäßig schnell an „Sin City“ erinnert.
Nachdem sich die ersten paar Seiten mit Phin und seiner Situation befasst haben, kommt man endlich der eigentlichen Story näher. Wirklich groß angesetzt ist diese Story nicht, geht es doch vielmehr darum, dass Phin irgendjemanden auf witzige Weise aufmischt und sich in scheinbar ausweglose Situationen katapultiert. Neben seinem wahnwitzigen Tablettenkonsum, bleibt Phin natürlich noch genug Zeit Frauen anzugaffen und von Sex zu träumen. Klar, was käme einem auch sonst todkrank und durch Prügeleien lädiert in den Sinn?
Konraths Bücher sind nicht jedermanns Geschmack, ich glaube, entweder mag man sie oder man findet sie wirklich schlecht. Viele Szenen sind absurd und fast schon lachhaft, aber ich finde genau diesen Stil des Autors sehr unterhaltsam. Wer aber z.B. auch nichts mit Richard Laymon anfangen kann, der wird hier wohl auch nicht glücklich. Im Gegensatz zu Laymon, gibt es bei Konrath aber deutlich weniger Horror und mehr Action. Der Humor ist flach und oftmals triefend schwarz. Es wird so ziemlich jede Gruppe mal auf die Schippe genommen und garantiert achtet hier niemand auf politische Korrektheit. Manche Szenen wirken so blöd, dass man schon wieder lachen muss. Wer jetzt noch nicht abgeschreckt ist, kann quasi nichts verkehrt machen, zumal es seine Bücher auch bei Kindle Unlimited gibt. Insgesamt kam ich wirklich gut durch die gut 300 Seiten. Die Story wird nicht unnötig aufgebläht und ist mal etwas nettes, erfrischendes für Zwischendurch.
Phineas Troutt ist der Hauptprotagonist der neuen dreiteiligen Reihe von Konrath. Im Laufe der Story begegnen uns auch bereits bekannte Charaktere aus dem Universum des Autoren. Phin wird uns erstmals neu vorgestellt und wir bekommen recht schnell einen guten Einblick in sein Leben. Konraths Charaktere sind oft einfach gestrickt und entsprechen einigen Klischees. So auch Phin, denn er ist der Inbegriff eines leidenden und aufopfernden Heldens. Mit seiner morbiden Grundstimmung und wie er mit schwarzem Humor durch die Straßen zieht, hat mich die Story szenemäßig schnell an „Sin City“ erinnert.
Nachdem sich die ersten paar Seiten mit Phin und seiner Situation befasst haben, kommt man endlich der eigentlichen Story näher. Wirklich groß angesetzt ist diese Story nicht, geht es doch vielmehr darum, dass Phin irgendjemanden auf witzige Weise aufmischt und sich in scheinbar ausweglose Situationen katapultiert. Neben seinem wahnwitzigen Tablettenkonsum, bleibt Phin natürlich noch genug Zeit Frauen anzugaffen und von Sex zu träumen. Klar, was käme einem auch sonst todkrank und durch Prügeleien lädiert in den Sinn?
Konraths Bücher sind nicht jedermanns Geschmack, ich glaube, entweder mag man sie oder man findet sie wirklich schlecht. Viele Szenen sind absurd und fast schon lachhaft, aber ich finde genau diesen Stil des Autors sehr unterhaltsam. Wer aber z.B. auch nichts mit Richard Laymon anfangen kann, der wird hier wohl auch nicht glücklich. Im Gegensatz zu Laymon, gibt es bei Konrath aber deutlich weniger Horror und mehr Action. Der Humor ist flach und oftmals triefend schwarz. Es wird so ziemlich jede Gruppe mal auf die Schippe genommen und garantiert achtet hier niemand auf politische Korrektheit. Manche Szenen wirken so blöd, dass man schon wieder lachen muss. Wer jetzt noch nicht abgeschreckt ist, kann quasi nichts verkehrt machen, zumal es seine Bücher auch bei Kindle Unlimited gibt. Insgesamt kam ich wirklich gut durch die gut 300 Seiten. Die Story wird nicht unnötig aufgebläht und ist mal etwas nettes, erfrischendes für Zwischendurch.
January 15, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶
This is a kindle e-book novel from my Kindle Unlimited account book eight in the series.
I started this series in 2013 now it is available on Kindle Unlimited
This novel is about Phinaes Trout who dying from cancer and lives a life on drugs, sex, and violence. He is living in a motel room and gets a letter with a job. He meets a doctor, who is being threatened. Finn take the job which turns into a violent crime and political affair. It all end happily.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure novels. 2023 😡🤔😯🎉
This is a kindle e-book novel from my Kindle Unlimited account book eight in the series.
I started this series in 2013 now it is available on Kindle Unlimited
This novel is about Phinaes Trout who dying from cancer and lives a life on drugs, sex, and violence. He is living in a motel room and gets a letter with a job. He meets a doctor, who is being threatened. Finn take the job which turns into a violent crime and political affair. It all end happily.
I would recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure novels. 2023 😡🤔😯🎉
July 2, 2018
Typical J.A. Konrath. Not as gripping as the Jack Daniels series, but still very enjoyable.
July 23, 2018
J.A. Konrath (aka Jack Kilborn) is on my list of authors whose stories will drag you out of any reading slump you may be in. Regardless if they are horrors or thrillers, they are always interesting with well-developed characters and a dash of humor. I have several all saved up just waiting to be read…but I read this first and now I just have to finish the series.
Phineus Trout is one of the most likeable non-likeable characters you will meet. He’s a fixer and has no problem breaking bones, shooting people, blowing them up, etc. He has cancer and has decided after trying to fight it for so long he no longer cares and throws himself into his work - for cash to buy hookers and drugs. But he’s not quite as not-caring as he likes to believe himself to be.
Trout was a side character from the Jack Daniels series (which I own almost all of but haven’t read yet). This is like the Laverne & Shirley to Happy Days or Fraser to Cheers - a series so well done with such wonderful characters you hate to refer to it as ‘just a spin-off’. I cannot wait to read the rest of these!
Phineus Trout is one of the most likeable non-likeable characters you will meet. He’s a fixer and has no problem breaking bones, shooting people, blowing them up, etc. He has cancer and has decided after trying to fight it for so long he no longer cares and throws himself into his work - for cash to buy hookers and drugs. But he’s not quite as not-caring as he likes to believe himself to be.
Trout was a side character from the Jack Daniels series (which I own almost all of but haven’t read yet). This is like the Laverne & Shirley to Happy Days or Fraser to Cheers - a series so well done with such wonderful characters you hate to refer to it as ‘just a spin-off’. I cannot wait to read the rest of these!
May 24, 2017
This is a brilliant book for so many reasons. I won't go into spoilers about the plot and characters, but I'll talk about what made the book tick for me.
There is plenty of humor in the book. There is plenty of violence. There is a LOT of crass humor. It is written very well. The banter between the characters and inner monologs of certain characters are written extremely well. In all, it is a total masala book that takes no prisoners. It touches upon certain social points as well, and even though it's a mouthpiece for the author, it is a fresh look at certain things.
Nothing literary about this book, just a damn good novel.
There is plenty of humor in the book. There is plenty of violence. There is a LOT of crass humor. It is written very well. The banter between the characters and inner monologs of certain characters are written extremely well. In all, it is a total masala book that takes no prisoners. It touches upon certain social points as well, and even though it's a mouthpiece for the author, it is a fresh look at certain things.
Nothing literary about this book, just a damn good novel.
September 7, 2024
Dead on my Feet by J.A. Konrath is the 8th book in the Jack Daniels Thriller series. Problem solver Phineas Troutt takes on a case where a doctor at a women's clinic becomes targetted by mobsters to shut down. I enjoyed this book despite only a short appearance by Lietenant Jacqueline Daniels. It was good to get a larger picture of Phineas Troutt and the demons he deals with. Harry is uncouth and obnoxious as always. Very entertaining and rather unbelievable with lots of craziness and plenty of thrills.
June 5, 2022
This book would have been so much better if you'd left the politics out of it.
May 18, 2017
Dead On My Feet, Phineas Troutt Mysteries #1
by J.A. Konrath
Okay, I'm a fan of Konrath's Jack Daniels mysteries, and of the cast of characters that populate that world. So, it was a given that when my favorite of those ancillary characters came up as the lead character in a novel, I would jump on it! And, it didn't disappoint.
If you are a fan of the Jack Daniels series, you already know Phineas has advanced cancer. In this novel, which by the way, Konrath says he penned prior to the Daniels books, Phin has given his disease an identity -- Earl. I highly suspect Earl is simply Phin's alter-ego, but it seems to be his way of coping with the cards dealt him. In his capacity as a problem solver, he's been hired by a physician from a small city just outside Chicago. She runs a women's clinic that performs abortions and is being threatened if she doesn't close the clinic. The protestors don't particlarly bother her. The death threats do. So, Phin jumps in to ferret out the reason organized crime, who run strip joints, adult book stores, casinos and the like, want this doctor out of their way. Along the way he calls on his friends former Chicago cop and current P.I, Harvey McGlade, and Chicago policewoman (and former partner of McGlade), Jack Daniels. Danger, action, blood and gore abound.
Although, because of the graphic violence, I have to be in just the right frame of mind before I'll tackle a Konrath novel, I always enjoy them. His writing style has a wonderful mix of danger, gore, and humor, and it pulls you into the story and doesn't let you back out without an argument. His editing is good. Characterizations are fully fleshed and absolutely believable. Proofing pretty good.
Pretty good because I did find errors. One is a spelling error, I guess you'd call it. At 2774 there is this: ...over a hundred millions dollars a year. Yeah. If this novel really was written before any of the Daniels novels (of which there are 11 I think), then surely there has been time to find this error. But that really didn't bother me that much and I almost didn't note it. However, the next one...
At 491, 503, 1373, 1520, 1522, 2198, 3180 and 3292, Konrath talks abut a Canadian goose. Now, Konrath is from the Chicagoland area, which is not all that far from Canada, so certainly he should know that it's a Canada goose, not Canadian goose. Yeah, I know the general public uses Canadian goose often, but the general public isn't selling a book. So, yeah, that did cost the book (which I loved) a star.
Another thing I had a problem with had to do with a reference Konrath has Phin make. Konrath was born the same year as my older son. I asked him if he knew what this reference meant (and he'd seen one of these movies in childhood). He didn't. I asked some of my dance students if they knew what the reference referred to -- they are a mix of college age to early 60s. The over 50s knew. The others didn't. Now I would put Phin at late 20s to mid 30s tops, based simply on the fact that he says he's a decade younger than Jack Daniels. The book itself is set in 2007. Here's the reference, which Phin makes when he is aboard the casino boat: "This was Ma and Pa Kettle joylessly feeding cash into slot machines." It seemed unlikely to me that a man with the backstory of Phineas Troutt might think of Ma and Pa Kettle when making a reference, let alone know who May and Pa Kettle are. Curious.
Conversely there was a lot I loved. Certainly, Harry McGlade, as a narcissistic misogynist, makes Trump look like a poser. The big difference -- you like Harry McGlade. And he certainly provides most of the comic relief in this novel. The banter between Harry and everyone, between Jack and Phin, between Phin and Earl, and Phin and every bad guy he comes across helps to keep the reader from falling into a deep funk with the plight of the characters. The novel flies past, tying up loose ends, resolving situations, providing a dramatic climax, and ending with the reader feeling satisfied. No cliff hangers, although you do want to read more about the character.
Returning to Konrath's Afterword in this novel, he indicates that the next two novels in this Troutt trilogy are available to purchase from Amazon. They are not. I checked his website and it says they are available too. However, when I click the links he supplies, I get a message that the book cannot be found. When I go to Amazon and do a search of the site, neither book ("Dying Breath" and "Everybody Dies") shows up. That's kind of frustrating. Don't offer me candy and then say you don't have any right now.
So, yes. Great read and if you can get past the gore, get it. However, don't pay any attention to his offers of more in the series as I can't say there ever will be any (so, I guess it's really a good thing there is no cliff-hanger ending!).
by J.A. Konrath
Okay, I'm a fan of Konrath's Jack Daniels mysteries, and of the cast of characters that populate that world. So, it was a given that when my favorite of those ancillary characters came up as the lead character in a novel, I would jump on it! And, it didn't disappoint.
If you are a fan of the Jack Daniels series, you already know Phineas has advanced cancer. In this novel, which by the way, Konrath says he penned prior to the Daniels books, Phin has given his disease an identity -- Earl. I highly suspect Earl is simply Phin's alter-ego, but it seems to be his way of coping with the cards dealt him. In his capacity as a problem solver, he's been hired by a physician from a small city just outside Chicago. She runs a women's clinic that performs abortions and is being threatened if she doesn't close the clinic. The protestors don't particlarly bother her. The death threats do. So, Phin jumps in to ferret out the reason organized crime, who run strip joints, adult book stores, casinos and the like, want this doctor out of their way. Along the way he calls on his friends former Chicago cop and current P.I, Harvey McGlade, and Chicago policewoman (and former partner of McGlade), Jack Daniels. Danger, action, blood and gore abound.
Although, because of the graphic violence, I have to be in just the right frame of mind before I'll tackle a Konrath novel, I always enjoy them. His writing style has a wonderful mix of danger, gore, and humor, and it pulls you into the story and doesn't let you back out without an argument. His editing is good. Characterizations are fully fleshed and absolutely believable. Proofing pretty good.
Pretty good because I did find errors. One is a spelling error, I guess you'd call it. At 2774 there is this: ...over a hundred millions dollars a year. Yeah. If this novel really was written before any of the Daniels novels (of which there are 11 I think), then surely there has been time to find this error. But that really didn't bother me that much and I almost didn't note it. However, the next one...
At 491, 503, 1373, 1520, 1522, 2198, 3180 and 3292, Konrath talks abut a Canadian goose. Now, Konrath is from the Chicagoland area, which is not all that far from Canada, so certainly he should know that it's a Canada goose, not Canadian goose. Yeah, I know the general public uses Canadian goose often, but the general public isn't selling a book. So, yeah, that did cost the book (which I loved) a star.
Another thing I had a problem with had to do with a reference Konrath has Phin make. Konrath was born the same year as my older son. I asked him if he knew what this reference meant (and he'd seen one of these movies in childhood). He didn't. I asked some of my dance students if they knew what the reference referred to -- they are a mix of college age to early 60s. The over 50s knew. The others didn't. Now I would put Phin at late 20s to mid 30s tops, based simply on the fact that he says he's a decade younger than Jack Daniels. The book itself is set in 2007. Here's the reference, which Phin makes when he is aboard the casino boat: "This was Ma and Pa Kettle joylessly feeding cash into slot machines." It seemed unlikely to me that a man with the backstory of Phineas Troutt might think of Ma and Pa Kettle when making a reference, let alone know who May and Pa Kettle are. Curious.
Conversely there was a lot I loved. Certainly, Harry McGlade, as a narcissistic misogynist, makes Trump look like a poser. The big difference -- you like Harry McGlade. And he certainly provides most of the comic relief in this novel. The banter between Harry and everyone, between Jack and Phin, between Phin and Earl, and Phin and every bad guy he comes across helps to keep the reader from falling into a deep funk with the plight of the characters. The novel flies past, tying up loose ends, resolving situations, providing a dramatic climax, and ending with the reader feeling satisfied. No cliff hangers, although you do want to read more about the character.
Returning to Konrath's Afterword in this novel, he indicates that the next two novels in this Troutt trilogy are available to purchase from Amazon. They are not. I checked his website and it says they are available too. However, when I click the links he supplies, I get a message that the book cannot be found. When I go to Amazon and do a search of the site, neither book ("Dying Breath" and "Everybody Dies") shows up. That's kind of frustrating. Don't offer me candy and then say you don't have any right now.
So, yes. Great read and if you can get past the gore, get it. However, don't pay any attention to his offers of more in the series as I can't say there ever will be any (so, I guess it's really a good thing there is no cliff-hanger ending!).
January 12, 2018
I like the Jack Daniels series and Phin is one of my favorite characters from the series, so naturally, I had to read the books he is the star in. The banter between Phin and Harry is as funny as ever. Phin is a self proclaimed bad guy, but you get a lot of his backstory in this book and turns out he isn't a bad guy at all, he is a good guy that had a really bad run. (But you knew this if you have read the Jack books).
The story is violent, has crass humor, is full of bad language, and is funny as can be!
I will read the other 2 Phin books.
(Just a note - while these book by J.A. Konrath are good; I think he may be better at the Horror genre writing. I have only read Origin so far, but it was a higher caliber of writing than the Jack/Phin books. But the Jack/Phin books are meant to be lighthearted and fun.)
The story is violent, has crass humor, is full of bad language, and is funny as can be!
I will read the other 2 Phin books.
(Just a note - while these book by J.A. Konrath are good; I think he may be better at the Horror genre writing. I have only read Origin so far, but it was a higher caliber of writing than the Jack/Phin books. But the Jack/Phin books are meant to be lighthearted and fun.)
June 26, 2017
I originally gave this 3 stars but came back to change that to 4 stars. I am a big fan of the Jack Daniels series so I jumped at this book. In the beginning of the story, I couldn't stand Phin. His drug use and lack of desire to live annoyed me. Towards the middle of the book, I slowly started to feel for the guy. He has been dealt a hard hand at life and it's finally gotten the best of him. When he finally realized how much he had to live for, I wanted to cry for him. In the span of a day, I went from despising the guy to loving him- that takes some talent. Thank you Mr. Konrath for deciding to share this early work with us.
December 8, 2021
Die Charaktere sind noch nicht ganz so ausgefeilt wie in den späteren Büchern, die Kriminellen nicht ganz so gestörte Menschenzerstückler oder ähnliches. Gute Story,gut erzählt,mal sehen wie die nächsten beiden Phin Bücher sind. Bis jetzt mag ich die Jack Daniels Thriller etwas lieber.
Nach wie vor liebe ich es ,in den Büchern immer wieder auf die alten Bekannten zu treffen.
Nach wie vor liebe ich es ,in den Büchern immer wieder auf die alten Bekannten zu treffen.
January 19, 2023
Bait and switch. Sold as Jack Daniel’s book but it has little or not much of her in it. Repackaged old story is not appreciated. I paid for chicken and got tofu
April 19, 2025
a good but not great story. This is a view of Trout that is different and a little hard to swallow. While I found the book overall enjoyable and outlandish in a Konrath sort of way a few items did grate on me. Trout's inner monolog becomes tiresome and the use of the metric system is annoying. Harry shows up and if you like Harry you find him refreshing, if not he is annoying.
May 1, 2018
J. A. Konrath kennt man auch unter dem Namen Jack Kilborn, unter dem er Horrorgeschichten veröffentlicht. Unter J. A. Konrath veröffentlicht er Thriller wie die Jack-Daniels-Reihe. Jetzt erst wurde die Phineas-Troutt-Trilogie veröffentlicht bzw. deren erster Teil „Mit einem Bein im Grab“. „Erst“ deshalb, weil die Trilogie weit vor den Büchern rund um die Mordermittlerin Jaqueline „Jack“ Daniels entstand, nämlich 1994. Damals war Konrath zarte 24 Jahre alt, aber seine Bücher fanden damals keinen Verleger. Ich habe einige die Jack Daniels gelesen, bis mich der ewig gleiche Ablauf der Geschichten zu nerven begann. Die Troutt-Trilogie ist ein Spin-off der Jack-Daniels-Reihe, in der sowohl Jack Daniels als auch Harry McGlade vorkommen – dennoch merkt man einige erhebliche Unterschiede zur Jack-Daniels-Reihe.
Phineas Troutt ist eigentlich ein Krimineller, er löst Probleme auf seine Art, und die ist selten legal. Doch mittlerweile spielt das keine Rolle mehr für ihn, denn er ist so gut wie tot. Troutt hat Bauchspeicheldrüsenkrebs, den er liebevoll Earl getauft hat und mit dem er gerne mal – weniger liebevoll – spricht. Die Chemotherapie hat er abgebrochen, stattdessen lebt er ein Lotterleben mit Alkohol, Koks und Nutten. Früher war er Türsteher, Rausschmeißer und Yogatrainer; heute nennt er sich „Problemlöser“ und tut genau das – Probleme lösen. Jetzt soll er das von Bipasha Kapoor, die einfach nur Pasha genannt wird, lösen. Doch alleine gegen die Mafia zu kämpfen ist unmöglich, weshalb er sich Verstärkung holt; unter anderem Harry McGlade, der größten Nervensäge, die ich je in der Kriminalliteratur gesehen habe. McGlade war regelmäßig bei der Jack-Daniels-Reihe dabei und müsste eigentlich nicht mehr arbeiten – der Typ hat Geld wie Heu und obendrein eine Fernsehserie über sein Leben. Auch Jack Daniels, mit der McGlade früher zusammengearbeitet hat, ist mit dabei, fungiert aber eher als Randerscheinung.
Es ist schon eine interessante Erfahrung, die ich mit den Büchern von J. A. Konrath mache. Die Jack Daniels Reihe hat mich irgendwann nur mehr gelangweilt und den Auftakt zur Troutt-Trilogie wollte ich nach vierzig Seiten gleich wieder abbrechen – doch ich zog durch und wurde verdammt positiv überrascht. So sehr, dass ich die letzten hundertzwanzig Seiten fast an einem Stück las. Die Unterschiede der zwei Serien sind immens und vor allem Phineas Troutts Krebserkrankung gibt dem Buch die Tiefe, die der Daniels-Reihe fehlt.
Nicht fehlen darf aber der Humor, für den Konraths Bücher bekannt sind und zwischen vulgär und sarkastisch schwankt. Für den Vulgären ist vor allem Harry McGlade zuständig und zeitweise wird einem das als Leser zu viel und man rollt irgendwann nur mehr mit den Augen – aber das zeigt nur, wie gut diese Figur gezeichnet ist; sie bleibt dem Leser im Kopf. Neben dem Humor wird auch noch knisternde Romantik geboten. So hat das Buch für beide Geschlechter etwas – für Männer den Untenrum-Humor und für Frauen etwas fürs Herz. Oder andersrum, je nachdem, wie die Präferenzen gelagert sind.
Was man definitiv hervorheben muss, ist der Charakter des Phineas Troutt, dessen Einstellung einerseits – aufgrund seiner Erkrankung – lethargisch ist, andererseits will er die Probleme anderer Leute lösen; und macht dies genau so, wie es zu seiner Lethargie passt – nämlich so, als hätte er nichts mehr zu verlieren.
Dennoch fehlt mir etwas, das mir bei allen Konraths gefehlt hat – nämlich das gewisse Etwas. Das merkt man am ehesten an der Atmosphäre, die irgendwie nicht aufkommen will, weil die Stimmung ständig zwischen todernst und superlustig schwankt.
Tl;dr: „Mit einem Bein im Grab“ von J. A. Konrath ist ein flotter, humorvoller und tiefsinniger Auftakt zur Phineas-Troutt-Trilogie. Der Spin-off der Jack-Daniels-Reihe hat genau die Tiefgründigkeit, die der Daniels-Reihe fehlt. Neben Jack Daniels hat auch Harry McGlade seinen Auftritt, der für deftigen Humor sorgt – zum Ausgleich gibt es dafür knisternde Romantik.
Phineas Troutt ist eigentlich ein Krimineller, er löst Probleme auf seine Art, und die ist selten legal. Doch mittlerweile spielt das keine Rolle mehr für ihn, denn er ist so gut wie tot. Troutt hat Bauchspeicheldrüsenkrebs, den er liebevoll Earl getauft hat und mit dem er gerne mal – weniger liebevoll – spricht. Die Chemotherapie hat er abgebrochen, stattdessen lebt er ein Lotterleben mit Alkohol, Koks und Nutten. Früher war er Türsteher, Rausschmeißer und Yogatrainer; heute nennt er sich „Problemlöser“ und tut genau das – Probleme lösen. Jetzt soll er das von Bipasha Kapoor, die einfach nur Pasha genannt wird, lösen. Doch alleine gegen die Mafia zu kämpfen ist unmöglich, weshalb er sich Verstärkung holt; unter anderem Harry McGlade, der größten Nervensäge, die ich je in der Kriminalliteratur gesehen habe. McGlade war regelmäßig bei der Jack-Daniels-Reihe dabei und müsste eigentlich nicht mehr arbeiten – der Typ hat Geld wie Heu und obendrein eine Fernsehserie über sein Leben. Auch Jack Daniels, mit der McGlade früher zusammengearbeitet hat, ist mit dabei, fungiert aber eher als Randerscheinung.
Es ist schon eine interessante Erfahrung, die ich mit den Büchern von J. A. Konrath mache. Die Jack Daniels Reihe hat mich irgendwann nur mehr gelangweilt und den Auftakt zur Troutt-Trilogie wollte ich nach vierzig Seiten gleich wieder abbrechen – doch ich zog durch und wurde verdammt positiv überrascht. So sehr, dass ich die letzten hundertzwanzig Seiten fast an einem Stück las. Die Unterschiede der zwei Serien sind immens und vor allem Phineas Troutts Krebserkrankung gibt dem Buch die Tiefe, die der Daniels-Reihe fehlt.
Nicht fehlen darf aber der Humor, für den Konraths Bücher bekannt sind und zwischen vulgär und sarkastisch schwankt. Für den Vulgären ist vor allem Harry McGlade zuständig und zeitweise wird einem das als Leser zu viel und man rollt irgendwann nur mehr mit den Augen – aber das zeigt nur, wie gut diese Figur gezeichnet ist; sie bleibt dem Leser im Kopf. Neben dem Humor wird auch noch knisternde Romantik geboten. So hat das Buch für beide Geschlechter etwas – für Männer den Untenrum-Humor und für Frauen etwas fürs Herz. Oder andersrum, je nachdem, wie die Präferenzen gelagert sind.
Was man definitiv hervorheben muss, ist der Charakter des Phineas Troutt, dessen Einstellung einerseits – aufgrund seiner Erkrankung – lethargisch ist, andererseits will er die Probleme anderer Leute lösen; und macht dies genau so, wie es zu seiner Lethargie passt – nämlich so, als hätte er nichts mehr zu verlieren.
Dennoch fehlt mir etwas, das mir bei allen Konraths gefehlt hat – nämlich das gewisse Etwas. Das merkt man am ehesten an der Atmosphäre, die irgendwie nicht aufkommen will, weil die Stimmung ständig zwischen todernst und superlustig schwankt.
Tl;dr: „Mit einem Bein im Grab“ von J. A. Konrath ist ein flotter, humorvoller und tiefsinniger Auftakt zur Phineas-Troutt-Trilogie. Der Spin-off der Jack-Daniels-Reihe hat genau die Tiefgründigkeit, die der Daniels-Reihe fehlt. Neben Jack Daniels hat auch Harry McGlade seinen Auftritt, der für deftigen Humor sorgt – zum Ausgleich gibt es dafür knisternde Romantik.
June 11, 2017
Great read. As good as the Jack Daniels series!
May 13, 2017
Phin is deeply flawed. By his own admission, he's an addict. He spends his cash on cocaine, street pills, and whores; whenever he comes into money, he's already mentally planning his next binge. And he's a fixer. Though he's done other things, he always ends up back in the game of fixing other people's problems, usually with violence. So not a lot to like about Phineas Troutt. And yet there's something honest and engaging about him. Phin has turned down further chemo (he's dubbed his cancer Earl) and is self-medicating emotional and physical pain, part of it from his current situation and part from his shadowy past. He's distanced himself from his friends, and we wonder what they see worth salvaging in him.
Phin's latest referred job is protecting a women's clinic doctor who's been threatened and finding out the underlying reason. It's a neat little mystery that will keep you guessing all the way to the end. Drawn into the story are his old friends Lt. Jack Daniels, blunt as ever, and the king of horrible jokes, Harry McGlade.
As white knights go, they don't get any more tarnished than Phineas Troutt, but how boring would it be if they all had shiny, pretty armor? 5 stars all the way
Phin's latest referred job is protecting a women's clinic doctor who's been threatened and finding out the underlying reason. It's a neat little mystery that will keep you guessing all the way to the end. Drawn into the story are his old friends Lt. Jack Daniels, blunt as ever, and the king of horrible jokes, Harry McGlade.
As white knights go, they don't get any more tarnished than Phineas Troutt, but how boring would it be if they all had shiny, pretty armor? 5 stars all the way
June 16, 2018
If you're into drugs, this could be the book for you.
April 19, 2021
Synopsis
Phineas Troutt solves problems. Have a stalker? Being extorted for protection money? Phin will solve your problem for the right amount of cash.
With the help of some friends, Phin tries to help the doctor of a woman's clinic who is being harassed for unknown reasons. What seems like a small job at first soon becomes much bigger than Phin could have imagined.
Review
I have repeatedly said I prefer my heroes to be flawed. That I cannot stand when the main character is perfect at everything. Well, Phineas Troutt is a prime example of an imperfect hero. A broken, depressed, sick, drug addict with a death wish, Phineas has a laundry list of baggage. Having given up on chemo and trying to dull the pain from his spreading cancer, Phin spends much of the book high on or trying to score drugs. For me, it's hard to root for a character who is a drug addict but I feel Konrath does a good job at showing Phin's inner struggle with the need to shut out not just his physical pain but the psychological pain of giving up, wanting to die, and deciding he has to be alone.
The story has a very fast pace that keeps up for the entirety of the book. This is very much an action thriller. The punishment Phin goes through reminds me of John McClain in Die Hard having to run through the glass in bare feet. The book also has a very comical tone, especially with side characters from Konrath's other works like Harry McGlade taking part in Phin's adventure.
The book's characters seem to all have a very liberal point of view. Those with conservative ideals are bad. I'd say if you are offended by this then there are parts of the book you won't like. Though I am neither democrat nor a republican I am getting pretty tired of one side always being the bad guy. It seems to be trendy at this point that if someone is republican or has conservative beliefs they are bad people. The only point of view I actually appreciated hearing in this book was by Jack Daniels who said “I vote the candidate, not the ticket.” At times I really disconnected from the book because the book went from being a fun and exciting read to feeling like I was getting a lecture on sexism and abortion. And unless I am reading a book specifically about topics like that, when I'm reading a fictional comedy/thriller that kind of thing just really takes me out of my reading flow.
That being said, I enjoyed the majority of the book. Phin is a fun character to read about, and Harry McGlade's stupidity is a huge added bonus. Though she didn't get as much page time Jack Daniels was also a welcome addition to the cast. Though I didn't feel the sense of danger in the background like in other Konrath books, the encounters were fun to read. Often more entertaining than thrilling or frightening.
Though I didn't enjoy it as much as the Jack Daniels series I did enjoy the first of the Phineas Troutt books and look forward to reading the others.
Phineas Troutt solves problems. Have a stalker? Being extorted for protection money? Phin will solve your problem for the right amount of cash.
With the help of some friends, Phin tries to help the doctor of a woman's clinic who is being harassed for unknown reasons. What seems like a small job at first soon becomes much bigger than Phin could have imagined.
Review
I have repeatedly said I prefer my heroes to be flawed. That I cannot stand when the main character is perfect at everything. Well, Phineas Troutt is a prime example of an imperfect hero. A broken, depressed, sick, drug addict with a death wish, Phineas has a laundry list of baggage. Having given up on chemo and trying to dull the pain from his spreading cancer, Phin spends much of the book high on or trying to score drugs. For me, it's hard to root for a character who is a drug addict but I feel Konrath does a good job at showing Phin's inner struggle with the need to shut out not just his physical pain but the psychological pain of giving up, wanting to die, and deciding he has to be alone.
The story has a very fast pace that keeps up for the entirety of the book. This is very much an action thriller. The punishment Phin goes through reminds me of John McClain in Die Hard having to run through the glass in bare feet. The book also has a very comical tone, especially with side characters from Konrath's other works like Harry McGlade taking part in Phin's adventure.
The book's characters seem to all have a very liberal point of view. Those with conservative ideals are bad. I'd say if you are offended by this then there are parts of the book you won't like. Though I am neither democrat nor a republican I am getting pretty tired of one side always being the bad guy. It seems to be trendy at this point that if someone is republican or has conservative beliefs they are bad people. The only point of view I actually appreciated hearing in this book was by Jack Daniels who said “I vote the candidate, not the ticket.” At times I really disconnected from the book because the book went from being a fun and exciting read to feeling like I was getting a lecture on sexism and abortion. And unless I am reading a book specifically about topics like that, when I'm reading a fictional comedy/thriller that kind of thing just really takes me out of my reading flow.
That being said, I enjoyed the majority of the book. Phin is a fun character to read about, and Harry McGlade's stupidity is a huge added bonus. Though she didn't get as much page time Jack Daniels was also a welcome addition to the cast. Though I didn't feel the sense of danger in the background like in other Konrath books, the encounters were fun to read. Often more entertaining than thrilling or frightening.
Though I didn't enjoy it as much as the Jack Daniels series I did enjoy the first of the Phineas Troutt books and look forward to reading the others.
September 20, 2020
I REALLY enjoyed Dead on My Feet with Phin as the main character. It seems as if, the more trouble Phin gets into, the more I like him. In this book, Phin is hired by a woman that's being threatened by some very dangerous people. Phin is a Problem Solver, at least when it comes to helping others. His own problems? Not so much. He does his best to escape his own reality and focus on someone else. To succeed at escaping, or rather, accepting his own reality, he takes whatever drugs he can get his hands on, the cheapest liquor, and usually heads straight into danger.
When Phin needs backup, he recruits Harry who then recruits Jack. Without spoilers, I will just say there is plenty of action (and laughs) from beginning to end. I highly recommend this series including this installment about Phin. I think he is now my favorite character. On to the next one!!
When Phin needs backup, he recruits Harry who then recruits Jack. Without spoilers, I will just say there is plenty of action (and laughs) from beginning to end. I highly recommend this series including this installment about Phin. I think he is now my favorite character. On to the next one!!
May 18, 2025
Phineas Troutt is a character who fully switches the design of these books.
Dead on My Feet is a masterful thriller that showcases JA Konrath's storytelling prowess! The plot is expertly woven, blending suspense, intrigue, and dark humor in a way that'll keep you hooked from start to finish. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with motivations that'll keep you guessing. Konrath's writing is engaging, witty, and unapologetically dark. The pacing is impeccable, with twists and turns that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. Dead on My Feet is a standout thriller that'll keep you up all night - not because you're scared, but because you can't wait to find out what happens next!
Dead on My Feet is a masterful thriller that showcases JA Konrath's storytelling prowess! The plot is expertly woven, blending suspense, intrigue, and dark humor in a way that'll keep you hooked from start to finish. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with motivations that'll keep you guessing. Konrath's writing is engaging, witty, and unapologetically dark. The pacing is impeccable, with twists and turns that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. Dead on My Feet is a standout thriller that'll keep you up all night - not because you're scared, but because you can't wait to find out what happens next!
June 23, 2017
Jack Daniels mainstay supporting character, Phineas Trout, shines here in his own book as a PI of sorts with nothing to lose. My only point of criticism is the rampant drug use by the protagonist. He uses them and more because of his medical condition which is a critical one, but it takes away from the action at various time throughout the book to describe what he is taking, how much, etc. Supporting characters include Jack Daniels and McGlade, etc. A solid book on its own, but it also fits in seamlessly into the greater JD universe.
January 10, 2024
I can’t believe I waited this long to read the Phineas Trout trilogy!!! It’s like a modern day Christopher Marlowe novel, with entertaining McGlade commentary! Like a modern day Raymond chandler… like… a Big Lebowski style hard boiled crime novel. Bob Walkenhorst really KILLS IT as a narrator for Phin…. STELLAR PERFORMANCE! I love a good tough guy. (And Konrath as Harry delivers as usual, as expected… try getting his voice out of your head for the ones that aren’t available on audible… it’ll never happen haha)
March 27, 2025
Good one, but in the timeline it should not be Jack Daniels 8 but 2.x or 3.x, depending on where Harry lost it's hand in the original story arc.
Phin is at a lowpoint here and barely functional. The first half is an action story, behind this you also see philosophical questions popping up and comments on the US way of living. Interesting. Action good and unplausable as expected but lacks the finesse of the JD books (#3 onwards at least).
Compared to what JK wrote later only 3 stars but still not bad at all.
Phin is at a lowpoint here and barely functional. The first half is an action story, behind this you also see philosophical questions popping up and comments on the US way of living. Interesting. Action good and unplausable as expected but lacks the finesse of the JD books (#3 onwards at least).
Compared to what JK wrote later only 3 stars but still not bad at all.
June 27, 2017
Fun and Funny Thrilling Mystery
J.A. Konrath always delivers. I enjoy the characters, they are truly unique and always have great lines. The book starts with a bang and keeps moving at a high speed throughout. There is great humor, heart and even some philosophy. And a hero so unlikely at the end, you will laugh out loud.
Bottom line, it is fun and worth your time and money if you enjoy reading. Try the others in the series, too. I love them all.
J.A. Konrath always delivers. I enjoy the characters, they are truly unique and always have great lines. The book starts with a bang and keeps moving at a high speed throughout. There is great humor, heart and even some philosophy. And a hero so unlikely at the end, you will laugh out loud.
Bottom line, it is fun and worth your time and money if you enjoy reading. Try the others in the series, too. I love them all.
November 17, 2018
Excellent!
I love this book because I really wanted to read a story about Phin. He intrigued me in the Jack Daniels series. I also like how the McGlade character inserted small amounts of humor.
I will be reading the other two books in this series. Hopefully, Konrath will continue with the different books. Gives you a chance to get into the mind of the different personalities.
I love this book because I really wanted to read a story about Phin. He intrigued me in the Jack Daniels series. I also like how the McGlade character inserted small amounts of humor.
I will be reading the other two books in this series. Hopefully, Konrath will continue with the different books. Gives you a chance to get into the mind of the different personalities.
February 9, 2021
#1 in Phin Trout series. I first came upon Phin in Konrath's "Jack Daniels" series. This is the homage to the start of Phin & his journey. It was great to get to know the character and his past and how he became a "problem solver" Jack & Harry are also in this book. Interesting story on a doctor who's clinic is trying to be forced out of town with some other businesses. Phin takes the case & is soon mixed up in the mob, politics, & possibly a new relationship
January 14, 2024
Phineas Troutt is a hot mess. He is fighting cancer. He is into heavy drugs. He has no set love life. Mess with him could be a deadly mistake. “He's not a mercenary. He's not a bodyguard. He's not a private eye. He's a guy who takes cash for solving problems with violence.”.
J. A. Konrath makes this bad ass likable. Trout will become a very important character in future books working with CPD Detectives Jaqueline Daniels and Harry McGlade.
J. A. Konrath makes this bad ass likable. Trout will become a very important character in future books working with CPD Detectives Jaqueline Daniels and Harry McGlade.
June 25, 2017
Great Great Great!
I loved the entire Jack Daniels series. So I seen this and thought, how did I miss it? Anyway Phin is the hero in this one, and with the violence comes comes comedy relief! I love the way these stories are written with parts kind of serious, but humor to alleviate the seriousness.
I loved the entire Jack Daniels series. So I seen this and thought, how did I miss it? Anyway Phin is the hero in this one, and with the violence comes comes comedy relief! I love the way these stories are written with parts kind of serious, but humor to alleviate the seriousness.
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