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"Hammerhead" Jed Mysteries #1
Cobra Clutch
“Hammerhead” Jed Ounstead thought he’d traded the pro-wrestling world for the slightly less dangerous one of a bar bouncer and errand boy for his father’s detective agency, but the squared circle wasn’t quite done with him yet. When his former tag-team partner draws upon their old friendship for help in finding his kidnapped pet snake, Jed finds himself dragged back into the fold of sleazy promoters, gimmicky performers, and violence inside and outside the ring. As the venom of Vancouver’s criminal underworld begins to seep into Jed’s life, a steel chair to the back of the head is the least of his problems.
Cobra Clutch is a fast-paced, hard-hitting debut novel by A.J. Devlin that features an unstoppable combo: a signature move of raucous humour with a super finisher of gritty realism.
Praise for Cobra Clutch
WINNER of the 2019 Arthur Ellis Award for Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing for Best First Novel
Nominated for a 2019 Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery
"A fast-paced, funny, energetic debut that brings to mind Carl Hiassen and Robert Crais. In Cobra Clutch, Devlin ingeniously merges the worlds of pro wrestling and private eyes into a breakneck adventure that will leave readers breathless. Intense and cinematic.”
~ Sam Wiebe, author of Last of the Independents and Invisible Dead
"Hilarious, full of mischief and mayhem, Cobra Clutch is thoroughly entertaining!"
~ Sheena Kamal, best-selling author of The Lost Ones
"Part Road House, part No Holds Barred. All badass."
~ Andrew Shaffer, author of Hope Never Dies: An Obama/Biden Mystery
"Cobra Clutch masterfully blends humor, mystery, thrills, action, romance, and heart into a hell of a story featuring a lively wrestler-turned-PI hero. The action scenes are intense, the quiet times heartwarming and engaging, and the humor expertly interjected to accentuate characters and breathe realism into the story."
~ John M. Murrary, Forward Reviews
Cobra Clutch is a fast-paced, hard-hitting debut novel by A.J. Devlin that features an unstoppable combo: a signature move of raucous humour with a super finisher of gritty realism.
Praise for Cobra Clutch
WINNER of the 2019 Arthur Ellis Award for Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing for Best First Novel
Nominated for a 2019 Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery
"A fast-paced, funny, energetic debut that brings to mind Carl Hiassen and Robert Crais. In Cobra Clutch, Devlin ingeniously merges the worlds of pro wrestling and private eyes into a breakneck adventure that will leave readers breathless. Intense and cinematic.”
~ Sam Wiebe, author of Last of the Independents and Invisible Dead
"Hilarious, full of mischief and mayhem, Cobra Clutch is thoroughly entertaining!"
~ Sheena Kamal, best-selling author of The Lost Ones
"Part Road House, part No Holds Barred. All badass."
~ Andrew Shaffer, author of Hope Never Dies: An Obama/Biden Mystery
"Cobra Clutch masterfully blends humor, mystery, thrills, action, romance, and heart into a hell of a story featuring a lively wrestler-turned-PI hero. The action scenes are intense, the quiet times heartwarming and engaging, and the humor expertly interjected to accentuate characters and breathe realism into the story."
~ John M. Murrary, Forward Reviews
248 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2018
8 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Devlin
6 books46 followersA.J. Devlin grew up in Greater Vancouver before moving to Southern California where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from Chapman University and a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from The American Film Institute. After working as a screenwriter in Hollywood, he moved back home to Port Moody, BC, where he now lives with his children.
Cobra Clutch, the first book in the "Hammerhead" Jed professional wrestling mystery-comedy series, was released in spring 2018 and nominated for a Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery and won the 2019 Crime Writers Of Canada Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.
The highly acclaimed sequel, Rolling Thunder, was released in spring 2020 and featured in the Vancouver Sun, The Province, The Globe and Mail, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal Reviews, Mystery Tribune Magazine, CrimeFictionLover.com, 49thShelf.com, and CBC Radio's The Next Chapter.
The third book in the series, Five Moves of Doom, was published in September 2022 by NeWest Press and featured on The House of Mystery Radio Show on NBC. It won the 2022 Crime Fiction Lover Editor's Choice Award for Best Indie Crime Novel, was selected by The Globe and Mail as one of the Best Books of 2022, was a finalist for the 2023 Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery, shortlisted for the 2023 Crime Writers of Canada Howard Engel Award of Excellence for Best Novel Set in Canada, and nominated for the 2023 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Comedic Mystery.
For more information on A.J. and his books, please visit ajdevlin.com.
Cobra Clutch, the first book in the "Hammerhead" Jed professional wrestling mystery-comedy series, was released in spring 2018 and nominated for a Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery and won the 2019 Crime Writers Of Canada Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.
The highly acclaimed sequel, Rolling Thunder, was released in spring 2020 and featured in the Vancouver Sun, The Province, The Globe and Mail, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal Reviews, Mystery Tribune Magazine, CrimeFictionLover.com, 49thShelf.com, and CBC Radio's The Next Chapter.
The third book in the series, Five Moves of Doom, was published in September 2022 by NeWest Press and featured on The House of Mystery Radio Show on NBC. It won the 2022 Crime Fiction Lover Editor's Choice Award for Best Indie Crime Novel, was selected by The Globe and Mail as one of the Best Books of 2022, was a finalist for the 2023 Lefty Award for Best Humorous Mystery, shortlisted for the 2023 Crime Writers of Canada Howard Engel Award of Excellence for Best Novel Set in Canada, and nominated for the 2023 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Comedic Mystery.
For more information on A.J. and his books, please visit ajdevlin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 12, 2022
A very good debut with a few flaws.
Hammerhead Jed, a former professional wrestler, who once held the Intercontinental championship from the WWE, is now bumming around after a tragic accident.
A former colleague wants to hire him to get his pet snake. Someone kidnapped it and wants ransom. When Jed attempts to pay the ransom, both the friend and the snake wind up dead. Of course, the police aren't very interested.
Jed has to go back into the wrestling world and try to find killer.
It's pretty good, but there are a few too many cliches. We have an unnecessary Hawk-like sidekick, the dream sequence, getting hit over the head for no good reason, and so on. Apparently, Jed isn't what they call a legitimate tough guy, as he gets whooped on by a mere four guys. Back in the day, Hercules Hernandez, Wahoo McDaniel, Steve Williams, Haku, and some others would take down an entire bar for an evening's entertainment.
Also the author doesn't really really seem to know any more about wrestling than I do, and I hardly consider myself an expert.
Still, a very good debut.
Hammerhead Jed, a former professional wrestler, who once held the Intercontinental championship from the WWE, is now bumming around after a tragic accident.
A former colleague wants to hire him to get his pet snake. Someone kidnapped it and wants ransom. When Jed attempts to pay the ransom, both the friend and the snake wind up dead. Of course, the police aren't very interested.
Jed has to go back into the wrestling world and try to find killer.
It's pretty good, but there are a few too many cliches. We have an unnecessary Hawk-like sidekick, the dream sequence, getting hit over the head for no good reason, and so on. Apparently, Jed isn't what they call a legitimate tough guy, as he gets whooped on by a mere four guys. Back in the day, Hercules Hernandez, Wahoo McDaniel, Steve Williams, Haku, and some others would take down an entire bar for an evening's entertainment.
Also the author doesn't really really seem to know any more about wrestling than I do, and I hardly consider myself an expert.
Still, a very good debut.
May 31, 2019
I was unfamiliar with this book until it was recommended several days ago in a CBC newsletter featuring new Canadian crime novels. It won the Arthur Ellis award for the best debut crime mystery for 2019. It is a gritty story which contains wit, murder and mayhem galore, reminding me of old hardcore pulp fiction (in a good way).
‘Hammerhead’ Jed Ounstead is a total badass who works part-time as an errand boy, helping in his father’s detective agency, and also as a bar bouncer. He left professional wrestling at the height of his fame after an unfortunate event left him drinking heavily and taking drugs in Asia to numb his guilt and pain. He is now off drugs, has cut back on the drinking, except his indulgence in strawberry milkshakes.
Hammerhead shows great instinct and intuition for solving crimes but keeps refusing to join his father’s firm. He is a tough guy who shows compassion for friends but will go outside the law to administer extreme vengeance. He sometimes is assisted by his PI father who was once a respected police officer, a female policewoman for whom he has romantic feelings, and his cousin who is an out of control ex-IRA enforcer.
The story begins with the bizarre kidnapping for ransom of a pet python belonging to a distraught former tag team wrestler. This ridiculous crime leads him to a bloody murder scene, kidnapping, painful beatings and plenty of dead bodies. He finds himself up against one of the most deadly crime syndicates in Canada, with lots of thrills and brutal action.
Recommended for those who enjoy this type of crime story, and understand it is not for everyone.
‘Hammerhead’ Jed Ounstead is a total badass who works part-time as an errand boy, helping in his father’s detective agency, and also as a bar bouncer. He left professional wrestling at the height of his fame after an unfortunate event left him drinking heavily and taking drugs in Asia to numb his guilt and pain. He is now off drugs, has cut back on the drinking, except his indulgence in strawberry milkshakes.
Hammerhead shows great instinct and intuition for solving crimes but keeps refusing to join his father’s firm. He is a tough guy who shows compassion for friends but will go outside the law to administer extreme vengeance. He sometimes is assisted by his PI father who was once a respected police officer, a female policewoman for whom he has romantic feelings, and his cousin who is an out of control ex-IRA enforcer.
The story begins with the bizarre kidnapping for ransom of a pet python belonging to a distraught former tag team wrestler. This ridiculous crime leads him to a bloody murder scene, kidnapping, painful beatings and plenty of dead bodies. He finds himself up against one of the most deadly crime syndicates in Canada, with lots of thrills and brutal action.
Recommended for those who enjoy this type of crime story, and understand it is not for everyone.
December 8, 2018
A good first novel. Over the top towards the end, but I can forgive him for that in a first book. Likeable characters, if just a bit clichéd. This book has something Canadian about it in atmosphere which makes the violence less authentic - maybe an odd comment, but it’s the best way I can think of to describe my feelings that arise with some of the author’s scenes and descriptions.
My only real annoyance is that Devlin calls the fourth avenue (Kitsilano) neighbourhood of Vancouver “West Vancouver”, with caps and all, although West Vancouver is a separate municipality across Burrard Inlet from Vancouver. This is a glaring error as all other references to Vancouver and its environs seem to be accurate. Kind of unforgivable from a home-town boy. If it’s not an error, but merely the author exercising his licence in relation to fiction, there is simply no good reason for it.
My only real annoyance is that Devlin calls the fourth avenue (Kitsilano) neighbourhood of Vancouver “West Vancouver”, with caps and all, although West Vancouver is a separate municipality across Burrard Inlet from Vancouver. This is a glaring error as all other references to Vancouver and its environs seem to be accurate. Kind of unforgivable from a home-town boy. If it’s not an error, but merely the author exercising his licence in relation to fiction, there is simply no good reason for it.
June 25, 2023
This was a very fast read which was refreshing because I was in a reading slump for a long time! So nice to read a book where the setting takes place in my home city - it is quite rare.
However, I’m not giving this a 5 star because although everything else if very descriptive, I can’t seem to put a face on any of the characters which makes it a bit difficult for me to like them. The only characters that I truly liked were Jed, Rya and Declan.
Otherwise, it was an easy read and was interesting throughout!
However, I’m not giving this a 5 star because although everything else if very descriptive, I can’t seem to put a face on any of the characters which makes it a bit difficult for me to like them. The only characters that I truly liked were Jed, Rya and Declan.
Otherwise, it was an easy read and was interesting throughout!
June 10, 2018
Great rollicking mystery / thriller / crime novel from AJ Devlin, a fantastic first novel. Loved the first sentence, and it only got better from there. AJ does action well, along with excellent descriptions of Vancouver scenes, gritty and not-so-gritty. Can't wait for the next one, AJ!
June 27, 2022
Okay mystery. It was a pretty good Vancouver travelogue. Nothing outstanding here.
June 4, 2018
Ex-wrestler Jed "Hammerhead" Ounstead is cajoled into what starts out a fairly absurd missing-snake investigation, as a favour for an old friend. But things swiftly go south for Jed, when his much-scoffed-at missing pet inquiries veers straight into a grotesque murder scene. Jed is left with nowhere to go but forward, and he does so with zeal, barging headlong into trouble with muscle, wit, a great stock of wrestling knowledge, and innate compassion. His search for those responsible for the cruel act keeps him on his toes as the action escalates, and he finds himself scrambling to save himself and those he loves, leading to an ear-splitting finale that's fit for the big screen. Great escapism, great vicarious head-knocking, as well as lots of laughs along the way. I have a feeling a sequel is on its way!
May 6, 2018
I loved this book; couldn't wait to turn the pages. I'm a fan of the mystery, thriller, mayhem genre and I think the author did a great job of making it his own. I come from Vancouver so I thoroughly enjoyed the Vancouver scene. I think it more than holds it's own as a setting, right up there with Los Angeles and Boston and New York. The pace of the novel is great, the humor is great, the balance between description and dialogue is excellent, relationships familiar in a good way (hero with himself, with his father, with his cousin) and the individual characters both original and comfortably typical. Cousin Declan is inspired, maybe even more interesting than his literary predecessors: Pike, Hawk, and Wynn. I'm looking forward to more of Jed's adventures.
June 17, 2022
COBRA CLUTCH opens with former Vancouver pro wrestler “Hammerhead” Jed Ounstead meeting up with ex-tag team partner Johnny Mamba. Jed is a bouncer who helps out at his father’s private investigation firm. Johnny pleads for Jed's help because his beloved pet snake has been kidnapped. Jed reluctantly agrees to investigate the eclectic and often sleazy world of pro wrestling. The business of ransom demands and questioning suspects quickly leads to Jed uncovering a gut-wrenching murder scene.
At first glance Jed is an outspoken, wisecracking alpha male with sharp instincts and a short fuse. We come to realize he's also safeguarding personal and professional heartbreaks and that seems to affect his every relationship. "Hammerhead" Jed is emotionally walled up!
If he depends on anyone it's his foul-mouthed, Irish-born cousin Declan, who he affectionately calls "D." D came to Canada having survived the frontline battles of the IRA. He has the heart of a gladiator and will help Jed no matter the cost. "D" tends bar at the Ounstead's colourful watering hole, and the banter between the two is hilarious, dry and intelligent. They aren't just blood...they seem to be joined at the soul, and would die for one another. A.J. Devlin masterfully unfolds this driving relationship that renders down to one of intrinsic respect and trust.
As Jed goes hard and fast after the murderer, he often sidesteps or entirely trumps the Vancouver Police Department. Detective Constable Rya Shepard is assigned to the case. Jed's father, a highly revered, retired VPD detective, groomed her as his replacement. Rya is a formidable investigator and she and Jed share some sort of personal history ... the attraction lingers. When Jed ignores jurisdictional protocols, she tries to protect him, and they often collaborate to advance the case. One evening, after several drinks, they finally exchange some pivotal truths that bring them closer to each other with a few moments of tenderness.
Frank Ounstead, Jed's fearless and noble father, still wields political influence with the VPD. He believes his son is both honorable and an ideal candidate for partnering in his private investigation firm. Jed isn't convinced of either, but leans on his dad when faced with Vancouver's most abhorrent criminals.
The author develops so many fascinating characters, most of whom we either come to despise or find thoroughly charming. Even Billy, who only has a few cameo appearances, is a guy you just want to hug and say "you're timing's just a bit off Kid." Ultimately, when lives are on the line, Jed orchestrates a critical confrontation involving the most unlikely of allies.
A.J. Devlin uses humour in this often sinister and violent mystery. The fusion of HILARITY, DARKNESS and SUSPENSE is a remarkable combination. "Hammerhead" Jed is an intelligent, commanding force to reckon with. Grab this book and put your seatbelt on... COBRA CLUTCH does not let up for one moment!!
At first glance Jed is an outspoken, wisecracking alpha male with sharp instincts and a short fuse. We come to realize he's also safeguarding personal and professional heartbreaks and that seems to affect his every relationship. "Hammerhead" Jed is emotionally walled up!
If he depends on anyone it's his foul-mouthed, Irish-born cousin Declan, who he affectionately calls "D." D came to Canada having survived the frontline battles of the IRA. He has the heart of a gladiator and will help Jed no matter the cost. "D" tends bar at the Ounstead's colourful watering hole, and the banter between the two is hilarious, dry and intelligent. They aren't just blood...they seem to be joined at the soul, and would die for one another. A.J. Devlin masterfully unfolds this driving relationship that renders down to one of intrinsic respect and trust.
As Jed goes hard and fast after the murderer, he often sidesteps or entirely trumps the Vancouver Police Department. Detective Constable Rya Shepard is assigned to the case. Jed's father, a highly revered, retired VPD detective, groomed her as his replacement. Rya is a formidable investigator and she and Jed share some sort of personal history ... the attraction lingers. When Jed ignores jurisdictional protocols, she tries to protect him, and they often collaborate to advance the case. One evening, after several drinks, they finally exchange some pivotal truths that bring them closer to each other with a few moments of tenderness.
Frank Ounstead, Jed's fearless and noble father, still wields political influence with the VPD. He believes his son is both honorable and an ideal candidate for partnering in his private investigation firm. Jed isn't convinced of either, but leans on his dad when faced with Vancouver's most abhorrent criminals.
The author develops so many fascinating characters, most of whom we either come to despise or find thoroughly charming. Even Billy, who only has a few cameo appearances, is a guy you just want to hug and say "you're timing's just a bit off Kid." Ultimately, when lives are on the line, Jed orchestrates a critical confrontation involving the most unlikely of allies.
A.J. Devlin uses humour in this often sinister and violent mystery. The fusion of HILARITY, DARKNESS and SUSPENSE is a remarkable combination. "Hammerhead" Jed is an intelligent, commanding force to reckon with. Grab this book and put your seatbelt on... COBRA CLUTCH does not let up for one moment!!
April 19, 2020
This book deserves a subgenre of its own.
Jed Ounstead is a former big time wrestler who has returned home to Vancouver BC. When we first meet him, he's knocking around, doing bouncing work, hanging out at his father's Irish pub where his cousin Declan, a former IRA soldier, tends bar and resisting his father's entreaties to join his private investigation firm.
When another wrestler's pet snake is kidnapped, one thing leads to another and Jed is pulled into a bizarre network of characters, every one of whom has an agenda (Except for cousin Declan. What you see is what you get.) It's up to Jed to sort out this increasingly complicated puzzle as the bodies pile up.
Lots of brutal violence. Lots of chest-thumping machismo. Yet, Jed retains his humanity, compassion, and humor even as the story darkens. It's not a story I expected to like, but I loved it.
Can't wait for book #2.
Jed Ounstead is a former big time wrestler who has returned home to Vancouver BC. When we first meet him, he's knocking around, doing bouncing work, hanging out at his father's Irish pub where his cousin Declan, a former IRA soldier, tends bar and resisting his father's entreaties to join his private investigation firm.
When another wrestler's pet snake is kidnapped, one thing leads to another and Jed is pulled into a bizarre network of characters, every one of whom has an agenda (Except for cousin Declan. What you see is what you get.) It's up to Jed to sort out this increasingly complicated puzzle as the bodies pile up.
Lots of brutal violence. Lots of chest-thumping machismo. Yet, Jed retains his humanity, compassion, and humor even as the story darkens. It's not a story I expected to like, but I loved it.
Can't wait for book #2.
February 28, 2019
It is frustrating to discover a new writer and realize that you may be in for a wait for the next installment. I do hope that there is a series in the works. Might make a great TV series . I found it hard to put this book down. The odd mistake of calling the Kits area, West Vancouver was puzzling, considering that I would have thought Devlin would be more familiar with the North Shore and it's 4 Dairy Queen franchises. Can't wait for more. Off to the DQ to sample one of their milkshakes.
January 21, 2023
As a Canadian and a wrestling fan I loved this book. The wrestling stuff is explained well enough for someone who isn't a fan without feeling overly explained for a seasoned fan. The story was gripping through the various turns and swerves, and the characters were enjoyable.
July 9, 2019
Cobra Clutch is a very good read. The sights and sounds of Vancouver come out for the reader. The action is fast paced and you start to feel sorry for all the cuts and scrapes that the hero gets as part of the investigation. Well done.
March 25, 2020
Excellent book. A fast paced, witty who dunnit that’s a real page turner. Looking forward to more books Starring Hammerhead Jed. He’s sassy!
Nice diversion for Covid 19 isolated folks
Nice diversion for Covid 19 isolated folks
July 13, 2022
The characters could have been fleshed out a great deal more, if I'm honest. No bad but it could have been better - much better.
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
February 27, 2019
Good pulpy book
July 9, 2019
Page turner! Fast paced and gripping. Great summer read. Can't wait for the sequel
August 11, 2019
I liked this book a lot. It seems “pulpy” but much more. Interesting characters plot. I could rate it higher but the writers “why he has to do it himself” is a little contrived for me. Great first novel.
March 24, 2020
Excellent debut novel. Some humor-could have used more. Ending too violent for rest of book. But I would read another. The title refers to a wrestling move.
Read
April 12, 2018Review available at Foreword Reviews.
March 21, 2020
Wow, this was a great surprise, and I can’t wait for the next read with Hammerhead Jed and the supporting cast.
May 25, 2018
COBRA CLUTCH by A.J. Devlin
The First "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery
Jed Ounstead walked away from the world of professional wrestling, but gets a blast from his past when his former tag team partner comes to him asking for help. Someone has kidnapped Johnny Mamba's beloved pet snake, Ginger. With no chance of Johnny taking no for an answer, Jed reluctantly agrees to help despite not being a PI, although he does run errands for his PI father. Now "Hammerhead" Jed is forced to go back into the world he left behind. With his innate ability to piss people off along with his determination to help Johnny, Jed soon has a sleazy promoter and a biker gang gunning for him. He does have a former member of the IRA along with his dad's protegee on his side, but will that be enough? Will Jed live to enjoy another banana milkshake?
I readily admit that I am not a fan of wrestling, professional or otherwise, but that didn't matter. I knew after reading the first page that I would enjoy this book...and I did! Fast paced witty dialogue, off beat humor, and plenty of action pump up this debut mystery. After reading this book I'm even open to watching some professional wrestling matches.
Author A.J. Devlin doesn't shy away from the seamy side of wrestling, or Vancouver, but he balances the violence and sordid nature of this world by creating characters with heart. His use of raucous humor also lightens the novel and had me grinning and laughing out loud.
COBRA CLUTCH is a fast paced, action packed mystery with grit, heart, and plenty of humor. I give fair warning though. After you read it you'll be craving banana milkshakes! Now where's the nearest Dairy Queen?
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The First "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery
Jed Ounstead walked away from the world of professional wrestling, but gets a blast from his past when his former tag team partner comes to him asking for help. Someone has kidnapped Johnny Mamba's beloved pet snake, Ginger. With no chance of Johnny taking no for an answer, Jed reluctantly agrees to help despite not being a PI, although he does run errands for his PI father. Now "Hammerhead" Jed is forced to go back into the world he left behind. With his innate ability to piss people off along with his determination to help Johnny, Jed soon has a sleazy promoter and a biker gang gunning for him. He does have a former member of the IRA along with his dad's protegee on his side, but will that be enough? Will Jed live to enjoy another banana milkshake?
I readily admit that I am not a fan of wrestling, professional or otherwise, but that didn't matter. I knew after reading the first page that I would enjoy this book...and I did! Fast paced witty dialogue, off beat humor, and plenty of action pump up this debut mystery. After reading this book I'm even open to watching some professional wrestling matches.
Author A.J. Devlin doesn't shy away from the seamy side of wrestling, or Vancouver, but he balances the violence and sordid nature of this world by creating characters with heart. His use of raucous humor also lightens the novel and had me grinning and laughing out loud.
COBRA CLUTCH is a fast paced, action packed mystery with grit, heart, and plenty of humor. I give fair warning though. After you read it you'll be craving banana milkshakes! Now where's the nearest Dairy Queen?
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
May 29, 2018
What a great read! I love the way A.J. spins a tale. Creative, witty and imaginative. I was on the edge of my seat one moment then laughing out loud the next. I’m eagerly waiting to see what Hammerhead has in store for us next!!
May 23, 2018
An awesome book that’s hard to put down. A unique story that takes you through the streets of Vancouver. It’s funny and keeps you on the edge of your seat. An entertaining read for anyone regardless of the type of book you normally read.....this will keep you turning pages.
March 24, 2019
Tell me true believer; are you a fan of Hard boiled detective a'la Mike Hammer? Classic pulp like Doc Savage? or '80's Mens Action like Mack Bolan? What about satire and humour like Remo Williams the Destroyer? Well, roll those aforementioned genres into Cobra Clutch, and you have a book where the pages practically turn themselves.
From the opening sentence of Chapter 1, writer A.J. Devlin draws you into a world of intrigue, gritty gum shoeing, and the underbelly of the City of Vancouver.
Written as only a local resident can, Devlin takes you on a ride along into the back alleys where only cops or crooks dare to walk......as long as they look over their shoulders. The sights and sounds of landmarks like Gastown, 8 Rinks, and Stanley Park practically materialize off the page, as new P.I. Jed Ounstead cheats death, kicks a$$, walks the fine line of being a private detective and avenging angel. Jed's case is highly personal to him; what starts out as a favour to his ex-wrestling buddy turns into a tale of vengeance and survival as Jed struggles between working with the cops and Vancouver's' criminal underworld to exact his own brand of justice.
Jed is the kind of guy you'd like to pal around with, honest, loyal, and thinks fast on his feet. He can be gruff , but then treat the ladies like a real gentlemen. He doesn't have Special Forces training, or a million bucks to buy high tech weapons, but what he's got is a tenacity about him, and instinct to outsmart the crooks. Jeds' the kind of guy the cops would call take over their case, and crooks would avoid bumping into.
Written in the first person, you're right there with Jed as he tracks down the culprit who stole his buddys' pet snake ( yes, that really is his case, and no, the SPCA won't deal with it), you feel his anguish when this turns into a murder, you feel his heart quicken when he deals with his crush, and you feel his fist on a bad guys cheekbone when he's fighting for his life..
The pace is quick and even. The dialogue, hilarious. The fight scenes, dramatic. You can't really say there a lulls in this book. The police procedures here are real. The supporting cast carry their own weight in moving the story ahead. The end of every chapter is set up to make you want more. The ending is satisfying, and yet you know there are more cases just waiting to be told.
Add Cobra Clutch to your bookshelf. Don't wait for the movie. ( They almost never get it right).
Excelsior!( With apologies to Mr. Stan Lee)
From the opening sentence of Chapter 1, writer A.J. Devlin draws you into a world of intrigue, gritty gum shoeing, and the underbelly of the City of Vancouver.
Written as only a local resident can, Devlin takes you on a ride along into the back alleys where only cops or crooks dare to walk......as long as they look over their shoulders. The sights and sounds of landmarks like Gastown, 8 Rinks, and Stanley Park practically materialize off the page, as new P.I. Jed Ounstead cheats death, kicks a$$, walks the fine line of being a private detective and avenging angel. Jed's case is highly personal to him; what starts out as a favour to his ex-wrestling buddy turns into a tale of vengeance and survival as Jed struggles between working with the cops and Vancouver's' criminal underworld to exact his own brand of justice.
Jed is the kind of guy you'd like to pal around with, honest, loyal, and thinks fast on his feet. He can be gruff , but then treat the ladies like a real gentlemen. He doesn't have Special Forces training, or a million bucks to buy high tech weapons, but what he's got is a tenacity about him, and instinct to outsmart the crooks. Jeds' the kind of guy the cops would call take over their case, and crooks would avoid bumping into.
Written in the first person, you're right there with Jed as he tracks down the culprit who stole his buddys' pet snake ( yes, that really is his case, and no, the SPCA won't deal with it), you feel his anguish when this turns into a murder, you feel his heart quicken when he deals with his crush, and you feel his fist on a bad guys cheekbone when he's fighting for his life..
The pace is quick and even. The dialogue, hilarious. The fight scenes, dramatic. You can't really say there a lulls in this book. The police procedures here are real. The supporting cast carry their own weight in moving the story ahead. The end of every chapter is set up to make you want more. The ending is satisfying, and yet you know there are more cases just waiting to be told.
Add Cobra Clutch to your bookshelf. Don't wait for the movie. ( They almost never get it right).
Excelsior!( With apologies to Mr. Stan Lee)
Read
May 8, 2018A brilliantly written crime novel with a unique style and development of characters and plot that suggests this won't be the last book we'll be seeing from this author. I'd echo others who have suggested that this novel is both hilarious and cinematic. For those who love the old PI stories and series this book has parallels to those but the PI work is being done here is led by a true amateur - and this unfolds a series of events that add to the mystery of who dunnit.
April 22, 2022
There’s some deadly serious, Hardboiled fiction for you to peruse in the Vancouver Noir scene these days — and it’s awesome. Vancouver deserves the Noir treatment every bit as much as Los Angeles, New York, Stockholm, or Edinburgh. There’s a need for hard-bitten books to expose the seedy underside, and rank corruption lurking obscured by Vancouver’s postcard picture perfection.
But, let’s face it, we also need a laugh and some well-meaning fun. Enter AJ Devlin’s “Hammerhead” Jed, a former pro-wrestler reluctantly drawn into his father’s world of private investigation. If you ever though to yourself, “I’d like to see Bret “Hitman” Hart play a PI” then this series is for you.
John “Jed” Ounstead has been running from his pro wrestling past. That past catches up to him when his friend and former partner, Johnny Mamba, asks for his help when his pet snake is kidnapped and held for ransom. Jed is drawn into the seedier side of his former life, where wrestling intersects with organized crime.
COBRA CLUTCH is a solid first novel that establishes Jed’s kick-ass credentials for many books to come (I hope!). AJ’s style shines as he brings heart, and humour to Vancouver’s Noir. Like Sam Wiebe, AJ sets up a solid cast of supporting characters from his cousin Declan, to wrestling duo Pocket and Tubbs, to the dangerous, sleazy Bert Grasby.
I initially rated this a five, but AJ’s follow up, ROLLING THUNDER, shows him really getting comfortable with his characters and the Mystery Comedy genre. Still, I rate this a 4/5. I’ll be re-reading ROLLING THUNDER soon, and do a review. The third book, FIVE MOVES OF DOOM, is due out in the autumn of 2022.
But, let’s face it, we also need a laugh and some well-meaning fun. Enter AJ Devlin’s “Hammerhead” Jed, a former pro-wrestler reluctantly drawn into his father’s world of private investigation. If you ever though to yourself, “I’d like to see Bret “Hitman” Hart play a PI” then this series is for you.
John “Jed” Ounstead has been running from his pro wrestling past. That past catches up to him when his friend and former partner, Johnny Mamba, asks for his help when his pet snake is kidnapped and held for ransom. Jed is drawn into the seedier side of his former life, where wrestling intersects with organized crime.
COBRA CLUTCH is a solid first novel that establishes Jed’s kick-ass credentials for many books to come (I hope!). AJ’s style shines as he brings heart, and humour to Vancouver’s Noir. Like Sam Wiebe, AJ sets up a solid cast of supporting characters from his cousin Declan, to wrestling duo Pocket and Tubbs, to the dangerous, sleazy Bert Grasby.
I initially rated this a five, but AJ’s follow up, ROLLING THUNDER, shows him really getting comfortable with his characters and the Mystery Comedy genre. Still, I rate this a 4/5. I’ll be re-reading ROLLING THUNDER soon, and do a review. The third book, FIVE MOVES OF DOOM, is due out in the autumn of 2022.
June 20, 2018
A caveat: I know the author through Crime Writers of Canada and have spoken to him at various events. One of our discussions a few years back centered on publishing options, not writing advice. Clearly, he wouldn’t have needed any writing advice, as this book is a terrific debut mystery by a fresh voice who knows what he’s doing.
Call me biased if you want, but not many mystery writers can combine humor, colorful characters, and an interesting plot in a debut mystery, but A.J. Devlin has done exactly this. I loved that the protagonist is a former wrestler, as I was a big WWE fan years ago, and this is the first time I’ve come across a pro wrestling protagonist.
Set in Vancouver, Devlin aptly describes the many diverse areas that make the city unique. Plot, pacing, subplots, and backstory are masterfully handled. Honestly, had I not known him, I’d still praise this book. It’s exactly the type of mystery I love to read. Here’s to a long line of “Hammerhead” Jed mysteries.
Call me biased if you want, but not many mystery writers can combine humor, colorful characters, and an interesting plot in a debut mystery, but A.J. Devlin has done exactly this. I loved that the protagonist is a former wrestler, as I was a big WWE fan years ago, and this is the first time I’ve come across a pro wrestling protagonist.
Set in Vancouver, Devlin aptly describes the many diverse areas that make the city unique. Plot, pacing, subplots, and backstory are masterfully handled. Honestly, had I not known him, I’d still praise this book. It’s exactly the type of mystery I love to read. Here’s to a long line of “Hammerhead” Jed mysteries.
February 8, 2020
Fantastic fun with a great new detective
It’s always a thrill to find a new mystery series with an intriguing protagonist, and Hammerhead Jed delivers. Ex wrestler Jed tries to help out his old friend from his squared circle days and gets dragged back into the wrestling scene and tied up in an underbelly of drugs and murder. Fast pace and a great sense of humor makes me excited for the next installment
It’s always a thrill to find a new mystery series with an intriguing protagonist, and Hammerhead Jed delivers. Ex wrestler Jed tries to help out his old friend from his squared circle days and gets dragged back into the wrestling scene and tied up in an underbelly of drugs and murder. Fast pace and a great sense of humor makes me excited for the next installment
September 30, 2018
This mystery was well-paced but I don't think macho PI stories are for me. I didn't particularly care for most of the characters in this book - in particular, the main character. That made finishing this novel a bit of a slog for me.
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