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Jack Daniels Thriller #12
Dying Breath
THREE HORRIFIC CRIMES. MULTIPLE TWISTED KILLERS.
His name is Phineas Troutt. He's a problem solver.
Her name is Jack Daniels. She's a homicide cop.
And then there's Harry McGlade, private eye.
Phin is trying to find a lost girl.
Jack is on the trail of a serial killer.
Harry is looking for a runaway.
Little do they know, they're all on the same case...
They call themselves The Club. A group of rich, privileged twenty-somethings who like to indulge in things that money can't buy. Things like kidnapping, torture, and murder.
They think they can get away with it.
They're wrong.
DYING BREATH by J.A. Konrath
United we stand, united we fall...
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.
DYING BREATH
Bad Language - 7
Scary - 2
Violent - 6
Funny - 9
Sexy - 8
Crossovers - Features Jack Daniels, Phineas Troutt, Harry McGlade, and includes characters from the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, the Codename: Chandler series, and the Timecaster series.
His name is Phineas Troutt. He's a problem solver.
Her name is Jack Daniels. She's a homicide cop.
And then there's Harry McGlade, private eye.
Phin is trying to find a lost girl.
Jack is on the trail of a serial killer.
Harry is looking for a runaway.
Little do they know, they're all on the same case...
They call themselves The Club. A group of rich, privileged twenty-somethings who like to indulge in things that money can't buy. Things like kidnapping, torture, and murder.
They think they can get away with it.
They're wrong.
DYING BREATH by J.A. Konrath
United we stand, united we fall...
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.
DYING BREATH
Bad Language - 7
Scary - 2
Violent - 6
Funny - 9
Sexy - 8
Crossovers - Features Jack Daniels, Phineas Troutt, Harry McGlade, and includes characters from the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, the Codename: Chandler series, and the Timecaster series.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2018
538 people are currently reading
529 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 46 reviews
August 5, 2018
There are many types of thrillers. This one, I don't know exactly what it is. Is it an adventuresome thriller? That's the closest appellation that I can grant it. The story is told through 3 people. Jack Daniels (a female cop), Phineas Troutt (a hitman dying of cancer), and Harry McGlade (a rich buffoon, former cop and friend of Jack).
Throughout the entire book, Phineas comes out as the most likeable of the trio. He names his cancer earl and constantly throws and parries repartee with it. His adventures are fine. They are always interesting. But the other two POVs are riddled with problems.
Harry McGlade's character is a creation, of course, of J.A. Konrath. The latter dug himself a hole from which fall he still couldn't extricate himself. Harry is a funny in the first two chapters. But then the necessity for him to keep making immature jokes gets tiresome quickly. He is the main reason why the score I gave the book is so low.
J.A. Konrath also wished to grant Jack Daniels some complexity. But he only succeeded in making her whiny. She is thought to be the most mature of the three main characters. However, the author keeps on making her do dumb things, like trying to choose her job over her private life. An age old clichée if you want.
I thought of making it a rule that only those books that I gave 4 or 5 stars are books that I wanted to reread. 3 stars would mean a flawed book that good as it is, is not worth remembering. But this book...has ended on a cliffhanger. Someone's nearest and dearest has been kidnapped and another adventure beckons. Without me, alas.
Having grown up as a viewer of The Simpsons (when it was good), X Files, and having read untold amount of mysteries, I was immune to the twists in this book. I know that people who are younger than me by 20 years or so, will enjoy the book, and I wish them the best. But I am insensitive to lewd humor, because I have seen it all. I've seen the jokes done better. No, that's not strictly true. I've seen them done with a smarter, and more mature context. So I give this book 2 stars, and J.A. Konrath, who was once a promising author, is now persona non grata. That's it for now.
Throughout the entire book, Phineas comes out as the most likeable of the trio. He names his cancer earl and constantly throws and parries repartee with it. His adventures are fine. They are always interesting. But the other two POVs are riddled with problems.
Harry McGlade's character is a creation, of course, of J.A. Konrath. The latter dug himself a hole from which fall he still couldn't extricate himself. Harry is a funny in the first two chapters. But then the necessity for him to keep making immature jokes gets tiresome quickly. He is the main reason why the score I gave the book is so low.
J.A. Konrath also wished to grant Jack Daniels some complexity. But he only succeeded in making her whiny. She is thought to be the most mature of the three main characters. However, the author keeps on making her do dumb things, like trying to choose her job over her private life. An age old clichée if you want.
I thought of making it a rule that only those books that I gave 4 or 5 stars are books that I wanted to reread. 3 stars would mean a flawed book that good as it is, is not worth remembering. But this book...has ended on a cliffhanger. Someone's nearest and dearest has been kidnapped and another adventure beckons. Without me, alas.
Having grown up as a viewer of The Simpsons (when it was good), X Files, and having read untold amount of mysteries, I was immune to the twists in this book. I know that people who are younger than me by 20 years or so, will enjoy the book, and I wish them the best. But I am insensitive to lewd humor, because I have seen it all. I've seen the jokes done better. No, that's not strictly true. I've seen them done with a smarter, and more mature context. So I give this book 2 stars, and J.A. Konrath, who was once a promising author, is now persona non grata. That's it for now.
August 14, 2018
This was a pretty poor follow up as Konrath stories go. It was like there was only a tiny story so it was split into three points of view to draw it out. This was a big mistake. One of the points of view is from Harry McGlade, who can be taken in small doses but he is the most vile, annoying and idiotic character I’ve had the displeasure to get to know in a long time (if ever). And Phin going on and on about his cancer, who he’s named Earl, was getting very monotonous. I hope book 3 goes back to the style of the first. I will read it but I’m not going to rush into it. I need a break after this one.
January 25, 2019
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, wenn auch speziell. Besonders ‚Das Hotel‘ ist mir extrem im Gedächtnis geblieben und hat mir tatsächlich sehr viel Unbehagen beschert.
Phineas Troutt ist der Hauptprotagonist der dreiteiligen Reihe von Konrath. Im Laufe der Story begegnen uns wieder bereits bekannte Charaktere aus dem Universum des Autors. Während wir im ersten Teil die Story nur aus Phins Sicht verfolgt haben, so ist "Sterbenshauch" immer abwechselnd aus der Perspektive von Phineas Troutt, Detective Jack Daniels und Privatermittler Harry McGlade geschrieben. Phin kennen wir nun bereits recht gut und wissen, dass er sich mit ernsten Problem herumschlagen muss. Seine Zukunftsperspektive ist gelinde gesagt echt mies. Jack Daniels kannte ich bisher nicht aus ihrer eigenen Reihe, ihr Auftreten hier im Buch hat mir definitiv Lust darauf gemacht, mir auch diese Reihe mal vorzunehmen. Sehr speziell ist wohl auch Harry McGlade. Entweder findet man ihn wohl amüsant oder einfach unerträglich. Wer wie ich flachen Humor mag, der wird hier vermutlich eher seinen Spaß haben. Konraths Charaktere sind oft einfach gestrickt und entsprechen einigen Klischees.
Nachdem der erste Teil der Reihe eher nicht mit seiner Story punkten konnte, erwartet einem im zweiten Band tatsächlich eine richtige Story mit Ermittlungsarbeit. Ich war wirklich sehr positiv überrascht, ebenso von der Länge des Buches. Durch die drei Perspektiven kommt das Buch auf über 500 Seiten, was mit das längste Buch des Autors ist, wie er selber im Vorwort sagt.
"Sterbenshauch" hebt sich für mich deutlich von seinem Vorgänger "Mit einem Bein im Grab an", da es vielmehr ein Krimi ist als diese Hau-drauf-Action aus dem ersten Teil. Vermutlich haben auch die drei verschiedenen Perspektiven dazu beigetragen, dass ich diesen Teil viel besser fand, denn nur Phins Sicht die Dinge zu erfahren, kann auf Dauer wohl etwas betrüben. Da lockern eine resolute Jack Daniels und ein fast schon irrer Harry McGlade die Stimmung schon sehr gut auf. Das ganze trifft einfach genau meinen Sinn für Humor, der wohl aber tatsächlich nicht so massentauglich ist. Auch dass Harry manchmal den Leser direkt angesprochen hat, fand ich für das Buch und seine Art und Weise sehr passend - obwohl ich das in Büchern sonst eigentlich nicht mag.
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.
Phineas Troutt ist der Hauptprotagonist der dreiteiligen Reihe von Konrath. Im Laufe der Story begegnen uns wieder bereits bekannte Charaktere aus dem Universum des Autors. Während wir im ersten Teil die Story nur aus Phins Sicht verfolgt haben, so ist "Sterbenshauch" immer abwechselnd aus der Perspektive von Phineas Troutt, Detective Jack Daniels und Privatermittler Harry McGlade geschrieben. Phin kennen wir nun bereits recht gut und wissen, dass er sich mit ernsten Problem herumschlagen muss. Seine Zukunftsperspektive ist gelinde gesagt echt mies. Jack Daniels kannte ich bisher nicht aus ihrer eigenen Reihe, ihr Auftreten hier im Buch hat mir definitiv Lust darauf gemacht, mir auch diese Reihe mal vorzunehmen. Sehr speziell ist wohl auch Harry McGlade. Entweder findet man ihn wohl amüsant oder einfach unerträglich. Wer wie ich flachen Humor mag, der wird hier vermutlich eher seinen Spaß haben. Konraths Charaktere sind oft einfach gestrickt und entsprechen einigen Klischees.
Nachdem der erste Teil der Reihe eher nicht mit seiner Story punkten konnte, erwartet einem im zweiten Band tatsächlich eine richtige Story mit Ermittlungsarbeit. Ich war wirklich sehr positiv überrascht, ebenso von der Länge des Buches. Durch die drei Perspektiven kommt das Buch auf über 500 Seiten, was mit das längste Buch des Autors ist, wie er selber im Vorwort sagt.
"Sterbenshauch" hebt sich für mich deutlich von seinem Vorgänger "Mit einem Bein im Grab an", da es vielmehr ein Krimi ist als diese Hau-drauf-Action aus dem ersten Teil. Vermutlich haben auch die drei verschiedenen Perspektiven dazu beigetragen, dass ich diesen Teil viel besser fand, denn nur Phins Sicht die Dinge zu erfahren, kann auf Dauer wohl etwas betrüben. Da lockern eine resolute Jack Daniels und ein fast schon irrer Harry McGlade die Stimmung schon sehr gut auf. Das ganze trifft einfach genau meinen Sinn für Humor, der wohl aber tatsächlich nicht so massentauglich ist. Auch dass Harry manchmal den Leser direkt angesprochen hat, fand ich für das Buch und seine Art und Weise sehr passend - obwohl ich das in Büchern sonst eigentlich nicht mag.
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.
July 20, 2025
Dying Breath by J.A. Konrath is the 12th book in the Jack Daniels Thriller series. Chicago homicide cop Lieutenant Jack Daniels is investigating a serial killer known as the Motel Mauler, problem solver Phineus Troutt has been hired to find a girl estranged from her family, and private eye Harry McGlade has been hired to find a missing stripper. Little do they know but they are looking for the same people. A very entertaining and chaotic thriller and lots of fun despite the horrific crimes. Harry is a bit gross and over the top but I still enjoyed the book very much.
October 27, 2024
Phin is hired to find a missing girl that connects with Jack & Herb's current investigation which also connects with Harry's missing stripper case. The three come together to stop a club of murderers with mishaps, death threats, & Phin's cancer reappearing along the way. A satisfying story with Phin as the main character. I skimmed over Harry's ridiculous naming of the hard rock cafes. I like the sly references to JA Konrath and Harry's puns
December 13, 2021
Spannender Thriller mit den gewohnt schrägen Charakteren. Sehr gut inszeniert, wie sich zum Ende alle treffen und natürlich das Gute siegt.....Wäre da nicht der fiese Cliffhanger.... Natürlich hab ich den 3. Phin Band, und fange direkt an zu lesen.
August 13, 2018
Too slow
For the first 25%, I was interested in this story. Even tho ugh I hadn't read the first novel, I was able to get into the story. After about 25%, though, I was tired. It was wordy for no good reason with scenes that didn't move the story forward. Really, how many scenes do we need of how bad the coffee at the police station is? Or Jack and her partner eating junk food? The characters were okay except for Harry. He was annoying.
For the first 25%, I was interested in this story. Even tho ugh I hadn't read the first novel, I was able to get into the story. After about 25%, though, I was tired. It was wordy for no good reason with scenes that didn't move the story forward. Really, how many scenes do we need of how bad the coffee at the police station is? Or Jack and her partner eating junk food? The characters were okay except for Harry. He was annoying.
November 23, 2018
A bit over the top as always, but also well written and keeps your interest.
March 7, 2018
Dying Breath, Phineas Troutt Mysteries, Book 2
by J.A. Konrath
Konrath states in his Foreword to this novel that it was written in 1995, 3 years after he graduated from college, written before the Jack Daniels series, the main characters of which also populate this Phineas Troutt trilogy. He also states he had created the Jack Daniels character in short stories (unpublished), as well as in this trilogy. The timeline for this particular book is between novels 4 (Dirty Martini) and 5 (Fuzzy Navel) of the Jack Daniels series. Konrath also indicates that Harry McGlade was created before either Jack or Phin, back in Konrath's high school days, as a parody of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer. This book is interesting in that none of those three is really the star of the book, as all three have first person narratives that alternate to tell the full story. And, of course, also included is Jack's partner, Herb Benedict, who is the only one of the Daniels/Troutt characters who doesn't get a first person narrative. Even
It was an interesting read. Troutt has always been my favorite character in this particular world, although I admit to liking Jack's cat, Mr. Friskers, quite a bit. In this adventure, each of our three main characters are on the job -- three separated jobs, so they think. Turns out all roads do lead to Rome, or, in this case, to Minnesota. Phin is hired by the parents of Julie Scadder, who has been missing for two years. Jack (and Herb) are hunting for a serial killer called the Motel Mauler. Harry is hired by the owner of a strip club he frequents to find one of his dancers, who has disappeared. Will they discover the connecting threads of their three different cases in time? Will Harry be able to litter train his minature horse? Will Phin or Earl win their life and death struggle? Will Jack come to grips with her inability to fully commit? Yep, this is a book full of angst.
As usual, Harry provides most of the comic relief, although I found him more philosophical in this novel than in many of the Jack Daniels novels. The editing and proofing are excellent, with just one error found (3532 on my Kindle: Chuck was the nickname everyone knew Wallace O'Chusky, who was heading the Mauler task force.) The plotting, pacing and flow perfect, moving the reader along with the storyline seamlessly. Yes, there is gore and gut-wrenching situations, but that's what one expects from Konrath novel featuring these particular characters. Konrath indulged here and there with his fascination for brand name clothing: Louis Vuitton at 1245 and Stuart Weitzman at 1252, and at 6527 Air Jordans and Marc Fisher. Given that Konrath states in his Foreword that he was in high school in 1984, I got a kick out of his mention not only of Mickey Spillane in that Foreward, but of Jimmy Durante in reference to men with large noses (1630).
I did knock off a star for the cliffhanger ending. I hate them. Konrath has done them before, but for the most part his novels are stand alone, or I wouldn't still be reading them.
by J.A. Konrath
Konrath states in his Foreword to this novel that it was written in 1995, 3 years after he graduated from college, written before the Jack Daniels series, the main characters of which also populate this Phineas Troutt trilogy. He also states he had created the Jack Daniels character in short stories (unpublished), as well as in this trilogy. The timeline for this particular book is between novels 4 (Dirty Martini) and 5 (Fuzzy Navel) of the Jack Daniels series. Konrath also indicates that Harry McGlade was created before either Jack or Phin, back in Konrath's high school days, as a parody of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer. This book is interesting in that none of those three is really the star of the book, as all three have first person narratives that alternate to tell the full story. And, of course, also included is Jack's partner, Herb Benedict, who is the only one of the Daniels/Troutt characters who doesn't get a first person narrative. Even
It was an interesting read. Troutt has always been my favorite character in this particular world, although I admit to liking Jack's cat, Mr. Friskers, quite a bit. In this adventure, each of our three main characters are on the job -- three separated jobs, so they think. Turns out all roads do lead to Rome, or, in this case, to Minnesota. Phin is hired by the parents of Julie Scadder, who has been missing for two years. Jack (and Herb) are hunting for a serial killer called the Motel Mauler. Harry is hired by the owner of a strip club he frequents to find one of his dancers, who has disappeared. Will they discover the connecting threads of their three different cases in time? Will Harry be able to litter train his minature horse? Will Phin or Earl win their life and death struggle? Will Jack come to grips with her inability to fully commit? Yep, this is a book full of angst.
As usual, Harry provides most of the comic relief, although I found him more philosophical in this novel than in many of the Jack Daniels novels. The editing and proofing are excellent, with just one error found (3532 on my Kindle: Chuck was the nickname everyone knew Wallace O'Chusky, who was heading the Mauler task force.) The plotting, pacing and flow perfect, moving the reader along with the storyline seamlessly. Yes, there is gore and gut-wrenching situations, but that's what one expects from Konrath novel featuring these particular characters. Konrath indulged here and there with his fascination for brand name clothing: Louis Vuitton at 1245 and Stuart Weitzman at 1252, and at 6527 Air Jordans and Marc Fisher. Given that Konrath states in his Foreword that he was in high school in 1984, I got a kick out of his mention not only of Mickey Spillane in that Foreward, but of Jimmy Durante in reference to men with large noses (1630).
I did knock off a star for the cliffhanger ending. I hate them. Konrath has done them before, but for the most part his novels are stand alone, or I wouldn't still be reading them.
March 26, 2018
This is the first book I've read where Phineas Troutt is the focus character and I found it interesting to get a bit of back story regarding certain aspects of his life prior to 'Jack'. I totally enjoyed the three factions coming together and was delighted with the humour peppered throughout the storyline, much to the bravado of one of my favourite characters - Harry McGlade!! Without giving too much away......intriguing storyline, love to hate the 'bad guys', and am totally enthralled (as always) with Jack, Harry, & Phin (as well as the plethora of characters from all of my favourite Jack Daniels' series of books). Thank you Mr. Konrath!
June 22, 2020
Really enjoyed this one, definitely much more than the first entry in the series. The flipping point of view/chapters between Phineas Troutt, Jack Daniels and Harry McGlade worked really well until they all merged together near the end.
Konrath has created such a great group of characters in the Jack Daniels "universe" and I really look forward to each new entry. This one gave me several fun moments causing me to laugh out loud. Harry McGlade might be a crass character but man, he can also be charming and funny.
Highly, HIGHLY recommend the Jack Daniels series of which this is a part of.
Konrath has created such a great group of characters in the Jack Daniels "universe" and I really look forward to each new entry. This one gave me several fun moments causing me to laugh out loud. Harry McGlade might be a crass character but man, he can also be charming and funny.
Highly, HIGHLY recommend the Jack Daniels series of which this is a part of.
September 28, 2020
Dying Breath is probably my favorite Konrath book outside of the Konrath Horror Collective.
I enjoyed the split perspective among the three characters and how different each ones voice was. As expected Phin continues to be my favorite character.
Loved that we get to see the world through McGlade, I don't think I could handle a whole book with him but this was the perfect amount of time spent with his corny jokes and sheer ridiculousness!
If you haven't read and enjoyed the rest of the books in Jack Daniel's world I would skip this one. If you like action, thrills, humor, and in all honesty a bit of violence you should check Konrath out.
I enjoyed the split perspective among the three characters and how different each ones voice was. As expected Phin continues to be my favorite character.
Loved that we get to see the world through McGlade, I don't think I could handle a whole book with him but this was the perfect amount of time spent with his corny jokes and sheer ridiculousness!
If you haven't read and enjoyed the rest of the books in Jack Daniel's world I would skip this one. If you like action, thrills, humor, and in all honesty a bit of violence you should check Konrath out.
May 10, 2018
I just can not get enough of these books. I love this author. This book is very serious for the mos part, but it has some laugh out loud moments. Leave it to Harry. Gotta love him. This is told by Phin, Jack, and Harry. All three are working cases involving missing and murdered young women. They don't realize they are working the same case. They come together towards the end and get the job done to all their satisfaction. There are a couple surprising twists towards the end. One is downright appalling.
July 27, 2018
Because Phineas, the main character, is so depressing with his medical issues, I applaud the author's choice to alternate his with 2 other characters' points-of-view. Jack Daniels is the no-nonsense cop with her own problems, and Harry McGlade is the comic relief. I liked the way Harry was written in this novel because he was more a real person than just a caricature. This makes him more interesting to me. Haven't met a Konrath book I didn't like yet, but they're not for everyone with the amount of violence included.
December 12, 2023
Why would an author with very little experience decide to try a trick that more talented season authors would never do? We won’t know cause this guy tried and failed. He’s food but writing in three different voices? No friggin way. Huge fail. It just was a bloated trick spent on Jack Daniel’s dime. The character we get to least amount of time of. Let that sink in. No one on this site is searching Phineas trout or one armed bad detective story guy. It’s just a reason to break out sloppy writing and snarky dad jokes congrats. You sold more mediocre writing.
March 2, 2018
Awesome
I love all of JA Konrath’s books, especially his Jack Daniels series. This book, along with the first book in Phins series, is just as good the JD books, and is actually funnier than the others. Reason from Harry and Phin’s POV was different and very enjoyable. I can’t wait til the third book comes out, and I really hope he continues to publish Jack, Phin, and Harry stories. I highly recommend this book.
I love all of JA Konrath’s books, especially his Jack Daniels series. This book, along with the first book in Phins series, is just as good the JD books, and is actually funnier than the others. Reason from Harry and Phin’s POV was different and very enjoyable. I can’t wait til the third book comes out, and I really hope he continues to publish Jack, Phin, and Harry stories. I highly recommend this book.
November 12, 2018
Phineas Troutt has been employed to find a missing daughter, one that disappeared several years ago. Now that the father is dying he wants to know if she is still alive.
Detective Jack Daniels with her partner are investigating the case of a serial killer. Meanwhile Harry McGlade, private investigator is looking for a missing dancer.
A story told from their three perspectives.
An enjoyable and interesting well-written story.
Detective Jack Daniels with her partner are investigating the case of a serial killer. Meanwhile Harry McGlade, private investigator is looking for a missing dancer.
A story told from their three perspectives.
An enjoyable and interesting well-written story.
June 4, 2022
The first part of the book is really over the top but it all comes together nicely. Phin has been hired by a father dying of cancer to find his run away daughter. Harry has been hired by the owner of a strip club to find an employee when she failed to show up for a medical appointment. Jack and Herb are working an especially gruesome string of murders. They realize that they are working the same case.
April 28, 2025
Shit. I gave the JD books before 5 stars. But this is the first real 5 star book, way better than the ones before. Story is coherent, rising tension, switching between characters adds a really nice change. Harry is in and not a complete moron. There is a mini horse.
It's just a great pulp story. No gore stuff, just a good story. More please.
It's just a great pulp story. No gore stuff, just a good story. More please.
March 24, 2018
Great book and series!
I love, love Jack, Harry, Phin and Herb!!
Great story and laugh out loud funny!
The best part is their quirky personalities and
How they work together!
Great read!
I love, love Jack, Harry, Phin and Herb!!
Great story and laugh out loud funny!
The best part is their quirky personalities and
How they work together!
Great read!
May 14, 2018
Dying Breath was an AWESOME READ!!
Dying Breath has all our favorites, Jack, Phin, Harry and Herb. Lots of bad language...lol. Can Phin find a missing girl, for her father and can Jack find out where all the missing girls are?? You'll have to read to find out!!! LOL
Dying Breath has all our favorites, Jack, Phin, Harry and Herb. Lots of bad language...lol. Can Phin find a missing girl, for her father and can Jack find out where all the missing girls are?? You'll have to read to find out!!! LOL
June 16, 2018
I'd give it a high five if I could! 😁
This was just as great as the others! I absolutely love these books, and have read every single one from the first Jack Daniels book to the last, shorts to go with, and now this series! I love the humor, characters, and plots!
This was just as great as the others! I absolutely love these books, and have read every single one from the first Jack Daniels book to the last, shorts to go with, and now this series! I love the humor, characters, and plots!
September 14, 2019
These books are awesone!
You've read the blurb, now read the book!
I think I'm addicted ha ha. I love all the characters but, Harry McGlade is something else. Dark, intense, and funny.
You're missing a great if you haven't read Konrath!
TTFN ☺ Enjoy 😉.
You've read the blurb, now read the book!
I think I'm addicted ha ha. I love all the characters but, Harry McGlade is something else. Dark, intense, and funny.
You're missing a great if you haven't read Konrath!
TTFN ☺ Enjoy 😉.
May 8, 2020
The definition of a small world is when a small group of people are independently led to a collection of murderers...all arriving at nearly the same time. A good story to catch up with some of the early adventures of Jack, Phin and Harry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2021
Humorous, suspenseful, mystery thriller
Phin, Jack, and Harry are hunting the same perp...but they don't know it yet. They will...before long. Harry provides the humor, Jack, the law, and Phin , the edge, and they fit together nicely. Recommended highly.
Phin, Jack, and Harry are hunting the same perp...but they don't know it yet. They will...before long. Harry provides the humor, Jack, the law, and Phin , the edge, and they fit together nicely. Recommended highly.
October 24, 2021
I love how the author balanced out the raw, stomach-turning opening with the absolutely hysterical remainder of the book. I love having Harry's point of view, too. Great book in this Jack Daniels world.
January 14, 2024
LOVE that Konrath decided to give Harry’s POV. He’s also easily my favorite character, although… they’re all my favorite. How could they not be? Gun to my head if I had to choose, it’s gonna be Harry. He’s relateable and at the same time, absolutely ridiculously not even a person. Haha
March 16, 2018
My favorite so far
I think I love Phin more than Jack. Harry's fourth wall breaks were a bit much but I still laughed. The story rocked.
I think I love Phin more than Jack. Harry's fourth wall breaks were a bit much but I still laughed. The story rocked.
March 17, 2018
Phin is a true example of a man. He is full of love while having the rage of a wild animal.
March 25, 2018
Love it
Another great book. ..Love all the characters..Love they way it was written, funny.. exciting... fast read. Can't wait for the next book.
Another great book. ..Love all the characters..Love they way it was written, funny.. exciting... fast read. Can't wait for the next book.
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