I Don't Like Where This Is Going: Book #2 of the Wylie 'Coyote' Melville series

Wylie Coyote #2

by John Dufresne

Wylie 'Coyote' Melville - burnt-out professional therapist and hobbyist forensic consultant - needs a break. South Florida might be home, but it's also home to bad memories and local gangsters bearing grudges. So Wylie and his ace poker-playing best friend Bay Lettique head to the tawdry glitz of Las Vegas to lie low for a while. But when Wylie and Bay see a woman fall from the balcony of her hotel on the Strip, their low-profile Vegas vacation soon turns into a murder investigation. With the powers-that-be keen to cover up all trace of the woman's death, Wylie starts to follow a trail that leads him across the vast and lawless deserts of redneck Nevada and deep into the heart of a human trafficking conspiracy. A crime caper filled with Dufresne's trademark black humour, I Don't Like Where This is Going continues the story of Wylie's haphazard investigations into America's bankrupt political system, where power and influence are on sale and the corrupt prey on the innocent.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2016

About the author

John Dufresne teaches in the Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing program at Florida International University. He is a French-Canadian born in America.

Reviews

[Larry H · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Dufresne does his best Carl Hiaasen impression with his newest book, I Don't Like Where This is Going , and achieves mixed results.

Wylie "Coyote" Melville has fled his Florida home, where people are trying to kill him, for the anonymity of Las Vegas. He's more than a bit of a drinker, but he has a good heart, even working at a crisis center, where he is often the one speaking to distressed and lonely people on the center's helpline. One afternoon, when he and a friend are hanging out at the Luxor casino, Wylie sees a young woman fall 30 floors to her death.

Wylie can't get the whole scene out of his head, and he wants to understand who this woman was and what happened. Clearly someone doesn't want him to learn the truth—for some reason, he is thwarted at every turn. And it's more than just people refusing to answer his questions or pretending not to recognize the woman's photo when they clearly do. The people who want to hide the truth will stop at nothing—framing him for crimes he didn't commit, even violence.

With his best friend, sleight-of-hand master Bay, at his side, Wylie attempts to uncover the truth, and along the way the two encounter more than their share of unusual characters and bizarre situations. And at the same time, he's confronting crises within his own family, and contemplating some serious issues, such as homelessness, human trafficking, and mistreatment of women, along the way.

This is an intriguing book. I liked Wylie's character and found him much more complex than I originally thought. But Dufresne crams far too many quirky supporting characters and situations into this book, and while some of them are amusing, most of them seem almost like red herrings and distract from the core of the plot. It seemed as if every time the book built up some momentum, the story took another detour. However, Dufresne is a great writer, so while the book meanders a bit, it's mostly an entertaining journey.

I'm a big fan of Dufresne's earlier works of fiction (I'd highly recommend Love Warps the Mind a Little in particular), but I wasn't aware he had begun dabbling in mystery. I Don't Like Where This is Going is apparently the second book featuring Wylie, and while I missed the first, I didn't feel as if I was missing a lot of background.

If you enjoy the quirkiness of Carl Hiaasen and early Elmore Leonard, combined with some good character development, pick this one up. It's a little bit zany, but it's balanced out by strong storytelling.

NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!

See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....

[Louis Lowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Dufresne’s follow up to No Regrets, Coyote, he transports his introspective therapist/amateur sleuth Wylie “Coyote” Melville to Las Vegas. Along for the ride is Wylie’s poker buddy, Bay, who is also a master at prestidigitation. Wylie has the misfortune of witnessing a woman plunge to her death from the inside of a very tall hotel. Worse, no one seems to acknowledge the tragedy.

What makes Dufresne’s crime novel stand out from so many others is Wylie’s dark, yet somehow affirmative view of the world and Wylie’s attention to quirky details. He is a self-acknowledged keen observer. Additionally, Dufresne fills the pages of his novel with interesting characters—each with fascinating stories of their own.

As far as the actual storytelling goes, Dufresne excels. From the glitz of the casinos to the void of the desert to the stench of the brothels, he methodically turns the screw and tightens it. When you’re certain the trouble can’t go any further, he twists the screw again.

I Don’t Like Where This Is Going, may be an apt title for Wylie’s dilemma, but for this reader, it was more a case of I Like Where This Is Going.

[Aaron Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another extremely entertaining novel from John Dufresne.
Wylie Coyote is back for another adventure, and we're by his side as he turns from therapist to detective to all out crime fighter.
Mostly set in Las Vegas, but branching out to Wylie's hometown of Florida and other places, 'I Don't Like Where This Is Going' is filled with very interesting characters, cats, and laugh-out-loud situations.
There's some tense moments, too. I don't want to get into the plot, because saying anything about the story will likely ruin some of the fun of reading this awesome story.
I absolutely loved this book and didn't want it to end. I had planned on limiting myself to 10% a day, so as to make it last 10 days, but I finished it in just three.
Now begins the long wait for John Dufresne's next novel....

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Dufresne has a sharp and witty style, a proficiency with plot and language. No surprise since in addition to being a prolific, award winning author and screenwriter, he is also a professor who has published a book on writing fiction. This current book, the second featuring Wylie Coyote (yup), is a new avenue for him - a comedic whodunnit series in the style of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen. The three, along with other Florida writers, collaborated on Naked Came the Manatee, and like his friend Hiaasen, Dufresne manages to insert social awareness into his plots as well as creating hilarious characters, subplots, and funny, ironic dialogue. Coyote is a therapist, not a P. I. or disgruntled ex-cop, who finds himself in the soup, as it were, and on the lam in Las Vegas. As in most of these cases, improbabilities arise as the plot unspools, but it is a fast, fun read.

[Brucie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is written so well that I did not skip any paragraphs in this wild brilliant adventure story that tries so hard to be humorous and insightful at the same time. Lots of violence and exploitation, loads of coincidence, with many saves by superheroes, but I did not feel the fascination or sympathy or satisfaction of the best crime noir novels. Not so entertaining for me in spite of the long list of recommendations.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining fun comical read --- the characters were strange but in Vegas fit right in – amazing what all they got into, how hey got how and super amazing as to the fact that they got away with it!

[Forrest Link · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhere in this splatter of short distracting anecdotes and witticisms there is a story, but I don't think is was worth the effort. I picked up the ARC at ALA and read it because it was described as "comic." It wasn't.

[Michelle Carrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two. The main character lives up to his playful nickname "Wylie Coyote". To say that this character has "misadventures" is an understatement. An excellent read.

[Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was an unexpected, freewheeling, chaotic story. there's much cruelty to animals and humans. senseless violence, recounted by a narrator who is quickly painted as willing to get involved, trying to help, often ineffectively. his friends are much more capable; the illusionist Bay and "berserk" Mike were both magic in their own ways a lot of fun to read about. there are layers and layers here, the crisis center and sex trafficking and disappearances, a bee in a carton of cigarettes, packs of vicious stray dogs, Wylie's mirror neurons, and so on and so forth. it's all over the place, but it doesn't feel disorganized or sloppy. I actually enjoyed this quite a lot, the philosophical musings and zany characters and odd, like flash fiction grief and trauma narratives - I wish there had been less actual violence (the whole side story with the car breaking down and the bad guys with the bordello felt gratuitous; there was already enough going on, and what was the point of Patience's suffering? seriously, what did it add to the story? or I would have said 5 stars. I'm also not at all sure why I read the second book first because the first book is also on my to-read list. ah well

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from this, picking it up from a street library, so it was a very pleasant surprise.

A nice take on classic noir tropes. Plot is a bit flimsy, but the genre isn't about that. The texture is there, with an interesting twist in that the narrator and protagonist is a therapist. Very smartly written, with some excellent turns of phrase and observation. The characters are not the most three dimensional - except the main one, walking the line between archetype and caricature - but not in a unpleasant way; again, this is all used for effect, and very well

I felt that paradoxically as more and more intense set pieces were seemingly jumbled back to back (TBF maybe I wasn't paying as much attention as I should) the pace dragged on.

Also, that's way too many character names to remember for a paper book, where I can't highlight and search!

I will be getting the first one - but electronically for that reason.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gritty, dark and humorous, I Don't Like Where This Is Going is the thrilling, if at times ridiculous follow up to No Regrets, Coyote. (Which I have yet to read.) This novel works very well as a standalone, and while I'm sure I would have benefitted from reading them in order, nothing really caught me off guard.

Wylie 'Coyote' Melville is... An interesting character, he enjoys his drink a little too much, and he's very rough on himself, but he has a good heart. As a character, he stands out as someone I'd love to read about again. As a novel, this... Had its moments. When it's being a noir style detective story it's great, when it's being an all out crime fighter/mob war story, it loses points a little.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy John Dufresne. Wylie is an interesting guy, with human failings and limits, but with a good heart. This book is set in Las Vegas, not my favorite town. And, reading this documentary, I don't feel any better about it. ;^) Sure, some of it is ridiculous, and I have reached a point where I have an idea of where things are going. But that makes it all even a bit more fun, in this case. I definitely recommend reading book 1 first, because this book ties in directly to it - and then read this one. If you have a tolerance for lots of mayhem and absurdity.

[CAROL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Why? The author set it in Las Vegas and actually appeared to know Vegas & Nevada! I lived in Las Vegas for 55 years & I know whereof I speak. The writing is full of droll humor & silly gunfights [which surprisingly were won by our heroes], heroic men rescuing stranded & abused women, descriptions of lovely meals & even recipes for drinks which I will keep.

Now I have to go back & read book #1. Why am I just finding this author? Got to read more of his stuff.

[CartoonistAndre · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was my first taste of Dufresne and hit the brakes at about 30%. I'd been introduced to more weirdos than I cared to meet in a lifetime, that had absolutely nothing to do with the plot, coupled with a slow pace, and not even one good laugh, guffaw, or heh. Maybe the humor was too dry. And I just missed that silly Roadrunner!

[Leila Pitchford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so close. I loved Wylie’s therapy skills always on display. I think the story was fine. But I never seemed to fully get into the book. I think some of it was because I haven’t read the first one. I’m not sure about the rest. I just never felt all in on this one. Because of that, it winds up average, not spectacular. With a few changes, I think it could close in on spectacular.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still clever, still like the characters. But it takes a very subtle hand with the pen to write a fun story that also includes rape, child prostitution, drug addiction, animal killing, and other acts of violence. Mr Dufresne missed the mark on this one. Too dismissive of the violent events and their aftermath. Keep it light or make it dark, but go all the way with one or the other.

[Lorlee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second story about Wylie Coyote who is hiding out in Las Vegas after the Florida caper. Again, too many named characters that have nothing to do with the story and the plot really veers off in the middle before he concludes it. Don't think I will try for a third.

[Verity W · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oooof. I really didn't get on with this. I finished it, but only because I'd brought it on holiday with me and I wasn't going to admit defeat. I disliked all the characters and just wanted it to be over. Hey ho. I'll know better next time!

[Aaron Pupo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the story wanders, but never feels lost.

[Kerri Massey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different

Jumpy and fast, this was a quick read that kept me coming back to the book. Makes me never want to get lost in Vegas. Lol

[Deborah Compton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice change of pace for me. Reminds me of Carl Hiassen, which I am sure this author hates. Love the main character, Wylie. Twists and turns come fast and furious. I am not sure I caught all of them.

[Kitson Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow starter. Creatively written. Stick with it, don't let the magic tricks turn you off. A very touching ending. I'm glad I stumbled upon this one.

[Paul Wilner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talented and literate guy, obviously, but I didn't believe in the reality of any of the characters amidst the elaborate machinations. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I won this ARC in a Goodreads giveaway.

Wylie "Coyote' Melville and his good friend Bay are enjoying a cocktail in the Luxor in Las Vegas when they witness a woman falling to her death from the top floor. Wylie, a therapist, and Bay are 'hiding out' in Vegas due to some unpleasantness in Florida that resulted in really bad people wanting to, shall we say, remove them from society. Permanently.
It isn't in Wylie's character to witness this apparent suicide and just let it go. Especially when the death isn't acknowledged anywhere or by any official agencies.
And thus begins a mission to find answers and bring the guilty to justice. In doing so, or attempting to do so, Wylie runs into a whole bunch of very interesting, and some not so nice, characters. Wylie finds himself in various difficult, and some humorous, situations.

As I was reading this book, I sometimes felt I was reading Vonnegut or Carl Hiaasen. If you like snappy dialog and bizarre twists of fate, or the writing styles of either of the authors above, then you will like this book. I do, and so I enjoyed the book tremendously. I had not read the first book, but that did not present too many concerns. Yes, I might know the characters better, but Dufresne did a good job of introducing the characters and their relationships in this book.

All in all, an enjoyable book, well written, provocative, great dialog.

[M. Sprouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first John Dufresne Novel. Part of me wanted to give this book 3 stars, that's the part that the story was too chopped up. So much so that I had to check a few times to see if I skipped a page due to my poor page turning ability. Another problem, was that about two thirds of the way into the book, it became like a different story, switching gears and going from a lighthearted romp to a more serious, violent and concerning story. Maybe that's where the novel got it's, "I don't like where this is going," title. The two protagonist were very witty in the face of danger, almost like action heroes when things got dangerous. The rape seemed unnecessary and not handled well by the the boyfriend protagonist, who was a therapist? Neither was the violence in the latter part. Maybe they were more realistic, but just didn't fit the lighter tone in most of the book.

The other part of me wanted to give it 5 stars. Dufresne is a hell of a writer. I loved the wit and the laid back mood of most of the book. I like a good mystery and action, but these things got dark and seemed a bit overdone compared to the rest of the book.

So I compromised on 4 stars. It was a lot of fun to read. The first 60% felt like an adventure story on laughing gas, just what I came for. I would recommend it, just expect a sharp turn in atmosphere a bit more than half way through this short book.

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started to read this book many months ago when I was given an e copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I ended up giving up about 15 pages in. A couple of horrible incidents (a dog mauling and a woman plunging to her death) weren't enough to interest me in more. I then saw a hardbound version in the library and decided to give it another try thinking I might prefer to read it in a paper form. (Why is there a difference? There just is for me.) Got to page 75 of 233. Enough.

Where was the humor, dark or otherwise? It's a series of horrible situations affecting the characters or their family members. The mystery of whether a woman committed suicide or was killed is a trivial after thought to all the little vignettes of bleakness and horror we're subjected to. I was mildly interested why Wylie was being set up, but the mishmash of events and lack of humor made me give up again.

[LInda L · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the strangest books I've read -- varies from funny lines and deeds to horrifying violence. Weak story line -- Wylie Coyote sees a woman fall from the 30th floor and assumes she was pushed (?). TAkes it upon himself to solve the mystery, meets awful people along the way, mostly in Vegas or other parts of Nevada, drags his girlfriend along, they come to grief almost right away, his friends are bizarre beyond belief (one is an illusionist), but they are nearly always there for him. There are essentially NO honest lawmen in this book -- I never planned to go to Nevada, and this book makes me think it was a GOOD plan. If you're desperate for something to read, and this is the only book in the library -- OK. But you would be better off watching a soap opera.

[Marva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Don't Like Where This Is Going is the second book in John Dufresne's crime fiction series about Wylie "Coyote" Melville, a therapist turned investigator. In this novel, Wylie and his friend, Bay Lettique, are on the run in Las Vegas after getting into some trouble in Florida. They see a woman fall to her death at the Luxor Hotel, and the adventure begins. Wylie seeks to find out if she committed suicide or if she was murdered. Along the way his life is threatened, he meets two child beauty pageant contestants and stumbles upon a Kafka convention. A lot of the scenarios here are pretty outrageous, but somehow Dufresne makes them work.

Thi

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this ARC from goodreads giveaways. THANK YOU. I enjoyed this book very much. It is a fast paced mystery story but not in the "edge of your seat" kind of way. Things just move along swiftly in time. Dufresne is witty. I appreciate his vocabulary...this is a book I read with an open dictionary. I appreciate a word-nerd. I am sure I would enjoy his first Wylie Coyote novel but this one does not necessarily need to be read after the first as the author does a great job catching you up on history.

[Kathryn Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I joined Goodreads to get acquainted with some new authors, I was lucky enough to win this book. Mr. Dufresne has a great writing style. He takes you along with a good story, with just the right amount of humor. This story, about a card shark/magician and a therapist laying low in Vegas, is a really good one. Bay and Wylie always seem to be in the wrong place at this wrong time...their curiosity usually gets them there. I couldn't help but chuckle every now and then. That Mike, what a character! I hope that there will be future books with this group of characters.