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Hap and Leonard #9.7
Hoodoo Harry
Hap Collins is a straight, white, liberal, blue-collar tough guy. Leonard Pine is a gay, black, Republican combat veteran. Best friends who've shared a succession of low-wage odd jobs that have gotten them into even odder situations dealing with lowlifes, now the duo delivers their own brand of ass-kicking justice as private investigators.
In this brand-new story, a day's fishing lands Hap and Leonard their biggest catch ever: the Rolling Literature bookmobile. A pillar of rural African American communities in East Texas, the renovated school bus vanished fifteen years ago – along with its driver, Harriet Hoodalay, aka Hoodoo Harry – reappearing just in time to crash Leonard's pickup into a creek. Behind the wheel was a twelve-year-old boy who didn't survive the accident.
The kid was clearly running scared, but who was he running from and how did he end up in the driver's seat of the missing bookmobile? The first solid lead in a case that started more than a decade earlier with Hoodoo Harry, this mystery of a small town's dark and disturbing past will take all of Hap and Leonard's wits – and fists – to solve.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2016
134 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Joe R. Lansdale
822 books3,906 followersChampion Mojo Storyteller Joe R. Lansdale is the author of over forty novels and numerous short stories. His work has appeared in national anthologies, magazines, and collections, as well as numerous foreign publications. He has written for comics, television, film, newspapers, and Internet sites. His work has been collected in more than two dozen short-story collections, and he has edited or co-edited over a dozen anthologies. He has received the Edgar Award, eight Bram Stoker Awards, the Horror Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the British Fantasy Award, the Grinzani Cavour Prize for Literature, the Herodotus Historical Fiction Award, the Inkpot Award for Contributions to Science Fiction and Fantasy, and many others. His novella Bubba Ho-Tep was adapted to film by Don Coscarelli, starring Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis. His story "Incident On and Off a Mountain Road" was adapted to film for Showtime's "Masters of Horror," and he adapted his short story "Christmas with the Dead" to film hisownself. The film adaptation of his novel Cold in July was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and the Sundance Channel has adapted his Hap & Leonard novels for television.
He is currently co-producing several films, among them The Bottoms, based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, with Bill Paxton and Brad Wyman, and The Drive-In, with Greg Nicotero. He is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System. He is a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats.
He is currently co-producing several films, among them The Bottoms, based on his Edgar Award-winning novel, with Bill Paxton and Brad Wyman, and The Drive-In, with Greg Nicotero. He is Writer In Residence at Stephen F. Austin State University, and is the founder of the martial arts system Shen Chuan: Martial Science and its affiliate, Shen Chuan Family System. He is a member of both the United States and International Martial Arts Halls of Fame. He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas with his wife, dog, and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 16, 2017
Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.
'That damn sure does fall into the range of peculiar.' Boy howdy, it sure does. Hap and Leonard are back and in fine fettle. As always, it is the back and forth between these two that is so entertaining. Wicked and witty is their banter as they look into why a bookmobile that has been missing for 15 years has suddenly reappeared. What clandestine doin's have been taking place within its interior? They may not do it pretty, but Hap and Leonard will get to the bottom of it and put paid to the bad guys.
'That damn sure does fall into the range of peculiar.' Boy howdy, it sure does. Hap and Leonard are back and in fine fettle. As always, it is the back and forth between these two that is so entertaining. Wicked and witty is their banter as they look into why a bookmobile that has been missing for 15 years has suddenly reappeared. What clandestine doin's have been taking place within its interior? They may not do it pretty, but Hap and Leonard will get to the bottom of it and put paid to the bad guys.
June 25, 2017
Hap and Leonard are minding their own business when they are hit by a bookmobile driven by a young boy. The boy ends up dying and they discover that the bookmobile had been missing for years. Along with the lady that used to drive it.
The guys can't resist finding out what had happened to the bookmobile lady and why the young boy with a sad story was driving it.
It's always a fun time with these two characters and this little short was a quick read letting me visit with them again. I don't know if I ever want to eat with them though.
"Not until I get a burger. I'm so hungry I could eat the ass out of a menstruating mule."
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
The guys can't resist finding out what had happened to the bookmobile lady and why the young boy with a sad story was driving it.
It's always a fun time with these two characters and this little short was a quick read letting me visit with them again. I don't know if I ever want to eat with them though.
"Not until I get a burger. I'm so hungry I could eat the ass out of a menstruating mule."
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.
June 23, 2017
When Hap and Leonard are leaving the fishing hole, a book mobile driven by a twelve year old boy crashes into them, killing the boy and Leonard's truck. The mystery of the boy and the bookmobile sends them down a spider hole of kidnapping and murder..
I got this from Netgalley.
In Hoodoo Harry, Hap and Leonard are at it again, trying to get to the bottom of a book mobile that's been mising for fifteen years and the deceased boy who was driving it. After getting patched up, the boys drive out to Nesbit and dig into the past of the boy and the vehicle and its disappearance a decade and a half before.
Hoodoo Harry is a fairly short mystery novella. Lansdale used some classic misdirection. Even though I knew the suspect I picked probably didn't do it, he still pulled the wool over my eyes.
Hap, Leonard, Marvin Hanson, and Brett were all in fine form, although how much crime commited by Hap and Leonard can Marvin keep sweeping under the rug? He's police chief, not police god, as he remarked during the tale.
Hoodoo Harry was a lot of fun and a worth edition to the ongoing legend of Hap and Leonard. Four out of five stars.
I got this from Netgalley.
In Hoodoo Harry, Hap and Leonard are at it again, trying to get to the bottom of a book mobile that's been mising for fifteen years and the deceased boy who was driving it. After getting patched up, the boys drive out to Nesbit and dig into the past of the boy and the vehicle and its disappearance a decade and a half before.
Hoodoo Harry is a fairly short mystery novella. Lansdale used some classic misdirection. Even though I knew the suspect I picked probably didn't do it, he still pulled the wool over my eyes.
Hap, Leonard, Marvin Hanson, and Brett were all in fine form, although how much crime commited by Hap and Leonard can Marvin keep sweeping under the rug? He's police chief, not police god, as he remarked during the tale.
Hoodoo Harry was a lot of fun and a worth edition to the ongoing legend of Hap and Leonard. Four out of five stars.
August 22, 2017
Fans of Joe R. Lansdale, or those readers new to him, should really enjoy "Hoodoo Harry". The story follows Hap & Leonard as they search for the history of a Bookmobile. The investigation begins after the Bookmobile, being driven by a twelve year old boy, comes zigzagging down the road, hits Leonards truck, and plunges everything and everyone into the river, killing the boy. When the bookmobile is later searched the bodies of five dead and mummified children are discovered hidden inside the bus along with the original driver, who happened to be a woman., Both the woman and the Bookmobile Bus had disappeared some fifteen years earlier.
Although the banter back and fourth between Hap and Leonard is quite enjoyable, as are the appearance of other supporting characters, the story itself involving the investigation seems somewhat familure.
The story reads fast, however, there is really nothing new added to the scope of the series overall. Perhaps Mr. Lansdale should not produce five or six Hap and Leonard stories, novellas, or novels a year, as this along with the television series, may be a bit of overkill. I hope Hap and Leonard have not just become a cash-cow, as Joe R. Lansdale is a talented writer and capable of more diversity.
This book is number 33 in the series of Mysterious Press's "Bibliomysteries". This paperback version originally was priced at $6.95 in December of 2016 when it was published. All versions of the physical edition(s) produced now appear to be sold out, and the book my be available as an e-publication.
More info from the publisher:
The book is available in paperback for $6.95. Signed, numbered hardcover copies (limited to 100) are available for $50, and signed, lettered hardcover copies (edition of 26) are available for $100.
Although the banter back and fourth between Hap and Leonard is quite enjoyable, as are the appearance of other supporting characters, the story itself involving the investigation seems somewhat familure.
The story reads fast, however, there is really nothing new added to the scope of the series overall. Perhaps Mr. Lansdale should not produce five or six Hap and Leonard stories, novellas, or novels a year, as this along with the television series, may be a bit of overkill. I hope Hap and Leonard have not just become a cash-cow, as Joe R. Lansdale is a talented writer and capable of more diversity.
This book is number 33 in the series of Mysterious Press's "Bibliomysteries". This paperback version originally was priced at $6.95 in December of 2016 when it was published. All versions of the physical edition(s) produced now appear to be sold out, and the book my be available as an e-publication.
More info from the publisher:
The book is available in paperback for $6.95. Signed, numbered hardcover copies (limited to 100) are available for $50, and signed, lettered hardcover copies (edition of 26) are available for $100.
February 28, 2023
"My man Leonard is never one to use common sense in an excitable moment. He's more akin to the guy that throws gasoline on a fire, then goes to get more."
Just a quick pitstop for me with Champion mojo storyteller Joe Lansdale and his fast and furious novella, Hoodoo Harry. I'm back with the multi-award winning author and his most famous pair of Hap Collins and Leonard Pine for some side-splitting humour and no-holds barred action. These rapid fire installments are just what I need after reading some dense and heavy Dostoyevsky. I'm a firm believer in getting some variety in your reading.
I've already covered in depth the nuts a bolts of the Hap and Leonard saga, so I'm going to assume you're up to speed. If you're not just have a dig back through my old reviews. All I'll say is there's been a steady evolution in the pair from deadbeats with hearts of gold to a badass crime fighting force. Believe me, you do not want this pair tracking you down.
These short stories do fit in chronologically with the main novels in the series and Goodreads does have a canny reading order mapped out for you. But if you can't be bothered to look, this one fits in between Honky Tonk Samurai and Rusty Puppy. See how much of a nice guy I am!
Anyway enough of the self-appreciation and on with the review.
The Story
The story begins with Hap and Leonard on another fishing trip and we all know how the last one ended. Why do they even bother? Trouble just seems to find the pair and this time it's in the form of a runaway bookmobile, driven by a scared, twelve year old boy. The pair barely survive, unlike Leonard's truck which is totalled, and the young driver who is killed on impact.
Wanting to get to the bottom of how this near death experience for them came about, the pair discover some shocking secrets contained within that bus. The only clue is that it used to be driven by a woman who went missing fifteen years ago. Of course this only the start and there's some nasty surprises in store for our boys if they want to get to the truth. Which they always do.
The Writing
You know what I think of Lansdale. One of the most underrated authors going, who's a master craftsman. Lean and mean prose that don't mess about and some of the best dialogue going. His unique voice is absolutely perfect for this brand of redneck noir.
As he's writing such a short piece, the pacing in this one is absolutely fantastic. He's able to pack so much into a small space and gets the absolute maximum out of each page. It absolutely flew by for me. But sometimes it does feel a little too quick and I certainly wouldn't have objected to a bit more development thrown in. But then I guess it would have turned into a full novel and defeated the purpose. So what the hell am I talking about?
What I will say is that Lansdale's description of the town of Nesbit, in which this one takes place, is absolutely brilliant. He makes it a living breathing place in next to no time and demonstrates just how skilled he is. What he can do in fifty pages takes other authors hundreds of em. Truly impressive.
"One question," I said. "After all that, after all the things we've done, the deaths, how do you sleep?"
"Deeply."
Final Thoughts
So a short and sweet review from me, just like this story. Its always great to catch up with my best friends, Hap and Leonard. I thoroughly recommend throwing these stories in between bigger pieces of fiction to break things up. It certainly works for me to keep things fresh.
Although this is pretty much run of the mill for this series it certainly succeeds in what it aims to do. And that's entertain! I had a smile on my face from the first page to the last. It just oozes that quality that I now expect.
If you're a fan of Hap and Leonard, you're going to love this installment. And if you're not then it'll give you a little taste of what's in store for you. But would I recommend it as a perfect place to start? Absolutely not! That would be the very first novel, Savage Season. So now you know go get some! Thank me later.
And thanks for reading this review...cheers!
July 4, 2024
3 stars
short review for busy readers: A Hap & Leonard series extra.
When our heroes are run off the road and almost killed by a runaway bookmobile (!!) that hasn’t been seen for a decade, they naturally become suspicious and investigate.
Half of the story is good enough to be the basis for a new H&L novel, but the resolution is more in keeping with the theme of the anthology it was written for, making it under par for the regular series.
Entertaining in any case and always a pleasure to see our boys and the rest of the H&L series characters in action.
short review for busy readers: A Hap & Leonard series extra.
When our heroes are run off the road and almost killed by a runaway bookmobile (!!) that hasn’t been seen for a decade, they naturally become suspicious and investigate.
Half of the story is good enough to be the basis for a new H&L novel, but the resolution is more in keeping with the theme of the anthology it was written for, making it under par for the regular series.
Entertaining in any case and always a pleasure to see our boys and the rest of the H&L series characters in action.
June 24, 2017
There is a new Hap and Leonard out, this one a novella. There, that should stand on it's own as a review. I mean really, that's all anyone need know, Hap and Leonard. Let the wild rumpus begin.
Returning from a fishing trip, Hap and Leonard almost die when Leonard's truck is crushed by a runaway bookmobile. The bookmobile, along with it's driver, Harriet Hoodalay, has been missing for fifteen years. The driver of the returned -to- life bookmobile, a young black teenager, does not survive the accident.
Hap and Leonard get permission from their friend Marvin Hanson, the local police chief, to observe the forensic people examining the bookmobile. A horrific discovery is made and Hap and Leonard have too many nightmares or sleepless nights to be able to leave it alone.
Hap and Leonard are the partners that make Spenser and Hawke look like effete dilettantes. Their give and take is audacious, raunchy and raw. Plus, I can't think of anyone who writes Texas better that Joe. R Lansdale.
I am not a short story or novella reader as a rule, I always seem to end up feeling short changed.
This is an exception for me. Everything needed for a complete story is here. Do I wish it was longer, oh hell yes, but just for the sure pleasure of reading about Hap and Leonard.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Returning from a fishing trip, Hap and Leonard almost die when Leonard's truck is crushed by a runaway bookmobile. The bookmobile, along with it's driver, Harriet Hoodalay, has been missing for fifteen years. The driver of the returned -to- life bookmobile, a young black teenager, does not survive the accident.
Hap and Leonard get permission from their friend Marvin Hanson, the local police chief, to observe the forensic people examining the bookmobile. A horrific discovery is made and Hap and Leonard have too many nightmares or sleepless nights to be able to leave it alone.
Hap and Leonard are the partners that make Spenser and Hawke look like effete dilettantes. Their give and take is audacious, raunchy and raw. Plus, I can't think of anyone who writes Texas better that Joe. R Lansdale.
I am not a short story or novella reader as a rule, I always seem to end up feeling short changed.
This is an exception for me. Everything needed for a complete story is here. Do I wish it was longer, oh hell yes, but just for the sure pleasure of reading about Hap and Leonard.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 25, 2017
Hoodoo Harry is actually a woman and she used to drive the bookmobile in her town. The bookmobile and Harry both disappeared years ago and no one ever knew what became of them. Enter Hap and Leonard.
As they're driving down the road one day, what comes up the road towards them, but the bookmobile? It's being driven by what looks like a young boy and unfortunately, he drives right into Hap and Leonard! That's all I can say about the story, you'll have to read it to find out what happens next.
I love these guys and this novella was no exception. I also loved the bookmobile when I was a kid, so this story very much appealed to me. Hoodoo Harry has to be one of my favorite entries in the series so far and I know that I'll be thinking about her and her bookmobile for a long time to come.
Highly recommended!
Available August 1, but you can pre-order here: Hoodoo Harry (Bibliomysteries)
*Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is it!*
As they're driving down the road one day, what comes up the road towards them, but the bookmobile? It's being driven by what looks like a young boy and unfortunately, he drives right into Hap and Leonard! That's all I can say about the story, you'll have to read it to find out what happens next.
I love these guys and this novella was no exception. I also loved the bookmobile when I was a kid, so this story very much appealed to me. Hoodoo Harry has to be one of my favorite entries in the series so far and I know that I'll be thinking about her and her bookmobile for a long time to come.
Highly recommended!
Available August 1, but you can pre-order here: Hoodoo Harry (Bibliomysteries)
*Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is it!*
May 23, 2023
Two private detectives find themselves solving a 15 year old mystery when a missing bookmobile turns up with unidentified remains in its container.
October 3, 2024
Hap & Leonard Ride Again - Bibliomysteries #33
Review of the Mysterious Press/Open Road eBook (August 1, 2017) of the Mysterious Press hardcover & paperback (December 20, 2016).
This was my first Hap and Leonard story, from a series which GR friend Berengaria has regularly enthused about. In the chronology it takes place after book #9 Honky Tonk Samurai (2015) in which a detective agency has been formed led by Hap's girlfriend Brett.
The story doesn't adhere to the announced theme of "deadly books" in the Bibliomysteries series. Instead, the Texas duo have a run-in with a deadly bookmobile in which a container of several dead bodies is discovered. One of the bodies is that of Hoodoo Harry, the nickname of the bookmobile driver who went missing along with her vehicle 15 years ago. Our heroes decide to investigate the original disappearance and the reason for the many unreported deaths. What they discover is an unimaginable horror.
This was a great introduction to the Hap and Leonard series and didn't require you to know very much about the backstory of the characters. The downhome banter and camaraderie was somewhat reminiscent of the best of John Sandford's Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, esp. with the latter's penchant for taking off on fishing expeditions. I hope to read more of them in the future.
Trivia and Links
Joe R. Lansdale (1951-) is an American writer of over 30+ crime, horror and thriller novels. He is the author of several series including Hap & Leonard (1990-2024-ongoing) and some in comic books. His most popular book (based on the number of GR ratings and reviews) is the stand-alone novel The Bottoms (2000).
The Bibliomysteries series are short stories commissioned by Otto Penzler's The Mysterious Press to be written around the theme of deadly books. They are individually published in limited edition signed hardcovers followed by paperbacks and ebooks, and periodically collected in anthology editions such as Bibliomysteries (2013, containing stories 1-15) and Bibliomysteries: Volume Two (2018, containing stories 16-30). There does not appear to be a Goodreads Listopia for them, but on Library Thing the current listing (as of late-September 2024) includes 40 short stories.
Review of the Mysterious Press/Open Road eBook (August 1, 2017) of the Mysterious Press hardcover & paperback (December 20, 2016).
This was my first Hap and Leonard story, from a series which GR friend Berengaria has regularly enthused about. In the chronology it takes place after book #9 Honky Tonk Samurai (2015) in which a detective agency has been formed led by Hap's girlfriend Brett.
The story doesn't adhere to the announced theme of "deadly books" in the Bibliomysteries series. Instead, the Texas duo have a run-in with a deadly bookmobile in which a container of several dead bodies is discovered. One of the bodies is that of Hoodoo Harry, the nickname of the bookmobile driver who went missing along with her vehicle 15 years ago. Our heroes decide to investigate the original disappearance and the reason for the many unreported deaths. What they discover is an unimaginable horror.
This was a great introduction to the Hap and Leonard series and didn't require you to know very much about the backstory of the characters. The downhome banter and camaraderie was somewhat reminiscent of the best of John Sandford's Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers, esp. with the latter's penchant for taking off on fishing expeditions. I hope to read more of them in the future.
Trivia and Links
Joe R. Lansdale (1951-) is an American writer of over 30+ crime, horror and thriller novels. He is the author of several series including Hap & Leonard (1990-2024-ongoing) and some in comic books. His most popular book (based on the number of GR ratings and reviews) is the stand-alone novel The Bottoms (2000).
The Bibliomysteries series are short stories commissioned by Otto Penzler's The Mysterious Press to be written around the theme of deadly books. They are individually published in limited edition signed hardcovers followed by paperbacks and ebooks, and periodically collected in anthology editions such as Bibliomysteries (2013, containing stories 1-15) and Bibliomysteries: Volume Two (2018, containing stories 16-30). There does not appear to be a Goodreads Listopia for them, but on Library Thing the current listing (as of late-September 2024) includes 40 short stories.
July 5, 2021
Honestly a bit more gruesome and disturbing than I’m used to or comfortable with when it comes to murder mysteries, but it was so well written and executed! Kept me guessing and on the edge of my, well, couch from start to finish.
January 30, 2018
I've seen the Lansdale name lots of times but somehow never got around to cracking one of his books open before. At 71 pages, this novelette is a great size for an introduction to his terrific writing. He has a great narrative voice that is easy to read. The pages just fly by. Much of what's great about this book is in the easy attitude, the offbeat humor, and the fact it is so easy to get into.
April 5, 2019
Here's a little novella featuring Joe R Lansdale's wonderful creations Hap Collins and Leonard Pine. Although it's not a full length novel Lansdale still manages to cram in a decent plot, plenty of humour and a touch of violence. Nice one, Joe.
June 25, 2017
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
HOODOO HARRY by author Joe R. Lansdale is the latest story involving Hap and Leonard and is a fast-paced short read that finds the pair serving up a dish of their own brand of rough justice.
Harriet Hoodalay aka "Hoodoo Harry" as she was named by the locals in the small all-black community that she lived in as a result of the mysterious events surrounding her disappearance several years ago. Harriet drove a bookmobile that went missing at the time of her disappearance, only to have it reappear and crash into a truck with Hap and Leonard inside.
Hap is troubled by the death of the young boy driving the bookmobile, and Leonard agrees to assist him in digging up the truth surrounding the missing Harriet and several youths from the community.
Several hilarious events take place, of course with Leonard in the forefront of all the rough and tumble exchanges with anyone who gets in their way.
Pretty much standard Hap and Leonard story with typical humorous situations and kick ass & take names exchanges making this an enjoyable addition to the full length novels in the series.
4 stars
Next up, Cold Cotton.
HOODOO HARRY by author Joe R. Lansdale is the latest story involving Hap and Leonard and is a fast-paced short read that finds the pair serving up a dish of their own brand of rough justice.
Harriet Hoodalay aka "Hoodoo Harry" as she was named by the locals in the small all-black community that she lived in as a result of the mysterious events surrounding her disappearance several years ago. Harriet drove a bookmobile that went missing at the time of her disappearance, only to have it reappear and crash into a truck with Hap and Leonard inside.
Hap is troubled by the death of the young boy driving the bookmobile, and Leonard agrees to assist him in digging up the truth surrounding the missing Harriet and several youths from the community.
Several hilarious events take place, of course with Leonard in the forefront of all the rough and tumble exchanges with anyone who gets in their way.
Pretty much standard Hap and Leonard story with typical humorous situations and kick ass & take names exchanges making this an enjoyable addition to the full length novels in the series.
4 stars
Next up, Cold Cotton.
July 30, 2017
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another fun little story starring Hap and Leonard, who can't seem to stay out of trouble for a minute. This time, they get wrapped up in a missing book mobile, a 12-year old driving it, and the horrific things he was trying to escape from.
I really enjoy this series and Joe Lansdale's writing.
Another fun little story starring Hap and Leonard, who can't seem to stay out of trouble for a minute. This time, they get wrapped up in a missing book mobile, a 12-year old driving it, and the horrific things he was trying to escape from.
I really enjoy this series and Joe Lansdale's writing.
July 15, 2017
Bibliomysteries is a series of short novellas from Mysterious Press and Open Road Media that features mysteries centered around books. As they put it, "Short tales about deadly books." The lineup of authors is impressive from R. L. Stine to Joyce Carol Oates. Hoodoo Harry is Joe R. Lansdale's contribution. It is nominally about books with the basic tie-in being a bookmobile that shows up in a deadly accident after being missing for 15 years. But the good news for Joe R. Lansdale fans is that Hoodoo Harry is a new Hap and Leonard story.
Hap and Leonard are almost killed when above mentioned bookmobile hits Leonard's truck. The driver is a young boy who is killed instantly while Hap and Leonard manage to survive. In their usual style, they become involved in finding out why the van reappeared after 15 years, what other gruesome acts are attached to it, and what happened to Hoodoo Harry , the woman who drove it in the years before. Those question reveal several murders which are associated with a mostly derelict town and its questionable inhabitants.
While the core of the Lansdale series is located in the 12 novels, the author seems to be enjoying writing short stories and novellas that clue us in to this duo. I really appreciate those short stories than deal with Hap and Leonard as children as they add dimension to the characters. Hoodoo Harry takes part in the present day after the last novel Rusty Puppy. It still keeps to the pattern of the novels. Yet this may be the best of the short novellas that Landsdale have been writing regularly . It is to the point with plenty of good dialog and a tight who-dunnit
style . Yet there is a scene at the end that both shocked and impressed me. It is a scene that speaks to the difference between the two friends. it is a difference that, if visited in future tales, may speak of a tension that could cause a lot of rift in this series . Will it be explore later. I hope because it will put in a new wrinkle to the Hap and Leonard persona What is it? You know I am not going to tell.
Overall, Hoodoo Harry is a nice addition to the Hap and Leonard repertoire and is one of the better short works. You can read this as a stand-alone but you might miss all the nuances . But for the fans of this roughhouse investigator duo series, it is definitely one to pick up.
Hap and Leonard are almost killed when above mentioned bookmobile hits Leonard's truck. The driver is a young boy who is killed instantly while Hap and Leonard manage to survive. In their usual style, they become involved in finding out why the van reappeared after 15 years, what other gruesome acts are attached to it, and what happened to Hoodoo Harry , the woman who drove it in the years before. Those question reveal several murders which are associated with a mostly derelict town and its questionable inhabitants.
While the core of the Lansdale series is located in the 12 novels, the author seems to be enjoying writing short stories and novellas that clue us in to this duo. I really appreciate those short stories than deal with Hap and Leonard as children as they add dimension to the characters. Hoodoo Harry takes part in the present day after the last novel Rusty Puppy. It still keeps to the pattern of the novels. Yet this may be the best of the short novellas that Landsdale have been writing regularly . It is to the point with plenty of good dialog and a tight who-dunnit
style . Yet there is a scene at the end that both shocked and impressed me. It is a scene that speaks to the difference between the two friends. it is a difference that, if visited in future tales, may speak of a tension that could cause a lot of rift in this series . Will it be explore later. I hope because it will put in a new wrinkle to the Hap and Leonard persona What is it? You know I am not going to tell.
Overall, Hoodoo Harry is a nice addition to the Hap and Leonard repertoire and is one of the better short works. You can read this as a stand-alone but you might miss all the nuances . But for the fans of this roughhouse investigator duo series, it is definitely one to pick up.
May 20, 2019
A short journey with Hap and Leonard from Lansdale’s series with a tie to the bibliophile because the story revolves around the mystery of a BookMobile. All in all a terse but fairly entertaining read.
July 10, 2017
hap and leonard, no need to say anything else.
September 27, 2025
Joe R. Lansdale: Hap e Leonard e il mistero del bibliobus. Fanucci ed.
Un bibliobus scomparso da anni riappare misteriosamente, in rotta di collisione con il pick-up guidato da Leonard. L’impatto è inevitabile e i due veicoli finiscono nel torrente. Alla guida del veicolo c’è un ragazzino che muore nell’incidente. Ma che ne è stato di Hoodoo Harry, la ragazza che un tempo guidava il bibliobus?
Al primo esame del mezzo condotto dalla polizia e dal duo Hap e Leonard, l’indagine prende una piega inattesa: dentro uno scomparto adibito a serbatoio ci sono sei corpi ricoperti di gasolio. Uno appartiene a una donna, mentre cinque sono di bambini…
Questa è un'operazione editoriale per bibliofili: una collana dedicata a crime e mystery ambientati nel mondo più vicino agli amanti di libri e biblioteche. La novella firmata Lansdale è godibile; gli affezionati ritrovano Hap Collins e Leonard Pine alle prese con una brutta storia di ragazzini scomparsi, caratterizzata dai loro dialoghi veloci e dalla voglia di menar le mani.
Tuttavia, nonostante il volume si presenti con un’ottima fattura (cartonato), il costo di dieci euro per un testo di una sessantina di pagine (escluse le introduzioni e i rimandi ad altri titoli della collana, che occupano una parte consistente del volume) fa pensare che solo i fan accaniti del mitico duo di detective ideato dallo scrittore texano e i bibliofili più appassionati saranno in grado di apprezzare del tutto l’idea.
Un bibliobus scomparso da anni riappare misteriosamente, in rotta di collisione con il pick-up guidato da Leonard. L’impatto è inevitabile e i due veicoli finiscono nel torrente. Alla guida del veicolo c’è un ragazzino che muore nell’incidente. Ma che ne è stato di Hoodoo Harry, la ragazza che un tempo guidava il bibliobus?
Al primo esame del mezzo condotto dalla polizia e dal duo Hap e Leonard, l’indagine prende una piega inattesa: dentro uno scomparto adibito a serbatoio ci sono sei corpi ricoperti di gasolio. Uno appartiene a una donna, mentre cinque sono di bambini…
Questa è un'operazione editoriale per bibliofili: una collana dedicata a crime e mystery ambientati nel mondo più vicino agli amanti di libri e biblioteche. La novella firmata Lansdale è godibile; gli affezionati ritrovano Hap Collins e Leonard Pine alle prese con una brutta storia di ragazzini scomparsi, caratterizzata dai loro dialoghi veloci e dalla voglia di menar le mani.
Tuttavia, nonostante il volume si presenti con un’ottima fattura (cartonato), il costo di dieci euro per un testo di una sessantina di pagine (escluse le introduzioni e i rimandi ad altri titoli della collana, che occupano una parte consistente del volume) fa pensare che solo i fan accaniti del mitico duo di detective ideato dallo scrittore texano e i bibliofili più appassionati saranno in grado di apprezzare del tutto l’idea.
July 6, 2017
HOODOO HARRY by Joe R. Lansdale- This is a Hap & Leonard novella, a Biblio-Mystery, Short Tales about Deadly Books. The two Texas mischief makers and sometimes detectives are run off the road by a long lost bookmobile, whose driver had gone missing along with it years ago. A frightened twelve-year-old, who had been tortured by persons unknown, was driving it now and never lived to tell his tale. Something Hap & Leonard just couldn't walk away from. So, they begin digging and talking to people, and, as usual, things get a little tense. This is a straight forward tale that is breezy and enjoyable, especially to any fans of the series or its author.
May 25, 2021
A Hap and Leonard Novella. Love Joe Lansdale.
January 14, 2020
Another winner from Joe R. Lansdale. Great story! Hap & Leonard are definitely a unique combination, quite possibly the most original characters to emerge in the world of crime fiction in the last 25-years or more.
Hap & Leonard are returning from a successful day of fishing when they are run off the road by a small blue bus driven by a wild-eyed kid. Leonard's truck, boat and boat trailer are pretty much a total loss.
The young boy, a 12-year-old orphan, is killed in the wreck.
The blue bus turns out to be a bookmobile that disappeared, with the driver, fifteen years ago. How does a boy who wasn't even born yet turn up driving a bookmobile that has been missing for fifteen years and seems to be in almost pristine condition? What was he running to get away from? What ever happened to the original driver Harriet Hoodalay? Hap & Leonard set out to find the answers.
Full Disclosure: I am a great fan of the Hap & Leonard series (both the books and the television show) so I am probably less than impartial in judging their quality. On the other hand, if I didn't think a particular offering was up to par I would likely judge it most harshly - thankfully, that wasn't the case here.
One of the things I love most about Joe R. Lansdale's Hap & Leonard series are the little touches, the oddball folks the two come in contact with, the often humorous asides that abound, and all the other things that combine to make a Hap & Leonard story so much fun. Hoodoo Harry may be a short narrative but the reader is by no means shorted on action or plot.
Hoodoo Harry is a quick, fun read. It comes in at about 75-pages which makes it either a novellete, a novella, or a really long short story. I don't have the criteria for the categorization process nailed down but I can say without fear of contradiction that it's a first rate story.
I wholeheartedly recommend Hoodoo Harry to anyone with even a passing interest in crime fiction, or private detective stories.
This book is part of The Bibliomysteries series. Described as "a series of short tales about deadly books, by top authors."
***Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Hoodoo Harry by Joe R. Lansdale
Hap & Leonard are returning from a successful day of fishing when they are run off the road by a small blue bus driven by a wild-eyed kid. Leonard's truck, boat and boat trailer are pretty much a total loss.
The young boy, a 12-year-old orphan, is killed in the wreck.
The blue bus turns out to be a bookmobile that disappeared, with the driver, fifteen years ago. How does a boy who wasn't even born yet turn up driving a bookmobile that has been missing for fifteen years and seems to be in almost pristine condition? What was he running to get away from? What ever happened to the original driver Harriet Hoodalay? Hap & Leonard set out to find the answers.
Full Disclosure: I am a great fan of the Hap & Leonard series (both the books and the television show) so I am probably less than impartial in judging their quality. On the other hand, if I didn't think a particular offering was up to par I would likely judge it most harshly - thankfully, that wasn't the case here.
One of the things I love most about Joe R. Lansdale's Hap & Leonard series are the little touches, the oddball folks the two come in contact with, the often humorous asides that abound, and all the other things that combine to make a Hap & Leonard story so much fun. Hoodoo Harry may be a short narrative but the reader is by no means shorted on action or plot.
Hoodoo Harry is a quick, fun read. It comes in at about 75-pages which makes it either a novellete, a novella, or a really long short story. I don't have the criteria for the categorization process nailed down but I can say without fear of contradiction that it's a first rate story.
I wholeheartedly recommend Hoodoo Harry to anyone with even a passing interest in crime fiction, or private detective stories.
This book is part of The Bibliomysteries series. Described as "a series of short tales about deadly books, by top authors."
***Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Hoodoo Harry by Joe R. Lansdale
February 7, 2017
I stumbled across this book on Twitter, of all places, and had one of those Omigod how did I not know about this already? moments, especially when I spent part of last year making sure I was caught up with all of Lansdale's odds-and-ends publications. This one, it turns out, was published by The Mysterious Bookshop, a well-known bookstore specializing in mysteries and crime thrillers, which could explain why I missed hearing about it (well, that, and the fact that it was only just published when I first heard about it).
Lansdale returns to his perennial characters Hap Collins and Leonard Pine in this novella, where their adventure begins when their car is run off the road by a runaway bookmobile. For Hap and Leonard, that's not something to just brush off, especially when said bus was being driven by a twelve-year-old, who winds up dead after being thrown through the windshield of the old bus. No, this near-death encounter for Hap begets investigations and threats, which is part and parcel of what a Hap & Leonard story is all about.
The story is engaging, but it's not the best Hap and Leonard adventure Lansdale has written. The two characters go about the small town of Nesbit, doing their investigating and getting up to their usual antics, but the mystery feels hackneyed and pedestrian, compared with some of the usual plots they've been involved in. Plus, while I was reading this, I couldn't help but think about how much trouble Hap and Leonard get involved with. As many people as have wound up dead around them, it's a wonder the last three books haven't been set in their prison cell.
I've said before that Lansdale is a dependable writer, one you can trust to tell a good story, even if said story isn't the best dang thing you've ever read. Hoodoo Harry is one of those stories, but it doesn't make it any less enjoyable. Sure, you might pine for something like Sunset and Sawdust while reading this, but it's certainly no waste of time, either.
Lansdale returns to his perennial characters Hap Collins and Leonard Pine in this novella, where their adventure begins when their car is run off the road by a runaway bookmobile. For Hap and Leonard, that's not something to just brush off, especially when said bus was being driven by a twelve-year-old, who winds up dead after being thrown through the windshield of the old bus. No, this near-death encounter for Hap begets investigations and threats, which is part and parcel of what a Hap & Leonard story is all about.
The story is engaging, but it's not the best Hap and Leonard adventure Lansdale has written. The two characters go about the small town of Nesbit, doing their investigating and getting up to their usual antics, but the mystery feels hackneyed and pedestrian, compared with some of the usual plots they've been involved in. Plus, while I was reading this, I couldn't help but think about how much trouble Hap and Leonard get involved with. As many people as have wound up dead around them, it's a wonder the last three books haven't been set in their prison cell.
I've said before that Lansdale is a dependable writer, one you can trust to tell a good story, even if said story isn't the best dang thing you've ever read. Hoodoo Harry is one of those stories, but it doesn't make it any less enjoyable. Sure, you might pine for something like Sunset and Sawdust while reading this, but it's certainly no waste of time, either.
September 19, 2022
Lettura veloce, senza impegno. Hap e Leonard sono sempre un'ottima compagnia, ma, data la brevità del testo, trattandosi di un racconto, sembra che qui non abbiano modo di esprimersi al loro meglio e la storia giunge a conclusione quasi all'improvviso. Lansdale comunque si legge sempre che è un piacere.
June 21, 2017
In a bizarre accident, Hap and Leonard, almost sterling detectives in a little Texas town time forgot, uncover the disappearance of a bookmobile van that vanished 15 years before, with its driver, ‘Harry’ as she was known by the locals.
Interviewing a few of those locals, doesn’t seem as if it will lead to anything – after all, the disappearances happened quite a while ago – and then they discover kids had also disappeared.
Jump on this baby – a shorty – perfect for a lunch break, an after work relaxation – or anytime you want more fun in your life – it’s right here!
Interviewing a few of those locals, doesn’t seem as if it will lead to anything – after all, the disappearances happened quite a while ago – and then they discover kids had also disappeared.
Jump on this baby – a shorty – perfect for a lunch break, an after work relaxation – or anytime you want more fun in your life – it’s right here!
July 21, 2021
I had almost forgotten this book. Hoodoo harry is a great short story about the great Hap & leonard by master writer Joe R. lansdale. This duo is the only one I know who will end a fishing trip by getting run over by a missing bookmobile. As usual it's a fast paced funny mystery with murder.
January 31, 2018
A solid short Hap & Leonard tale.
August 17, 2021
I love Lansdale's stand-alone books, but this is a Hap and Leonard story, and I'm much less thrilled with those. Still, it was a fine way to spend an hour or ninety minutes.
September 17, 2022
Un Bignami Lansdale, c'è condensato ogni tratto della saga di Hap e Leonard. L'intro del libraio padovano però è una delle cose più imbarazzanti mai lette in vita mia
June 27, 2023
Un libricino carino,ma niente di più..diciamo che come racconto breve ci sta,ma se cercate un giallo come me ti resta un po' d amaro in bocca. Ma se mi capiterà ne leggerò altri della serie.
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