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Mr. Smith and the Roach
John Smith has a problem. He’s a retired cop whose pension just got wiped out, and he doesn’t know why or how. Now he needs to find a roommate to help pay the bills.
Sam has a problem. He’s a six-foot-tall talking cockroach and he doesn’t know who created him, or why, or how. Now he needs a place to live.
Thrown together as roommates and amateur detectives, Mr. Smith and the Roach realize their problems might be related.
But those problems are far more complicated than they imagined, and before all is said and done, they’ll run afoul of a Russian gangster, an imprisoned Mafia don, a crooked Wall Street banker, a mad scientist and, maybe worst of all, Mr. Smith’s baby sister.
Can they get to the bottom of an unbelievable plot before someone exterminates the Roach – and Mr. Smith – for good?
Sam has a problem. He’s a six-foot-tall talking cockroach and he doesn’t know who created him, or why, or how. Now he needs a place to live.
Thrown together as roommates and amateur detectives, Mr. Smith and the Roach realize their problems might be related.
But those problems are far more complicated than they imagined, and before all is said and done, they’ll run afoul of a Russian gangster, an imprisoned Mafia don, a crooked Wall Street banker, a mad scientist and, maybe worst of all, Mr. Smith’s baby sister.
Can they get to the bottom of an unbelievable plot before someone exterminates the Roach – and Mr. Smith – for good?
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2018
8 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
J.J. DiBenedetto
33 books402 followersJ.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve university, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he's not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.
J.J. is the author of the Dream Doctor Mysteries, the Jane Barnaby Adventures and several other works.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he's not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.
J.J. is the author of the Dream Doctor Mysteries, the Jane Barnaby Adventures and several other works.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 2, 2021
I have been in a huge mood for weird and diffrent crime novels for a few days now and this was exactly what I needed. Mr Smith and the Roach is what it look like on the cover. Mr Smith has to solve a case with a six-foot-two talking and walking cockroach. A very intruiging plot and it was very entertaining to listen to. Like crime investing normally but having one of the characters being a gigantic cockroach is something I wasn't aware I badly needed in my reading life. Highly recommended this for sure
November 10, 2018
This is an unusual story but one that I grew to like very much and to accept retired NYPD police detective John Wilkes Smith’s new roommate. Sam is a giant talking roach who uses his intelligence to help John in his investigating.
John is looking into why his pension has been drastically reduced. He and his fellow police officers signed up to his dead ex-brother-in-law’s pension plan and now the pension is worth less money. Sam works side-by-side with John to find out what happened.
John and Sam bond together as roommates and detectives with help from John’s niece and her roommate who are both on board with the situation.
This is fascinating reading with interesting characters and a riveting ending to the story.
There is more to come with a sequel to look forward to in the future.
John is looking into why his pension has been drastically reduced. He and his fellow police officers signed up to his dead ex-brother-in-law’s pension plan and now the pension is worth less money. Sam works side-by-side with John to find out what happened.
John and Sam bond together as roommates and detectives with help from John’s niece and her roommate who are both on board with the situation.
This is fascinating reading with interesting characters and a riveting ending to the story.
There is more to come with a sequel to look forward to in the future.
January 13, 2020
Absurdly hilarious
Almost a parody of the usual crime mystery, and filled with all the appropriate tropes, this book is certainly entertaining. If you're looking for a serious mystery or suspense novel, I suggest passing it up. But if you have a sense of humor and aren't put off by the giant cockroach on the cover, you will probably enjoy it.
Almost a parody of the usual crime mystery, and filled with all the appropriate tropes, this book is certainly entertaining. If you're looking for a serious mystery or suspense novel, I suggest passing it up. But if you have a sense of humor and aren't put off by the giant cockroach on the cover, you will probably enjoy it.
November 16, 2019
Mr smith and the Roach - the Roach from the cult classic 'Mr Smith and the Roach' Sam (the Roach) has a problem. he's a 6 ft tall Cockroach and needs a roommate
and Mr Smith (God himself) also has a problem. hes a retired cop and has lost his pension. he needs a roommate to. these two go on a wacky adventure together to find Sam's creator and Mr smiths lost pension
This buddy cop adventure is like no over. More twists than a noose make me and the thousands of over readers want to see more. I'm sure i'm not the only one that wants to see a part two or a movie adaptation. Mr Smith would obviously be played by Tom Hardy and the roach has lots of Samuel L Jackson feels to him.
An obvious 5 star book that would get so many more stars if i could give them. A brilliant way to get into J.J. DiBenedetto books. I cant wait for his next read that smashes down genre barriers like this book. 11/10 Would definitely recommend to everyone.
and Mr Smith (God himself) also has a problem. hes a retired cop and has lost his pension. he needs a roommate to. these two go on a wacky adventure together to find Sam's creator and Mr smiths lost pension
This buddy cop adventure is like no over. More twists than a noose make me and the thousands of over readers want to see more. I'm sure i'm not the only one that wants to see a part two or a movie adaptation. Mr Smith would obviously be played by Tom Hardy and the roach has lots of Samuel L Jackson feels to him.
An obvious 5 star book that would get so many more stars if i could give them. A brilliant way to get into J.J. DiBenedetto books. I cant wait for his next read that smashes down genre barriers like this book. 11/10 Would definitely recommend to everyone.
January 21, 2020
John Smith's retirement checks have dropped by two-thirds. To overcome this shortfall, John looks for a roommate. He also wants to determine the reason for the change. Unfortunately, his brother-in-law who made the investments has died in a helicopter crash making John's investigation more difficult. John's former captain is now asking John to investigate the death of John's former partner. John's new roommate is more than eager to help in the investigations. The complication - the roommate, Sam, is a giant cockroach who it seems is more capable than John. The story is indeed humorous as no one recognizes Sam as what he is. It turns out that the three mysteries are intertwined. The characters are interesting and the story involving. There is a good amount of gentle humor in the story. This is an entertaining read. The audio narrative is well-done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2018
* I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own *
This is the story of John Smith, a retired cop and now needs to find a roommate to help pay his bills.
John does find a roommate , Sam, problem is he is a six foot talking cockroach.
These two are thrown together into a mystery they are to solve and where both there problems could be linked. There journey follows them running into the worst of the criminals and they have to discover the real reason for everything before they are both snuffed out permanently.
This was an unusual book for me, and I don’t really like anything that involves insects of any kind, but this story was well put together and the characters were really good.
This is the story of John Smith, a retired cop and now needs to find a roommate to help pay his bills.
John does find a roommate , Sam, problem is he is a six foot talking cockroach.
These two are thrown together into a mystery they are to solve and where both there problems could be linked. There journey follows them running into the worst of the criminals and they have to discover the real reason for everything before they are both snuffed out permanently.
This was an unusual book for me, and I don’t really like anything that involves insects of any kind, but this story was well put together and the characters were really good.
November 20, 2018
This is the first book I have read from this author. From reading the comments from other reviewers, I gather that this is a departure from the type of books he already has out. Genre notwithstanding, this read definitely lures me to read more by Mr. DiBenedetto.
Take a detective novel and throw in a giant, talking, and engaging cockroach--what's not to like? The cast of characters fit nicely into the story and run the gamut of personality types. I greatly appreciate that there was not a cliffhanger ending, but there is the promise of more to the larger story to come.
I also appreciated that I did not trip upon obvious grammatical or spelling errors that sometimes show up in independent works.
Take a detective novel and throw in a giant, talking, and engaging cockroach--what's not to like? The cast of characters fit nicely into the story and run the gamut of personality types. I greatly appreciate that there was not a cliffhanger ending, but there is the promise of more to the larger story to come.
I also appreciated that I did not trip upon obvious grammatical or spelling errors that sometimes show up in independent works.
November 10, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this book, however this review is my unbiased opinion.
What a fun read. The beginning of the book starts out a rather seriously with John Smith, a retired cop, needing to make ends meet after his retirement fund is reduced to pennies. He rents out his spare room to a 6 foot tall cockroach calling himself Sam....and then the action really begins. I found myself smiling and laughing out loud as the story unfolded. If you are looking for a good read, you won’t be disappointed.
What a fun read. The beginning of the book starts out a rather seriously with John Smith, a retired cop, needing to make ends meet after his retirement fund is reduced to pennies. He rents out his spare room to a 6 foot tall cockroach calling himself Sam....and then the action really begins. I found myself smiling and laughing out loud as the story unfolded. If you are looking for a good read, you won’t be disappointed.
January 16, 2019
Audiobook version
This is not the kind of book I would normally go for but despite that, I did enjoy the story. It was fun and I liked most of the characters. The plot moves along at a good pace and the narration and production were both good. Good listen if you like detective stories with unusual characters. I was given a copy of this audiobook for an honest and unbiased review.
This is not the kind of book I would normally go for but despite that, I did enjoy the story. It was fun and I liked most of the characters. The plot moves along at a good pace and the narration and production were both good. Good listen if you like detective stories with unusual characters. I was given a copy of this audiobook for an honest and unbiased review.
November 28, 2018
Big out
What a great story i thought I had read every combo of cops but a Giant roach that is just superb thoroughly recommend it
What a great story i thought I had read every combo of cops but a Giant roach that is just superb thoroughly recommend it
November 6, 2018
What a fun read! I was the lucky recipient of the opportunity to read an advance of this book. It was one of those can’t put down books. Great progression of storyline and introduction of each character and how they tie into the story. Very well developed characters who you started to feel like you knew them. Most were likable people. The concept of the character Sam was absolutely beautiful nothing I would have ever thought of..... cannot wait to learn more of him.
March 5, 2020
Absolutely. Most enjoyable book! I would love to have more of these books! I realize it's probably not something that could happen, but it doesn't matter. It's just a good book. I like this man's writing!
July 26, 2020
Oh my gosh, hilarious! I mean, what a premise!
The mystery was well-constructed, the characters were definitely more interesting than the garden variety, and the narrative voice was brilliant and snarky. I loved it and want to see a whole series with these characters!
The mystery was well-constructed, the characters were definitely more interesting than the garden variety, and the narrative voice was brilliant and snarky. I loved it and want to see a whole series with these characters!
March 13, 2020
Fun and absorbing sci-fi (usually nmg). Thoroughly engaging with a peculiar but well-adapted plot (remember it’s a 6’ roach as a sentient being). Twists were thoughtfully placed and didn’t lead me far off. This is the second read, first for audiobook which had a “made-for-this-part” reader, Chris Dale. Kudos and I hope he does the narration for the next in the series. Loved it!
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February 9, 2019
If not for the wacky, tongue-in-cheek humor, Mr. Smith and the Roach would have invoked a memory of reading The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, in which the protagonist wakes up one morning to find himself inexplicably transformed into a huge insect. Here, the protagonist, John Smith, wakes up to falling into debt and having to share his flat with a giant insect named Sam. Struggling to adjust to this new condition is a humbling twist, the first of many in this unpredictable, fun story.
The premise frees the author to dish out truly amusing dialogue exchanges. John says, “Sometimes the reason you don’t say something is because you can’t bear to say it out loud yourself. Because once you do that, then it’s real.” And the roach replies, “But it is real.” “You don’t really understand human nature very well, do you?” “No,” says the roach. “I’m afraid I don’t.”
In addition to solving a crime, John and Sam embark on the mystery of why the roach was created and what caused its mutation. In a way, this is a search for the meaning of life, which makes the story not just entertaining but also sobering. I have read several of JJ DiBenedetto’s books in the Dream series, and while this book has a different premise altogether, I enjoy taking a slight departure from reality. Like me, you are invited to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride on the wild side.
Highly recommended. Five stars.
The premise frees the author to dish out truly amusing dialogue exchanges. John says, “Sometimes the reason you don’t say something is because you can’t bear to say it out loud yourself. Because once you do that, then it’s real.” And the roach replies, “But it is real.” “You don’t really understand human nature very well, do you?” “No,” says the roach. “I’m afraid I don’t.”
In addition to solving a crime, John and Sam embark on the mystery of why the roach was created and what caused its mutation. In a way, this is a search for the meaning of life, which makes the story not just entertaining but also sobering. I have read several of JJ DiBenedetto’s books in the Dream series, and while this book has a different premise altogether, I enjoy taking a slight departure from reality. Like me, you are invited to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride on the wild side.
Highly recommended. Five stars.
February 13, 2019
With nice humor and great characters, mostly human, J. J. DiBenedetto’s Mr. Smith and the Roach takes on the world of noir detective tales and adds just that small, neat, magical twist you'd expect from the author of the Dream Doctor series. Cross Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently with Raymond Chandler and you’ll have the idea—the novel has all the fun of Gently with thought-provoking insights into life as an outsider (or in this case, a cockroach). People see what they expect to see, detectives seek out what others haven’t seen, and there just might be other things to investigate, besides how a roach comes to room with an investigator. I very much hope the author will continue the series because I really want to know what happened before the tale began, but the story stands alone perfectly and is highly recommended for anyone looking for something intriguingly different to read.
Disclosure: I won a copy and I love it!
Disclosure: I won a copy and I love it!
November 10, 2018
I got a free copy of Mr Smith And The Roach And at first I thought it was a strange little story but I soon became engrossed in the storyline. It’s about a retired cop and a giant cockroach that meet and join up to catch an embezzler of police funds plus the doctor who mutated Sam (the roach) . I soon couldn’t put it down as there were great characters to be found, I won’t give too much away as that would ruin it for others but I will say you would be crazy to miss this brilliant little book. I can’t wait for the sequel to arrive. There are a few fun parts and you will enjoy every page,, don’t miss it. I’m delighted I got the chance to read it.
December 7, 2018
I'm having a tough time categorizing this genre, so I'm just going with Hard-boiled SF Crime. SF Crime Noir? Whatever it is, it's awesome. Great mystery. Great plot. Awesome premise. I love John Smith. I love Sam. (Who would've thought I'd love a cockroach, eh?) I can't wait until the next book comes out next year. Hopefully early next year, but I know how it goes.
May 12, 2019
Mr Smith and the Roach is a quirky, fun mystery with an interesting cast of characters. The entertaining story is a bit different, but well worth reading!
The narrator does a very good job at creating an engaging rendition of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The narrator does a very good job at creating an engaging rendition of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 3, 2019
Loved it!What an inventive story!So many twists and turns,you must pay attention. Chris Dale was the perfect narrator. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
March 18, 2019
A must read!
This was a fun read. Story line is easy to follow and just pulls you in. Who would think reading about a giant cockroach would be interesting. This book is a definite must read.
September 30, 2019
MR. SMITH AND THE ROACH is a stand-alone detective story, though it was left open enough that it could be developed into a series. I hope Mr. DiBenedetto would consider doing so.
Mr. Smith lives three floors down from Jane Barnaby, but she is out of town and her sister is using the apartment. After listening to this book, I’m dying to jump back and know Jane better even though this is not a part of her series.
Who would think that I would enjoy a book with an insect as one of the main characters – especially a roach! – but I absolutely loved this fun detective story
Narration: I don’t know accents well enough to tell you where Chris Dale is from, but it certainly isn’t middle of America. My guess would be somewhere in England, but his is not one of the accents that I am accustom to hearing. It was very nice to listen to his voice. He gives excellent pronunciation, enunciation, intonation, and characterization. His name on a book would be a reason to pick it up.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: MR. SMITH AND THE ROACH
Series: Mr. Smith and the Roach #1
Category /Genre: Fantasy Suspense
Recommended for: 14 + due to vocabulary
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: J.J. DiBenedetto (as an Audible gifted copy)
Mr. Smith lives three floors down from Jane Barnaby, but she is out of town and her sister is using the apartment. After listening to this book, I’m dying to jump back and know Jane better even though this is not a part of her series.
Who would think that I would enjoy a book with an insect as one of the main characters – especially a roach! – but I absolutely loved this fun detective story
Narration: I don’t know accents well enough to tell you where Chris Dale is from, but it certainly isn’t middle of America. My guess would be somewhere in England, but his is not one of the accents that I am accustom to hearing. It was very nice to listen to his voice. He gives excellent pronunciation, enunciation, intonation, and characterization. His name on a book would be a reason to pick it up.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: MR. SMITH AND THE ROACH
Series: Mr. Smith and the Roach #1
Category /Genre: Fantasy Suspense
Recommended for: 14 + due to vocabulary
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: J.J. DiBenedetto (as an Audible gifted copy)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews