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Shooting Lessons
Makro, the world’s largest ride-hail service has a human resources problem. A gunman is methodically murdering their drivers in Chicago.
Det. Mark Bergman is dealing with core competency and personal fulfillment issues: His recently acquired celebrity status as the city’s most lethal cop is messing with his work, and his recently acquired love life is a transatlantic disaster.
Meanwhile, the American Gun Association is having no problems at all. They’re funding a flashy multimedia campaign to eliminate Illinois’ handgun permit restrictions, and it’s working perfectly.
Then there’s the racist militia, a paranoid snitch, a tense fundraiser at the Lyric Opera and Liechtenstein’s banking regulations.
Det. Mark Bergman is dealing with core competency and personal fulfillment issues: His recently acquired celebrity status as the city’s most lethal cop is messing with his work, and his recently acquired love life is a transatlantic disaster.
Meanwhile, the American Gun Association is having no problems at all. They’re funding a flashy multimedia campaign to eliminate Illinois’ handgun permit restrictions, and it’s working perfectly.
Then there’s the racist militia, a paranoid snitch, a tense fundraiser at the Lyric Opera and Liechtenstein’s banking regulations.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2019
17 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Lenny Kleinfeld
4 books12 followersLenny Kleinfeld specializes in black comedy crime fiction. His first novel, Shooters And Chasers, received a starred review from Kirkus, which called it "A spellbinding debut."
His second novel, Some Dead Genius, was named one of NPR's Best Books of 2014--"A rollicking caper that you constantly think you've got figured out until you don't. This book is fun. Loads of fun."
The Austin Chronicle: "Clever, well-paced plot and terrifically real characters. A sharp insider's look at the art scene, and an especially addictive narrative voice... Recommending the hell out of this book."
He began his career in Chicago as a playwright and as a columnist for "Chicago" magazine. His fiction, humor and articles have appeared in Playboy, Galaxy, Oui, the Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune, New York Times and Los Angeles Times.
His second novel, Some Dead Genius, was named one of NPR's Best Books of 2014--"A rollicking caper that you constantly think you've got figured out until you don't. This book is fun. Loads of fun."
The Austin Chronicle: "Clever, well-paced plot and terrifically real characters. A sharp insider's look at the art scene, and an especially addictive narrative voice... Recommending the hell out of this book."
He began his career in Chicago as a playwright and as a columnist for "Chicago" magazine. His fiction, humor and articles have appeared in Playboy, Galaxy, Oui, the Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune, New York Times and Los Angeles Times.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 27, 2021
Someone is killing ride-share gig workers, and the American Gun Association is eagerly exploiting the victims, and their family members, for its own political purposes. But . . . what if the suspect isn't a crazed serial killer, but a cold-blooded paid assassin?
The killer is revealed fairly early in the game, so it's just a matter of wondering how and when the cops are gonna nail him, but on the whole this one was fun and involving. I wish I'd know before starting, however, that this book is technically number three in a series, and there are plenty of references made to previous exploits. (I'm usually a stickler about these things.) I rate it about a 3.5.
Also, this book should be avoided AT ALL COSTS by the MAGA hat crowd. It will only angry up their blood, and make 'em even more cranky.
The killer is revealed fairly early in the game, so it's just a matter of wondering how and when the cops are gonna nail him, but on the whole this one was fun and involving. I wish I'd know before starting, however, that this book is technically number three in a series, and there are plenty of references made to previous exploits. (I'm usually a stickler about these things.) I rate it about a 3.5.
Also, this book should be avoided AT ALL COSTS by the MAGA hat crowd. It will only angry up their blood, and make 'em even more cranky.
May 21, 2021
So I got this book because I saw it on a list for "funny mystery novels." I can see why people would think that, but it often just wasn't the type of humor I enjoy. I don't mind vulgarity, but I don't find it inherently funny in its own right. The satirical element also didn't strike well with me, maybe because the political commentary is on an issue I just don't find jokes about funny. I did, however, enjoy a lot of the more subtle moments, like the ulterior reasons witnesses had for their noncooperation.
The main characters were likeable and the pace was well-done. The main plot's ending was pretty good, but for the character-developing subplot it felt underwhelming. The fight scenes were well-done, as were the dynamics between the main characters.
I know I just said a whole lot of good things, but I can't really put into words my main complaints with the book. I think it's just that the "crime" genre can be a much more different from "mystery" than I'd thought. So if you do like the crime genre, I definitely recommend it.
The main characters were likeable and the pace was well-done. The main plot's ending was pretty good, but for the character-developing subplot it felt underwhelming. The fight scenes were well-done, as were the dynamics between the main characters.
I know I just said a whole lot of good things, but I can't really put into words my main complaints with the book. I think it's just that the "crime" genre can be a much more different from "mystery" than I'd thought. So if you do like the crime genre, I definitely recommend it.
November 3, 2020
Hook, Line and Sinker - I fell hard for this one!
Whoa! Shooting Lessons shot me straight to a page by page bender that wouldn't turn me loose until the last and final page was turned. Loved the action, realism, characters, quick pace and the well placed humor. Just be forewarned to clear your calendar before beginning this winning tale!
Whoa! Shooting Lessons shot me straight to a page by page bender that wouldn't turn me loose until the last and final page was turned. Loved the action, realism, characters, quick pace and the well placed humor. Just be forewarned to clear your calendar before beginning this winning tale!
September 9, 2021
Surprised. Me
I I I chose this title bcz it was billed as humor. I am so down hearted with all the dire news pouring down. But I was quickly hooked by the characters. They are definitely funny. But I am the mom of six, 3 are on the job or just retired inChicago. So iam used to the humor. Ow I have to get the authors other books. You might like also.
I I I chose this title bcz it was billed as humor. I am so down hearted with all the dire news pouring down. But I was quickly hooked by the characters. They are definitely funny. But I am the mom of six, 3 are on the job or just retired inChicago. So iam used to the humor. Ow I have to get the authors other books. You might like also.
January 30, 2020
I've Read 'Em All
Came across Shooting Lessons and distantly recognised the author's name. Yeah, Some Dead Genius, that one too. Such ability to put together plot, humor, and unexpected comparisons. To die for.
Came across Shooting Lessons and distantly recognised the author's name. Yeah, Some Dead Genius, that one too. Such ability to put together plot, humor, and unexpected comparisons. To die for.
June 30, 2021
Fantastic Book and a Gifted Author
This trilogy is great escapism. Dry humor, principled protagonist(s), believable dispositions (of the principled protagonists and the bad guys) and by extension of those things, great dialogue and flow of story.
This trilogy is great escapism. Dry humor, principled protagonist(s), believable dispositions (of the principled protagonists and the bad guys) and by extension of those things, great dialogue and flow of story.
April 19, 2021
Great read-lots of fun. Head's up to my Conservative friends: Prepare to be mocked. The story is good but come on! Makes out anyone supporting the second amendment a nut.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews