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Rattlesnake Kisses
Dallas is a man seasoned by both time and circumstance—a fellow you hire to get certain things done. The kind of man you definitely don’t want to cross.
The Kid is his protege—his younger shadow with more quirks than Dewey’s System has decimals. He’s loyal as a hound and just as likely to bite.
After being hired for a seemingly easy job, Dallas and the Kid find themselves on a wild ride. Every stop they make introduces lies, violence and memories best left buried. When the control Dallas holds so near and dear starts to squirm free, things get ugly. The routine becomes anything but, and revenge is a bloody dish best served with a .45 pistol.
The Kid is his protege—his younger shadow with more quirks than Dewey’s System has decimals. He’s loyal as a hound and just as likely to bite.
After being hired for a seemingly easy job, Dallas and the Kid find themselves on a wild ride. Every stop they make introduces lies, violence and memories best left buried. When the control Dallas holds so near and dear starts to squirm free, things get ugly. The routine becomes anything but, and revenge is a bloody dish best served with a .45 pistol.
150 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2019
4 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 16, 2019
You know what's crazy to me? There are so many terrible books out there that sell millions of copies and millions of readers are spoonfed worthless-garbage-storytelling by traditionally published authors who just phone it in and rely on their popularity and big house publisher to sell their books. BOO. To. THAT!
Meanwhile, over here in the indie, small publisher genre of horror, I'm reading books that I know for a FACT would appeal to a huge number of readers. Example:
Rattlesnake Kisses by Robert Ford and John Boden.
Holy hell this book. First of all, this collaboration is a dream come true. John Boden is one of my all-time favorite voices in indie horror (his novella WALK THE DARKNESS DOWN is a must-read).
And Robert Ford has this seasoned, old-pro author voice that translates to the page with an authoritative, fluid, confident style that readers know and trust. Together, they have created a world I want to live with characters I'm in love with and stories that are original, entertaining, and emotional-- Basically everything I want in my favorite reads.
From page one, I felt my guard go down and my heart easily melted into the story. I became instantly attached to the two main characters, Dallas (a professional hitman) and his sidekick of sorts, The Kid (a young man struggling to find his way in the world, complicated by his abusive caregivers, abandonment issues and Aspergers).
Our authors Boden & Ford develop a relationship between their characters through witty, colorful dialog. This was easily my favorite aspect of this story--the dialog. I was laughing out loud and shaking my head--these two are TV-show-worthy entertainment. I could read their exchanges and banter all day. Of course, I developed a little crush on Dallas too, as all the female characters in this book seemed to do as well. He's just one of those guys that radiate confidence, danger, intelligence and sex appeal in one sentence or even just a look. His care and concern for The Kid showed that he's not all grit and hard edges, he has a soft side too.
As the story intensifies to its brilliant conclusion, I felt a familiar tugging on my heart that I would be wanting more from these two authors--it was a comfort to know that Boden & Ford have collaborated on another book in the same world called, CATTYWAMPUS part of the Knucklebucket Thang series. (But secretly, I need another Dallas book)
It's this reviewer's recommendation that if you're a fan of characters you can fall in love with and invest in, colorful language and witty dialog, an entertaining UNPUTDOWNABLE storyline and an emotional rollercoaster--you're going to want this book.
Meanwhile, over here in the indie, small publisher genre of horror, I'm reading books that I know for a FACT would appeal to a huge number of readers. Example:
Rattlesnake Kisses by Robert Ford and John Boden.
Holy hell this book. First of all, this collaboration is a dream come true. John Boden is one of my all-time favorite voices in indie horror (his novella WALK THE DARKNESS DOWN is a must-read).
And Robert Ford has this seasoned, old-pro author voice that translates to the page with an authoritative, fluid, confident style that readers know and trust. Together, they have created a world I want to live with characters I'm in love with and stories that are original, entertaining, and emotional-- Basically everything I want in my favorite reads.
From page one, I felt my guard go down and my heart easily melted into the story. I became instantly attached to the two main characters, Dallas (a professional hitman) and his sidekick of sorts, The Kid (a young man struggling to find his way in the world, complicated by his abusive caregivers, abandonment issues and Aspergers).
Our authors Boden & Ford develop a relationship between their characters through witty, colorful dialog. This was easily my favorite aspect of this story--the dialog. I was laughing out loud and shaking my head--these two are TV-show-worthy entertainment. I could read their exchanges and banter all day. Of course, I developed a little crush on Dallas too, as all the female characters in this book seemed to do as well. He's just one of those guys that radiate confidence, danger, intelligence and sex appeal in one sentence or even just a look. His care and concern for The Kid showed that he's not all grit and hard edges, he has a soft side too.
As the story intensifies to its brilliant conclusion, I felt a familiar tugging on my heart that I would be wanting more from these two authors--it was a comfort to know that Boden & Ford have collaborated on another book in the same world called, CATTYWAMPUS part of the Knucklebucket Thang series. (But secretly, I need another Dallas book)
It's this reviewer's recommendation that if you're a fan of characters you can fall in love with and invest in, colorful language and witty dialog, an entertaining UNPUTDOWNABLE storyline and an emotional rollercoaster--you're going to want this book.
July 10, 2019
4.5/5 stars!
RATTLESNAKE KISSES is a bloody Tarantino-esque type of novella, with portions so poignant you just want to reach out and hug these people.
This is the story of Dallas, The Kid, Wesley the (kind of psycho) cop, and a lovely couple by the last name of Morris. How do these people come together? You'll have to read this to find out!
It's hard to say much without spoiling anything because it's such a short book. RATTLESNAKE KISSES is violent and gory, but it's also funny at times. Everyone in this novella is gray-meaning there's really no black and white characters here; they all have depth, they all have their baggage and they're all just trying to get by. (Well, maybe they're all gray except Mrs. Morris, she didn't have many redeeming qualities at all. Quite frankly, she was just a bitch!)
Dedicated to Dallas Mayr, (aka Jack Ketchum), with bits of song lyrics or references to songs and other cool tidbits, this book is short, fast paced and bloody as hell. I loved it!
Highly recommended!
Now available!!! Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/30yNF9P
*I received a mobi copy from John Boden in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
RATTLESNAKE KISSES is a bloody Tarantino-esque type of novella, with portions so poignant you just want to reach out and hug these people.
This is the story of Dallas, The Kid, Wesley the (kind of psycho) cop, and a lovely couple by the last name of Morris. How do these people come together? You'll have to read this to find out!
It's hard to say much without spoiling anything because it's such a short book. RATTLESNAKE KISSES is violent and gory, but it's also funny at times. Everyone in this novella is gray-meaning there's really no black and white characters here; they all have depth, they all have their baggage and they're all just trying to get by. (Well, maybe they're all gray except Mrs. Morris, she didn't have many redeeming qualities at all. Quite frankly, she was just a bitch!)
Dedicated to Dallas Mayr, (aka Jack Ketchum), with bits of song lyrics or references to songs and other cool tidbits, this book is short, fast paced and bloody as hell. I loved it!
Highly recommended!
Now available!!! Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/30yNF9P
*I received a mobi copy from John Boden in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
Want to read
March 21, 2019This hardcover edition is limited to 50 copies and is signed by Robert Ford and John Boden.
October 8, 2019
Rattlesnake Kisses is the perfect read for fans of Joe R Lansdale’s Hap and Leonard books or any sort of fast paced crime thriller. Both authors here weave a story that is rich in characters, fast on pace and big on feels. The story effortlessly grips you by the throat and drags you along that it could be easily read in one sitting.
October 12, 2019
Over the past few months, I've had the pleasure of reading stories from both Bob Ford and John Boden, and both have secured a place on my favorite authors list. I had no doubt that a collaboration between the two would deliver, and it somehow exceeded my already high expectations.
It's my understanding that Rattlesnake Kisses is just the beginning of the tales to come from Boden and Ford's "Knucklebucket Thang" universe, and that thrills me to no end! This is a stellar collaboration, overflowing with all of the writing elements I've come to love from these authors. That includes strong character development, humor, and heart. I was thoroughly entertained by all of the characters, but I especially loved Dallas and the Kid. I loved the relationship between these two characters. The bond that they shared was a perfect example of how family doesn't always mean blood-related, and how we can find our "tribe" in unexpected places. Of course, this story is also packed full of hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments that had me in stitches. It's a page-turner with grit and some rough edges, rounded out by the humor and heartfelt emotion that I've come to love from these two authors.
You know the stories that you greedily devour while also wanting to slow down and savor every moment forever? Rattlesnake Kisses is one of those stories. It was honestly a pleasure to read. I finished it in less than 2 days, and it left me thirsty for not only a drink at the "Knuckle Bucket", but also for what's next from Ford and Boden.
It's my understanding that Rattlesnake Kisses is just the beginning of the tales to come from Boden and Ford's "Knucklebucket Thang" universe, and that thrills me to no end! This is a stellar collaboration, overflowing with all of the writing elements I've come to love from these authors. That includes strong character development, humor, and heart. I was thoroughly entertained by all of the characters, but I especially loved Dallas and the Kid. I loved the relationship between these two characters. The bond that they shared was a perfect example of how family doesn't always mean blood-related, and how we can find our "tribe" in unexpected places. Of course, this story is also packed full of hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments that had me in stitches. It's a page-turner with grit and some rough edges, rounded out by the humor and heartfelt emotion that I've come to love from these two authors.
You know the stories that you greedily devour while also wanting to slow down and savor every moment forever? Rattlesnake Kisses is one of those stories. It was honestly a pleasure to read. I finished it in less than 2 days, and it left me thirsty for not only a drink at the "Knuckle Bucket", but also for what's next from Ford and Boden.
July 12, 2019
I received an early copy of this by the authors and loved it. If Joe Lansdale watched BLOOD SIMPLE, then wrote a book directly thereafter, that's RATTLESNAKE KISSES. Quirky characters, sticky situations, twists, action, and some heartfelt moments.
April 7, 2019
Review copy
This wild and bloody, limited-edition, novella is dedicated to the late Dallas Mayr who wrote as Jack Ketchum.
"For Dallas Mayr, a friend fallen but not far away."
This made me smile, right from the start.
Rattlesnake Kisses is dark. There's no happy ending and believe me, I like it that way.
This is the story of Dallas, a hitman, and his teenage ward, just known as "The Kid." Dallas was teaching him the tricks of the trade.
"The Kid " came from a broken home, but he had dreams like many such children...
"Sometimes, he would imagine himself on a saloon stage playing music like his daddy. Momma had never said anything at all about him, and the Kid had never actually met his father in real life, but he knew better. No way he could love music as much as he did without it being ribboned right into his DNA. He thought of his daddy sometimes. Hair slicked back. Scuffed, but well-loved, cowboy boots on—black and dirty. Weathered 12-string guitar with a wide black strap around his neck and shoulders, as he flirted with the waitresses and sang about heartache and loss to the crowd. Living life on the highway, as carefree as a rambling rose. Cool as rain in September."
Beautiful imagery right there.
Dallas currently has an interesting set of jobs where a wife takes out a hit on her husband and the husband takes one out on his wife. This is just the beginning of this inconceivably twisted tale and yes, there are rattlesnakes involved.
Rattlesnake Kisses is a most excellent crime story filled with the beautifully coarse and colorful language you would expect in such a tale. This is one I won't soon forget. Recommended.
Published by Thunderstorm Books, Rattlesnake Kisses is currently available as a signed, limited edition hardcover.
Form the Authors' bio...
Robert Ford fills his days handling marketing and branding projects. He has run his own ad agency, done a lot of freelance work, baled a lot of hay and forked a lot of manure. And once had to deal with a very overripe iguana. He has published the novels The Compound, and No Lipstick in Avalon, the novellas Ring of Fire, The Last Firefly of Summer, Samson and Denial, and Bordertown, as well as the short story collection The God Beneath my Garden. In addition, he has several screenplays floating around in the ether of Hollywood. He can confirm the grass actually is greener on the other side, but it’s only because of the bodies buried there.
John Boden lives a stone's throw from Three Mile Island with his wonderful wife and sons. A baker by day, he spends his off time writing or watching old television shows. He likes Diet Pepsi and sports ferocious sideburns. He loves heavy metal and old country music. And shoofly pie. He’s a pretty nice fella, honest. His work has appeared in Borderlands 6, Shock Totem, Splatterpunk, Lamplight, Blight Digest, the John Skipp edited Psychos and others. His not-really-for-children children’s book, Dominoes has been called a pretty cool thing. His other books, Jedi Summer With the Magnetic Kid and Detritus In Love are out and about. He recently released a novella with fellow author Chad Lutzke called Out Behind the Barn. He has a slew of things on the horizon.
This wild and bloody, limited-edition, novella is dedicated to the late Dallas Mayr who wrote as Jack Ketchum.
"For Dallas Mayr, a friend fallen but not far away."
This made me smile, right from the start.
Rattlesnake Kisses is dark. There's no happy ending and believe me, I like it that way.
This is the story of Dallas, a hitman, and his teenage ward, just known as "The Kid." Dallas was teaching him the tricks of the trade.
"The Kid " came from a broken home, but he had dreams like many such children...
"Sometimes, he would imagine himself on a saloon stage playing music like his daddy. Momma had never said anything at all about him, and the Kid had never actually met his father in real life, but he knew better. No way he could love music as much as he did without it being ribboned right into his DNA. He thought of his daddy sometimes. Hair slicked back. Scuffed, but well-loved, cowboy boots on—black and dirty. Weathered 12-string guitar with a wide black strap around his neck and shoulders, as he flirted with the waitresses and sang about heartache and loss to the crowd. Living life on the highway, as carefree as a rambling rose. Cool as rain in September."
Beautiful imagery right there.
Dallas currently has an interesting set of jobs where a wife takes out a hit on her husband and the husband takes one out on his wife. This is just the beginning of this inconceivably twisted tale and yes, there are rattlesnakes involved.
Rattlesnake Kisses is a most excellent crime story filled with the beautifully coarse and colorful language you would expect in such a tale. This is one I won't soon forget. Recommended.
Published by Thunderstorm Books, Rattlesnake Kisses is currently available as a signed, limited edition hardcover.
Form the Authors' bio...
Robert Ford fills his days handling marketing and branding projects. He has run his own ad agency, done a lot of freelance work, baled a lot of hay and forked a lot of manure. And once had to deal with a very overripe iguana. He has published the novels The Compound, and No Lipstick in Avalon, the novellas Ring of Fire, The Last Firefly of Summer, Samson and Denial, and Bordertown, as well as the short story collection The God Beneath my Garden. In addition, he has several screenplays floating around in the ether of Hollywood. He can confirm the grass actually is greener on the other side, but it’s only because of the bodies buried there.
John Boden lives a stone's throw from Three Mile Island with his wonderful wife and sons. A baker by day, he spends his off time writing or watching old television shows. He likes Diet Pepsi and sports ferocious sideburns. He loves heavy metal and old country music. And shoofly pie. He’s a pretty nice fella, honest. His work has appeared in Borderlands 6, Shock Totem, Splatterpunk, Lamplight, Blight Digest, the John Skipp edited Psychos and others. His not-really-for-children children’s book, Dominoes has been called a pretty cool thing. His other books, Jedi Summer With the Magnetic Kid and Detritus In Love are out and about. He recently released a novella with fellow author Chad Lutzke called Out Behind the Barn. He has a slew of things on the horizon.
January 7, 2023
5 🐍
“Don’t trust anybody. Even your teeth bite your tongue once in awhile.”
Dallas - The tough/smart guy
The kid- an autistic young man ,wanting to prove himself
Mr & Mrs Massey- The couple who want nothing to do with each other.
Benny- An old friend
Wesley- A cop seeking recognition and willing to do anything to get it .
This is a story of unlikely friendships , not knowing who to trust, consistently looking over your shoulder and some hit you in the feelers moments . But also not lacking any carnage along the way . This is my 4th book this year and so far my favorite . This will be a hard one to top.
“Don’t trust anybody. Even your teeth bite your tongue once in awhile.”
Dallas - The tough/smart guy
The kid- an autistic young man ,wanting to prove himself
Mr & Mrs Massey- The couple who want nothing to do with each other.
Benny- An old friend
Wesley- A cop seeking recognition and willing to do anything to get it .
This is a story of unlikely friendships , not knowing who to trust, consistently looking over your shoulder and some hit you in the feelers moments . But also not lacking any carnage along the way . This is my 4th book this year and so far my favorite . This will be a hard one to top.
October 12, 2019
Good God that was good. Review to come.
May 24, 2021
This book was just a fun read the character development the story and setting up of scenes is just awesome. What I don't understand is that with writing and a solid fun story like this one is why are there not more of these books being made into movies or a series cuz it would be awesome to see some of these awesome indie books turned into movies. I really like this book I liked this book more than catywampus that was also written by the same authors. If you want a good solid fun read check this out cuz this writing duo is solid
March 20, 2019
A heartbreaking and ironic ending...what I would expect from a Ford/Boden team up. Full review coming soon.
July 27, 2020
It's been a long while since I've read a book that's for the pure bat shit insanity that this one is. You don't have to rip it apart to find the subtext that lays beneath. This book sidesteps any of that to give you the most fun it can.
Or at least that's my interpretation.
It's a fun, brutal, not so sweet that's trying to be kinda sweet, foul-mouthed ride that gives no fucks whatsoever about what's going on. It gives the appearance of being smart, of trying to give this other option that the story may go in (a sort of mystery puzzle styled event going on early in the book), but blows its load for the shear brilliance of a big beautiful cock up of violence and some beautiful swears.
I don't mean the rating or even how I'm describing it as an insult. It's thoroughly enjoyable, but a few things rubbed me the wrong way throughout. The main antagonist that pops up, the lack of set-up for any of that, and the outcome and just a lot of things that felt like a drunk driver trying to keep the car on the road but who just can't help but steer into a mailbox and drag that out along with it for a mile or two until it blows its head off.
Or at least that's my interpretation.
It's a fun, brutal, not so sweet that's trying to be kinda sweet, foul-mouthed ride that gives no fucks whatsoever about what's going on. It gives the appearance of being smart, of trying to give this other option that the story may go in (a sort of mystery puzzle styled event going on early in the book), but blows its load for the shear brilliance of a big beautiful cock up of violence and some beautiful swears.
I don't mean the rating or even how I'm describing it as an insult. It's thoroughly enjoyable, but a few things rubbed me the wrong way throughout. The main antagonist that pops up, the lack of set-up for any of that, and the outcome and just a lot of things that felt like a drunk driver trying to keep the car on the road but who just can't help but steer into a mailbox and drag that out along with it for a mile or two until it blows its head off.
November 2, 2019
I really enjoyed Rattlesnake Kisses by Robert Ford and John Boden, having read previous entries by these authors I knew it would be a great story but wow! The book tells the story of Dallas, an aged hitman, who spins some of the most hilarious dialogue I’ve read. He takes on a job that rapidly becomes massively complicated and by the book’s end things certainly spiral out of control. I believe my favorite element to this story was the interactions between Dallas and his sidekick, Kid. Dallas looks to be guiding Kid even though it seems he secretly doesn’t want him to follow the same shady path that Dallas took throughout his life.
The dialogue of this book is so much fun, it reminds me in some ways of one of my favorite authors, Joe Lansdale. Ford and Biden create great characters as well and imbue them with such life. I really hope that there are more tales to be told with Dallas in the future, if so I’m 100% there. Great read, definitely recommended!
The dialogue of this book is so much fun, it reminds me in some ways of one of my favorite authors, Joe Lansdale. Ford and Biden create great characters as well and imbue them with such life. I really hope that there are more tales to be told with Dallas in the future, if so I’m 100% there. Great read, definitely recommended!
July 8, 2020
It’s hard to relay how much I loved this book. Robert Ford and John Boden did such an amazing job in creating characters that are both likable and also broken beyond belief. The Kid and Dallas have such a heart wrenching relationship, it almost brought me to tears a few times.
Now, this isn’t a sobby story, don’t get me wrong. It’s an action packed, fast paced horror thriller, that won’t give you a chance to catch your breath.
The concept of this story alone is amazing. The two authors really know what they’re doing. They figured out how to make you root for the “bad” guys, even though I have yet to find a truly GOOD guy in this book. This book made me feel so many different emotions, even I questioned my goodness in the end.
Superb work to both of them!
Now, this isn’t a sobby story, don’t get me wrong. It’s an action packed, fast paced horror thriller, that won’t give you a chance to catch your breath.
The concept of this story alone is amazing. The two authors really know what they’re doing. They figured out how to make you root for the “bad” guys, even though I have yet to find a truly GOOD guy in this book. This book made me feel so many different emotions, even I questioned my goodness in the end.
Superb work to both of them!
January 9, 2021
Is there a topic that is off limits to you in a book?
I read RATTLESNAKE KISSES last summer and I’m just now getting around to writing out my thoughts. No fault to the authors. It was such a blast of a story! there was blood, the characters were trashy af and SO much heart in between the lines - I was crying before chapter 1 ended. ⠀
⠀
So back to the off limits topic..& spoiler alert:⠀
I lost a loved one to drowning. It was awful and any time I come to it in movies or books, along with a mini panic attack, I can’t see anything but my brothers face. So, I realized quick on page 1 of this book it was going to stretch me. ⠀
⠀
Bob Ford & John Boden did an AMAZING collaboration with this and I ugly cried A TON in the beginning & end, but everything in the middle was like you were in a Clint Eastwood film and on the edge of your seat! I still laugh out loud thinking of Dallas & The Kid (they seriously cracked me up) and their friendship in this story will just make your heart burst- id bet you couldn’t read this and not cry! ⠀
⠀
“All anybody has is right now. So what’re you gonna do with it?”⠀
⠀
“Don’t take your eyes off what’s close to your heart, Kid. Not ever.”⠀
⠀
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👍Definitely recommend. Go grab this one. ⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀
I read RATTLESNAKE KISSES last summer and I’m just now getting around to writing out my thoughts. No fault to the authors. It was such a blast of a story! there was blood, the characters were trashy af and SO much heart in between the lines - I was crying before chapter 1 ended. ⠀
⠀
So back to the off limits topic..& spoiler alert:⠀
I lost a loved one to drowning. It was awful and any time I come to it in movies or books, along with a mini panic attack, I can’t see anything but my brothers face. So, I realized quick on page 1 of this book it was going to stretch me. ⠀
⠀
Bob Ford & John Boden did an AMAZING collaboration with this and I ugly cried A TON in the beginning & end, but everything in the middle was like you were in a Clint Eastwood film and on the edge of your seat! I still laugh out loud thinking of Dallas & The Kid (they seriously cracked me up) and their friendship in this story will just make your heart burst- id bet you couldn’t read this and not cry! ⠀
⠀
“All anybody has is right now. So what’re you gonna do with it?”⠀
⠀
“Don’t take your eyes off what’s close to your heart, Kid. Not ever.”⠀
⠀
⠀
👍Definitely recommend. Go grab this one. ⠀
⠀
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August 31, 2019
The second book I have read from Robert Ford and John Boden.
Glad to hear they have more in the pipeline, as their styles work seemlessly together.
Good story, good characters. And yep, right on the money.
Glad I got the limited.
Glad to hear they have more in the pipeline, as their styles work seemlessly together.
Good story, good characters. And yep, right on the money.
Glad I got the limited.
March 25, 2020
Superb. You can tell that the authors have such a love for the genre, and whilst the actual story of a hitman and his apprentice is admittedly quite simple (but still excellent), its the relationship between the kid and Dallas that will astound you. You'll be hard pressed to find one better.
August 8, 2020
Nicely done collaboration
Characterization is not normally a large part of a collaborative effort but it is on display here. A nice simple story with a gut-punch ending. Fun reading!
Characterization is not normally a large part of a collaborative effort but it is on display here. A nice simple story with a gut-punch ending. Fun reading!
December 13, 2022
Found this on one of my friends read lists and decided to give it a try turns out to be a ripe old crime saga a little out there gonzo with the action laden plot but very much a Noir crime story short but well-written good dialogue ends like a Greek Tragedy I found it to be a solid four star read.
January 25, 2020
A wild ride of crime with horrific elements. The wit and fast pacing of both Boden and Ford is on full display here. For fans of Joe Lansdale and crime movies.
July 8, 2021
Review: Rattlesnake Kisses
WOW! Where do I start with this one?!
As a wise woman once said (and I am looking at you Sadie aka. @mother.horror - and apologies for borrowing your wording - but it is SO true!) “…There are so many terrible book out there that sell millions of copies and millions of readers are spoon-fed worthless-garbage-storytelling…” - and then in the indie genre we have books that would appeal to huge reader-base - one of them for sure being John Boden and Robert Ford’s RATTLESNAKE KISSES.
This book was like stepping into a cold cave of rattlesnakes - I could almost feel the dirt and humidity on my skin, while reading, and hear the underlaying sounds of rattlers. I felt uneasy all the time, even though our anti-hero, Dallas, were there to sort out everything, I never felt sure of the outcome.
Characters, development, back stories…it all worked for me and I rooted for our (VERY flawed) main characters all the way.
I HIGLY recommend this very cool and gritty book. I need to get onto CATTYWAMPUS next! But please do more collars, guys! Match made in heaven is not too strong, I would say.
Apparently, I am only stumbling into very good books at the moment…another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5!
@bobford @shineynobuttons #rattlesnakekisses #cattywampus
WOW! Where do I start with this one?!
As a wise woman once said (and I am looking at you Sadie aka. @mother.horror - and apologies for borrowing your wording - but it is SO true!) “…There are so many terrible book out there that sell millions of copies and millions of readers are spoon-fed worthless-garbage-storytelling…” - and then in the indie genre we have books that would appeal to huge reader-base - one of them for sure being John Boden and Robert Ford’s RATTLESNAKE KISSES.
This book was like stepping into a cold cave of rattlesnakes - I could almost feel the dirt and humidity on my skin, while reading, and hear the underlaying sounds of rattlers. I felt uneasy all the time, even though our anti-hero, Dallas, were there to sort out everything, I never felt sure of the outcome.
Characters, development, back stories…it all worked for me and I rooted for our (VERY flawed) main characters all the way.
I HIGLY recommend this very cool and gritty book. I need to get onto CATTYWAMPUS next! But please do more collars, guys! Match made in heaven is not too strong, I would say.
Apparently, I am only stumbling into very good books at the moment…another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5!
@bobford @shineynobuttons #rattlesnakekisses #cattywampus
August 28, 2020
Ever wonder what types of people seek out hitmen? Ever curious to know what types of people might be the ones obtaining such an occupation? Maybe it’s those seedy characters we all know are out there but never really see; mystical creatures of our realty.
Ford and Boden have collaborated and created a truly gritty world revolving around the underbelly of society. Murder, a rogue cop, thugs, a child desperate for a home and a man with a tortured past, this book has more than just a bite. This wild ride of pure mayhem and chaos had me begging for more from these two men and more from the Knucklebucket Thang world.
September 11, 2019
Someone please make this into a movie
Awesome, dirty, trashy fun. Filled with interesting characters doing terrible things to each other. A hitman with some serious parental baggage, his autistic sidekick, a smarmy rich guy, his cheating wife, her boy toy, a psychotic cop, a bunch of other dirty criminals and rattlesnakes! How could you not want to read that? A gritty, blue-collar crime noir worthy of being a Tarantino script. Moved like a bullet. Couldn't put it down.
Awesome, dirty, trashy fun. Filled with interesting characters doing terrible things to each other. A hitman with some serious parental baggage, his autistic sidekick, a smarmy rich guy, his cheating wife, her boy toy, a psychotic cop, a bunch of other dirty criminals and rattlesnakes! How could you not want to read that? A gritty, blue-collar crime noir worthy of being a Tarantino script. Moved like a bullet. Couldn't put it down.
July 22, 2019
In your face fun!
Murder for hire ..greed...deception...intrigue...mayhem... and Rattlesnakes! All tied up in a rip-roaring story with a dysfunctional cast of characters with nothing but their own self preservation in mind. I loved it. You will too!
Murder for hire ..greed...deception...intrigue...mayhem... and Rattlesnakes! All tied up in a rip-roaring story with a dysfunctional cast of characters with nothing but their own self preservation in mind. I loved it. You will too!
January 2, 2023
So beautifully written, kept me enthralled. Well done through and through.
March 20, 2024
The writing is good but the story is a mess. It’s overdoing the noir trope with a gallery of characters and a tone which reminded me of the Coen Brothers films. The book starts ok but ultimately it lost my attention and I couldn’t care less about what happens. Not my jam, unfortunately.
January 28, 2025
What a rollercoaster ride of a read! If Guy Richie had written a book this would be it.
February 25, 2025
Wow! Fast-paced, bloody, gritty, and raw. Recommended!
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