What do you think?
Rate this book
Jack Daniels Thriller #3
Rusty Nail
Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels of the Chicago Police Department is back, and once again she's up to her Armani in murder. Someone is sending Jack snuff videos. The victims are people she knows, and they share a common trait -- each was involved in one of Jack's previous cases. With her stalwart partner hospitalized and unable to help, Jack follows a trail of death throughout the Midwest, on a collision course with the smartest and deadliest adversary she's ever known. During the chase, Jack jeopardizes her career, her love life, and her closest friends. She also comes to a startling realization -- serial killers have families, and blood runs thick. Rusty Nail features more of the laugh-out-loud humor and crazy characters that saturated Whiskey Sour and Bloody Mary, without sacrificing the nail-biting thrills. This is Jack Daniels' third, and most exciting, adventure yet!
399 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 5, 2006
912 people are currently reading
2796 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
199 books3,014 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 647 reviews
November 19, 2016
I love this series! This is the third book in the Jack Daniels Mystery series.
The heroine of this series is Lieutenant Jacqueline ‘Jack’ Daniels, second generation Chicago homicide cop, age 46, looks younger, dresses nice by shopping smart, and has a self confessed smart mouth. Her life isn’t looking all that good either. Her mother, the first generation homicide cop, is in a hospice facility in a coma Jack blames herself for. Her partner, Herb Benedict, her strong right had and friend is about to discover he has a tumor from his colonoscopy. She screwed up the relationship with the man she loved, and he has someone new. And there is a copycat killer following the path of Phil Kork, the serial killer whose capture made her famous, in fact, a little too famous.
A big part of her problem is sexist and none-too-bright Harry McGlade. Harry was a private eye who helped her catch Kork and parlayed it into fame for both of them. Something the department is none to happy about:
Harry tries to get Jack to play in a series. The series is called Fatal Autonomy, and it has made Harry McGlade rich and Jack miserable. Whenever she introduces herself to anyone they comment she has lost weight. They can’t separate her from her job, and she can’t separate herself from Harry. He even wants her to be his ‘best man’ at his wedding.
Worse still, the woman he is marrying, Holly, is a Barbie doll private eye, younger than Jack, smart, a fine markswoman, black belt, and to add insult to injury sincere, friendly, and despite Jack’s best — or worst — efforts, determined to be friends and help catch the copycat killer. She even saves Jack’s life. How dare she?
There is also her cat, Mr. Friskers, who doesn’t seem to like her, but her Mother loves him; her lack of a sex life; and the fact it seems the serial killer is seeking revenge on Jack and everyone who was involved in catching and killing Phil Kork, including everyone and everything Jack loves.
Jack is on the trail though, and the hunt will take her through the Mid-West into Kork’s family history and a virtual family reunion of serial killers and mass graves. Meanwhile Konrath introduces us in alternating chapters to Alex, the serial killer behind these murders and from a twisted and shocking history tied to the Kork’s.
Aside from being literally knee deep in rotting corpses, Jack also manages to get shot at, threatened with losing her job, and seriously singed in a fire. It’s enough to make a girl wear cheap sensible shoes to work — a real trial for the fashion and name brand conscious Jack.
The serial killer is a monster, and graphically, if never exploitatively, described — it’s all Jack can do to keep from ruining a few crime scenes. What balances that is Jack is smart, attractive, good company, a genuinely good detective, and best of all, fall out of the chair and roll on the floor funny. Slight smiles aren’t her style. Jack is laugh-out-loud funny, and few books get giggles out of me.
I will say this book is very violent and brutal and this is not for the faint of heart. It is very sadistic and gruesome.
If you are a thriller lover and love a good serial killer book, this series is for you.
I am giving this rating a 3.5 due to some violence that wasn't necessary. Just way too much.
November 13, 2024
Уроди, тепанье и сръбска музика… 😄
Има и няколко ръждиви пирона, колкото да не е без хич.
Следващите три книжки от поредицата за Джак Даниелс са ми подръка на английски, но не знам кога ли ще ги подхвана.
Има и няколко ръждиви пирона, колкото да не е без хич.
Следващите три книжки от поредицата за Джак Даниелс са ми подръка на английски, но не знам кога ли ще ги подхвана.
October 14, 2018
I really adore this series. It’s got the balance just right. I like the humour and the characters. But just because it’s funny, doesn’t mean it’s crime lite, far from it. Recommended series.
May 24, 2015
When people have the need to experience something funny, the lucky ones would simply talk to their boyfriends or girlfriends or spouses. Some others, if they aren't feeling creative, would sit back and watch reruns of Friends or Seinfeld. The bookish ladies, maybe, would take out their favorite or unread copies of Stephanie Plum. I myself, being let down somewhat by what youtube has to offer on the promise(Louis CK standup, Honest Trailers, Stsanders etc), opted weirdly for the third book of the most insanely gory and cruel thriller series I've ever read.
J.A Konrath, who does not need to prove that he's funny, still owes it to his readers. This is because the comedy in his books balances out the violence that animates his villains. Rusty Nail was pretty violent. But there was not enough chuckle inducing humor in the book. I still found some positives here. Jack Daniels, a woman whose names shortens to a male name, meets another person with the same situation(I got this link by myself, as it's not spelled out in the book). The characters peopling Rusty Nail aren't Kafkaesque material, but they keep the plot going. The mystery element is strong in book 3. I mean you'll get quite a dose of sufficiency if you guess the identity of the culprit(psychotic monster).
Sometimes you can write dozens of pages of analysis on one Petrarchan sonnet. Sometimes a 292 paged book is quite immune to both praise and negative criticism. I can say...that I found the first half of Rusty Nail slightly uneventful. Or that despite that, the pacing of the prose saved it from being definitely boring. Or that I liked that the aftermath of the book is full of repercussions for everyone in the story. The main character, Jack Daniels, exudes whimsy. She seems alive. She seems real and familiar. I don't know how much of that is just in my mind, and how much is deliberate from the author. Maybe she is such a mishmash of traits that she has a life of her own. Let me end by saying that Rusty Nail is not for people who don't usually read thrillers. But the regulars will find several snippets of value, and that is reflected in my rating and review.
J.A Konrath, who does not need to prove that he's funny, still owes it to his readers. This is because the comedy in his books balances out the violence that animates his villains. Rusty Nail was pretty violent. But there was not enough chuckle inducing humor in the book. I still found some positives here. Jack Daniels, a woman whose names shortens to a male name, meets another person with the same situation(I got this link by myself, as it's not spelled out in the book). The characters peopling Rusty Nail aren't Kafkaesque material, but they keep the plot going. The mystery element is strong in book 3. I mean you'll get quite a dose of sufficiency if you guess the identity of the culprit(psychotic monster).
Sometimes you can write dozens of pages of analysis on one Petrarchan sonnet. Sometimes a 292 paged book is quite immune to both praise and negative criticism. I can say...that I found the first half of Rusty Nail slightly uneventful. Or that despite that, the pacing of the prose saved it from being definitely boring. Or that I liked that the aftermath of the book is full of repercussions for everyone in the story. The main character, Jack Daniels, exudes whimsy. She seems alive. She seems real and familiar. I don't know how much of that is just in my mind, and how much is deliberate from the author. Maybe she is such a mishmash of traits that she has a life of her own. Let me end by saying that Rusty Nail is not for people who don't usually read thrillers. But the regulars will find several snippets of value, and that is reflected in my rating and review.
April 10, 2019
Yikes, that was intense! I gave it 5 stars not because it is literary genius although it is certainly well written. No, I gave it 5 stars because it had such an impact. I simply could not put it down. Is this a police procedural or horror? I don't know but it was bloody riveting. A word of caution - do not read this if you are squeamish. The book includes some pretty gruesome content, some of the most horrible killings I have read about. It was very entertaining. What does that say about me? Nothing - except I love suspenseful books. In real life I can't even watch the shocking footage of sheep in distress on those horrible live export ships, let alone anything nasty happening to people. I can't even kill a mouse so I'm not a monster. But the person doing the dirty deeds in this book is a very special kind of monster.
Jack Daniels must be facing one of the toughest villains yet. This one sounds as if they were vomited up from the pits of hell. Yet there are still moments of humour to be found. I am really enjoying this series. Jack Daniels is one tough broad and needs to be on top of her game to outwit or outmanoeuvre this killer. Anyway, lots of people die and the cops go nuts trying to stop the madness although some of them end up being stopped themselves. That's pretty much it. Oh, and you get a cool cocktail recipe at the start of each book. I'm already onto book 4.
Jack Daniels must be facing one of the toughest villains yet. This one sounds as if they were vomited up from the pits of hell. Yet there are still moments of humour to be found. I am really enjoying this series. Jack Daniels is one tough broad and needs to be on top of her game to outwit or outmanoeuvre this killer. Anyway, lots of people die and the cops go nuts trying to stop the madness although some of them end up being stopped themselves. That's pretty much it. Oh, and you get a cool cocktail recipe at the start of each book. I'm already onto book 4.
May 6, 2017
Another engaging "Jack" Daniels thriller! I really enjoyed this one even though it was quite a bit more gruesome than the others. The author is very good at interspersing humor and tension, at times at the same time.
However, I wish he'd give up trying to interject romance in there. Not that I don't mind romance in my books, I quite like it as a matter of fact. However, if you're no good at creating chemistry between your romantic couple, you should probably stop.
And, as just an aside, Mr Friskers does not seem to be a particularly good judge of character.
However, I wish he'd give up trying to interject romance in there. Not that I don't mind romance in my books, I quite like it as a matter of fact. However, if you're no good at creating chemistry between your romantic couple, you should probably stop.
And, as just an aside, Mr Friskers does not seem to be a particularly good judge of character.
June 27, 2021
Another awesome installment to the Jack Daniels series!
A small backstory:
Jack has her hands full this time as she takes on a family of crazy killers that are out to get her and it is somehow tied to her old case of the Gingerbread Man. In this story though, Herb is not helping her as he has some issues of his own and is not able to be by her side for the hunt of these killers.
Jack's old partner Harry tries to help but he is more of a hindrance and when Harry's fiancée (Holly) steps in to offer her services as she claims to be a private investigator, something just feels off to Jack, but against her better judgment she lets Holly help her out a little bit on the case. Jack eventually regrets the decision of Holly helping as things become twisted putting everyone in jeopardy and harm's way!
Who are these killers? How are they tied to the Gingerbread Man case? How does Holly hinder the case? Does Jack catch the killers? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book kept me in high tense mode throughout the whole story as the character, Jack becomes involved in some stuff that is almost over her head and she has to use all her skills to get herself out of the situations she finds herself in.
I had quite a few chuckles as again Jack throws out funny quips once in awhile which gives some light-heartedness to her character. I really like the character Jack as she is a no-nonsense type with a sassy attitude and each book I love her just a little more.
The banter between the characters in these books are enjoyable along with crime scene busting action of these stories just makes these books all around great reads. I am planning on reading the whole series as I have just been truly enjoying the writing style of this author and wished I had stepped into these books a long time ago.
Once again there are twists and turns throughout each chapter that kept me rolling right along with actually reading the last 50% in about 24 hours as I just could not put it down with all the action that was taking place within these pages! Giving this book five "Crazy Killers" stars!
A small backstory:
Jack has her hands full this time as she takes on a family of crazy killers that are out to get her and it is somehow tied to her old case of the Gingerbread Man. In this story though, Herb is not helping her as he has some issues of his own and is not able to be by her side for the hunt of these killers.
Jack's old partner Harry tries to help but he is more of a hindrance and when Harry's fiancée (Holly) steps in to offer her services as she claims to be a private investigator, something just feels off to Jack, but against her better judgment she lets Holly help her out a little bit on the case. Jack eventually regrets the decision of Holly helping as things become twisted putting everyone in jeopardy and harm's way!
Who are these killers? How are they tied to the Gingerbread Man case? How does Holly hinder the case? Does Jack catch the killers? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book kept me in high tense mode throughout the whole story as the character, Jack becomes involved in some stuff that is almost over her head and she has to use all her skills to get herself out of the situations she finds herself in.
I had quite a few chuckles as again Jack throws out funny quips once in awhile which gives some light-heartedness to her character. I really like the character Jack as she is a no-nonsense type with a sassy attitude and each book I love her just a little more.
The banter between the characters in these books are enjoyable along with crime scene busting action of these stories just makes these books all around great reads. I am planning on reading the whole series as I have just been truly enjoying the writing style of this author and wished I had stepped into these books a long time ago.
Once again there are twists and turns throughout each chapter that kept me rolling right along with actually reading the last 50% in about 24 hours as I just could not put it down with all the action that was taking place within these pages! Giving this book five "Crazy Killers" stars!
January 3, 2018
This has to be my favorite Jack Daniels story so far, even though Mr. Konrath gave away a small detail early in the book which made me figure out the twist - you'll only pick it up if you pay very close attention, but I'm not going to spoil it for anybody.
Jack is on a case which has ties to The Gingerbread Man, the killer in the first book.
As usual, her personal life is still a mess, with her mother in a coma, the cat that hates her, the television show which portrays her as an idiot, a partner with medical problems, no current date or sex life, Harry McGlade who won't leave her alone and a new female character who seems to be better at everything than Jack, including the ability to mesmerize any and all men she meets.
This book is darker than the previous two, but I can't complain about it - I actually prefer it this way. And at times it is also funnier. McGlade is still one-of-a-kind and Mr. Friskers provides the kind of chuckles that lifts this story to another level.
Really good book, this one.
Jack is on a case which has ties to The Gingerbread Man, the killer in the first book.
As usual, her personal life is still a mess, with her mother in a coma, the cat that hates her, the television show which portrays her as an idiot, a partner with medical problems, no current date or sex life, Harry McGlade who won't leave her alone and a new female character who seems to be better at everything than Jack, including the ability to mesmerize any and all men she meets.
This book is darker than the previous two, but I can't complain about it - I actually prefer it this way. And at times it is also funnier. McGlade is still one-of-a-kind and Mr. Friskers provides the kind of chuckles that lifts this story to another level.
Really good book, this one.
November 22, 2016
This is the third book in the series about Jack Daniels. It was another fast paced, excellent read. Jack makes me laugh and there were lots of reoccurring characters this time, like Herb, Phin, Latham, her mother and of course Mr. Drinkers. I am even starting to love Harry Harry McGlade. The mystery in this one was suspenseful and brutal. I had an idea of what was going on, but it didn't detract from the story telling. This one is my favorite in the series so far.
January 14, 2021
A quick two-day read.
As always, creepy bad guys and a few black humor chuckles along the way. And the chapters in the killer's voice are balanced by the crazy chaos that Lt Jack Daniels always finds herself in!
As always, creepy bad guys and a few black humor chuckles along the way. And the chapters in the killer's voice are balanced by the crazy chaos that Lt Jack Daniels always finds herself in!
April 1, 2012
First thing’s first: Joe Konrath is a very engaging writer. He knows how to keep your attention. He knows how to keep things flowing quickly.
Unfortunately, I’m finding that he also knows how to piss me off.
It was almost a year ago that I read Bloody Mary , the previous book in the Jack Daniels series. I seem to recall liking it quite a bit.
I liked Rusty Nail as well, for similar reasons: Konrath kept me very interested in the plot, and he kept things movin’. But the book also annoyed me because it made me realize that Lt. Jack Daniels may not be as likeable as I’d first thought.
In both this book and the previous one in the series, there’s been at least one character that is completely, unrelentingly obnoxious. And the fact that Jack allows these characters to walk all over her and pull her strings makes her horribly unsympathetic—I just can’t get behind someone who suffers these idiots, especially when she does so at the expense of her personal life or career.
In Bloody Mary, the culprit was her mother, Mary. Mary was an obnoxious bitch that wedged her way into Jack’s life and tried to control everything Jack did. And Jack just allowed it. She just took it like she had no spine at all, and couldn’t possibly think of standing up to someone. (Which is weird, ‘cause she stands up to other people all the time.)
Still, as annoying as that was, I guess I could give it a pass because it’s Jack’s mother, and it could be argued that maybe she just loves her mother too much. Sure. Fine. Whatever.
But then we get to Rusty Nail, where the same thing happens: someone just hops into Jack’s driver’s seat and makes Jack do all sorts of stuff she normally wouldn’t. In this case, it was Holly. Holly may have been even more annoying than Mary, if that’s possible.
And, once again, Jack allowed it. I wanted to scream at my fucking Kindle every time Holly convinced Jack to do something that was so obviously idiotic.
Now, it’s possible that Mary and Holly are great, inspired characters. (They’re certainly not likeable characters, but perhaps they’re well-designed ones.) I really shouldn’t be taking a star away from the book’s rating just because I wasn’t fond of them, right?
As it turns out, yes: I should. When all’s said and done, the fact of the matter is, Holly’s character made the book less enjoyable for me. She annoyed me to the point where my reading experience was adversely affected because of it.
So. All that being said, I feel sort of bad giving this book a 3-star rating, because I have to give props to Konrath’s writing—he really does weave an interesting tale. But I just didn’t enjoy this one as much as Whiskey Sour or Bloody Mary, so I can’t justify giving it the same 4-star rating I gave those books (even though I was flyin’ through the pages toward the end).
Of course, Jack’s reaction to Holly was only part of why I didn’t like this book so much. The other thing I disliked was . . .
[SPOILER WARNING!]
Blech, I shouldn’t be complaining so much. I really do like Konrath’s stories and his writing style. (He’s got top-notch prose, even if he did occasionally have people say stupid things that no normal person would say, just to set up a joke.) There were just a few gripes I had about Rusty Nail that made it feel inferior to the previous Jack Daniels books.
Mind you, this won’t stop me from reading the next installment in the series—but I’ll be taking a bit of a break first. I just can’t handle any more of Jack letting people trample her. I think I need a good dose of Roger Zelazny’s signature protagonist (whether it be Sam, Corwin or anyone else) to take the bad taste out of my mouth. Or maybe I need to pop in a Firefly disc and let Malcolm Reynolds show everyone the real definition of being strong.
In any case, don’t let this review deter you from giving Rusty Nail (or any other Jack Daniels mystery) a shot: despite my complaints, the books are definitely enjoyable overall, and they sure are fast reads.
Unfortunately, I’m finding that he also knows how to piss me off.
It was almost a year ago that I read Bloody Mary , the previous book in the Jack Daniels series. I seem to recall liking it quite a bit.
I liked Rusty Nail as well, for similar reasons: Konrath kept me very interested in the plot, and he kept things movin’. But the book also annoyed me because it made me realize that Lt. Jack Daniels may not be as likeable as I’d first thought.
In both this book and the previous one in the series, there’s been at least one character that is completely, unrelentingly obnoxious. And the fact that Jack allows these characters to walk all over her and pull her strings makes her horribly unsympathetic—I just can’t get behind someone who suffers these idiots, especially when she does so at the expense of her personal life or career.
In Bloody Mary, the culprit was her mother, Mary. Mary was an obnoxious bitch that wedged her way into Jack’s life and tried to control everything Jack did. And Jack just allowed it. She just took it like she had no spine at all, and couldn’t possibly think of standing up to someone. (Which is weird, ‘cause she stands up to other people all the time.)
Still, as annoying as that was, I guess I could give it a pass because it’s Jack’s mother, and it could be argued that maybe she just loves her mother too much. Sure. Fine. Whatever.
But then we get to Rusty Nail, where the same thing happens: someone just hops into Jack’s driver’s seat and makes Jack do all sorts of stuff she normally wouldn’t. In this case, it was Holly. Holly may have been even more annoying than Mary, if that’s possible.
And, once again, Jack allowed it. I wanted to scream at my fucking Kindle every time Holly convinced Jack to do something that was so obviously idiotic.
Now, it’s possible that Mary and Holly are great, inspired characters. (They’re certainly not likeable characters, but perhaps they’re well-designed ones.) I really shouldn’t be taking a star away from the book’s rating just because I wasn’t fond of them, right?
As it turns out, yes: I should. When all’s said and done, the fact of the matter is, Holly’s character made the book less enjoyable for me. She annoyed me to the point where my reading experience was adversely affected because of it.
So. All that being said, I feel sort of bad giving this book a 3-star rating, because I have to give props to Konrath’s writing—he really does weave an interesting tale. But I just didn’t enjoy this one as much as Whiskey Sour or Bloody Mary, so I can’t justify giving it the same 4-star rating I gave those books (even though I was flyin’ through the pages toward the end).
Of course, Jack’s reaction to Holly was only part of why I didn’t like this book so much. The other thing I disliked was . . .
[SPOILER WARNING!]
Blech, I shouldn’t be complaining so much. I really do like Konrath’s stories and his writing style. (He’s got top-notch prose, even if he did occasionally have people say stupid things that no normal person would say, just to set up a joke.) There were just a few gripes I had about Rusty Nail that made it feel inferior to the previous Jack Daniels books.
Mind you, this won’t stop me from reading the next installment in the series—but I’ll be taking a bit of a break first. I just can’t handle any more of Jack letting people trample her. I think I need a good dose of Roger Zelazny’s signature protagonist (whether it be Sam, Corwin or anyone else) to take the bad taste out of my mouth. Or maybe I need to pop in a Firefly disc and let Malcolm Reynolds show everyone the real definition of being strong.
In any case, don’t let this review deter you from giving Rusty Nail (or any other Jack Daniels mystery) a shot: despite my complaints, the books are definitely enjoyable overall, and they sure are fast reads.
August 16, 2021
Story 5/5
Narration 3/5
Narration 3/5
January 5, 2017
chapter 40: This is the best one so far yet of the series. Very fast pace and a real page turner.
March 15, 2021
Rusty Nail is the third installment of Jack Daniel's story, and Jack is in a bad place. While her mom is still in a coma, her partner is facing a difficult diagnosis, her love interest is moving on to another woman, and her cat is being a complete asshole, she then manages to ruin her favorite Dior shoes. Oh yeah, and the serial killer from book one is back. With help.
Yup. Jack's in it up to here. Every book I read in this series makes Jack a bit more 3D, and makes me a bit more invested in the outcome of the characters. While I can't credit this as genre-breaking, I'm finding myself enjoying this series more and more.
I'd rate this an R for violence, gore, mention of rape, incest, some swearing, very adult themes including horror-level descriptions of murder scenes, and adult humor.
Yup. Jack's in it up to here. Every book I read in this series makes Jack a bit more 3D, and makes me a bit more invested in the outcome of the characters. While I can't credit this as genre-breaking, I'm finding myself enjoying this series more and more.
I'd rate this an R for violence, gore, mention of rape, incest, some swearing, very adult themes including horror-level descriptions of murder scenes, and adult humor.
March 23, 2013
Just curious… is anyone aware of a scientific study having been conducted to determine the number of calories burned by reading Rusty Nail, A Jack Daniels Mystery? I am convinced that the calories in the Oreo cookies I consumed during the final pages were immediately obliterated. I think I’m on to something here: The Jack Daniels Diet!
OMGosh! No one is left unscathed in this novel, not even the rat that ran off with… you’ll have to read the novel yourself to find the answer. There are so many twists and turns that my neck hurts. You’ll have to laugh even under the most of dire of circumstances.
Yes, it is as gruesome as the others, so do as I do and skip over those parts. Herb has problems with his pipes and heart, Jack makes a new friend, Harry gets engaged, Mr. Friskers is still psycho but sometimes it comes in handy and the perp is a real surprise!
Yes, I have been reading the Jack Daniels novels non-stop for the last several days… and am almost finished Dirty Martini… I may read one more after that… for now…
OMGosh! No one is left unscathed in this novel, not even the rat that ran off with… you’ll have to read the novel yourself to find the answer. There are so many twists and turns that my neck hurts. You’ll have to laugh even under the most of dire of circumstances.
Yes, it is as gruesome as the others, so do as I do and skip over those parts. Herb has problems with his pipes and heart, Jack makes a new friend, Harry gets engaged, Mr. Friskers is still psycho but sometimes it comes in handy and the perp is a real surprise!
Yes, I have been reading the Jack Daniels novels non-stop for the last several days… and am almost finished Dirty Martini… I may read one more after that… for now…
November 20, 2016
Rusty Nail
3.5 Stars
In her latest case, Detective Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels begins receiving snuff videos documenting the horrific deaths of several people involved in The Gingerbread Man investigation. As she and her partner follow the clues, Jack soon realizes that they are in pursuit, not of the average psychotic copycat, but a clever and determined killer out for revenge.
***Warning***: The books contains numerous graphic and brutal descriptions of violence and death. As someone who is not at all squeamish, the details are excessive and over the top even for me.
Jack is an exceedingly likable heroine, and her inner musing are very amusing. The gallows humor in her sarcastic banter with Herb and the other characters does not completely balance out the gruesome details, but it does provide some much needed comic relief.
That said, there are moments in this book where Jack behaves in some very unprofessional and even TSTL ways. It is very difficult to accept that a seasoned detective would break protocol and allow a civilian to tag along on an investigation. The explanation that Jack is lonely and in need of friendship just doesn't cut it.
The mystery is where the story truly suffers. To begin with, the identity of the villain is obvious from the moment they are introduced. Considering the , there is no possible way it could be anyone else.
Dick Hill and Susie Breck's dual narration is an added bonus as they manage to convey the personalities of the various characters so well.
Overall, an exciting and well-paced thriller despite the minor annoyances and I'm looking forward to listening to Dirty Martini in the near future.
3.5 Stars
In her latest case, Detective Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels begins receiving snuff videos documenting the horrific deaths of several people involved in The Gingerbread Man investigation. As she and her partner follow the clues, Jack soon realizes that they are in pursuit, not of the average psychotic copycat, but a clever and determined killer out for revenge.
***Warning***: The books contains numerous graphic and brutal descriptions of violence and death. As someone who is not at all squeamish, the details are excessive and over the top even for me.
Jack is an exceedingly likable heroine, and her inner musing are very amusing. The gallows humor in her sarcastic banter with Herb and the other characters does not completely balance out the gruesome details, but it does provide some much needed comic relief.
That said, there are moments in this book where Jack behaves in some very unprofessional and even TSTL ways. It is very difficult to accept that a seasoned detective would break protocol and allow a civilian to tag along on an investigation. The explanation that Jack is lonely and in need of friendship just doesn't cut it.
The mystery is where the story truly suffers. To begin with, the identity of the villain is obvious from the moment they are introduced. Considering the , there is no possible way it could be anyone else.
Dick Hill and Susie Breck's dual narration is an added bonus as they manage to convey the personalities of the various characters so well.
Overall, an exciting and well-paced thriller despite the minor annoyances and I'm looking forward to listening to Dirty Martini in the near future.
May 30, 2020
Fuck this is an intense read!
LIke seriously, I was flipping the pages like a madman. I had to know what the heck was going on. Who was the killer? Who was next?
This one blew me away too. I kinda had a suspicion that Holly was bad news but I had no idea just how bad.
I'm so wanting more right now. I am kinda pissed it's over.
Yeah, this is one of my favorites in this series so far. No, it is my favorite. So vivid and gripping for thriller/horror fans!
Read this series! What the heck are you waiting for?!
LIke seriously, I was flipping the pages like a madman. I had to know what the heck was going on. Who was the killer? Who was next?
This one blew me away too. I kinda had a suspicion that Holly was bad news but I had no idea just how bad.
I'm so wanting more right now. I am kinda pissed it's over.
Yeah, this is one of my favorites in this series so far. No, it is my favorite. So vivid and gripping for thriller/horror fans!
Read this series! What the heck are you waiting for?!
July 11, 2017
I loved the action. The suspense of figuring out who the killer was kept my interest. Overall a good book but Jack seemed off a little less confident in herself. I liked the first two books a little better than this one.
October 31, 2019
Endlich mal wieder ein Buch, welches mich restlos überzeugen konnte.
Die Charaktere wie immer sehr ausgefeilt und raffiniert gestaltet, ohne dass dabei seitenlange Beschreibungen von Nöten gewesen wären.
Der Täter bleibt lange offen, Verdächtige gibt es zwar, aber das große Ganze zeigt sich erst zum Ende.
Die Auflösung kam dann auch für mich sehr überraschend, diesen Täter hatte ich zwar irgendwie auf dem Schirm, aber nicht so :)
Lasst euch überraschen - es ist echt spannend und zu keiner Zeit langweilig.
Die Charaktere wie immer sehr ausgefeilt und raffiniert gestaltet, ohne dass dabei seitenlange Beschreibungen von Nöten gewesen wären.
Der Täter bleibt lange offen, Verdächtige gibt es zwar, aber das große Ganze zeigt sich erst zum Ende.
Die Auflösung kam dann auch für mich sehr überraschend, diesen Täter hatte ich zwar irgendwie auf dem Schirm, aber nicht so :)
Lasst euch überraschen - es ist echt spannend und zu keiner Zeit langweilig.
May 11, 2015
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
Actually, it's one big spoiler.
I rated the first book in the series 5 stars even though there were things that didn't seem realistic/logical. But in this one they hit the whole new level, so even though I'm a fan of Mr. Konrath's style and I instantly fell in love with the characters in the first book, I just can't give this one 5 stars. The mystery was too obvious, the characters were a caricature, and I began to dislike Jack.
The worst thing, most of the time I was just irritated with the characters. Holly was ridiculous, from the moment she began to brag about her shooting skills, I knew she was the one who shot Jack in the burning house. With the killer named Alex without mentioning whether it was a he or a she, I instantly knew it was a she, otherwise why bother? It didn't take me long to connect her with Bud's daughter. Jack saw her sneering, ugly glances and still continued dragging her everywhere with her wh why WHY, because a 30-something woman suddenly gushed about how lonely she was? Omg, the only thing more suspicious was how she practically attacked Jack to force her to chase her to the redhead's basement. It didn't look like curiosity, and neither did her eagerness to see a man stick needles up his b... Jack was a total idiot not to see that Holly was sick to the core. Besides, the mere fact that a gorgeous woman like that fell for Harry, mentioned 100500 times, I didn't even need to think to know that there would be a different role for her in the book. How quickly she took off to call someone when Jack realized who was the tattooed guy, it was obvious she was calling someone so they'd change the plan.
Another big irritation was how repetitive the plot was. Maybe, if there were some hints on Charles having a partner, it would look only logical and would all come together. But it was out of blue and totally disconnected, like another episode of a soap-opera when a character suddenly gets an evil twin brother and oh here we go again.
Maybe if the first half of the book wasn't a re-run of the Gingerbread Man's mystery, it wouldn't have put me into this very critical mood where all I did for the second part was trying to guess everything that would happen. Maybe if I was just enjoying the book without thinking... but no, the second part was just too comical.
The few things that just killed me: Jack accepting the old maniac's invitation to check the cellar without any Police support. Nice way to get your head blown off by a hidden grenade or something. Jack digging with her bare hands when she had a shovel. Why, just why?? Jack using the shovel with one hand burned and never mentioning it. Jack contaminating the crime scene without witnesses. Jack contaminating the whole city of crime scenes. Bud, who could barely walk and had a late stage of Parkinson, shooting cops and climbing out the window and crossing the parking lot in less than 10 secs. (With those needles up his a..., yep). Bud shooting a cat sitting on his beloved's head (IDK, maybe he really was that stupid, but it was really annoying). Oh, the biggest one! They needed FBI agents to tell them that Charles had a partner and realize that someone zoomed in on that video! I believe Jack mentioned that someone else had watched the videos. I don't think she mentioned that someone had an IQ of 10 not to see the zooming before.
The only nice twist was with Lorna (and again, more stupid cops to be so nonchalant about taking a dangerous killer out for a ride). By the end of the book I had so many emotions about it, mostly negative, that enjoying the final scene was out of question. Besides, I started to dislike Jack, because her lousy job got too many innocent people killed and while I didn't mind reading about her miserable life, I don't like characters that are lousy at everything. Maybe if she seemed like an actual cop and thought before doing something and still trained not to be useless most of the time - maybe then I'd respect her enough to keep reading about her.
I still give the book 4 stars because I still love the author's writing style. I did enjoy the dark humor and the characters development. There was plenty of wisdom and irony. I do think it's an ok book in this genre. It's just, too much attention was paid to the clothes brands and gore than actual plot and creating a believable cop character. I really hope the next book turned out better than this one, but I don't think I want to start reading it.
Actually, it's one big spoiler.
I rated the first book in the series 5 stars even though there were things that didn't seem realistic/logical. But in this one they hit the whole new level, so even though I'm a fan of Mr. Konrath's style and I instantly fell in love with the characters in the first book, I just can't give this one 5 stars. The mystery was too obvious, the characters were a caricature, and I began to dislike Jack.
The worst thing, most of the time I was just irritated with the characters. Holly was ridiculous, from the moment she began to brag about her shooting skills, I knew she was the one who shot Jack in the burning house. With the killer named Alex without mentioning whether it was a he or a she, I instantly knew it was a she, otherwise why bother? It didn't take me long to connect her with Bud's daughter. Jack saw her sneering, ugly glances and still continued dragging her everywhere with her wh why WHY, because a 30-something woman suddenly gushed about how lonely she was? Omg, the only thing more suspicious was how she practically attacked Jack to force her to chase her to the redhead's basement. It didn't look like curiosity, and neither did her eagerness to see a man stick needles up his b... Jack was a total idiot not to see that Holly was sick to the core. Besides, the mere fact that a gorgeous woman like that fell for Harry, mentioned 100500 times, I didn't even need to think to know that there would be a different role for her in the book. How quickly she took off to call someone when Jack realized who was the tattooed guy, it was obvious she was calling someone so they'd change the plan.
Another big irritation was how repetitive the plot was. Maybe, if there were some hints on Charles having a partner, it would look only logical and would all come together. But it was out of blue and totally disconnected, like another episode of a soap-opera when a character suddenly gets an evil twin brother and oh here we go again.
Maybe if the first half of the book wasn't a re-run of the Gingerbread Man's mystery, it wouldn't have put me into this very critical mood where all I did for the second part was trying to guess everything that would happen. Maybe if I was just enjoying the book without thinking... but no, the second part was just too comical.
The few things that just killed me: Jack accepting the old maniac's invitation to check the cellar without any Police support. Nice way to get your head blown off by a hidden grenade or something. Jack digging with her bare hands when she had a shovel. Why, just why?? Jack using the shovel with one hand burned and never mentioning it. Jack contaminating the crime scene without witnesses. Jack contaminating the whole city of crime scenes. Bud, who could barely walk and had a late stage of Parkinson, shooting cops and climbing out the window and crossing the parking lot in less than 10 secs. (With those needles up his a..., yep). Bud shooting a cat sitting on his beloved's head (IDK, maybe he really was that stupid, but it was really annoying). Oh, the biggest one! They needed FBI agents to tell them that Charles had a partner and realize that someone zoomed in on that video! I believe Jack mentioned that someone else had watched the videos. I don't think she mentioned that someone had an IQ of 10 not to see the zooming before.
The only nice twist was with Lorna (and again, more stupid cops to be so nonchalant about taking a dangerous killer out for a ride). By the end of the book I had so many emotions about it, mostly negative, that enjoying the final scene was out of question. Besides, I started to dislike Jack, because her lousy job got too many innocent people killed and while I didn't mind reading about her miserable life, I don't like characters that are lousy at everything. Maybe if she seemed like an actual cop and thought before doing something and still trained not to be useless most of the time - maybe then I'd respect her enough to keep reading about her.
I still give the book 4 stars because I still love the author's writing style. I did enjoy the dark humor and the characters development. There was plenty of wisdom and irony. I do think it's an ok book in this genre. It's just, too much attention was paid to the clothes brands and gore than actual plot and creating a believable cop character. I really hope the next book turned out better than this one, but I don't think I want to start reading it.
June 5, 2013
Detective Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels has a problem. It isn’t just that her boss wants her fired. It isn’t just that her overweight partner Herb might be facing colonic cancer. It isn’t that the actress her ex-boyfriend cast to play her in the television he produces is about a baker’s dozen too many dress sizes large for the role. It isn’t that her mother is in a coma and her mother’s cat, Mr. Friskers, is determined to hamstring Jack in both of her ankles. It isn’t any of things problems. It seems her old opponent, the serial killer known as “The Gingerbread Man” may have raised himself up from the dead and is trying to kill her and all of her friends and acquaintances.
Rusty Nail is the third novel in a series that started with Whiskey Sour, moved on to Bloody Mary, and now we find ourselves mixing Drambui with perfectly good Scotch. It’s enough to drive a reviewer to drink. I discovered this series last year, and buzzsawed through them, alternately chortling and retching. JA Konrath writes funny and nasty, simultaneously. I think the man might be possessed by the split personality of a manic-depressive set of Siamese twins with serious sibling rivalry. I don’t know how anything can be this dark and this damn funny at the same darned time.
All right, all right, I know some of you are trying to figure out why I’m reviewing a detective thriller in the pages of Cemetery Dance. The fact is this series could just as easily fit right into the horror section of any respectable bookstore.
Like I said, JA Konrath writes nasty.
Let’s dissect a couple of Rusty Nail examples, shall we? For starters, how about that gent who is force fed his own intestines? Or how about that other fellow who Konrath gags with a mouthful of fish hooks? Not to mention a clan of bible-belt flagellating seriously anti-social serial-killing sociopaths who could give lessons in pure carnal mayhem to Leatherface’s fabled Texas family.
Just plain nasty.
Rusty Nail is a fast tense read. Konrath’s prose is so damned translucent you could read him drunk. Think Hiassen or Dave Barry, with a little Hannibal Lector thrown in. Rusty Nail alternately horrifies and hilarifies you. That’s an awfully hard line to walk, drunk or sober, yet Konrath walks it with the ease of the Flying Wallendas walking a two by four tight rope. The only real beef I had with the book was his treatment of the FBI agents. I felt he went a little bit overboard with his salsa band suspects and polo playing felons. Bluntly put, the FBI agents are just a little too stupid to be believable. Perhaps Konrath realized this, because he did eventually rein in his all-too wicked sense of humour and allow the agents in question to actually contribute to the solving of the case.
Rusty Nail winds up with one of the wildest shoot-em-ups imaginable. I highly recommend this entire series.
yours in storytelling,
Steve Vernon
March 12, 2008
Rusty Nail
J. A. Konrath
Hyperion, 2006, 292 pps.
ISBN 1-4013-0088-X
Rusty Nail as described by the author is 1 oz Scotch and 1 oz Drambuie that should go down pretty smooth. Most people think of a rusty nail as something to be avoided since stepping on one can cause a lot of pain as well as infection. Rusty nails are used in this book but not in a manner that any sane person could imagine.
Lt. Jack Daniels is back and her life is already like 40 miles of bad road. Her mother is in a coma and has been since a vicious killer got into Jack’s apartment in a previous book and attacked Jack’s mother. Her lover Latham is no longer her lover and the fault lies with Jack. When she refused to move in with him he went his own way and has now perhaps found a new love. Jack’s partner Herb is getting ready for a medical procedure and is not in top form. Even Jack’s cat still hates her.
Jack is in her office cleaning up some paperwork when a package is delivered to her. It turns out to be videotape but not one that you would want to see. The tape was made while a woman was being tortured and killed. This reminds Jack and Herb of the murders committed by Charles Kork a/k/a The Gingerbread Man. This was not to be the last video delivered to Jack and the victims all have some connection to Jack and to Charles Kork.
Jack is having to work the case pretty much on her own and you won’t want to put the book down until after you’ve read the dramatic climax.
I highly recommend Rusty Nail. If you haven’t read Bloody Mary and Whiskey Sour try all three – the books – not the drinks-at least don’t mix them.
May 4, 2021
I liked the character well enough & the writing but for me the light-hearted approach clashed horribly with the slasher serial killer motif and the trail of millions of corpses. OK the body count is not quite into 7 digits but it is ridiculously high and the cops are just not all that bothered. I won't be reading any more (unless I forget of course with my spectacularly poor, aged memory!) because I don't much like gruesome serial killer stuff. I prefer my detective novel baddies to produce single digit corpses per book. Dexter's body count is too high but that has an interesting twist at least.
The heroine spends a lot of time describing her outfits and shoes - and for someone who appears to have outgoings far exceeding my assumption of what a cop earns, she has a *lot* of these outfits and fancy shoes. Perhaps that would be more interesting to people who don't just put on a clean t-shirt + jeans each day but it quickly got tedious for dowdy little me. And to prove my latent sexism I think I found it more annoying once I noticed the copyright is for Joe Kranath and thus that the author is male. What does he know about chick's clothes / shoes let alone care?!
The heroine spends a lot of time describing her outfits and shoes - and for someone who appears to have outgoings far exceeding my assumption of what a cop earns, she has a *lot* of these outfits and fancy shoes. Perhaps that would be more interesting to people who don't just put on a clean t-shirt + jeans each day but it quickly got tedious for dowdy little me. And to prove my latent sexism I think I found it more annoying once I noticed the copyright is for Joe Kranath and thus that the author is male. What does he know about chick's clothes / shoes let alone care?!
April 12, 2013
Horror that stuns, humor that delights, action that surprises
A brilliantly contrived horror-thriller. Craft is outstanding. This January 2013 kindle edition of RUSTY NAILS is a perfect read on a cold and rainy, the usual Chicago spring day.
Blood and gore is over the top. Humor is great. Characters are unique--totally grinned at Lorna and Bud. Action is furious and I loved the ending.
But it's a Jack Daniels, so what's not to like? For all its over-the-top action thriller-chiller gore, Jack Daniels is a character who wins my heart. Especially liked the scene with her and Herb talking about fear, descriptions of her outfits, the scenes with her comatose mother, and of course her get-the-job-done attitude. Best of all, she never ever gives up.
A brilliantly contrived horror-thriller. Craft is outstanding. This January 2013 kindle edition of RUSTY NAILS is a perfect read on a cold and rainy, the usual Chicago spring day.
Blood and gore is over the top. Humor is great. Characters are unique--totally grinned at Lorna and Bud. Action is furious and I loved the ending.
But it's a Jack Daniels, so what's not to like? For all its over-the-top action thriller-chiller gore, Jack Daniels is a character who wins my heart. Especially liked the scene with her and Herb talking about fear, descriptions of her outfits, the scenes with her comatose mother, and of course her get-the-job-done attitude. Best of all, she never ever gives up.
October 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“Rusty Nail” — When Laughing and Gagging Happen Simultaneously
J.A. Konrath’s Rusty Nail (Book 3 in the Jack Daniels series) once again proves that no one walks the fine line between crime comedy and nightmare fuel quite like he does. If Whiskey Sour and Bloody Mary were cocktails with a kick, Rusty Nail is that same cocktail, but the bartender’s on a bender.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: yes, this book is graphic. There’s enough violence to make Tarantino flinch and enough twisted creativity to make Hannibal Lecter consider therapy.
So, no, this isn’t for lovers of cozy mysteries featuring cats and scones — although, hilariously, it does feature a cat: the magnificently spiteful Mr. Friskers. He hates Jack. Her mother loves him. He’s basically the Garfield of homicide fiction.
Jack Daniels remains one of my favorite female leads in the genre. She’s tough, funny, and refreshingly not a walking trauma cliché. She doesn’t spend 300 pages reflecting on “what it means to be a woman in a man’s world.” She just rolls up her sleeves and solves the damn case, all while dodging bullets, bad dates, and the occasional homicidal lunatic. She’s also one of the rare female protagonists who never plays the “victim card”... which means, naturally, some readers will say Konrath “doesn’t write women well.” Translation: she’s too competent for their liking.
And let’s talk about the plot: Jack’s up against a family of serial killers somehow connected to her old nemesis, the Gingerbread Man. The case spirals into mayhem, and she ends up battling psychos so depraved they make "Leatherface" look like your friendly neighborhood butcher. It’s violent, yes, but also wickedly clever, fast-paced, and (somehow) hysterically funny.
Konrath has the gift of making you laugh while cringing. One moment you’re recoiling from a crime scene description, the next you’re snorting because Jack’s cat just attacked her again.
A few highlights:
Mr. Friskers continues to prove cats are tiny furry sociopaths.
Jack’s romantic life is deader than half the cast, and she’s fine with it.
Harry McGlade remains the human equivalent of a migraine and comic relief combined.
The final shootout had me holding my breath and laughing, which I’m pretty sure counts as cardio.
Sure, the violence might make a few readers clutch their pearls, but that’s not a flaw, it’s a genre choice. You don’t buy a ticket to "Saw IV" and then complain there’s blood. Konrath writes with a wicked grin and the pacing of someone who’s just downed five espressos.
Honestly, this is my type of lazy-afternoon, pulp-crime binge read. I inhaled it in one sitting. It’s darker than the first two books, funnier in parts, and proof that Konrath can juggle gore and humor without dropping either.
If you want a crime series that’s equal parts grit, giggle, and grotesque, Jack Daniels is your gal.
If you want something gentle and heartwarming… there’s always "The Great British Bake Off."
Five “Crazy Killers” stars — and one vicious cat claw swipe for good measure. 🐈⬛🔪
J.A. Konrath’s Rusty Nail (Book 3 in the Jack Daniels series) once again proves that no one walks the fine line between crime comedy and nightmare fuel quite like he does. If Whiskey Sour and Bloody Mary were cocktails with a kick, Rusty Nail is that same cocktail, but the bartender’s on a bender.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: yes, this book is graphic. There’s enough violence to make Tarantino flinch and enough twisted creativity to make Hannibal Lecter consider therapy.
So, no, this isn’t for lovers of cozy mysteries featuring cats and scones — although, hilariously, it does feature a cat: the magnificently spiteful Mr. Friskers. He hates Jack. Her mother loves him. He’s basically the Garfield of homicide fiction.
Jack Daniels remains one of my favorite female leads in the genre. She’s tough, funny, and refreshingly not a walking trauma cliché. She doesn’t spend 300 pages reflecting on “what it means to be a woman in a man’s world.” She just rolls up her sleeves and solves the damn case, all while dodging bullets, bad dates, and the occasional homicidal lunatic. She’s also one of the rare female protagonists who never plays the “victim card”... which means, naturally, some readers will say Konrath “doesn’t write women well.” Translation: she’s too competent for their liking.
And let’s talk about the plot: Jack’s up against a family of serial killers somehow connected to her old nemesis, the Gingerbread Man. The case spirals into mayhem, and she ends up battling psychos so depraved they make "Leatherface" look like your friendly neighborhood butcher. It’s violent, yes, but also wickedly clever, fast-paced, and (somehow) hysterically funny.
Konrath has the gift of making you laugh while cringing. One moment you’re recoiling from a crime scene description, the next you’re snorting because Jack’s cat just attacked her again.
A few highlights:
Mr. Friskers continues to prove cats are tiny furry sociopaths.
Jack’s romantic life is deader than half the cast, and she’s fine with it.
Harry McGlade remains the human equivalent of a migraine and comic relief combined.
The final shootout had me holding my breath and laughing, which I’m pretty sure counts as cardio.
Sure, the violence might make a few readers clutch their pearls, but that’s not a flaw, it’s a genre choice. You don’t buy a ticket to "Saw IV" and then complain there’s blood. Konrath writes with a wicked grin and the pacing of someone who’s just downed five espressos.
Honestly, this is my type of lazy-afternoon, pulp-crime binge read. I inhaled it in one sitting. It’s darker than the first two books, funnier in parts, and proof that Konrath can juggle gore and humor without dropping either.
If you want a crime series that’s equal parts grit, giggle, and grotesque, Jack Daniels is your gal.
If you want something gentle and heartwarming… there’s always "The Great British Bake Off."
Five “Crazy Killers” stars — and one vicious cat claw swipe for good measure. 🐈⬛🔪
June 20, 2009
Truly awesome stuff; don't let the cheerful-looking cover fool you into thinking that this'll be yet another novel featuring a fashionable, sassy P.I. that is more about her personal love life than an actual mystery. "Rusty Nail" will satisfy even the most jaded fan of the crime genre, and it definitely satisfied this first time reader of J. A. Konrath's books.
One look at the cover and I thought I was going to be reading something along the lines of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, but I was happily wrong. "Jack" Daniels is a tough, no-nonsense cop who has years of experience under her belt. Not young, beautiful and fighting crime in high heels, that's for sure. There's very little romance at all in the whole thing, which was refreshing. The killer is a complete and utter psychopath, and the way the murders were carried out is not something I will forget in a hurry. I still have goosebumps going up my spine from reading the gruesome details, written in such a manner that you simply can't pull your eyes away, even though you know you won't be getting any sleep afterwards.
Very glad I picked this one up, and I'll definitely be chasing up all the other Jack Daniels books that I've missed. Highly recommended, though don't read it before bed time!
One look at the cover and I thought I was going to be reading something along the lines of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, but I was happily wrong. "Jack" Daniels is a tough, no-nonsense cop who has years of experience under her belt. Not young, beautiful and fighting crime in high heels, that's for sure. There's very little romance at all in the whole thing, which was refreshing. The killer is a complete and utter psychopath, and the way the murders were carried out is not something I will forget in a hurry. I still have goosebumps going up my spine from reading the gruesome details, written in such a manner that you simply can't pull your eyes away, even though you know you won't be getting any sleep afterwards.
Very glad I picked this one up, and I'll definitely be chasing up all the other Jack Daniels books that I've missed. Highly recommended, though don't read it before bed time!
April 28, 2013
BEST FEMALE VILLAIN EVER!!!
Loved this third installment of the Daniels' books. Konrath once again brings back all our favorite supporting characters. Looking forward to see if Alex somehow escapes and takes on Jack again in a later installment. My only complaint is that Jack should drop the wimpy Latham and pick up with Phineas. Starting the 4th installment immediately.
Loved this third installment of the Daniels' books. Konrath once again brings back all our favorite supporting characters. Looking forward to see if Alex somehow escapes and takes on Jack again in a later installment. My only complaint is that Jack should drop the wimpy Latham and pick up with Phineas. Starting the 4th installment immediately.
July 21, 2018
I'm enjoying this series more and more as time goes on. Book three builds on the events that took place in the first book. New information on an old case. It was a clever twist on the antagonist that helped launch the series.
January 30, 2021
I enjoyed the book and have three thoughts. Mr. Friskers to the rescue!
Latham is back! Thank God.
And wow that was one F-ed up family. I feel like the author watched The hills have eyes one too many times.
On to the next!
Latham is back! Thank God.
And wow that was one F-ed up family. I feel like the author watched The hills have eyes one too many times.
On to the next!
September 5, 2010
Makes me want to try a Rusty Nail...and proves that your past can come back and bite you on the a#@.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 647 reviews