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Ken Allen Super Sleuth #1
Jove Brand Is Near Death
The name is Allen. Ken Allen.
These days Ken Allen is a nobody.
But once upon a time, his name was Brand. Jove Brand.
Eighteen years ago, Ken Allen played the famous fictional superspy in Near Death, a movie so bad it was never meant to be seen. Since then, Ken has faded into cult obscurity, but when his celebrated successor is killed in the same ghastly fashion as the villain in Near Death, Ken is cast as the prime suspect.
The only way for Ken to clear his name is to go full method and once again play the part of Jove Brand, except this time it's for real. As murder surrounds him, the secrets behind Near Death Ken fought to keep buried for eighteen years begin to surface.
These days Ken Allen is a nobody.
But once upon a time, his name was Brand. Jove Brand.
Eighteen years ago, Ken Allen played the famous fictional superspy in Near Death, a movie so bad it was never meant to be seen. Since then, Ken has faded into cult obscurity, but when his celebrated successor is killed in the same ghastly fashion as the villain in Near Death, Ken is cast as the prime suspect.
The only way for Ken to clear his name is to go full method and once again play the part of Jove Brand, except this time it's for real. As murder surrounds him, the secrets behind Near Death Ken fought to keep buried for eighteen years begin to surface.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published July 13, 2021
8 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 2, 2021
Quite possibility the best book of this or any year, who would have thought someone so overpoweringly handsome could have also written the great American novel?
Also, I wrote this book. Read it.
Please.
Also, I wrote this book. Read it.
Please.
September 2, 2022
Fun book. Satire of James Bond franchise. Very enjoyable
March 20, 2022
I went to see an author friend speak today, and it turns out the nice guy I was chatting with in the audience was a debut novelist. And this is his novel. Talking to him, I was intrigued, not just by the premise of this book, but where he envisioned the series going. High concept, and very cool!
But, if I've said it once, I've said it a million times: Execution is everything. Happily, in this case, the execution is excellent!
Our protagonist, Ken Allen, is a personal trainer and martial arts expert in LA. His 15 minutes came years ago when he played fictional spy Jove Brand in a single film in the blockbuster franchise. He had the looks, he had the moves, he couldn't act his way out of a paper bag. There was the requisite humiliation, and then he moved on. He's a good guy. Unfortunately, a new Jove Brand has just been announced, and it appears to be the catalyst for a series of grisly murders implicating Ken. An amateur sleuth is born.
Is it obvious yet that this is a satire of the James Bond franchise? Because it very much is. Do you need to be a Bond fan to appreciate it? No. I'm not, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Ken is a great protagonist. So many amateur sleuths are perky women who do needlecrafts or work in bookstores. As noted above, Ken's a good guy, but he's got a real masculinity about him. He's also got action hero fighting skills. And J.A. Crawford writes a more than passable action sequence. In general, the book moves at a good clip, keeping readers turning pages. The other thing that stood out was the quality of the dialogue. Don't get me wrong, this is commercial fiction, but I've read a lot of wooden dialogue over the years, and this was a cut above.
We're introduced to several supporting cast in this book, but I'm not sure who we'll see again. There are a couple of characters that I'd definitely love to see back. Notable among them are his former co-star. There's such nice rapport between them. Definitely the makings of a bromance! And another character who supplies hardware would be too much fun not to bring back. Kudos to Mr. Crawford for not wedging an unnecessary romance into the plot!
I know about an elevator pitch-worth more than the general public of what will come next, but those tiny hints are enough to make me excited about the next two books in this series, and to leave me wondering what will come after them! This was a debut novel that slipped under my radar, but it's an entertaining mystery well worth checking out.
But, if I've said it once, I've said it a million times: Execution is everything. Happily, in this case, the execution is excellent!
Our protagonist, Ken Allen, is a personal trainer and martial arts expert in LA. His 15 minutes came years ago when he played fictional spy Jove Brand in a single film in the blockbuster franchise. He had the looks, he had the moves, he couldn't act his way out of a paper bag. There was the requisite humiliation, and then he moved on. He's a good guy. Unfortunately, a new Jove Brand has just been announced, and it appears to be the catalyst for a series of grisly murders implicating Ken. An amateur sleuth is born.
Is it obvious yet that this is a satire of the James Bond franchise? Because it very much is. Do you need to be a Bond fan to appreciate it? No. I'm not, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Ken is a great protagonist. So many amateur sleuths are perky women who do needlecrafts or work in bookstores. As noted above, Ken's a good guy, but he's got a real masculinity about him. He's also got action hero fighting skills. And J.A. Crawford writes a more than passable action sequence. In general, the book moves at a good clip, keeping readers turning pages. The other thing that stood out was the quality of the dialogue. Don't get me wrong, this is commercial fiction, but I've read a lot of wooden dialogue over the years, and this was a cut above.
We're introduced to several supporting cast in this book, but I'm not sure who we'll see again. There are a couple of characters that I'd definitely love to see back. Notable among them are his former co-star. There's such nice rapport between them. Definitely the makings of a bromance! And another character who supplies hardware would be too much fun not to bring back. Kudos to Mr. Crawford for not wedging an unnecessary romance into the plot!
I know about an elevator pitch-worth more than the general public of what will come next, but those tiny hints are enough to make me excited about the next two books in this series, and to leave me wondering what will come after them! This was a debut novel that slipped under my radar, but it's an entertaining mystery well worth checking out.
July 13, 2021
I loved this crazy book. Ken Allen is an MMA fighting machine turned personal trainer to the stars. He’s also a fan cult favorite, working the comic-con scene for $20 photo ops after his one disastrous turn playing super spy Jove Brand in the billion dollar, James Bond-esque movie franchise. After a cheesy public appearance turns deadly, Ken finds life imitating art as he embarks on an investigation in an attempt to clear his name.
This book has everything. There’s action and intrigue and gadgets. Secret tech lairs and a masked assassin. Fight clubs and casinos on an abandoned oil rig in international waters. Yachts and hot ladies and motorcycles. Armored tuxedos and chases and fights and more fights.
About those fights: The fight scenes were frequent and really detailed, so they could occasionally feel a bit long, but I love boxing and Muay Thai and watch an occasional UFC video, so it was fun for my wanna-be fighter trapped in a middle-aged lady body self to try to picture how everything worked. So, even if you’re not a fight fan, there’s plenty of mystery and other exciting business happening to keep the plot clipping along. AND it’s funny.
This book was so entertaining, and I am already dying to read the sequel. (THERE HAD BETTER BE A SEQUEL.)
* Huge thanks to the author @josephoforb and the publisher @camcat_books for the early opportunity to read Jove Brand and to participate in the @letstalkbookspromo book tour. Available today!! *
This book has everything. There’s action and intrigue and gadgets. Secret tech lairs and a masked assassin. Fight clubs and casinos on an abandoned oil rig in international waters. Yachts and hot ladies and motorcycles. Armored tuxedos and chases and fights and more fights.
About those fights: The fight scenes were frequent and really detailed, so they could occasionally feel a bit long, but I love boxing and Muay Thai and watch an occasional UFC video, so it was fun for my wanna-be fighter trapped in a middle-aged lady body self to try to picture how everything worked. So, even if you’re not a fight fan, there’s plenty of mystery and other exciting business happening to keep the plot clipping along. AND it’s funny.
This book was so entertaining, and I am already dying to read the sequel. (THERE HAD BETTER BE A SEQUEL.)
* Huge thanks to the author @josephoforb and the publisher @camcat_books for the early opportunity to read Jove Brand and to participate in the @letstalkbookspromo book tour. Available today!! *
July 13, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of JOVE BRAND IS NEAR DEATH by J.A. Crawford as part of a scheduled @LetsTalkBooksPromo tour! Thank you to @CamCat_Books and the author @josephoforb!
JOVE BRAND IS NEAR DEATH follows Ken Allen, the man who once had the opportunity to portray one of the world’s best known spy movie characters, Jove Brand. His particular installment in the franchise, Near Death, was low budget and never even made it to an English release, but its cult classic status has given Ken some opportunities and a bit of fame.
When he is asked to participate in a sketch to help promote the passing of the torch to the newest Jove Brand actor, Ken’s successor is brutally killed. With the death appearing to be ripped from the script of Near Death, Ken is the prime suspect. When it turns out that is not the only murder to happen around him, Ken must put his Jove Brand persona to use to track down the killer.
This was a change of pace from a lot of my usual reads, but this one was so much fun! I loved the way the author played with the James Bond and spy movie tropes throughout the book. Ken reaches out to the man who produced all the fun gadgets and gizmos for the movies and gets to put some real life spy weapons to use.
This book is full of action sequences and there are some brutal scenes and injuries along the way, but it is also full of fun tongue-in-cheek humor throughout. The author managed to surprise me with some of the twists and turns as well as secrets from Ken’s and the movie franchise’s past come into play.
I would absolutely pick up more books from J.R. Crawford in the future! JOVE BRAND IS NEAR DEATH is available now!!
JOVE BRAND IS NEAR DEATH follows Ken Allen, the man who once had the opportunity to portray one of the world’s best known spy movie characters, Jove Brand. His particular installment in the franchise, Near Death, was low budget and never even made it to an English release, but its cult classic status has given Ken some opportunities and a bit of fame.
When he is asked to participate in a sketch to help promote the passing of the torch to the newest Jove Brand actor, Ken’s successor is brutally killed. With the death appearing to be ripped from the script of Near Death, Ken is the prime suspect. When it turns out that is not the only murder to happen around him, Ken must put his Jove Brand persona to use to track down the killer.
This was a change of pace from a lot of my usual reads, but this one was so much fun! I loved the way the author played with the James Bond and spy movie tropes throughout the book. Ken reaches out to the man who produced all the fun gadgets and gizmos for the movies and gets to put some real life spy weapons to use.
This book is full of action sequences and there are some brutal scenes and injuries along the way, but it is also full of fun tongue-in-cheek humor throughout. The author managed to surprise me with some of the twists and turns as well as secrets from Ken’s and the movie franchise’s past come into play.
I would absolutely pick up more books from J.R. Crawford in the future! JOVE BRAND IS NEAR DEATH is available now!!
August 10, 2022
What a fun ride! I hope there's a follow-up because Ken Allen, PI, would make a great series (as long as Ray's included). I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was excellent. Thanks, Susie, for mentioning this book in the review of an unrelated book.
December 9, 2021
This is a fun, intentionally over the top read.
The main character, Ken, is a failed actor from the 'Jove Brand' franchise - think the Room meets James Bond. It's a super action heavy plot that gets a little ridiculous at times, but it's a fast paced novel that keeps you interested.
The main character, Ken, is a failed actor from the 'Jove Brand' franchise - think the Room meets James Bond. It's a super action heavy plot that gets a little ridiculous at times, but it's a fast paced novel that keeps you interested.
September 6, 2021
I cannot adequately convey how fun this book is.
Imagine a James Bond film narrated by a hard-boiled film noir detective - Robert B. Parker's Spenser springs to mind - undercutting the over-the-top action with wry, understated humour and some downright beautiful phrasing. Now add a dash of Hollywood satire, in the vein of The Player or Swimming with Sharks or LA Confidential. Now add some of the best fight scenes I've ever read. My weekend plans were utterly trashed by this book, because there was no way I could put the book down and leave the house, not when the hero was about to . My one regret about this book is that I cannot watch the - sadly fictional - Jove Brand films it describes.
Imagine a James Bond film narrated by a hard-boiled film noir detective - Robert B. Parker's Spenser springs to mind - undercutting the over-the-top action with wry, understated humour and some downright beautiful phrasing. Now add a dash of Hollywood satire, in the vein of The Player or Swimming with Sharks or LA Confidential. Now add some of the best fight scenes I've ever read. My weekend plans were utterly trashed by this book, because there was no way I could put the book down and leave the house, not when the hero was about to . My one regret about this book is that I cannot watch the - sadly fictional - Jove Brand films it describes.
August 18, 2022
I liked this one but it was a little uneven for me.. There are brilliant moments of satirical, hilarious send-up of Hollywood culture, action heroes, and fandom. But there are also stretches where it felt like the story needed a tighter edit to keep the story moving along. This wasn't a book for introspection, but one for entertainment - but at times it felt like it got a little too descriptive and meandered a bit too much for the type of story it was..
I thought the narrator did an excellent job and enjoyed it as a whole, although my rating would have definitely increased had it been edited a little more tightly to keep things moving at the whip-crack action-movie pace established in the beginning.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
I thought the narrator did an excellent job and enjoyed it as a whole, although my rating would have definitely increased had it been edited a little more tightly to keep things moving at the whip-crack action-movie pace established in the beginning.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
August 19, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and CatCam Publishing for giving me a copy of the Jove Brand Is Near Death Audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
So before I get into my review of the book itself, I wanted to talk about the audiobook narration. The narrator was Tim Campbell, a popular voice actor and he did a fantastic job. I probably would have given up about at 10% if it wasn't for his work. He brings a likable drollness that nails both the noir tone and Ken's unique perspective. He really shows how funny and tragic of a character Ken Allen really is. His performance especially shone during the last act. I really hope if Crawford does a sequel, Campbell comes back because he is Ken Allen for me.
That said, I do have a major problem with the narration: In chapter 6, Ken goes to visit a pair of legendary Chinese producers and the narrator does what is basically vocal yellowface, speaking with an old, gravelly voice and a faux Chinese accent. Thankfully, it isn't much dialog and but I wanted to call this out. I won't stand on my soapbox about how this is harmful to Asian people but at the end of the day, this was a lazy and unneeded choice that cheapened the hard work that came before it. It was especially gross because Crawford's writing didn't indicate any accent of any kind. I don't know if this was a call by the director but this went past numerous people and they said nothing. DO BETTER.
Now as for the book itself, it wasn't my usual fare but I otherwise enjoyed it. Crawford is a clear fan of both spy thrillers and noirs and it shows. The mystery soon sucked me in and he did a great job planting his big reveals without giving too much away. I spent the last 30 minutes of the audiobook leaning forward, screaming "I knew it!" and "OF COURSE, IT WAS THERE ALL ALONG!"
I also enjoyed how Crawford used the old tropes of spy thrillers and noirs: The dusky and blonde women from Ken's past, the quartermaster fitting him with his spy gear, the old beater of a car AND a motorcycle, the dark secret following our lead, they're all here gang. Unfortunately, there are some tropes that were best left in the past, namely regarding the queer characters and the aforementioned scene when Ken meets with the Chinese producers. I'm not queer or Chinese so I can't speak for those groups but it was a bit cringe.
I also would have liked fewer descriptions of Ken's diet. As someone with bad experiences with diet culture, it was less triggering and just annoying.
Still, even with the parts I didn't enjoy, this was a fun read and I'll likely read the next book. Crawford is a gifted writer.
TW: Blood, Violence, mentions of human trafficking/enslavement, death, gun violence,
So before I get into my review of the book itself, I wanted to talk about the audiobook narration. The narrator was Tim Campbell, a popular voice actor and he did a fantastic job. I probably would have given up about at 10% if it wasn't for his work. He brings a likable drollness that nails both the noir tone and Ken's unique perspective. He really shows how funny and tragic of a character Ken Allen really is. His performance especially shone during the last act. I really hope if Crawford does a sequel, Campbell comes back because he is Ken Allen for me.
That said, I do have a major problem with the narration: In chapter 6, Ken goes to visit a pair of legendary Chinese producers and the narrator does what is basically vocal yellowface, speaking with an old, gravelly voice and a faux Chinese accent. Thankfully, it isn't much dialog and but I wanted to call this out. I won't stand on my soapbox about how this is harmful to Asian people but at the end of the day, this was a lazy and unneeded choice that cheapened the hard work that came before it. It was especially gross because Crawford's writing didn't indicate any accent of any kind. I don't know if this was a call by the director but this went past numerous people and they said nothing. DO BETTER.
Now as for the book itself, it wasn't my usual fare but I otherwise enjoyed it. Crawford is a clear fan of both spy thrillers and noirs and it shows. The mystery soon sucked me in and he did a great job planting his big reveals without giving too much away. I spent the last 30 minutes of the audiobook leaning forward, screaming "I knew it!" and "OF COURSE, IT WAS THERE ALL ALONG!"
I also enjoyed how Crawford used the old tropes of spy thrillers and noirs: The dusky and blonde women from Ken's past, the quartermaster fitting him with his spy gear, the old beater of a car AND a motorcycle, the dark secret following our lead, they're all here gang. Unfortunately, there are some tropes that were best left in the past, namely regarding the queer characters and the aforementioned scene when Ken meets with the Chinese producers. I'm not queer or Chinese so I can't speak for those groups but it was a bit cringe.
I also would have liked fewer descriptions of Ken's diet. As someone with bad experiences with diet culture, it was less triggering and just annoying.
Still, even with the parts I didn't enjoy, this was a fun read and I'll likely read the next book. Crawford is a gifted writer.
TW: Blood, Violence, mentions of human trafficking/enslavement, death, gun violence,
July 14, 2021
Here’s a fun book for all you action lovers out there. JOVE BRAND IS NEAR DEATH by @josephoforb @camcat_books @letstalkbookspromo was an action packed, laugh out loud, murder mystery that is quite a page-turner.
The action genre is not really my thing but we all know I love mysteries and certainly books that have dry humor, so I gave it a shot.
This book is about Ken Allen, the actor who played a famous movie spy character Jove Brand. The last installment of the movie series NEAR DEATH was pretty low budget and never made it to English release. Fortunately for Ken, the series was such a cult classic that he has had some continued opportunities and fame. When Ken is asked to play Jove in a sketch to promote the “passing of the torch” to the newest Jove Brand actor, Ken’s successor is murdered, and his death is identical to the script of NEAR DEATH. Ken immediately becomes the prime suspect.
Let me tell you if you are a Bond fan, this book is for you. Full of action and tons of gadgets similar to Bond’s famous Q, this mystery unfolds with unexpected twists and turns continuously popping up along the way. Allen’s cynical and dry humor brings a ton of laughs throughout this combat packed read (Allen is an MMA fighter and personal trainer to the stars since his downtime from acting - so you know there has got to be some great combat). This book is one of those reads where you start it and then suddenly realize hours later that you haven’t moved from your spot and have read the entire book! And guess what - there is going to be a sequel. Such an fun read, you’ve gotta grab this one. I know you’ll love it.
*Also I’ve been told by friends that the audio of this one is brilliant and they are so glad they listened to it instead of read, it gives such greater perspective!
The action genre is not really my thing but we all know I love mysteries and certainly books that have dry humor, so I gave it a shot.
This book is about Ken Allen, the actor who played a famous movie spy character Jove Brand. The last installment of the movie series NEAR DEATH was pretty low budget and never made it to English release. Fortunately for Ken, the series was such a cult classic that he has had some continued opportunities and fame. When Ken is asked to play Jove in a sketch to promote the “passing of the torch” to the newest Jove Brand actor, Ken’s successor is murdered, and his death is identical to the script of NEAR DEATH. Ken immediately becomes the prime suspect.
Let me tell you if you are a Bond fan, this book is for you. Full of action and tons of gadgets similar to Bond’s famous Q, this mystery unfolds with unexpected twists and turns continuously popping up along the way. Allen’s cynical and dry humor brings a ton of laughs throughout this combat packed read (Allen is an MMA fighter and personal trainer to the stars since his downtime from acting - so you know there has got to be some great combat). This book is one of those reads where you start it and then suddenly realize hours later that you haven’t moved from your spot and have read the entire book! And guess what - there is going to be a sequel. Such an fun read, you’ve gotta grab this one. I know you’ll love it.
*Also I’ve been told by friends that the audio of this one is brilliant and they are so glad they listened to it instead of read, it gives such greater perspective!
July 27, 2021
Thank you to ComCat Book, J.A. Crawford, and Let’s Talk Books for providing me with a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Ken Allen has found success as a celebrity fitness trainer after his one-off appearance as Jove Brand in the movie franchise of the same name (think James Bond). He also works the convention circuit and makes other appearances as Jove Brand. Trouble starts when he’s at one of these appearances, and another Jove Brand is found murdered in a manner eerily similar to one that occurred in the Jove Brand movie that Ken Allen starred in.
Let me start off by saying that this book is definitely outside of my typical genre/literary comfort zone, but it was fun! I easily got into the storyline and found it to be a fun mystery with several twists and turns. I also really enjoyed references to other famous spy movies.
There were a lot of technically-described action sequences in this one. Watching an action sequence is very different from reading one. I felt a little out of my depth in those sections and found myself skimming. It’s my understanding that Crawford is versed in martial arts himself, and it definitely shows in his writing. It wasn’t my particular cup of tea, but I can appreciate the scope of his knowledge.
This was a fun read that I’m glad I picked up! If you are a fan of martial arts, spy movies, and mysteries, you’ll likely enjoy this one.
Ken Allen has found success as a celebrity fitness trainer after his one-off appearance as Jove Brand in the movie franchise of the same name (think James Bond). He also works the convention circuit and makes other appearances as Jove Brand. Trouble starts when he’s at one of these appearances, and another Jove Brand is found murdered in a manner eerily similar to one that occurred in the Jove Brand movie that Ken Allen starred in.
Let me start off by saying that this book is definitely outside of my typical genre/literary comfort zone, but it was fun! I easily got into the storyline and found it to be a fun mystery with several twists and turns. I also really enjoyed references to other famous spy movies.
There were a lot of technically-described action sequences in this one. Watching an action sequence is very different from reading one. I felt a little out of my depth in those sections and found myself skimming. It’s my understanding that Crawford is versed in martial arts himself, and it definitely shows in his writing. It wasn’t my particular cup of tea, but I can appreciate the scope of his knowledge.
This was a fun read that I’m glad I picked up! If you are a fan of martial arts, spy movies, and mysteries, you’ll likely enjoy this one.
September 1, 2021
Jove Brand is Near Death has a breezy, pina colada-like premise: a one-time actor who inhabited an iconic role is forced to reopen past wounds and tear fresh ones in a quest to clear himself of the accusation of having murdered a predecessor and a fan-site operator.
Ken Allen is a fitness instructor now. He was never a talented actor, and "Near Death" - an Asia-only release in the "Jove Brand" franchise - was his sole screen outing. He lives a relatively content life nearly two decades after playing the iconic British spy, often slipping back into the role for fan conventions. Thrust into a whole new world rather suddenly, he has to summon skills he doesn't know he possesses to clear himself of a double murder charge.
Unless you live under a rock, you'll have figured out that the whole thing is a spoof of James Bond and the Hollywood system as a whole, and writer JA Crawford has a ball with his protagonist in this rather topsy-turvy world.
Insinuations are almost direct, but not quite, and the book is quite literally littered with quips and references. Though not a big 007 follower, I found myself trying to recall instances from that franchise that Crawford was trying to lampoon at different stages in the novel.
What's really enjoyable, though, is the style Crawford adopts: he laughs at the way in which mega franchises are run and the vanity of the rich and famous, but he also pays tribute to what was once a standardised novel format, made famous the world over by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.
With all the tropes of what made the Bond novels the pieces of work they were, Crawford crafts something that is ridiculously entertaining, and consistently so. My sole issue with the novel was that the chapters were far too long: maybe Crawford could've broken them up into smaller fragments.
A good, comfortable read.
Many thanks to CamCat Books and NetGalley for an ARC of Jove Brand is Near Death.
Ken Allen is a fitness instructor now. He was never a talented actor, and "Near Death" - an Asia-only release in the "Jove Brand" franchise - was his sole screen outing. He lives a relatively content life nearly two decades after playing the iconic British spy, often slipping back into the role for fan conventions. Thrust into a whole new world rather suddenly, he has to summon skills he doesn't know he possesses to clear himself of a double murder charge.
Unless you live under a rock, you'll have figured out that the whole thing is a spoof of James Bond and the Hollywood system as a whole, and writer JA Crawford has a ball with his protagonist in this rather topsy-turvy world.
Insinuations are almost direct, but not quite, and the book is quite literally littered with quips and references. Though not a big 007 follower, I found myself trying to recall instances from that franchise that Crawford was trying to lampoon at different stages in the novel.
What's really enjoyable, though, is the style Crawford adopts: he laughs at the way in which mega franchises are run and the vanity of the rich and famous, but he also pays tribute to what was once a standardised novel format, made famous the world over by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.
With all the tropes of what made the Bond novels the pieces of work they were, Crawford crafts something that is ridiculously entertaining, and consistently so. My sole issue with the novel was that the chapters were far too long: maybe Crawford could've broken them up into smaller fragments.
A good, comfortable read.
Many thanks to CamCat Books and NetGalley for an ARC of Jove Brand is Near Death.
August 16, 2022
Jove Brand Is Near Death is tons of fun. Ken Allen, is a personal trainer and martial arts expert in LA. His 15 minutes of fame came years ago when he played fictional spy, Jove Brand, in a single film in the blockbuster franchise. He had the looks and the action hero moves, but his acting was awful and the script was not much better. It was the worst Brand movie, but Ken has moved on, more or less. Until a new Brand is announced, and people connected to the series start turning up dead, killed with one of Ken’s signature movie moves. Now Ken has to prove he’s innocent – and figure out who the killer is.
This was a perfect summer read, with plenty of action and gadgets galore. The characters are a varied lot, from Hollywood royalty to the cop who is sure Ken must have something to do with the murders to the special effects guy who helps outfit Ken for his real-life Brand adventure. They all have their quirks, which seems appropriate for LA. Ken himself is great. He’s a talented martial artist, has a dry sense of humor, and is actually a good guy. The plot is convoluted and over the top in the best possible way.
I listened to the audio and the narrator did an awesome job. I’m not sure where the series is going to go from here, but I’m looking forward to the ride.
I am slightly embarrassed to admit that it took me a moment to realize the stag was a motorcycle, not a souped-up mechanical deer.
This was a perfect summer read, with plenty of action and gadgets galore. The characters are a varied lot, from Hollywood royalty to the cop who is sure Ken must have something to do with the murders to the special effects guy who helps outfit Ken for his real-life Brand adventure. They all have their quirks, which seems appropriate for LA. Ken himself is great. He’s a talented martial artist, has a dry sense of humor, and is actually a good guy. The plot is convoluted and over the top in the best possible way.
I listened to the audio and the narrator did an awesome job. I’m not sure where the series is going to go from here, but I’m looking forward to the ride.
I am slightly embarrassed to admit that it took me a moment to realize the stag was a motorcycle, not a souped-up mechanical deer.
July 20, 2021
This mystery is set around the Jove Brand action movies (they are like James Bond movies..get the quote now?)
Being part of the Jove Brand legacy is a big deal except Ken Allen was a one and done Brand. Eighteen years ago, Ken got the part in the Brand movie Near Death after the original actor slated overdosed and Ken was at the right place at the right time.
Now a murderer has killed two people, one the recently retired Jove Brand and the other a man in charge of the Brand fan website.
Ken is being framed.
With a storied history how current family came by the film rights to put Jove Brand on the big screen, there may be a lot more going on than what the police think.
Ken is now playing the part of amateur detective to find out who is trying to kill the Jove Brand dynasty.
This was a fantastic mystery that perfectly played off the real James Bond movies.
It is full of action, has quick dialogue, and even has a character that outfits Ken in real gadgets.
Fancy mansions, tricked out motorcycles, and MMA fighting keeps this a fast paced read BUT
it also has a complex whodunnit plot that is easy to follow.
I could absolutely see this as a Netflix film.
Being part of the Jove Brand legacy is a big deal except Ken Allen was a one and done Brand. Eighteen years ago, Ken got the part in the Brand movie Near Death after the original actor slated overdosed and Ken was at the right place at the right time.
Now a murderer has killed two people, one the recently retired Jove Brand and the other a man in charge of the Brand fan website.
Ken is being framed.
With a storied history how current family came by the film rights to put Jove Brand on the big screen, there may be a lot more going on than what the police think.
Ken is now playing the part of amateur detective to find out who is trying to kill the Jove Brand dynasty.
This was a fantastic mystery that perfectly played off the real James Bond movies.
It is full of action, has quick dialogue, and even has a character that outfits Ken in real gadgets.
Fancy mansions, tricked out motorcycles, and MMA fighting keeps this a fast paced read BUT
it also has a complex whodunnit plot that is easy to follow.
I could absolutely see this as a Netflix film.
August 18, 2022
This is Book 1 in J.A. Crawford’s Ken Allen Super Sleuth series, and although it’s a great setup for the series, it is satisfying on its own. It’s a fun, fast-paced Bond parody filled with likable characters, mystery, action, suspense, and humor.
Failed actor, martial artist, and trainer to the stars Ken Allen is a humble, resourceful, likable main character. The secondary characters were also interesting, and I particularly liked Ray, Allen’s very own Q. I loved their banter and all of the crazy inventions Ray designs. I look forward to discovering what’s next for these characters in the subsequent books.
The plot was interesting and kept me guessing. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense, and although I’m not normally a fan, the way the fight scenes were described held my interest. Although the book contains a lot of violence, it never felt gratuitous or overly graphic.
I was captivated by Tim Campbell’s narration. His pacing is good, he is able to convey humor and emotion, and his voices fit the characters. I definitely recommend the audiobook.
I received a free copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
Failed actor, martial artist, and trainer to the stars Ken Allen is a humble, resourceful, likable main character. The secondary characters were also interesting, and I particularly liked Ray, Allen’s very own Q. I loved their banter and all of the crazy inventions Ray designs. I look forward to discovering what’s next for these characters in the subsequent books.
The plot was interesting and kept me guessing. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense, and although I’m not normally a fan, the way the fight scenes were described held my interest. Although the book contains a lot of violence, it never felt gratuitous or overly graphic.
I was captivated by Tim Campbell’s narration. His pacing is good, he is able to convey humor and emotion, and his voices fit the characters. I definitely recommend the audiobook.
I received a free copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
January 15, 2024
Ken Allen is a martial arts expert who trains the rich and famous. His claim to fame (sort of) is that he was a one and done star of the Jove Brand series of movies. This story is a spoof of the James Bond franchise. Ken was never an actor - he was cast as Jove Brand when the star died of an overdose while filming in China. Ken was fighting in Taiwan and looked the part. His movie, Near Death, was distributed in Asia and shelved in America. Now it is 15 years later. He makes occasional appearances at fan conventions and television promotions. He is scheduled to be on a morning show in Burbank with the out-going Jove Brand actor and the his new replacement. When the out-going actor is murdered between sets it looks like Ken did it. Then when a super-fan who runs a Jove Brand fan site is murdered, again Ken is the prime suspect. He decides to investigate for himself to save himself. Lots of fight sequences and unlikely Bone-esque scenes make the book fun and sometimes funny. I was never a big James Bond fan and I know nothing about martial arts fighting, so a lot of the book went past me. It is entertaining.
June 8, 2021
Note: I received an electronic ARC as a bonus for pre-ordering the book from the publisher. There are no spoilers in this review.
A tongue-in-cheek rift on Hollywood culture and a cinema superspy who shall remain nameless, Jove Brand Is Near Death represents a wholly unique murder mystery while paying subtle homage to the franchise from which it riffs (gizmos and exotic settings abound.)
The book was a fun, fast read with an eccentric cast of characters/suspects and a nice blend of action and humor. The authentic fight scenes left me shaken AND stirred—the author clearly knows his stuff—and the ending was satisfying and unexpected while simultaneously creating the opportunity for a series (yes, please!)
A must-read for anyone who likes fast-paced murder mysteries, but especially for cinephiles, martial artists, and fans of—heck, I’m just gonna say it—Bond...James Bond.
A tongue-in-cheek rift on Hollywood culture and a cinema superspy who shall remain nameless, Jove Brand Is Near Death represents a wholly unique murder mystery while paying subtle homage to the franchise from which it riffs (gizmos and exotic settings abound.)
The book was a fun, fast read with an eccentric cast of characters/suspects and a nice blend of action and humor. The authentic fight scenes left me shaken AND stirred—the author clearly knows his stuff—and the ending was satisfying and unexpected while simultaneously creating the opportunity for a series (yes, please!)
A must-read for anyone who likes fast-paced murder mysteries, but especially for cinephiles, martial artists, and fans of—heck, I’m just gonna say it—Bond...James Bond.
August 23, 2022
Ken Allen got the chance to play Jove Brand on the big screen. The billion-dollar spy movie franchise has seen many Jove Brands and Allen was just one of them. When people associated with the movies started ending up dead in Ken Allen/Jove Brand fashion, there was only one suspect. Now Allen is working against the clock to clear his name, and his P.I. skill set comes from being an actor.
Jove Brand is Near Death by J.A. Crawford is an action-packed spy thriller. The first of the Ken Allen Super Sleuth book series. This mystery is everything but cozy, and the similarities to another billion-dollar spy franchise make for fun easter eggs. Even the villains are Bond worthy, er I mean Brand worthy. The similarities stop there. Crawford’s who-done-it has a life of its own with a fun protagonist in Ken Allen. Tim Campbell gives voice to the actor turned spy in the audiobook. This entertaining prolog to Crawford’s Ken Allen Super Sleuth novels.
Jove Brand is Near Death by J.A. Crawford is an action-packed spy thriller. The first of the Ken Allen Super Sleuth book series. This mystery is everything but cozy, and the similarities to another billion-dollar spy franchise make for fun easter eggs. Even the villains are Bond worthy, er I mean Brand worthy. The similarities stop there. Crawford’s who-done-it has a life of its own with a fun protagonist in Ken Allen. Tim Campbell gives voice to the actor turned spy in the audiobook. This entertaining prolog to Crawford’s Ken Allen Super Sleuth novels.
June 8, 2021
An excellent action-filled story, told from the POV of a washed-up cynic who is willing to engage in introspection, rather than self-deception. I won’t give away any plot details, but the best summary I can give is: love letter to the James Bond franchise (both books and movies), with a glimpse of Michael Connelly’s H. Bosch. The pacing was excellent—I couldn’t put it down, and my interest and engagement grew with each chapter. I was engrossed and don’t regret giving this novel a shot. If a spy thriller meets murder-mystery sounds like your jam, definitely give Jove Brand is Near Death a read.
July 13, 2021
This book was so full of action and humor. I chose to listen to the audiobook while reading along. I am so glad I did! It just really added to the experience. I loved the character Ken Allen! He was hilarious! He had some pretty cool gadgets too. If I had to choose I would probably want his watch, a close second would be a green grenade ball (these make people vomit). There were a lot of fight scenes with a whole lot of throat chopping. I just imagined a James Bond/Johnny Bravo hero. I was definitely laughing out loud while reading this book.
✰✰✰✰/5 stars from me! I recommend this book to you action fans. There is a good mystery too.
✰✰✰✰/5 stars from me! I recommend this book to you action fans. There is a good mystery too.
June 8, 2021
Forced to play the part of detective in order to clear his name, Ken is easy to root for. The puzzle of who is framing him unfolds with drama, tension, and humor. The characters are well drawn and compelling, and the dialogue is witty with shades of noir. Of particular interest to me were the female characters, from the femme fatale to the girl next door, and the good-bad girl, they are all here, and I cannot pick a favorite. Every twist and turn in this story, set inside the entertainment world, was fresh and fun, and I did not see this dead man's curve coming. In a word, fun!
August 25, 2022
this is James Bond fan fiction but not in the way you’d expect.
Here, Ken played “JB” for just one film in the series. He’s become a sort or joke or meme, but he is making lemonade out of lemons, or he was, until someone started framing him up for various murders.
He’s now trying to figure out who is behind all this.
Overall, the storyline moves and Ken is very likable, as are other characters in the book. He was also a refreshing change for an amateur sleuth, since this genre tends to favor white ladies.
Thanks netgalley for my ARC
August 28, 2022
This was just a fun read/listen. Ken Brand is an actor/MMA fighter trainer/PI and now he is on the run from whoever is murdering people and making it look like kills from his movie and setting him up. Since he is the prime suspect, he sets out to find the murderer himself and along the way is pulled into such an interesting undercurrent of intrigue. The entire premise of this book was great and I hope this is the start of more.
**Received this ARC in audio from the publisher for review via NetGalley**
**Received this ARC in audio from the publisher for review via NetGalley**
December 8, 2022
A spoof of the Bond movie franchise told in the self-deprecating, noir-ish, first-person voice of Ken Allen, who once played Jove Brand and years later finds himself framed for the murder of his successor. What follows is full of action and over-the-top violence, the latter benefiting from Crawford's obvious expertise in the martial arts. But the highlights of this romp are Ken's snarky asides, which often caused me to LOL. A lot of fun. Choose the audio version for a great performance by Tim Campbell.
November 30, 2023
This book is such a hoot. Great snarky wit and clever pop culture references. Fantastic action scenes, and all around fast-paced plotting. A lovable amateur detective protagonist who's thrown into the deep end of an investigation when he's framed for murder, and has to find the real killer in order to prove his innocence. Not to mention the actual mystery in the book, which was exceptionally well crafted, all around. My conclusion: a thoroughly enjoyable, light and fun murder mystery that pokes fun at just the right things in just the right ways. A great start to this mystery series!
July 7, 2021
This book is an easy and fast-paced murder mystery that had me actually laughing out loud. The voice is witty, a little cynical, and sucks you right into Jove Brand's world of intrigue. Perfect for lovers of film, as it follows the slightly washed-up star of one of the many famous Brand films, whose view of the world is so charming and enjoyable to read. Jove Brand is Near Death had be smiling and guessing up to the end. A perfect plane or beach read as it can be read in one sitting!
July 12, 2021
An engaging read from start to finish, Jove Brand Is Near Death made for a fantastic summer read with action and mystery in spades. It has the feel of James Bond coming to life with his very own Q to help solve a frantic whodunit -- can Ken Allen beat the clock on being framed for murder? It's easy to like Ken as our protagonist and root for him to pull back the curtain on the real killer. Plenty of drama, heart, and action, I highly reccomend this book.
July 13, 2023
This is obviously a parody of James Bond and it is so-so.
The writing reminds me of David Handler's Stewart Hoag
series, albeit with the Bond requisite gizmos and fight
scenes. In fact at one point the first person narrator
says his Jove Brand film was thin on plot so they had
to pad it with elongated sequences of fight scenes. That's
what I felt about this book: it was padded too much with
boring fight scenes.
Mildly recommended if you have an affection for spoofs
of spy novels.
The writing reminds me of David Handler's Stewart Hoag
series, albeit with the Bond requisite gizmos and fight
scenes. In fact at one point the first person narrator
says his Jove Brand film was thin on plot so they had
to pad it with elongated sequences of fight scenes. That's
what I felt about this book: it was padded too much with
boring fight scenes.
Mildly recommended if you have an affection for spoofs
of spy novels.
August 30, 2022
Awesomely entertaining! I had no idea what to expect. What a fun tongue-in-cheek Bond sendup. I am not really an MMA fan, but the concise and matter of fact explanations and fight descriptions kept even the most ignorant listener on top of the action. Looking forward to more of this character! Highly recommend. I received a copy of the audiobook from Netgalley.
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