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Jack Daniels Thriller #5
Shot of Tequila
A GUTSY ROBBERY
Several million bucks, stolen from the mob...
A PERFECT FRAME
All caught on video, with no chance of redemption...
A RED HOT RECIPE FOR RAMPAGING REVENGE
Now one man must face the entire Chicago Outfit, a group of hardened Mafia enforcers, a psychotic bookie, the most dangerous hitman on earth, and Detective Jacqueline Daniels...
His name is Tequila. And he likes those odds.
SHOT OF TEQUILA by JA Konrath
Revenge served straight up...
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
SHOT OF TEQUILA
Bad Language - 8
Scary - 2
Violent - 8
Funny - 4
Sexy - 2
Crossovers - Features Jack Daniels, and includes characters from the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, the Codename: Chandler series, and the Timecaster series.
Several million bucks, stolen from the mob...
A PERFECT FRAME
All caught on video, with no chance of redemption...
A RED HOT RECIPE FOR RAMPAGING REVENGE
Now one man must face the entire Chicago Outfit, a group of hardened Mafia enforcers, a psychotic bookie, the most dangerous hitman on earth, and Detective Jacqueline Daniels...
His name is Tequila. And he likes those odds.
SHOT OF TEQUILA by JA Konrath
Revenge served straight up...
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
SHOT OF TEQUILA
Bad Language - 8
Scary - 2
Violent - 8
Funny - 4
Sexy - 2
Crossovers - Features Jack Daniels, and includes characters from the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, the Codename: Chandler series, and the Timecaster series.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2009
622 people are currently reading
1846 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
199 books3,013 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
February 27, 2017
Good book.
This free book came with audio, narration was very good, really entertained me while ironing. Read many Jack Daniels mysteries, humorous writing but full of violence. Murder, stolen Super Ball bets, mistaken identity, love and care of sister.
Warning, this is not for the dog lovers, if you want to read it be prepared.
This free book came with audio, narration was very good, really entertained me while ironing. Read many Jack Daniels mysteries, humorous writing but full of violence. Murder, stolen Super Ball bets, mistaken identity, love and care of sister.
Warning, this is not for the dog lovers, if you want to read it be prepared.
July 29, 2023
Chicago was dense with the mob, and it had powerful people in its pockets. When mob boss, Marty, was robbed, seemingly by one of his own men, he went ballistic. Evidence on a video sent him, and his thugs, after Tequila. But Tequila had skills and he knew he was innocent of what they said. So he was determined to discover who had framed him.
On the other side of the fence, Detective Jack Daniels and her partner were after Tequila as well. But some of her bosses were corrupt - she knew she could trust her partner, but no one else. With bodies piling up as the Outfit killed one another, both Jack and Tequila wondered how it would end up...
Shot of Tequila is #6.5 in the Jack Daniels series by J.A. Konrath and it was laughable! Far fetched, unrealistic, brutal and downright crazy, I actually didn't mind the characters of Tequila and Jack. I won't bother with any more of the series though.
On the other side of the fence, Detective Jack Daniels and her partner were after Tequila as well. But some of her bosses were corrupt - she knew she could trust her partner, but no one else. With bodies piling up as the Outfit killed one another, both Jack and Tequila wondered how it would end up...
Shot of Tequila is #6.5 in the Jack Daniels series by J.A. Konrath and it was laughable! Far fetched, unrealistic, brutal and downright crazy, I actually didn't mind the characters of Tequila and Jack. I won't bother with any more of the series though.
January 8, 2019
I love it as well as all the others in this series. can't wait to get the rest of this series.
May 7, 2013
A pulp style thriller fest first and police procedural second. A SHOT OF TEQUILA reads like classic Elmore Leonard; punchy dialogue, endearing and humours characters, breakneck storytelling, and crafty plotting. The lead character in Tequila is a one man wrecking ball condensed in an unassuming yet hardened small stature. A former Olympic gymnast and now hired gun, Tequila is pitted against his employer, Marty the Maniac, after being framed for stealing a Super Bowl payday. Welcome to a world of pain and baths of blood.
Konrath doesn’t shy away from violence, embracing the extreme for the purpose of strengthening his characters menacing and mobbed-up façade. A simple extraction leads to a complete decimation of Tequila’s life as all those he holds close are taken away by Marty’s command turning the novel on its head from one of survival against the odds to waring vengeance and unquenchable blood lust.
Jack Daniels, the popular female protagonist of Konrath’s police procedural series plays a supporting role and adds a nice insight into the lawful side of the novel without becoming the main focus.
A SHOT OF TEQUILA is a solid introduction to Jack Daniels and a nice homage to the styling’s of Elmore Leonard.
From the authors Afterword:
“It’s an Elmore Leonard type of crime thriller, with some hyperkinetic violence and pulp-type action, and a diminutive anti-hero whom the book is named for.”
“This book takes place ten years before Jack’s (detective Jack Daniels) debut in WHISKEY SOUR.”
Konrath doesn’t shy away from violence, embracing the extreme for the purpose of strengthening his characters menacing and mobbed-up façade. A simple extraction leads to a complete decimation of Tequila’s life as all those he holds close are taken away by Marty’s command turning the novel on its head from one of survival against the odds to waring vengeance and unquenchable blood lust.
Jack Daniels, the popular female protagonist of Konrath’s police procedural series plays a supporting role and adds a nice insight into the lawful side of the novel without becoming the main focus.
A SHOT OF TEQUILA is a solid introduction to Jack Daniels and a nice homage to the styling’s of Elmore Leonard.
From the authors Afterword:
“It’s an Elmore Leonard type of crime thriller, with some hyperkinetic violence and pulp-type action, and a diminutive anti-hero whom the book is named for.”
“This book takes place ten years before Jack’s (detective Jack Daniels) debut in WHISKEY SOUR.”
April 27, 2024
This is the 5th book in a long series about Detective Jack Daniels. She is a bad ass, but also flawed. Her foe in this one is a character named Tequila, who though a killer, is easy to root for. If you like the series you will enjoy this one! Always creative and fun to read. I loved the ending. I have the next one in the series, so I will be continuing with it.
April 27, 2013
This is a good solid thriller from Konrath.
The main character is Tequila Abernathy, who stands accused of stealing money from his boss. Events take a tragic turn for Tequila and he vows to find out who really stole the money and exact revenge on those responsible. This book includes the first appearance of Jack Daniels who is the cop on his trail.
There's plenty of action, a likeable but flawed central character and plenty of baddies. A really enjoyable straightforward read.
The main character is Tequila Abernathy, who stands accused of stealing money from his boss. Events take a tragic turn for Tequila and he vows to find out who really stole the money and exact revenge on those responsible. This book includes the first appearance of Jack Daniels who is the cop on his trail.
There's plenty of action, a likeable but flawed central character and plenty of baddies. A really enjoyable straightforward read.
January 7, 2012
I liked this very much, liked the introduction to Jack Daniels as the detective and found the 'bad guy' character likeable/interesting as well.
Plot typically mob/bad guys with one of the bad guys being framed by another of the bad guys and his life goes downhill from there, but he is capable of coping. I found the interaction between the two protagonists interesting, female cop shut out by male colleagues and the bad guy avenging himself on his mob employers.
Breakneck speed action, bloody and not very upbeat but the characterization definitely bumped this one up from okay to very good.
Plot typically mob/bad guys with one of the bad guys being framed by another of the bad guys and his life goes downhill from there, but he is capable of coping. I found the interaction between the two protagonists interesting, female cop shut out by male colleagues and the bad guy avenging himself on his mob employers.
Breakneck speed action, bloody and not very upbeat but the characterization definitely bumped this one up from okay to very good.
February 13, 2018
After listening to 2 hours of the audio, I quit, for at least one reason that no other review seems to mention. (Please add comment if I overlooked your review.) The writing is ok, but the characters are all stereotypical. Initially, I found the main villain Tequila interesting, but as time went on, the story became ever more preposterous. Both the publisher's summary and other reviewers say that this episode in the series about Detective Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels is atypical, so I might give another a try. I don't mind horror if leavened by black humor. (See the movie "Get Out.")
I usually don't review books of which I've read less than half, but this book is misclassified as a mystery and is more like fantasy or science fiction. Tequila is like a super-villain, whose feats of speed and strength exceed all possible expectations of a normal human being. As a result, the book takes on a kind of comic-book character. There is an audience for formulaic thrillers, but the only mystery here is not the search by the detective but (mild spoiler). One distraction is that the author seems to love to brag about his knowledge of guns and other legal weapons. Another is his penchant toward "action, explicit violence, gore and stupid bad guys," as another reviewer (Wynn) put it.
Tequila is a bookie's collection agent and hit man. His outstanding redeeming quality are is that he loves and cares for his older sister, now 30 and suffering from the genetic disorder, Down syndrome. He also has a certain sense of justice, taking only what his boss is owed and no more, treating people with respect until they cross him. The reason I quit is this:
I usually don't review books of which I've read less than half, but this book is misclassified as a mystery and is more like fantasy or science fiction. Tequila is like a super-villain, whose feats of speed and strength exceed all possible expectations of a normal human being. As a result, the book takes on a kind of comic-book character. There is an audience for formulaic thrillers, but the only mystery here is not the search by the detective but (mild spoiler). One distraction is that the author seems to love to brag about his knowledge of guns and other legal weapons. Another is his penchant toward "action, explicit violence, gore and stupid bad guys," as another reviewer (Wynn) put it.
Tequila is a bookie's collection agent and hit man. His outstanding redeeming quality are is that he loves and cares for his older sister, now 30 and suffering from the genetic disorder, Down syndrome. He also has a certain sense of justice, taking only what his boss is owed and no more, treating people with respect until they cross him. The reason I quit is this:
March 26, 2019
J.A. Konrath writes a lot under the Konrath name and even has at least one pseudonym. That much is revealed on an Amazon author page. I resisted the temptation to count how many novels he has written. I am sure the total number of published works is revealed somewhere but the information would just settle in my pile of never reviewed facts next to my books TBR pile. In the Jack Daniels thriller series, there are eleven novels with catchy names like Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, and Rusty Nail. You get the idea. In all novels of this series Jack (for Jacqueline), Daniels appears as a clever, witty, and super smart detective. You can pause now and think of all the clever play on words that the detective’s name might give rise to. When finished, think about this novel, Shot of Tequila. It seems another clever title in the series. Not true. Jack Daniels is a very busy detective. She wandered outside the boundaries of a series devoted to her and appears in this stand-alone novel, as well as in nine others. Jack also appears in approximately fourteen novellas. All figures are plus or minus one or two. As you might note, I could construct a supplementary TBR shelf for JA Konrath novels alone. Then I could begin with novels that he has written in collaboration with others.
I have found few writers who write so much and still manage to remain fresh. Joyce Carol Oates comes to mind, but her novels skip through a bunch of genres. Konrath stays with horror, thrillers, and mysteries with twists. JA Konrath is one of my “Go To” writers when I get bored with reading. After reading a couple of his novels I am energized with the idea of reading, writing to prompts, and seeking new indie authors for fresh ideas. Sometimes my absence from Konrath world is longer than planned so I was happy to get an author email reminding me of all the great stuff I had yet to read. Konrath was not offering ARC copies but was reminding readers to go to his Amazon page where there are many great reads available for USD 0.00. Many others are available for USD 0.99. If you haven’t read Konrath, go to his Amazon author page. It will be worth your time and money in shopping for interesting reading at the great price of free or almost free. If you have read Konrath, you will go there anyway.
For this novel, Shot of Tequila, it is not a spoiler to note that Tequila is the name of the main character who is not Jack Daniels. Jack, of course, plays an important part as she goes about solving a crime that involves Tequila. Jack cannot decide if Tequila is a criminal or some sort of social justice vigilante who does bad things to bad people for good reasons. The reader will have to make his own assessment by the end of the novel. Reader’s assessments may differ from Jack’s assessment. Konrath’s writings are stories of the struggles between good and evil and to that extent, some may say his writing is formulaic. But at the ending of Konrath’s novels, I frequently am left with the question, “What just happened?” For me, that is the appeal of his novels.
Billy Chico needed money to pay off a gambling debt and there was no way to get it quickly. He would have to get it the old-fashioned way (for Billy). He would rob a convenience store. Billy was inept as a robber; he was taking too much time arguing with the store owner about safes and time locks. Tequila had waited patiently outside the store. He had no part in the robbery, but he was interested in Billy’s success. As a debt collector for Maniac Marty, Tequila did not want the police to arrive before Billy left with the cash. Tequila entered the store to warn Billy as Billy was becoming increasingly nervous. Once Tequila assessed the situation as totally unstable, Billy never had a chance. Billy would have been amazed at the speed with which Tequila drew and fired multiple rounds into him, but Billy’s mind didn’t react that fast. One murder was done. Sounds like a case for Jack Daniels.
At the same time as the convenience store robbery but far across town, there was another robbery. A couple of people invaded and robbed Maniac Marty’s accounting room where more than a million dollars was stored. As profits of an illegal enterprise, this robbery would not be reported to the police. Jack Daniels would not know of it. But a security videotape revealed to Marty that one of the robbers resembled Tequila, his favorite debt collector. The heights were the same. The clearly visible butterfly tattoo on a hand of one of the robbers was another clue. Marty was incensed. He wanted (and needed) his money back. Marty would use his other debt collectors to find Tequila and get his money back. There would probably be torture involved but sometimes work could also be mixed with fun.
Readers know early in the novel that Tequila didn’t rob Marty. Who did? How did they do it? Why did they do it? Whoever it was must protect the scheme and that means several people will have to die. Maybe even Tequila. But Tequila is a typical bad boy hero. He shoots fast and accurately from specially designed holsters. His accuracy is unaffected by the imprecise sights on at least one pistol. He is a master of every fighting style known to man and has the flexibility of an Olympic class gymnast. His ability to read other people based on their body language assures he will always know the intention of others even before the cognitive abilities of others kick into action. If he could fly. he would be a superhero.
So, who needs Jack Daniels? We all do because she lives on the right side of the law while Tequila is a criminal. He might have a soft heart for some people but as far as Jack is concerned, it looks like Tequila might be responsible for a spate of recent murders. Jack will remain ignorant of a million-dollar heist for a long time.
What makes Jack Daniels novels different from others is the humor in dialogue with Jack. Some of it approaches absurd in its context, something I find amusing. There is dark cop humor. As an ex-cop, I find that also amusing. And for a reason that surprises me with every Konrath novel I read, it is a fast read, a page-turner. Having found nothing negative to say, I gave Shot of Tequila five Amazon stars. Of course.
I have found few writers who write so much and still manage to remain fresh. Joyce Carol Oates comes to mind, but her novels skip through a bunch of genres. Konrath stays with horror, thrillers, and mysteries with twists. JA Konrath is one of my “Go To” writers when I get bored with reading. After reading a couple of his novels I am energized with the idea of reading, writing to prompts, and seeking new indie authors for fresh ideas. Sometimes my absence from Konrath world is longer than planned so I was happy to get an author email reminding me of all the great stuff I had yet to read. Konrath was not offering ARC copies but was reminding readers to go to his Amazon page where there are many great reads available for USD 0.00. Many others are available for USD 0.99. If you haven’t read Konrath, go to his Amazon author page. It will be worth your time and money in shopping for interesting reading at the great price of free or almost free. If you have read Konrath, you will go there anyway.
For this novel, Shot of Tequila, it is not a spoiler to note that Tequila is the name of the main character who is not Jack Daniels. Jack, of course, plays an important part as she goes about solving a crime that involves Tequila. Jack cannot decide if Tequila is a criminal or some sort of social justice vigilante who does bad things to bad people for good reasons. The reader will have to make his own assessment by the end of the novel. Reader’s assessments may differ from Jack’s assessment. Konrath’s writings are stories of the struggles between good and evil and to that extent, some may say his writing is formulaic. But at the ending of Konrath’s novels, I frequently am left with the question, “What just happened?” For me, that is the appeal of his novels.
Billy Chico needed money to pay off a gambling debt and there was no way to get it quickly. He would have to get it the old-fashioned way (for Billy). He would rob a convenience store. Billy was inept as a robber; he was taking too much time arguing with the store owner about safes and time locks. Tequila had waited patiently outside the store. He had no part in the robbery, but he was interested in Billy’s success. As a debt collector for Maniac Marty, Tequila did not want the police to arrive before Billy left with the cash. Tequila entered the store to warn Billy as Billy was becoming increasingly nervous. Once Tequila assessed the situation as totally unstable, Billy never had a chance. Billy would have been amazed at the speed with which Tequila drew and fired multiple rounds into him, but Billy’s mind didn’t react that fast. One murder was done. Sounds like a case for Jack Daniels.
At the same time as the convenience store robbery but far across town, there was another robbery. A couple of people invaded and robbed Maniac Marty’s accounting room where more than a million dollars was stored. As profits of an illegal enterprise, this robbery would not be reported to the police. Jack Daniels would not know of it. But a security videotape revealed to Marty that one of the robbers resembled Tequila, his favorite debt collector. The heights were the same. The clearly visible butterfly tattoo on a hand of one of the robbers was another clue. Marty was incensed. He wanted (and needed) his money back. Marty would use his other debt collectors to find Tequila and get his money back. There would probably be torture involved but sometimes work could also be mixed with fun.
Readers know early in the novel that Tequila didn’t rob Marty. Who did? How did they do it? Why did they do it? Whoever it was must protect the scheme and that means several people will have to die. Maybe even Tequila. But Tequila is a typical bad boy hero. He shoots fast and accurately from specially designed holsters. His accuracy is unaffected by the imprecise sights on at least one pistol. He is a master of every fighting style known to man and has the flexibility of an Olympic class gymnast. His ability to read other people based on their body language assures he will always know the intention of others even before the cognitive abilities of others kick into action. If he could fly. he would be a superhero.
So, who needs Jack Daniels? We all do because she lives on the right side of the law while Tequila is a criminal. He might have a soft heart for some people but as far as Jack is concerned, it looks like Tequila might be responsible for a spate of recent murders. Jack will remain ignorant of a million-dollar heist for a long time.
What makes Jack Daniels novels different from others is the humor in dialogue with Jack. Some of it approaches absurd in its context, something I find amusing. There is dark cop humor. As an ex-cop, I find that also amusing. And for a reason that surprises me with every Konrath novel I read, it is a fast read, a page-turner. Having found nothing negative to say, I gave Shot of Tequila five Amazon stars. Of course.
March 16, 2014
This is the only book I ever had to force my self to stop reading in bed because my pulse was pumping so fast I would never get to sleep. It is like main lining adrenaline.
They say short people have no reason well don't let Tequila hear you say that because in this book short people got reason!
I have to say I am surprised by some of the negative reviews on Amazon. They seem to be about the content and less about the story line or writing. One reviewer said they quit after 20 pages. Hardly the basis to give an accurate review. Even books I do not like I give it to the half way mark to see if the beginning is crap but the author redeems themselves.. If you are buying a book in the action/Thriller arena then you should probably expect what this book contains to some degree.
Let's be real Tequila is not a good guy. He is a bad guy and not even the type that does it for the right reasons but in this book at least you can understand why he is doing the hunting.
I do not know if I will read other titles from this author as this was kind of a departure from his normal writing but I would defiantly recommend it to others.
They say short people have no reason well don't let Tequila hear you say that because in this book short people got reason!
I have to say I am surprised by some of the negative reviews on Amazon. They seem to be about the content and less about the story line or writing. One reviewer said they quit after 20 pages. Hardly the basis to give an accurate review. Even books I do not like I give it to the half way mark to see if the beginning is crap but the author redeems themselves.. If you are buying a book in the action/Thriller arena then you should probably expect what this book contains to some degree.
Let's be real Tequila is not a good guy. He is a bad guy and not even the type that does it for the right reasons but in this book at least you can understand why he is doing the hunting.
I do not know if I will read other titles from this author as this was kind of a departure from his normal writing but I would defiantly recommend it to others.
June 3, 2019
I love this author and this book!
I am that kind of girl who likes very vivid and gritty stories. Especially when reading horror or thriller novels. The more graphic, the better.
This author gives me everything I want and more. I have to admit, there was a moment in this one that was hard even for me to take. Still, a story that can bring out those emotions, that make you so uncomfortable that you wanna throw the book at the wall in fear for what is happening... yup.
I had to add this author to my favorite authors list at only 2 reads. Both kept me up at night and were outstanding writing!
Can't wait to read more. I have lots more on my Kindle ready to be read.
I am that kind of girl who likes very vivid and gritty stories. Especially when reading horror or thriller novels. The more graphic, the better.
This author gives me everything I want and more. I have to admit, there was a moment in this one that was hard even for me to take. Still, a story that can bring out those emotions, that make you so uncomfortable that you wanna throw the book at the wall in fear for what is happening... yup.
I had to add this author to my favorite authors list at only 2 reads. Both kept me up at night and were outstanding writing!
Can't wait to read more. I have lots more on my Kindle ready to be read.
March 1, 2020
The main character is Tequila Abernathy, who stands accused of stealing money from his boss. Events take a tragic turn for Tequila and he vows to find out who really stole the money and exact revenge on those responsible. This book includes the first appearance of Jack Daniels who is the cop on his trail.
This was not the typical Jack Daniels humorous save the day. She did save the day with Tequila but it wasn't the same way as the other books in the series. I really liked this story better. I really liked Tequila he was sort of bad ass mob mixer until the mob boss thought he double crossed him with some money.
This one had lots of action and felt fast paced. It was a very good read and I enjoyed it. I would recommend this book.
This was not the typical Jack Daniels humorous save the day. She did save the day with Tequila but it wasn't the same way as the other books in the series. I really liked this story better. I really liked Tequila he was sort of bad ass mob mixer until the mob boss thought he double crossed him with some money.
This one had lots of action and felt fast paced. It was a very good read and I enjoyed it. I would recommend this book.
January 17, 2023
I’ve missed Jack Daniels. I had forgotten how wonderfully violent and noir a JA Konrath books could be. He writes such interesting insults and makes me giggle along with the murders. His bad guys are true bad men/women who don’t drive you nuts. Your truly feel for them and in some cases hope they get away with whatever they did. This particular book was a bloodbath. No too many people were left standing by the end of it. And no one seemed to have an easy death. Some were quick but never ever easy. I’ll have to see if I do have any other hooks by him as I know he’s always a quick easy read.
July 10, 2018
This was my first experience with J.A. Konrath's writing. He's been on to list for a while. I should have gotten to one of his books quicker. This was an entertaining, character-driven story that kept the proverbial pages flying by. Though book 6.5 in the Jack Daniels series, I was struck by how much of the story focused on the bad guys. I enjoyed that since they were far more interesting than the fairly straightlaced police detectives. It makes me wonder if the rest of the series is written from a similar perspective. I need to start from the beginning and find out. I think the series will be worth the investment of time.
July 26, 2018
If a story about a likeable undersized Olympic gymnast martial artist who is a collector for the mob sounds interesting to you then this is the right book to read. An offshoot of the Jack Daniel series, this tale takes the reader on an exciting ride that goes faster and faster. Be warned, bad things happen to good people in this book and this book is not dog lover friendly. Yes, some characters are extremely off the believability chart but the story works despite this.
December 16, 2019
My Name Is Jimmer And I'm A Konrath-aholic
Joe K is one of the two or three best detective/crime authors on Kind!e Unlimited and feisty heroine Jack Daniels just might kick Jack Teacher's booty any day of the week. I'm reading this series out of order but it all hangs together anyway. Over the top violence with some nasty comedic flourishes and plenty of heart, right up my alley!
Joe K is one of the two or three best detective/crime authors on Kind!e Unlimited and feisty heroine Jack Daniels just might kick Jack Teacher's booty any day of the week. I'm reading this series out of order but it all hangs together anyway. Over the top violence with some nasty comedic flourishes and plenty of heart, right up my alley!
December 16, 2023
Shot of Tequila by J.A. Konrath is book 6.5 in the Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels series. Mob enforcer Tequila is framed for a robbery of millions stolen fom his boss making him a target, as well as being hunted by Lietenant Jack Daniels for some murders. An excellent although farfetched chase, rather gruesome and violent in parts. Not as good as the usual books in the Jack Daniels series, as most of the other characters are missing and not as humerous. Still a fast paced, superb thriller.
November 16, 2021
La historia que aquí se cuenta tiene lugar diez años antes de la primera novela protagonizada por Jack Daniels, que es uno de los personajes secundarios. El protagonista se llama Tequila. Toda la serie de Jack Daniels tiene nombre de combinado y cada nombre encaja con algunos aspectos de la trama. Simplemente por eso Konrath tiene mi total admiración. El gore, violencia sádica y toques de humor tampoco desmerecen.
March 10, 2018
The writing isn't bad in this series, but the violence seems to escalate with each new book. This story just had too much, so a lower rating than usual.
July 11, 2021
Na ja,diese Mafiakriege und das ständige Beschreiben,wie jemand sich zu Brei schlägt,ist nicht so meins,aber nicht übel,wie am Ende sich aus dem Schlamassel rausgewunden wird.
October 16, 2017
This book is a prequel to Whiskey Sour. This is a fast read where Jack finds out all is not well in Chicago.
Jack finds herself struggling to understand a series of deaths that seem related but what is the motivation for the deaths.
Jack is looking for a man named Tequila. Tequila works for a man tied up with the mob. He is a debt collector. Tequila is also the only caretaker for his older sister, a woman with challenges of her own.
I really liked this book, with it's fast pace - all activity happens in less than a week - because there is enough background to make you long to have things come out right in the end.
Jack finds herself struggling to understand a series of deaths that seem related but what is the motivation for the deaths.
Jack is looking for a man named Tequila. Tequila works for a man tied up with the mob. He is a debt collector. Tequila is also the only caretaker for his older sister, a woman with challenges of her own.
I really liked this book, with it's fast pace - all activity happens in less than a week - because there is enough background to make you long to have things come out right in the end.
July 13, 2024
Not sure what to make of this installment in the series, Jacqueline‘s fiancé was never mentioned, although her ex-husband was mentioned prominently and she had reestablished a relationship with him. By the next book in the series her fiancé Latham is back in the picture as though nothing ever happened with her ex. This book seems out of place, almost like an alternate universe story.
On top of that the audiobook was read by a different narrator from all the rest so far, and a single narrator rather than two as we have become used to. Again there’s something off with this installment.
On top of that the audiobook was read by a different narrator from all the rest so far, and a single narrator rather than two as we have become used to. Again there’s something off with this installment.
August 13, 2010
Truth be told, I was somewhat skeptical when first picking up (i.e. downloading) Shot of Tequila by J.A. Konrath. Just like so many people, I have been following his blog for about a year now but had never read any of his books. Yes, he has made a living off of his sizable list of novels and whatnot, but that doesn’t mean he’s a good writer. Look at Stephanie Meyers (in my most humble of opinions). Making money does not mean you are good at the craft, just fortuitous, coming along at the correct moment. So, is this the case with Konrath? Is he riding high on the eRevolution? Does his writing actually suck?
If Shot of Tequila is any indication of his writing as a whole, then the answer must be no. Emphatically, wholeheartedly no. Tequila is the hardbitten story of one Tequila Abernathy, a collector for a somewhat psychotic bookie. Though a dupe, Tequila is framed for a million-dollar heist. Note this million-dollar heist is said bookies money. As one could imagine, all hell breaks loose afterwards.
Without going into any spoilers, the plot is well laid out though fairly guessable. There are few real surprises, though one in the first half will really throw you for a loop. The interspersion of Jacqueline ‘Jack’ Daniels, Konrath’s main character in his other books, was a nice touch. Her scenes usually serve as a sort of interposition and exposition, killing in the gaps and reminding the reader where s/he has been. The climax is tasty to say the least, though I must admit I was expecting a bit more (on the other hand, the anticlimactic scene was extremely climactic in its own way (did that make any sense?)).
The action throughout is spectacular. It plays out like a hyperviolent version of The Matrix. High-flying action and leaps, lips, cartwheels, kicks, throws, punches and whatever else you could possibly want are all here. The best part? It is all done well! It’s not just flips and kicks because it’s cool. It has a reason behind it and an origin. It is extremely visceral and bone crushing. One particular scene had me feeling the anger a character feels, feeling the brutal whooping that followed.
The characters are well thought out for the most part. The eponymous character is driven but lacks much depth. That, however, does not take away from the reader rooting for him. He is an intriguing character; I found myself reading over fight scenes twice just to fully picture the hits in all their brutal detail. Many of the supporting characters are weak and one sided. Two of these I found myself getting confused for about half of the book.
Overall, Shot of Tequila was an entertaining read. Semi-short in today’s world of 200k word epics. Short and sweet. I would fully recommend it.
www.TheMcClurePapers.com for more reviews.
If Shot of Tequila is any indication of his writing as a whole, then the answer must be no. Emphatically, wholeheartedly no. Tequila is the hardbitten story of one Tequila Abernathy, a collector for a somewhat psychotic bookie. Though a dupe, Tequila is framed for a million-dollar heist. Note this million-dollar heist is said bookies money. As one could imagine, all hell breaks loose afterwards.
Without going into any spoilers, the plot is well laid out though fairly guessable. There are few real surprises, though one in the first half will really throw you for a loop. The interspersion of Jacqueline ‘Jack’ Daniels, Konrath’s main character in his other books, was a nice touch. Her scenes usually serve as a sort of interposition and exposition, killing in the gaps and reminding the reader where s/he has been. The climax is tasty to say the least, though I must admit I was expecting a bit more (on the other hand, the anticlimactic scene was extremely climactic in its own way (did that make any sense?)).
The action throughout is spectacular. It plays out like a hyperviolent version of The Matrix. High-flying action and leaps, lips, cartwheels, kicks, throws, punches and whatever else you could possibly want are all here. The best part? It is all done well! It’s not just flips and kicks because it’s cool. It has a reason behind it and an origin. It is extremely visceral and bone crushing. One particular scene had me feeling the anger a character feels, feeling the brutal whooping that followed.
The characters are well thought out for the most part. The eponymous character is driven but lacks much depth. That, however, does not take away from the reader rooting for him. He is an intriguing character; I found myself reading over fight scenes twice just to fully picture the hits in all their brutal detail. Many of the supporting characters are weak and one sided. Two of these I found myself getting confused for about half of the book.
Overall, Shot of Tequila was an entertaining read. Semi-short in today’s world of 200k word epics. Short and sweet. I would fully recommend it.
www.TheMcClurePapers.com for more reviews.
September 6, 2011
I started reading Serial Killers Uncut by JA Konrath and Blake Crouch, and while reading, I decided that when there was a section that said "This book takes place after these events" I decided to read the book, then go back to Serial Killers.
This was the first book mentioned in the Serial Killers Uncut.
I'll be honest I was expecting to hate Tequila, I was expecting him to be sinister, horrible, and terrible.
I was wrong...I think most people would have done the same brutal acts as he did to protect their own family.
Tequila and his sister with Downs Syndrome grew up in an abusive home when Tequila finally snapped and got him and his sister out of there. In order to make some cash he falls in with the crime lord.
He is consequently framed for stealing money from the boss....and a series of events is set in motion that some might find too hard to stomach.
Along the way he meets Jacquline "Jack" Daniels, a cop who was trying to bust Tequila but somehow ends up working together. This is/can be considered the first book in the Jack Daniels series as well.
I really can't wait to read all these books that encompass the short stories that are in Serial Killers...it was quite a genius marketing strategy to come up with.
This was the first book mentioned in the Serial Killers Uncut.
I'll be honest I was expecting to hate Tequila, I was expecting him to be sinister, horrible, and terrible.
I was wrong...I think most people would have done the same brutal acts as he did to protect their own family.
Tequila and his sister with Downs Syndrome grew up in an abusive home when Tequila finally snapped and got him and his sister out of there. In order to make some cash he falls in with the crime lord.
He is consequently framed for stealing money from the boss....and a series of events is set in motion that some might find too hard to stomach.
Along the way he meets Jacquline "Jack" Daniels, a cop who was trying to bust Tequila but somehow ends up working together. This is/can be considered the first book in the Jack Daniels series as well.
I really can't wait to read all these books that encompass the short stories that are in Serial Killers...it was quite a genius marketing strategy to come up with.
April 11, 2012
A shot of Tequila is an interesting romp about an anti-hero named Tequilla who lives by his own moral code and a cop named Jack Daniels chasing him. The fast paced book is a quick read and well plotted. There is very little backstory and mostly it's a revenge novel. If you're looking for a quick and easy, linear shoot em up and kill the bad guys book, this will work for you. I haven't read other JA Konrath books, but I know this one was pretty good. Just don't expect in depth characters, flashbacks, or intimate internal thoughts. It's an I'm-going-to-kill-all-the-bad-guys-before-they-and-the-cops-get-me action thriller.
However, I would be remiss, If I didn't mention my favorite scene where Tequila escapes from a high rise apartment. I won't spoil it, but I literally said, "wow, that guy is crazy." I didn't see that coming. The book is worth it just for that scene. Kudos, Konrath.
However, I would be remiss, If I didn't mention my favorite scene where Tequila escapes from a high rise apartment. I won't spoil it, but I literally said, "wow, that guy is crazy." I didn't see that coming. The book is worth it just for that scene. Kudos, Konrath.
March 8, 2015
Sometime you choose a book from the way the cover looks, sometimes it’s the title. In this case, the title caught my attention. In addition, the mystery genre added to it.
Mobsters, crime bosses, loan sharks-the type of people you don’t double cross. Tequila worked for them, collecting monies due. Super Bowl is always a big pay day. Who would dare to rob the boss of the biggest take of the year? The butterfly tattoo on Tequila’s hand would make one think it’s Tequila, but he was somewhere else, or was he?
Detective Jacqueline Daniels, or Jack for short, has caught the case of a robbery gone wrong. Quite a few dead bodies add to the case. Work with Jack to determine who did what and why. Is it Tequila or not?
Quite the cast of characters and a bit on the descriptive side when it comes to the detail in the violence, but overall a very good read. This is part of the “Jack Daniels” series.
Mobsters, crime bosses, loan sharks-the type of people you don’t double cross. Tequila worked for them, collecting monies due. Super Bowl is always a big pay day. Who would dare to rob the boss of the biggest take of the year? The butterfly tattoo on Tequila’s hand would make one think it’s Tequila, but he was somewhere else, or was he?
Detective Jacqueline Daniels, or Jack for short, has caught the case of a robbery gone wrong. Quite a few dead bodies add to the case. Work with Jack to determine who did what and why. Is it Tequila or not?
Quite the cast of characters and a bit on the descriptive side when it comes to the detail in the violence, but overall a very good read. This is part of the “Jack Daniels” series.
March 22, 2018
Takes a licking and keeps on ticking
By Charles van Buren on March 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
An intellectual friend once admitted to an admiration for the writing of Donald Hamilton. She called his writing a guilty pleasure (I just call it a pleasure). I do not know if Konrath will become a guilty pleasure for me, but SHOT OF TEQUILA definitely was. This, despite the near indestructible main character who defies logic and the limitations of flesh and blood to keep on ticking like a Timex in the old John Cameron Swayze commercials. I have met a lot of tough people in my life but none to match Tequila. I am now planning to read the first book in the series. I am hoping for another guilty pleasure. I do hope Konrath avoids another unbelievable plot device such as Tequila's magnetic holsters.
By Charles van Buren on March 22, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
An intellectual friend once admitted to an admiration for the writing of Donald Hamilton. She called his writing a guilty pleasure (I just call it a pleasure). I do not know if Konrath will become a guilty pleasure for me, but SHOT OF TEQUILA definitely was. This, despite the near indestructible main character who defies logic and the limitations of flesh and blood to keep on ticking like a Timex in the old John Cameron Swayze commercials. I have met a lot of tough people in my life but none to match Tequila. I am now planning to read the first book in the series. I am hoping for another guilty pleasure. I do hope Konrath avoids another unbelievable plot device such as Tequila's magnetic holsters.
September 19, 2021
The entirety of this story takes place prior to the events of Whiskey Sour (Jack Daniels #1), which makes me wonder why it is considered to be book #6.5 (aside, simply, from the release date). Honestly, I would have preferred to read this story before reading the first three Codename Chandler books (Flee/Spree/Three, which take place between Jack Daniels #4 & #5), but it is difficult to find a properly organized reading order for these crossovers… Nevertheless…
If I'm being honest, I liked this book better than some of the primary Jack Daniels novels. Rather than hunting a serial killer, the mystery revolves around a frame-up and a massive amount of missing money, which was a refreshing change. Tequila is arguably the central character, with Jack Daniels serving as a secondary/side character, which also made this story fresh. Well worth the read.
If I'm being honest, I liked this book better than some of the primary Jack Daniels novels. Rather than hunting a serial killer, the mystery revolves around a frame-up and a massive amount of missing money, which was a refreshing change. Tequila is arguably the central character, with Jack Daniels serving as a secondary/side character, which also made this story fresh. Well worth the read.
March 13, 2024
I actually DNF’d this one. Even though it says it’s book 5 in the series, it actually takes place 10-15 years prior to Whiskey Sour when Jack is still with Alan and still a detective. I couldn’t read it because I was already invested in Jack as a lieutenant but also, her with Latham and it’s really hard to go back in time to a point where she hasn’t experienced the things we went through with her as a reader. And to know she was engaged and marrying someone else. It’s especially hard if reading back to back as I was. I have two more books purchased in this series as I’ve been buying two at a time, but this seriously makes me want to DNF the rest of the series and move on. Fuzzy Navel is next and the actual book 5 and will be the deciding factor on if this series gets finished or permanently written off for me.
September 6, 2016
I can't believe how much I love the way this writer writes the Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels series. They’re just plain fun to read. I can’t get enough and I’m like being an addict trying not to suck each book down without stopping to breathe.
JA Konrath creates situations so hard and dark you have no choice but to notice the ugly humor in the situations and that's not an easy feat to achieve. Each character is interesting, ugly, necessary, and funny as hell. This time, we predominately follow a hard, bad guy, Tequila I wanted to survive the crap storm that was trying to suck him down, good bad-guys I love it! Daniels was tough as always. When she appears it’s full-blown powerfully enjoyable fun. If there are any flaws…I Don’t Care! This was so much fun.
JA Konrath creates situations so hard and dark you have no choice but to notice the ugly humor in the situations and that's not an easy feat to achieve. Each character is interesting, ugly, necessary, and funny as hell. This time, we predominately follow a hard, bad guy, Tequila I wanted to survive the crap storm that was trying to suck him down, good bad-guys I love it! Daniels was tough as always. When she appears it’s full-blown powerfully enjoyable fun. If there are any flaws…I Don’t Care! This was so much fun.
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