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When the latest in a series of dead bodies turns up in the Chicago River, newspaper reporter Alex Chapa and Police Lieutenant Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels reluctantly join forces. Thriller writers J.A. Konrath (Whiskey Sour, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb) and Henry Perez (Killing Red) and their series characters have teamed up to create FLOATERS, a mystery tale that combines humor with thrills. Included in this 30,000 word collection are J.A. Konrath's LAST REQUEST, a Phineas Trout story, and FAMILIAR PLACES, a story by Henry Perez about hit man who has seen better days. This collection also includes a conversation between the authors and excerpts from each of their novels, SHOT OF TEQUILA, by J.A. Konrath, and KILLING RED by Henry Perez. Praise for JA Konrath's thriller Fuzzy "This gripping novel is an adrenalin rush." — Library Journal "Fuzzy Navel is Konrath at his best – a hilariously heartstopping thriller." — Linda Fairstein "This book moves so fast it was like having the words fired into my head by a machine gun." — Crimespree Praise for Henry Perez's thriller Killing Red "Intense, lightning-paced, brilliantly executed, a novel that demands to be read in one sitting." — James Rollins "Fascinating! Killing Red is not for the faint of heart. It kept me turning pages long into the night.” — Lisa Jackson “Killing Red is an intense, smart read, and Alex Chapa is a character of flesh and blood. A terrific debut—bravo!” — Marcus Sakey "Killing Red heralds a meteoric debut crafted with surgical skill! Not since Thomas Harris burst onto the scene with Black Sunday has a debut thriller come along that sinks its hooks this deep into a reader from page one. Here's a public service message to all thriller Do not start this book at night if you want to get any sleep, because you will be up until you cross the finish line – pulse racing, skin sweaty – but happy as hell you decided to go on this magnificent thrill ride. Highest recommendation!" — Jay Bonansinga "Taut, provocative and unforgettable. Henry Perez's Killing Red is the one debut novel you need to read this year." — Tasha Alexander
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2009
52 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
198 books3,012 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 16, 2020
4 stars for 3 short stories by J.A. Konrath and Henry Perez. Floaters is a collaboration between Konrath and Perez. It is about crime reporter Alex Chapa(Henry Perez character) who agrees to help find a missing man after a tearful plea from the missing man's wife, Nina Candrolini. Her husband Emil has been missing for 2 days and she fears the worst. She gives him 3 addresses of antique dealers that he was going to visit. Chapa stumbles into a nasty trio of crooks. Chicago Police LT. Jack Daniels(Konrath character) comes into the story when 1 of the 3 antique dealers turns up dead.
It a pleasant story with a satisfying ending.
One quote from a conversation between Jack and her partner, Herb Benedict
"He said omniscient. You're the omnivorous one."
"I've never eaten an omni in my life. Is that one those Greek things, comes in a pita?"
The other 2 stories are even shorter, but enjoyable.
This was a kindle unlimited book.
It a pleasant story with a satisfying ending.
One quote from a conversation between Jack and her partner, Herb Benedict
"He said omniscient. You're the omnivorous one."
"I've never eaten an omni in my life. Is that one those Greek things, comes in a pita?"
The other 2 stories are even shorter, but enjoyable.
This was a kindle unlimited book.
January 6, 2025
Entertaining relationship listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account
I picked this novella because it is related to too Jack Daniels. It turned out to be a series of short stories which are OK!
I would recommend this novella and authors to readers of relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2025👒
This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account
I picked this novella because it is related to too Jack Daniels. It turned out to be a series of short stories which are OK!
I would recommend this novella and authors to readers of relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2025👒
January 25, 2013
Floaters was pretty good - I am a fan of all things Jack. Last Request was my favorite of the bunch & I was glad I picked it up!
March 13, 2015
This collaboration by a couple authors leaves nothing too memorable, dispite some bits of brutality. 3 of 10 stars
June 21, 2018
We picked us this ebook after discovering it pairs Konrath’s (Ms.) Jack Daniels with Chicago newspaperman, Alex Chapa, apparently the leading man of co-author Henry Pérez. We liked Chapa, and found his efforts to locate a missing antiques/collectibles dealer rather suspenseful. We didn’t recall that Jack is known for her designer work apparel but nonetheless her involvement in the plot was timely as well. For such a short tale, it’s a pleaser!
May 19, 2022
Too short for any character or plot development. I realize it is a spinoff of other series and that readers should be acquainted with the characters. I have read some of the Jack Daniels books but I know nothing about Chapa. The story would have been better if it was longer.
February 20, 2021
A short story collaboration between J. A. Konrath (of the Jack Daniels series) and Henry Perez. An entertaining read that was like a chapter out of the Jack Daniels books.
August 3, 2022
Floaters is a series of short stories written as a collaboration between the two authors J.A.Konrath and Henry Perez. Interesting but nothing special.
September 21, 2022
Free ebook. Now this is the kind of story I love. Very real especially in this day & age. Nice combination of authors. Love the Jack Daniels books/character. Can't wait for more !
June 3, 2015
Floaters, a Jack Daniels and Alex Chapa collaboration
J.A. Konrath and Henry Perez
Floaters is the title of this collection of 3 short stories. The first in the group, “Floaters,” is co-authored by Konrath and Perez and features both of their protagonists. As I am always skeptical of “co-authored” pieces, I appreciated the way the two shared the writing, with both contributing to the plot and storyline details, as well as the writing parts for both characters, alternating a Chapa chapter with a Daniels Chapa and then working together to pull it all into a seamless read. My only complaint was that it was too short!
Still, this short featured an intricate plot involving 4 floaters found in Homicide Lietenant Jack Daniel’s territory within a very short time, and an older woman who turned to newspaper reporter Chapa as her last hope to find her missing husband. Was there a connection? Would Chapa be able to find the missing husband alive? Would either he or Jack escape from a very twisted plot? Two smooth writing styles that meshed together very well. And yes, the was a fashion mention regarding Jacks’s apparel. In dialogue between Chapa and Daniels at a crime scene, Chapa remarks on an outfit he saw Daniels wear at a lecture she gave a few years before. He thought it was probably Armani, but Jack said, no, it was a Fendi.
Also in this book are a short story by Perez called “Familiar Places” and one by Konrath called “Last Request,” neither of which feature the characters from "Floaters."
Perez's "Familiar Places" describes an assassin-for-hire who has lost the taste for the job. He's failed in one assignment and is given a last chance to prove himself. He's just going through the motions, until it becomes clear that this last chance isn't quite what he thought it to be. Perez does a great job of showing the pathos and ennui that accompany the loss of interest in one's career path. One finishes the story hoping he finds that cabin in the woods.
Konrath's "Last Requim" features one of his regular supporting characters from the Jack Daniels series, Phineous Trout, or Phin. A non-criminal, who after receiving a virtual death sentence in the form of pancreatic cancer, embarks on a less than virtuous career path. This short story takes place before or early in his acquaintance with Jack Daniels, and again, is a wonderful look into the soul of a man without hope who still hangs on to the only thing he has left: his word.
There were other additions -- notes from both authors on writing their pieces, a couple of conversations between the two regarding their friendship and collaborating on “Floaters,” plus excerpts from Perez’s novel “Killing Red,” his first Chapa novel, and Konrath’s first Jack Daniels novel, “A Shot of Tequila.” Great introductions to both authors’ characters if you haven’t read them before, and a great visit with old friends if you have.
J.A. Konrath and Henry Perez
Floaters is the title of this collection of 3 short stories. The first in the group, “Floaters,” is co-authored by Konrath and Perez and features both of their protagonists. As I am always skeptical of “co-authored” pieces, I appreciated the way the two shared the writing, with both contributing to the plot and storyline details, as well as the writing parts for both characters, alternating a Chapa chapter with a Daniels Chapa and then working together to pull it all into a seamless read. My only complaint was that it was too short!
Still, this short featured an intricate plot involving 4 floaters found in Homicide Lietenant Jack Daniel’s territory within a very short time, and an older woman who turned to newspaper reporter Chapa as her last hope to find her missing husband. Was there a connection? Would Chapa be able to find the missing husband alive? Would either he or Jack escape from a very twisted plot? Two smooth writing styles that meshed together very well. And yes, the was a fashion mention regarding Jacks’s apparel. In dialogue between Chapa and Daniels at a crime scene, Chapa remarks on an outfit he saw Daniels wear at a lecture she gave a few years before. He thought it was probably Armani, but Jack said, no, it was a Fendi.
Also in this book are a short story by Perez called “Familiar Places” and one by Konrath called “Last Request,” neither of which feature the characters from "Floaters."
Perez's "Familiar Places" describes an assassin-for-hire who has lost the taste for the job. He's failed in one assignment and is given a last chance to prove himself. He's just going through the motions, until it becomes clear that this last chance isn't quite what he thought it to be. Perez does a great job of showing the pathos and ennui that accompany the loss of interest in one's career path. One finishes the story hoping he finds that cabin in the woods.
Konrath's "Last Requim" features one of his regular supporting characters from the Jack Daniels series, Phineous Trout, or Phin. A non-criminal, who after receiving a virtual death sentence in the form of pancreatic cancer, embarks on a less than virtuous career path. This short story takes place before or early in his acquaintance with Jack Daniels, and again, is a wonderful look into the soul of a man without hope who still hangs on to the only thing he has left: his word.
There were other additions -- notes from both authors on writing their pieces, a couple of conversations between the two regarding their friendship and collaborating on “Floaters,” plus excerpts from Perez’s novel “Killing Red,” his first Chapa novel, and Konrath’s first Jack Daniels novel, “A Shot of Tequila.” Great introductions to both authors’ characters if you haven’t read them before, and a great visit with old friends if you have.
August 6, 2015
Story #1: Floaters by Konrath and Perez
Floaters was my introduction to Henry Perez's character, Cuban-American reporter Alex Chapa. Lucky for me Chapa works in Chicago. Chicago is the same city my favorite fictional Homicide Lieutenant, Jack Daniels, also works. Chapa is searching for missing Emil Candrolini at the request of his wife of forty years, Nina. Why he agrees to take this story is beyond me. (Surely there are bigger stories in Chicago.) Nina gives Alex three names and addresses of people he may have dealt with and he begins his search for Emil. When bodies begin popping up in the Chicago River, Alex may have found a link to Emil. Enter the always stylishly dressed Jack Daniels and her always hungry slob of a partner, Herb. What absolutely made this story perfect was the banter between Jack and Herb which mostly included pepperoni snacks. No matter how ludicrous their conversations can get, they honor their jobs as police officers and always have each other's back. Although the criminals are totally stupid (because they're criminals) Jack and Herb are forced to cover Alex's back as well.
Story #2: Familiar Places by Henry Perez
This story is about a hit man who failed to follow through on a job and the fallout that follows. The "fallout" came as a surprise to me and was exciting to read. (Includes gunfire, fists and blood) Really, what becomes of a hit man when he no longer has a future with his employer?
Story # 3: Last Request (The best of the three!)
This short story follows Phineas Trout. Phin is character from the Jack Daniels series who is dying from pancreatic cancer. Phin's morality has seriously slipped and he takes on crime to help him pay for coke or heroin to ease his pain. On the way to commit a crime he picks up a transsexual hooker named Thor. (That's an image!) All I can say about this story is "I did not see that coming!" This story has a fantastic and very surprising twist. It was a great read! Phin is awesome. I hope he never dies!
Floaters also has brief conversations between Konrath and Perez. They're very short and humorous. Thankfully, they offer no deep thoughts. Floaters also features excerpts from Killing Red and A Shot of Tequila. I skipped those.
If anything you must read Last Request. Floaters is nothing profound, but for free it was a lot of fun. Just a FYI: I paid zero $ for Floaters and I am madly in love with the writing of J.A. Konrath.
Floaters was my introduction to Henry Perez's character, Cuban-American reporter Alex Chapa. Lucky for me Chapa works in Chicago. Chicago is the same city my favorite fictional Homicide Lieutenant, Jack Daniels, also works. Chapa is searching for missing Emil Candrolini at the request of his wife of forty years, Nina. Why he agrees to take this story is beyond me. (Surely there are bigger stories in Chicago.) Nina gives Alex three names and addresses of people he may have dealt with and he begins his search for Emil. When bodies begin popping up in the Chicago River, Alex may have found a link to Emil. Enter the always stylishly dressed Jack Daniels and her always hungry slob of a partner, Herb. What absolutely made this story perfect was the banter between Jack and Herb which mostly included pepperoni snacks. No matter how ludicrous their conversations can get, they honor their jobs as police officers and always have each other's back. Although the criminals are totally stupid (because they're criminals) Jack and Herb are forced to cover Alex's back as well.
Story #2: Familiar Places by Henry Perez
This story is about a hit man who failed to follow through on a job and the fallout that follows. The "fallout" came as a surprise to me and was exciting to read. (Includes gunfire, fists and blood) Really, what becomes of a hit man when he no longer has a future with his employer?
Story # 3: Last Request (The best of the three!)
This short story follows Phineas Trout. Phin is character from the Jack Daniels series who is dying from pancreatic cancer. Phin's morality has seriously slipped and he takes on crime to help him pay for coke or heroin to ease his pain. On the way to commit a crime he picks up a transsexual hooker named Thor. (That's an image!) All I can say about this story is "I did not see that coming!" This story has a fantastic and very surprising twist. It was a great read! Phin is awesome. I hope he never dies!
Floaters also has brief conversations between Konrath and Perez. They're very short and humorous. Thankfully, they offer no deep thoughts. Floaters also features excerpts from Killing Red and A Shot of Tequila. I skipped those.
If anything you must read Last Request. Floaters is nothing profound, but for free it was a lot of fun. Just a FYI: I paid zero $ for Floaters and I am madly in love with the writing of J.A. Konrath.
April 17, 2013
This book was a deal on Amazon, but the irresistable price encouraged my low expectations. I'd thought the book would be short, but I didn't realize that "book" actually contained 3 short stories, one interview and two previews (plugs) for other books. Floaters is a braided story by two authors, with two protagonists--Jack Daniels and Alex Chapa. Not my favorite braided story and I'd expected Floaters to be longer and was surprised when more stories and an interview were included in this book. Floaters was totally a character driven story that moved along at a quick clip, but ultimately the book wasn't the most memorable one I've read this month. But the other stories--Familiar Places by Henry Perez and Last Reques by J.A Konrath t were great and the idea of including the interview was perfect. I loved the surprise of Familiar Places and the previews of the authors' other books made me want to keep reading.
January 31, 2012
Floaters was a collaborative effort between two authors, incorporating characters that already exist in their own series.
The back-and-forth flipping of perspectives between the two protagonists made the reading a bit choppy to me. And because the story was short, there wasn't much development or depth. There just didn't seem to be enough elements to keep things interesting.
I have a feeling that fans of the Jack Daniels and Alex Chapa will appreciate Floaters more than someone unfamiliar with either character.
The back-and-forth flipping of perspectives between the two protagonists made the reading a bit choppy to me. And because the story was short, there wasn't much development or depth. There just didn't seem to be enough elements to keep things interesting.
I have a feeling that fans of the Jack Daniels and Alex Chapa will appreciate Floaters more than someone unfamiliar with either character.
April 14, 2010
Konrath's books are always great, sometimes a little gory, but the timing, comedic elements, suspense, it's all there. Just learned about him a few months ago from the web, been devouring his books since.
November 18, 2010
OK but nothing to get excited about. Actually, it wasn't even as good as a fair short story. It could have been much better with a little more character development and a desire to tell a good story rather than a synopsis of what could have been.
May 13, 2011
Excellent story. Very engaging and believable. The integration of the two writers parts was seamless. First thing I did after finishing this story was go buy Killing Red by Henry Perez the pther co-author.
October 22, 2011
The only disappointment was that I clearly didn't read the description close enough. This is a short story collaboration. I enjoyed the stories included, but was disappointed because I believed it was a novel.
April 12, 2010
disjointed
January 27, 2012
Short story was ok.
March 20, 2012
Freebie kindle short story. Will read Henry perez books now. Already read konrath
December 27, 2012
Too short to really review. I didn't realize this was basically a chapter-long novella but there are some bonus novellas as well.
March 30, 2013
Fun, witty crime. Hard to beat.
November 14, 2013
Short and sweet! The collaborative effort was enjoyable but brief. I didn't realize the "book" was three short stories.
November 1, 2016
As I hadn't read either author before, I'm pleased to have enjoyed the stories from both. The collaboration on the title story was especially well done.
November 24, 2021
Nina got what she wanted, Alex got what he wanted, and Jack finally straightened things out. I am too old to remember pogs, but I enjoyed the story anyway and recommend the book.
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August 27, 2011J.A. Konrath is my favourite thriller and suspense's author.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews