What do you think?
Rate this book
When Karl, the schizophrenic, ex-GI with post traumatic issues shows up on Duffy's caseload talking about governmental conspiracy predictions Duff takes it in stride. When Karl's terrorist predictions start coming true and he prattles on about the motives of defense contractors, security firms and the profits of war, Duff begins to pay attention. But when Duff suffers his own traumatic brain injury getting knocked out in the ring and Karl doesn't look so crazy any more. With his own sanity on the line Duffy, Al and Karl travel across the country to foil the terrorists at the Notre Dame football opener and the Columbine-type massacre. Oh yeah, and in the meantime there s that evil basset hound puppymill to deal with. Step into the ring for round three and join Duffy, Al the basset hound, that collection of lovable drunks, the Fearsome Foursome for their greatest adventure yet. Pull up a bar stool, crack a cold Schlitz, let Elvis light up the jukebox and get ready for the most therapeutic social worker moonlighting as a pro boxer. When Duffy hears the bell everyone should keep their guard up.
- GenresMystery
280 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2009
1 person is currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Tom Schreck
47 books94 followersTom is the author of "On the Ropes," "TKO,""Out Cold" and "The Vegas Knockout,"all "Duffy Dombrowski Mysteries". His stand alone thriller, "Getting Dunn" was released in 2012.
The Duffy mysteries chronicle the life of a not-so-social social worker, always on the brink of getting fired, who is a bad professional boxer at night and whose best friends are a collection of lovable drunks.
Duffy is part philosopher, part Robin Hood and all heart as he throws himself into helping those who can't help themselves.
Then there's Al--his obstinate basset hound who prefers cheeseburgers, barking at Duffy and naps. But Al seems to show up exactly when it matters.
Often described as a modern day, hipper and less perfect Spenser, Duffy Dombrowski knows the ghetto street and just how unforgiving they can be.
The Duffy mysteries chronicle the life of a not-so-social social worker, always on the brink of getting fired, who is a bad professional boxer at night and whose best friends are a collection of lovable drunks.
Duffy is part philosopher, part Robin Hood and all heart as he throws himself into helping those who can't help themselves.
Then there's Al--his obstinate basset hound who prefers cheeseburgers, barking at Duffy and naps. But Al seems to show up exactly when it matters.
Often described as a modern day, hipper and less perfect Spenser, Duffy Dombrowski knows the ghetto street and just how unforgiving they can be.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 12, 2009
Duffy Dombrowski is back for Round Three in OUT COLD by Tom Schreck. This time Duffy's taken a hard hit in sparring that knocked him unconscious. Instead of listening to his trusted trainer, Smitty, he sneaks off to another gym and takes a second lights-out blow. Maybe these blows are why Karl, Duffy's schizophrenic client, doesn't sound so crazy to Duffy when he starts running on about a government conspiracy to keep Americans afraid. Despite everyone's advice to the contrary, Duffy teams up with a "guy who...wore a Redskins helmet and meditated in the nude." They are off to fight domestic terrorism. And of course, Al the basset hound tags along for the ride.
If you can read this book without laughing until your sides hurt, I do believe you were born without a funny bone. Schreck is an absolute genius: he reels the reader in with irresistible humor and endearing characters then slips in a plot comprised of multiple social issues the reader can't help but latch on to. If mixed together incorrectly, this combination has the potential to be a lethal concoction, but Schreck's recipe stirs in just the right amount of each ingredient for a delicious read.
In college I remember a classmate asking the question during an English class discussion, "if a schizophrenic is alone on an island, is he still a schizophrenic?" I couldn't help but recall that question as I read OUT COLD. In each of Schreck's novels he challenges society's belief about an "outcast" group; in OUT COLD, Schreck is challenging the reader to closely examine his/her beliefs about people deemed to be "crazy." In addition, he's calling attention to the government's tactics to gain support through fear. Schreck never lays out clear cut answers to these issues, rather he reminds the reader that these issues aren't simply "black" or "white" like so many people would prefer them to be.
I simply cannot deem a book "great" if it doesn't have amazing characters. The Fearsome Foursome are hysterically funny and a reminder not to sweat the small stuff. I find myself looking for them in the corner bar. I'm also convinced that one day I'm going to run into Duffy Dombrowski and learn that Schreck is writing non-fiction, not fiction novels. Schreck has created an entire cast of characters that the reader could probably identify in his or her own life.
And the real star, Al the basset hound, is crafted from Schreck's own experiences with the breed. Al's mannerisms and personality are all basset, true to the bone. Al contributes to the humor as well as to the development of other characters. He is a priceless element of this series.
The Duffy Dombrowski series is a rare combination of entertainment and challenge. Go ahead; jump in the ring with Duffy because OUT COLD is another knock out for Tom Schreck.
If you can read this book without laughing until your sides hurt, I do believe you were born without a funny bone. Schreck is an absolute genius: he reels the reader in with irresistible humor and endearing characters then slips in a plot comprised of multiple social issues the reader can't help but latch on to. If mixed together incorrectly, this combination has the potential to be a lethal concoction, but Schreck's recipe stirs in just the right amount of each ingredient for a delicious read.
In college I remember a classmate asking the question during an English class discussion, "if a schizophrenic is alone on an island, is he still a schizophrenic?" I couldn't help but recall that question as I read OUT COLD. In each of Schreck's novels he challenges society's belief about an "outcast" group; in OUT COLD, Schreck is challenging the reader to closely examine his/her beliefs about people deemed to be "crazy." In addition, he's calling attention to the government's tactics to gain support through fear. Schreck never lays out clear cut answers to these issues, rather he reminds the reader that these issues aren't simply "black" or "white" like so many people would prefer them to be.
I simply cannot deem a book "great" if it doesn't have amazing characters. The Fearsome Foursome are hysterically funny and a reminder not to sweat the small stuff. I find myself looking for them in the corner bar. I'm also convinced that one day I'm going to run into Duffy Dombrowski and learn that Schreck is writing non-fiction, not fiction novels. Schreck has created an entire cast of characters that the reader could probably identify in his or her own life.
And the real star, Al the basset hound, is crafted from Schreck's own experiences with the breed. Al's mannerisms and personality are all basset, true to the bone. Al contributes to the humor as well as to the development of other characters. He is a priceless element of this series.
The Duffy Dombrowski series is a rare combination of entertainment and challenge. Go ahead; jump in the ring with Duffy because OUT COLD is another knock out for Tom Schreck.
October 20, 2016
Good 3rd Dombrosky book
If you have followed Duffy Dombrosky this is a fitting 3rd book in the series. It pulls together many elements that have been introduced.
The editor's strikes made it to the published book. This and the lack of appropriate sentence breaks makes it difficult to read. It takes much effort to determine which character is making what statement without these breaks.
If you have followed Duffy Dombrosky this is a fitting 3rd book in the series. It pulls together many elements that have been introduced.
The editor's strikes made it to the published book. This and the lack of appropriate sentence breaks makes it difficult to read. It takes much effort to determine which character is making what statement without these breaks.
February 24, 2024
Currently doing a series reread with Kindle versions. Love me some Duffy and company.
A big issue I have with this story…what was the point of Rene? Didn’t get much of story of their relationship or why she left. Was this supposed to be an example of someone dealing with PTSD not able see outside of themselves? Honestly, I was waiting for the “Why?” conversation/confrontation with Rene saying that she wasn’t able to handle Duffy’s nightmares. 🤷🏼♀️
Also, AJ’s Army, FTW!
A big issue I have with this story…what was the point of Rene? Didn’t get much of story of their relationship or why she left. Was this supposed to be an example of someone dealing with PTSD not able see outside of themselves? Honestly, I was waiting for the “Why?” conversation/confrontation with Rene saying that she wasn’t able to handle Duffy’s nightmares. 🤷🏼♀️
Also, AJ’s Army, FTW!
February 26, 2011
I really like Duffy and his cast of friends and enemies. The basset "Al" plays a starring role as always. In this book Duffy is knocked "out cold" in the opening pages. It is obvious to the reader that he is concussed but Duffy being a tough guy has to fight it. He even goes so far as to fight at another gym, getting a second concussion. It is these two concussions that lead to the problems that Duffy gets involved in this time. One of his clients is suffering from PTSD and willing admits to being crazy. But as he talk to Duffy he starts making a lot of sense. Leading to the question "is Duffy crazy too or is this guy making lots of sense?"
There were some things I didn't like about the book but they are personal issues not anything wrong with the writing or the storytelling. I'm not a big fan of conspiracy theory's or the people who blindly believe a lot of the wild-eyed zealots who push those theory's. Having said that, this story presents them and then goes on to prove that not all of them are crazy and sometimes there is someone out to get you.
There is a scene near the end of the book that involves Al, Duffy's client and a puppy mill that is both heartbreaking and wonderful. Takes a talented author to bring that off, and the scene is well worth the cost of the books.
Now, how long do I have to wait for the next Duffy mystery?
There were some things I didn't like about the book but they are personal issues not anything wrong with the writing or the storytelling. I'm not a big fan of conspiracy theory's or the people who blindly believe a lot of the wild-eyed zealots who push those theory's. Having said that, this story presents them and then goes on to prove that not all of them are crazy and sometimes there is someone out to get you.
There is a scene near the end of the book that involves Al, Duffy's client and a puppy mill that is both heartbreaking and wonderful. Takes a talented author to bring that off, and the scene is well worth the cost of the books.
Now, how long do I have to wait for the next Duffy mystery?
April 9, 2011
Like the first book of Schreck's that I read and loved (which was his first novel as well, ON THE ROPES), the humor is what makes these books great. Schreck's humor turns what would be average mysteries into superb comic tales of mayhem and dry wit. At the core of Schreck's humor is his basset hound Al, who has been a feature in all three of the Duffy Dombrowski books (Ropes and TKO being the first two). Al is a, wait for it, Muslim basset. Yes, you read that right. Stop there and this gives enough humor for several good laughs but the story that Schreck weaves social worker Dombrowski and Al into provides both thrills and much more laughs. Maybe not everyone would like these books, but a lot of people I know have no sense of humor. If you're one of those unlucky few, this might not be for you. But, if you need a good belly laugh, check out what Schreck and Duffy are up to this time.
February 3, 2010
Karl is an ex-GI with post traumatic issues and one of Duffy’s clients at Jewish Unified Services. Duffy doesn’t put much stock in what Karl has to say until Duffy suffers from a head injury himself. Then Karl doesn’t look quite so crazy.
Duffy even goes so far as to allow Karl to move into his trailer. Al, Duffy’s basset hound, bonds with Karl from the start. So begin the adventures of Duffy, Karl and Al as they take a road trip to the Notre dame football opener. The group is not there to watch football but Karl has a premonition that there will be a Columbine-type massacre at the game. This prediction isn’t quite on point but there are still more battles to be fought.
All of Duffy’s old friends from the bar are around to add a touch of humor and Al is always loveable although not necessarily good mannered.
Duffy and Al are always fun and Out Cold is no exception.
Duffy even goes so far as to allow Karl to move into his trailer. Al, Duffy’s basset hound, bonds with Karl from the start. So begin the adventures of Duffy, Karl and Al as they take a road trip to the Notre dame football opener. The group is not there to watch football but Karl has a premonition that there will be a Columbine-type massacre at the game. This prediction isn’t quite on point but there are still more battles to be fought.
All of Duffy’s old friends from the bar are around to add a touch of humor and Al is always loveable although not necessarily good mannered.
Duffy and Al are always fun and Out Cold is no exception.
August 11, 2011
This third installment of Tom Schreck's Duffy Dumbrowski Mysteries is a great addition to the series. Boxing, Social Work and Basset Hounds - how could it be anything but fun? You will never look at Spam the same way again! You will join the outrage at the evil that Puppy Mills perpetrate....and you will wait with bated breath for the next adventure to begin!
December 2, 2012
Because Tom Schreck is a friend of mine, I can't objectively review this book. Still, if you like a good mystery mixed with conspiracy thoery and some sophomoric humor, his Dombrowski books are fantastic.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews