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Donovan Creed #1
Lethal People
In the first of an exciting new series, Donovan Creed, former CIA assassin and a smart-aleck tough guy with a heart of bronze, faces his biggest challenge ever. While pursuing a budding romance with the beautiful Kathleen Gray, Creed stumbles upon a plucky, but horribly burned, little girl named Addie Dawes. Creed's suspicion about the fire that killed Addie's family puts him on a collision course with crime boss Joe DeMeo, in what soon becomes an issue of kill or be killed. DeMeo, a relentless killer who will stop at nothing to protect his empire, targets Creed and his loved ones for death. But Creed has plans of his own. Employing a bizarre cast of characters including a giant, a rival crime lord, an angry midget bent on world conquest, and a team of circus clowns, Creed goes on the attack, with hilarious results.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2012
373 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
About the author
John Locke
55 books390 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information. This is the novelist (2x spaces), not the philosopher (1x space).
New York Times best-selling author John Locke is the international best-selling author of sixteen books in four different genres. He is the 8th author in history to have sold one million eBooks on Kindle. Locke has had four books in the top ten at the same time, including #1 and #2. His Donovan Creed thriller series has sold more than 1,700,000 copies since January, 2011, and foreign rights have been acquired by six major publishers for Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Hungarian, and Lithuanian translations. (Amazon's brief biography)
NY TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR!
8th MEMBER of the KINDLE MILLION SALES CLUB!
First self-published author to hit #1 on Amazon/Kindle!
First self-published author to hit Kindle Million Sales Club!
John sold 1,100,000 eBooks in 5 months by word of mouth!
John wrote and published 6 best-selling books in 3 separate genres in 6 months, part-time!
John has had 4 of the top 10 eBooks on Amazon/Kindle at the same time, including #1 and #2! He’s also had 6 of the top 20, and 8 of the top 43 at the same time!
Every eBook John Locke has written and published has become a best-seller.
New York Times best-selling author John Locke is the international best-selling author of sixteen books in four different genres. He is the 8th author in history to have sold one million eBooks on Kindle. Locke has had four books in the top ten at the same time, including #1 and #2. His Donovan Creed thriller series has sold more than 1,700,000 copies since January, 2011, and foreign rights have been acquired by six major publishers for Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Hungarian, and Lithuanian translations. (Amazon's brief biography)
NY TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR!
8th MEMBER of the KINDLE MILLION SALES CLUB!
First self-published author to hit #1 on Amazon/Kindle!
First self-published author to hit Kindle Million Sales Club!
John sold 1,100,000 eBooks in 5 months by word of mouth!
John wrote and published 6 best-selling books in 3 separate genres in 6 months, part-time!
John has had 4 of the top 10 eBooks on Amazon/Kindle at the same time, including #1 and #2! He’s also had 6 of the top 20, and 8 of the top 43 at the same time!
Every eBook John Locke has written and published has become a best-seller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
February 21, 2012
Let's be honest... I would never have picked up Lethal People if I hadn't read this article on the L.A. Times. The first self-pubbed author to join the Kindle Millionaires Club? Of course I had to check him out! (Also, I'm trying to diversify my reading beyond the YA genre I'm currently addicted to!)
So, Lethal People. Surprisingly, I liked it. It's filled with gratituous violence, absolutely no character development, zero literary pretentions, and yet... there were times when I did find myself laughing out loud. It was, quite simply, fun. In a very fluffy kind of way. If the idea of a mob boss blowing up an entire hotel to kill one man could be considered fluffy. Or a body count that increases geometrically with each successive page.
This book, to me, screamed Princess Bride-wannabe. In fact, about two seconds after I had the thought, the main character makes a Princess Bride reference, so I feel positively vindicated! It has the same kind of campy, over-the-top plot and easy characterizations and fast-moving action. Of course, it never quite captures the magic, in the same way a hooker can't ever quite be Julia Roberts. But, following through on that metaphor, it has the same brash, unapologetic vulgar charm so perfected by the TV hookers of the nineties.
On to the plot... Donovon Creed, SupersecretSpy-and-counterterrorism-operative by day and Assassin-for-hire by night. He's handsome (of course), world-weary (of course), immensely talented at various nefarious activities (of course) and (double of course) in search of the love of a good woman. Into his weird and completely unbelievable life wander a host of equally wacky, Hallmark-adorable characters, including a hideous giant, several hot hookers, homicidal midget soldiers, rival mob bosses, an orphaned little girl, a bitter ex-wife and a smart daughter, the attractive charming romantic lead, several stupid goons, and a CIA handler who can make all his problems vanish with the wave of a magic wand.
Lethal People is escapism on the most primary level. There is absolutely no question that this book was meant to be ridiculous, and it succeeds. The writing is pretty bad, which is par course for self-pubbed books, of course, but unlike some others (*cough Betrayal cough*), it's not offensive. In the sense that the pace and the flow of the story distract you somewhat from the cliched phrases, and the weird switch from third person to first person and back again.
All in all, I would have to say that in this genre, Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer do it a lot better, but for a new entrant, and a self-pubbed author, Locke holds his own. I don't know who I could possibly recommend this book to (karen, probably, Flannery, possibly and maybe Maja), but I liked it. I really, really did.
So, Lethal People. Surprisingly, I liked it. It's filled with gratituous violence, absolutely no character development, zero literary pretentions, and yet... there were times when I did find myself laughing out loud. It was, quite simply, fun. In a very fluffy kind of way. If the idea of a mob boss blowing up an entire hotel to kill one man could be considered fluffy. Or a body count that increases geometrically with each successive page.
This book, to me, screamed Princess Bride-wannabe. In fact, about two seconds after I had the thought, the main character makes a Princess Bride reference, so I feel positively vindicated! It has the same kind of campy, over-the-top plot and easy characterizations and fast-moving action. Of course, it never quite captures the magic, in the same way a hooker can't ever quite be Julia Roberts. But, following through on that metaphor, it has the same brash, unapologetic vulgar charm so perfected by the TV hookers of the nineties.
On to the plot... Donovon Creed, SupersecretSpy-and-counterterrorism-operative by day and Assassin-for-hire by night. He's handsome (of course), world-weary (of course), immensely talented at various nefarious activities (of course) and (double of course) in search of the love of a good woman. Into his weird and completely unbelievable life wander a host of equally wacky, Hallmark-adorable characters, including a hideous giant, several hot hookers, homicidal midget soldiers, rival mob bosses, an orphaned little girl, a bitter ex-wife and a smart daughter, the attractive charming romantic lead, several stupid goons, and a CIA handler who can make all his problems vanish with the wave of a magic wand.
Lethal People is escapism on the most primary level. There is absolutely no question that this book was meant to be ridiculous, and it succeeds. The writing is pretty bad, which is par course for self-pubbed books, of course, but unlike some others (*cough Betrayal cough*), it's not offensive. In the sense that the pace and the flow of the story distract you somewhat from the cliched phrases, and the weird switch from third person to first person and back again.
All in all, I would have to say that in this genre, Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer do it a lot better, but for a new entrant, and a self-pubbed author, Locke holds his own. I don't know who I could possibly recommend this book to (karen, probably, Flannery, possibly and maybe Maja), but I liked it. I really, really did.
December 17, 2011
This is not a book I would normally read, but I was pleasantly surprised with it.
Donovan Creed is our main character, and he works for homeland security killing terrorists. During his spare time he tests out torture devices for the mob. He's an assassin that will basically kill anyone for money, although Locke states that he won't kill kids...often. He's definitely psycho, but likeable somehow. He can go from killing a random woman to talking on the phone with his daughter, Kimberly and being concerned over her mother, his ex wife.
Locke's writing is pretty good, and currenly all of his books are always .99, so when you read them you may expect a typical crappy .99 book, but that's not what you get. I've read 3 books from the Donovan Creed series so far, and loved each one of them. They are extremely fast-paced, and action packed. You will never have a dull moment! He makes your head spin with lots of twists. There is also a lot of humor that made me laugh, and the suspense is great too.
Overall, very entertaining read.
Donovan Creed is our main character, and he works for homeland security killing terrorists. During his spare time he tests out torture devices for the mob. He's an assassin that will basically kill anyone for money, although Locke states that he won't kill kids...often. He's definitely psycho, but likeable somehow. He can go from killing a random woman to talking on the phone with his daughter, Kimberly and being concerned over her mother, his ex wife.
Locke's writing is pretty good, and currenly all of his books are always .99, so when you read them you may expect a typical crappy .99 book, but that's not what you get. I've read 3 books from the Donovan Creed series so far, and loved each one of them. They are extremely fast-paced, and action packed. You will never have a dull moment! He makes your head spin with lots of twists. There is also a lot of humor that made me laugh, and the suspense is great too.
Overall, very entertaining read.
March 7, 2015
2.5.
Un libro que no me gustó. Tiene una buena idea en la que partir y una buena trama, sin embargo, le encontré bastantes puntos flojos:
-El protagonista: Un personaje que no me cayó para nada bien. Una mierda de persona.
-En muchas partes la historia hace agua.
-Es muy pesado y repetitivo.
-Algunos capítulos están de más.
-He arrancado un trozo y adivina qué he visto.
-¿Una mancha con forma de Jesús en triciclo?
Al principio le había puesto 3 estrellas. Como verán, ahora tiene 2. Decidí cambiarle el puntaje porque el paso del tiempo me hizo darme cuenta de que es una novela mala.
Había leído que muchas partes eran muy graciosas; a mí sólo me dieron gracia dos partes.
-Soy yo -anuncio Callie.
-Tienes que tatuarte una mariposa en el culo.
Se quedó callada un momento.
-Donovan, si ésta es tu forma habitual de empezar una conversación creo que he identificado tu problema con las mujeres.
Tengo que admitir que, sacando todas las partes pesadas y repetitivas, la historia es entretenida.
Un libro que no me gustó. Tiene una buena idea en la que partir y una buena trama, sin embargo, le encontré bastantes puntos flojos:
-El protagonista: Un personaje que no me cayó para nada bien. Una mierda de persona.
-En muchas partes la historia hace agua.
-Es muy pesado y repetitivo.
-Algunos capítulos están de más.
-He arrancado un trozo y adivina qué he visto.
-¿Una mancha con forma de Jesús en triciclo?
Al principio le había puesto 3 estrellas. Como verán, ahora tiene 2. Decidí cambiarle el puntaje porque el paso del tiempo me hizo darme cuenta de que es una novela mala.
Había leído que muchas partes eran muy graciosas; a mí sólo me dieron gracia dos partes.
-Soy yo -anuncio Callie.
-Tienes que tatuarte una mariposa en el culo.
Se quedó callada un momento.
-Donovan, si ésta es tu forma habitual de empezar una conversación creo que he identificado tu problema con las mujeres.
Tengo que admitir que, sacando todas las partes pesadas y repetitivas, la historia es entretenida.
February 3, 2012
If you want to enjoy this book, I recommend you plant it firmly in your mind that this is FIRST a Black Comedy and Second all of those other things you might have thought it would be. When I say black, I mean "Dark as the night that covers me! Black as the pit from pole to pole" Black. (Thank you Invictus-Hently)
Summary . Black Comedy, prepare for Dark Characters. Think "A Clockwork Orange" meets "Love Story" on Gilligan's Island. Once you have that firmly entrenched, then, enjoy the nifty spy stuff! This is the story of what our vaunted CIA and other (likely contracted) Super Spies do on their days off! Believe me. There are some things about the people our government employs that we do not need to know, like is there a brown streak in their underwear and "what do you do on your day's off?". If your curious, start reading on page one, you'll have a good bit of that need-not to know info by the time your through.
The other thing that's important to remember is, that this is one freakin’ funny book! Either through Irony, dialog, wise cracking characters or just the zany twists and turns, especially at the end. I laughed. This book may not be as funny as "Bubba and the Dead Woman" but funny enough to make up for a lot of dark characters.
Really dark characters.
The Synopsis
Once upon a time, there was a secret agent who lived in a prison cell so he could get use to living in them. He figured he'd wind up in Prison one day anyway, for one thing or another. When not in a Prison Cell he sometimes sneaks into people’s houses and hangs out in their attic, just to keep his stealth skills sharp. He had a sideline in the development of special tools and weapons. He helps the government test torture devices…ON HIM! (Say it with me, "WTF?") We, of course, can't say his name out of fear and being caught cooked and served to circus clowns but it sounds like "Donovan Creed." So we'll call him that!
Donovan was, at one time, married to a beautiful blond named Janet and had a beautiful daughter named Kimberly. Come to find out our Agent, Donovan Creed has that same sweet spot in his barbed wire heart that many stalkers and serial killers also share. After learning that his ex-wife is about to remarry and that his daughter doesn't like the new Prince Charming he runs the usual background checks, those designed to find Terrorists and foreign operatives so they can be framed for crimes they may, or may not have, committed.
Guess what turns up? Legitimately I mean, call it a Free-Bee from the FeeBees: The guy (ex-wife’s future husband) has a history of spousal/partner abuse. Ordinarily there is might be a chance that the ex-husband welcomes such news. I mean if they really got along, the two wouldn't be getting a divorce now would they? Not our…Hero?...but I digresss,..."This will never work!"
So what does our Donny Creed do? What you and I would have done, he uses the "Fringe Benefits" of his position with the government and turns all the assets he can get his hands on to expose Janet's Fiancé' and metaphorically "poop in the wedding cake."
Of course Janet isn't an easy nut to crack. Yes, they’re all nuts in their own special way. Creed figures Janet would reject anything he or any of his known associates presented to her out of hand so he's got to finesse this one like a gay hairdresser. Of course he knows a hooker who looks a lot like Janet's fiancé’s ex-wife. Don’t we all know a hooker that reminds us of our ex-wives? (Stay close, dangerous curves here.) So a plan starts to form. (Did I mention this guys a couple of cards short of a full house?)
In the meantime, as any good government assassin, he picks up contracts on the side to gather a little "Walking around Money." Since he's got nothing better to do, he takes up a job that seems to pay well and have only a few "minor" glitches. Sure the contract is for a quadriplegic midget with dreadlocks that would touch the floor if he were able to stand. What's so unusual about that? A Simple request, abduct the wife of the doctor responsible for botching his surgery. See, even a little justice involved here.... Then Kill the woman. Um... did I mention these are sick people? Of course Creed and his smokin-hot assassin apprentice, Callie, take this sweet woman out as easy as taking candy from a baby (which I think Callie took but nobody can prove yet and the baby got off scot free).
Of course that gives him some cash to get his plans to frame his ex-wife's fiancé' so he looks like he’s really a confirmed wife beater... back on track with a saner… and... Oh who am I trying to kid! These guys are lunatics with a capital L-O-O-N! . I mean, it might look bad if it turns out he framed a guy for spousal abuse that was actually innocent. It's not like that's ever happened before has it?...O.J....O.J... Ooooh NOoooh. These guys operate under the G. Gordon Liddy School of legal advice. Uh-boy... where was I?
Oh, yea, framing Creed's smokin' hot ex-wife’s fiancé’. Anywhooo... Creed was um... "interviewing"...(imagine finger quotes here)... a sweet young 20-somthing aspiring movie actress want-to-be who went to church every Sunday, helped little old ladies across the street and worked as an expensive hooker/escort for a mobster named Delmeo because she was a dead ringer, pardon the pun, for his smokin-hot, sexy blond Assassin Apprintice, Callie. Never know when you need a body double to make an identity switch.
After "checking out" (yep, more finger quotes there too) all of her "credentials" (fingers...)with a fine tooth comb... um... checking them out "intimately"... Callie calls. It's a bad news, good news, bad news thing. The bad news: Callie's gonna have to get a butterfly tattoo on her hip so they can use the body double. Good news: They found the van...oh, there's more bad news. The doctor's wife's body is missing.
Hey, didn't they kill her already? What gives?
The nerve of some people, snatching a perfectly kilt body and saving her at the last second? What's worse, someone hijacked a spy satellite and took pictures of the abduction. Now CNN has all the coverage, live as the images develop allah Kevin-No-Way-Out-If-we-Build-it-they-will-come-(and kill us)-Costner. Maybe something might come up to take the press's attention away from the Midget Doctor... I mean, the doctor wasn't a midget but, he worked on midge... never mind, you get the idea right?
So, if that wasn't enough, Creed has an amazing Kreskin moment (If you haven’t heard of Kreskin…Google him!). He has a photographic memory of every moment he spends in a tryst with hookers. Yea, that's a finely honed skill they teach in spy school. They put it right in between the “Don’t take contract hit jobs from megalomaniacal paraplegic midgets” lesson and the “framing your smokin' hot ex-wife’s fiancé’ might be considered an "unjustifiable" expense” lesson (finger quotes optional). Perhaps it was all natural talent? I digress, back to the straight as an arrow story-line. .. where was I… oh, yes, I remember now… The blond bimbo planted a bomb! No sooner than you can say "ka-" our hero dives out of the window and the hotel blows up. (It’s actually more fun, and comical, than that, but I’ve gone on long enough, haven't I?)
To make matters worse, Creed, the duefus, is falling in love with his smokin' hot ex-wife's fiancé’s somokin' hot ex-girlfriend before the wife whom he beat that looks like a smokin' hot hooker from Sunday School. (follow that? I did warn you about the dangerous plot curves didn’t I?). Name tags like "Hi, I'm Donovan Creed Assassin for Hire, when I'm not working for the government, I'll work for you!" aren't going to be enough to keep these guys straight. I may take something more like a deck of "Magic" cards. (Those of you who don't get the joke, please clue-in those of you who do?)
Okay, so there are some minor details left to sort out.
Yep, Hooker's dead too. Damn the luck! Time for our “hero” Donovan Creed to seize the initiative. Yep, just like I was thinking. Let’s call in an army of knife throwing midgets dressed like clowns driving a Winnebago and one hyper-rich, quadriplegic, Rastafarian, little-person. I'm sure it's just another one of those routine operations for the CIA and Homeland Security. Boring!
Need I go on?
Needless to say (which begs the question of why I'm saying it), I'm being a bit sarcastic to help you keep in mind that this is a "Comedy" and the characters are very dark (black even?). Contrary to popular belief, I didn't give this book four stars because it allowed me to unleash my monstrous sarcastic wit in a review, assuming, of course, that I'm not making a monstrous wit out of a molehill of mediocrity that is. (say that five times fast?)... would you believe "pole vaulting mouse turds?"..."Killing flies with a shotgun?"
This was a really good read. The first chapter I went "Oh-hell no!" and almost chunked it out my window because of the horrible violence, but I stuck with it. The second chapter I went "Oh, double Hell (effin) NO! This dude, in the chapter, is a freakin Lunatic! But, I stuck with it. In chapter three I learned that the lunatic was none other than our friendly neighborhood protagonist, Donovan Creed. I almost chunked out of the window without opening it. I should have pulled chocks and let this whirly bird fly back to the cuckoo’s nest without me. Yea, I should have, but I didn't. Thank god! I may be as crazy as Donovan Creed's pinky fingernail but this book took off. Maybe I was holding out hope that he might, somehow, redeem himself?
So what did this book do right?
First, Donovan Creed may have a few quirks (yes, cough when you say that aloud) but he was actually a very likeable character, strangely almost a "sympathetic" character. So, he had a habit of killing people for money and is undoubtedly one of the baddest-asses on the planet!
I read a review of this book where the reviewer included an excerpt from an interview with John Locke the author. To quote Mr. Locke, “I called the book Lethal People because it’s about Lethal People.” This book ain’t about cuddly bunnies! So, you might not recommend “A Clockwork Orange” as bed time reading for Mother Teresa either right? (not that she couldn’t handle it better than most). It was still an award winning book and turned into an award winning movie. Both book and movie still considered “Classics” by most people. This includes me with an aversion to gratuitous violence and unredeemable characters.
Second, Donovan Creed really did have some redeeming qualities (He wasn’t all bad things and bad-ass). Human flaws! He felt remorse over not being in his teenage daughter’s life and struggled to find a way to understand her, express his love and support her. He becomes strongly affected, I think in a positive way, by the only surviving victim of the first chapter (where I almost chucked the book out the window) Addie, a poor child, girl, badly burned in a house fire set by arsons. Creed also really falls in love with a good person. Face it, if she can put up with Creed, Kathleen must be buckin’ for Saint Hood! She should get canonized in the next book at this rate.
of course Creed still had feelings left and felt incredible guilt over his smokin' hot ex-wife, Janet. So he had some communication problems he needed to fix? See, he knows he’s a bad guy and a borderline villain. He knows his relationship problems are mostly his fault and he regrets it. He actually wants love, to be in it and to have it with someone.
Kathleen has some darkness in her too, but she seems somehow “reborn” after getting away from her abusive ex-boyfriend (now engaged to Janet our Hero’s smokin' hot ex-wife). She’s started a new life and developed an elastic point of view that allows her to take all things in, process them and find a healthy path. This doesn’t include Creed, but, she, like the rest of us simple citizens, hasn’t got a clue of what our government agents, the assassin brotherhood, are up to on their day’s off -- Innocent until proven guilty right?
Creed would tell her everything, he’s very honest, but she seems to instinctively know that she doesn’t want to know everything about him. Oh, and yea, she’s also the lady volunteering to work in the burn clinic where Creed meets poor Addie, the burned girl. She’s FUN. I’d want to fall in love with her… um… providing my smokin' hot wife approved and had been deceased due to natural causes for at least 5 years.
I have a feeling Kathleen has more roles in these Creed novels to play and may shock us with some darkness yet, but, she doesn’t show it in this book.
The ladies, like the character played by Andy McDowel in “Groundhog Day” always seem to figure Creed’s intentions out unless they are corrupt themselves. He’s good with the bad girls, he sucks with the good girls and he wants to love the god girls. Sweetly sad and made comically twisted and funny by Locke.
Third, The supporting cast may start like cardboard cutout shadows (insert wicked double agent here) but by the end, even the scariest of cronies, Augustus Quinn, shows a very compassionate, human side amidst the Irony of what he does for a living, twisted, no doubt, but ironically so. His loyal smoking-hot apprentice-babe doesn’t turn on him. She puts herself in harm’s way to save Creed’s family. The midgets…yes, there really are midgets…, are both funny but also rather deep for supporting cast--colorful. The real bad guys really do “get it” in the end and thanks to a twist of fate, okay a twist of dreadlocks, the person who is arguably the only innocent in the bunch (of victims), save Janet, Kimberly (Daughter), Kathleen and Addie, who, unlike the other commoners (like us), gets killed, but, as it turns out, Creed didn’t do it!
Forth--the Humor. The dialog is witty, funny, appropriate for people who, as a means of survival, have to find anything they can to keep them from being taken down by guilt because of their work, like use humor. Like any of us in life, they probably started off striving to do good, and, somewhere along the way, fell off the path. They need to be funny to survive. It’s appropriate dialog for the situation.
The Irony. This plot takes several twists but the thing that holds it all together is a strong sense of Irony. Irony refers our ability to laugh at things, even though they aren’t really funny by themselves, yet, can’t help but seem the butt of each other’s crude joke when put together. The Midget Army at the end of the book really wasn’t over the top by these standards.
They were necessary, and putting in a clown army that rides around in a Winnebago with throwing knives and trampolines, really was needed to expose the absurdity of it all. To establish a guide-mark and remind us that this is really a “Black-Comedy” that has masqueraded as so many other things at different parts of the book.
Fifth The mastery of the author. Look, this book, simply put, will not appeal to a lot of people simply because of the violence and the lack of a clear white-hat, Paladin as a main character. Some people aren’t going to get the humor. Hell, I probably sound pretty crazy two paragraphs up talking about the Winnebago full of the little people and all, but for those who can stomach dark characters, enjoy a bit of black-humor and laugh at Irony this is an amazing read. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars was because of its lack of universal appeal and, I'm not a huge fan of villains in hero roles.
Plot wise, the pace starts slow, well, relatively slow, and builds exponentially as the story grows. If you can see the twists and turns coming you are a freakin psychic! Since the story is told in first person, it is appropriate that we are as surprised as Donovan Creed is when things start going bad.
Rather than an anagogic story about growth and the power of the human spirit, this is a caricature of our nation’s ineptness to do the right things in the right ways that is still respectful to us as a nation. Why bring a million dollars in quarters to a penny-ante poker game? Metaphorically speaking, that’s what our government does all the time.
What do the people we employ to be crooked outside of our borders do inside our country with their spare time? Do we really think they are behaving themselves like normal citizens? Maybe they are, but maybe, there as messed up as Donovan Creed. Maybe my mother was right, Cops and Robbers really are cut from the same cloth, then divided into opposing sides?
Are there not corrupt individuals? This is the tale of absolute power breeding absolute corruption, run amuck!
This book gives us a look at the dark side that all of us have. The same dark side that is more seriously explored, but not more thoroughly, in Wyndham’s “Day of the Triffids”, H.G. Well’s “Time Machine” and Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” This is a look at the dark side within all of us, and our own absurd notions, lies and avoidance that help us hide the blackness from our eyes so we do not have to acknowledge it is there.
And, it’s a comedy! It is really funny (save the first two chapters).
The characters are well developed. They are frightening, thought provoking and tender all at the same time.
Sixth Donovan Creed really does have some personal growth. By the end of the story he really does start acting like a hero might, or a reasonable facsimile thereof. He gets to fall in love. His new love adopts Addie, the poor burned girl from the first prologue. Creed throws money to the truly good people and innocent victims, the innocent victims get paid!
At least until he gets another phone call from a certain quadriplegic midget…
Okay there should be some warning labels with this one (ain’t that a brilliant statement).
1) Not for children, questionable for young adults. If your still attached to a rosy picture of a pristine, white-hat, US Government, you might want to avoid this too.
2) There is violence here. I don’t believe it is expressed as gratuitous violence, but after so many bad things happen, how can it not be? Be prepared to simply accept it and move on. If you can’t, save yourself the trouble and start another book.
3) Finally, I reviewed a book with hot babes, fun sex (too little of it) and nudity expressed in a tasteful manner within the same standards that one might see the same thing on Television.
This book is not for the faint of heart, those who abhor violence, people employed in certain government agencies who are required by the constraints of their job to maintain plausible deniability, children or Young Adults. I’d also say it’s not appropriate for anyone unable to enjoy “Black Humor.”
The Bottom Line-- This is a wonderful black comedy that comes across like Ice Cream on a bed of Sauerkraut. The characters are dangerous, “Lethal, People” but, still, if barely, recognizable as “Human.” You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to throw up, but you’ll enjoy every bit of it.
Summary . Black Comedy, prepare for Dark Characters. Think "A Clockwork Orange" meets "Love Story" on Gilligan's Island. Once you have that firmly entrenched, then, enjoy the nifty spy stuff! This is the story of what our vaunted CIA and other (likely contracted) Super Spies do on their days off! Believe me. There are some things about the people our government employs that we do not need to know, like is there a brown streak in their underwear and "what do you do on your day's off?". If your curious, start reading on page one, you'll have a good bit of that need-not to know info by the time your through.
The other thing that's important to remember is, that this is one freakin’ funny book! Either through Irony, dialog, wise cracking characters or just the zany twists and turns, especially at the end. I laughed. This book may not be as funny as "Bubba and the Dead Woman" but funny enough to make up for a lot of dark characters.
Really dark characters.
The Synopsis
Once upon a time, there was a secret agent who lived in a prison cell so he could get use to living in them. He figured he'd wind up in Prison one day anyway, for one thing or another. When not in a Prison Cell he sometimes sneaks into people’s houses and hangs out in their attic, just to keep his stealth skills sharp. He had a sideline in the development of special tools and weapons. He helps the government test torture devices…ON HIM! (Say it with me, "WTF?") We, of course, can't say his name out of fear and being caught cooked and served to circus clowns but it sounds like "Donovan Creed." So we'll call him that!
Donovan was, at one time, married to a beautiful blond named Janet and had a beautiful daughter named Kimberly. Come to find out our Agent, Donovan Creed has that same sweet spot in his barbed wire heart that many stalkers and serial killers also share. After learning that his ex-wife is about to remarry and that his daughter doesn't like the new Prince Charming he runs the usual background checks, those designed to find Terrorists and foreign operatives so they can be framed for crimes they may, or may not have, committed.
Guess what turns up? Legitimately I mean, call it a Free-Bee from the FeeBees: The guy (ex-wife’s future husband) has a history of spousal/partner abuse. Ordinarily there is might be a chance that the ex-husband welcomes such news. I mean if they really got along, the two wouldn't be getting a divorce now would they? Not our…Hero?...but I digresss,..."This will never work!"
So what does our Donny Creed do? What you and I would have done, he uses the "Fringe Benefits" of his position with the government and turns all the assets he can get his hands on to expose Janet's Fiancé' and metaphorically "poop in the wedding cake."
Of course Janet isn't an easy nut to crack. Yes, they’re all nuts in their own special way. Creed figures Janet would reject anything he or any of his known associates presented to her out of hand so he's got to finesse this one like a gay hairdresser. Of course he knows a hooker who looks a lot like Janet's fiancé’s ex-wife. Don’t we all know a hooker that reminds us of our ex-wives? (Stay close, dangerous curves here.) So a plan starts to form. (Did I mention this guys a couple of cards short of a full house?)
In the meantime, as any good government assassin, he picks up contracts on the side to gather a little "Walking around Money." Since he's got nothing better to do, he takes up a job that seems to pay well and have only a few "minor" glitches. Sure the contract is for a quadriplegic midget with dreadlocks that would touch the floor if he were able to stand. What's so unusual about that? A Simple request, abduct the wife of the doctor responsible for botching his surgery. See, even a little justice involved here.... Then Kill the woman. Um... did I mention these are sick people? Of course Creed and his smokin-hot assassin apprentice, Callie, take this sweet woman out as easy as taking candy from a baby (which I think Callie took but nobody can prove yet and the baby got off scot free).
Of course that gives him some cash to get his plans to frame his ex-wife's fiancé' so he looks like he’s really a confirmed wife beater... back on track with a saner… and... Oh who am I trying to kid! These guys are lunatics with a capital L-O-O-N! . I mean, it might look bad if it turns out he framed a guy for spousal abuse that was actually innocent. It's not like that's ever happened before has it?...O.J....O.J... Ooooh NOoooh. These guys operate under the G. Gordon Liddy School of legal advice. Uh-boy... where was I?
Oh, yea, framing Creed's smokin' hot ex-wife’s fiancé’. Anywhooo... Creed was um... "interviewing"...(imagine finger quotes here)... a sweet young 20-somthing aspiring movie actress want-to-be who went to church every Sunday, helped little old ladies across the street and worked as an expensive hooker/escort for a mobster named Delmeo because she was a dead ringer, pardon the pun, for his smokin-hot, sexy blond Assassin Apprintice, Callie. Never know when you need a body double to make an identity switch.
After "checking out" (yep, more finger quotes there too) all of her "credentials" (fingers...)with a fine tooth comb... um... checking them out "intimately"... Callie calls. It's a bad news, good news, bad news thing. The bad news: Callie's gonna have to get a butterfly tattoo on her hip so they can use the body double. Good news: They found the van...oh, there's more bad news. The doctor's wife's body is missing.
Hey, didn't they kill her already? What gives?
The nerve of some people, snatching a perfectly kilt body and saving her at the last second? What's worse, someone hijacked a spy satellite and took pictures of the abduction. Now CNN has all the coverage, live as the images develop allah Kevin-No-Way-Out-If-we-Build-it-they-will-come-(and kill us)-Costner. Maybe something might come up to take the press's attention away from the Midget Doctor... I mean, the doctor wasn't a midget but, he worked on midge... never mind, you get the idea right?
So, if that wasn't enough, Creed has an amazing Kreskin moment (If you haven’t heard of Kreskin…Google him!). He has a photographic memory of every moment he spends in a tryst with hookers. Yea, that's a finely honed skill they teach in spy school. They put it right in between the “Don’t take contract hit jobs from megalomaniacal paraplegic midgets” lesson and the “framing your smokin' hot ex-wife’s fiancé’ might be considered an "unjustifiable" expense” lesson (finger quotes optional). Perhaps it was all natural talent? I digress, back to the straight as an arrow story-line. .. where was I… oh, yes, I remember now… The blond bimbo planted a bomb! No sooner than you can say "ka-" our hero dives out of the window and the hotel blows up. (It’s actually more fun, and comical, than that, but I’ve gone on long enough, haven't I?)
To make matters worse, Creed, the duefus, is falling in love with his smokin' hot ex-wife's fiancé’s somokin' hot ex-girlfriend before the wife whom he beat that looks like a smokin' hot hooker from Sunday School. (follow that? I did warn you about the dangerous plot curves didn’t I?). Name tags like "Hi, I'm Donovan Creed Assassin for Hire, when I'm not working for the government, I'll work for you!" aren't going to be enough to keep these guys straight. I may take something more like a deck of "Magic" cards. (Those of you who don't get the joke, please clue-in those of you who do?)
Okay, so there are some minor details left to sort out.
Yep, Hooker's dead too. Damn the luck! Time for our “hero” Donovan Creed to seize the initiative. Yep, just like I was thinking. Let’s call in an army of knife throwing midgets dressed like clowns driving a Winnebago and one hyper-rich, quadriplegic, Rastafarian, little-person. I'm sure it's just another one of those routine operations for the CIA and Homeland Security. Boring!
Need I go on?
Needless to say (which begs the question of why I'm saying it), I'm being a bit sarcastic to help you keep in mind that this is a "Comedy" and the characters are very dark (black even?). Contrary to popular belief, I didn't give this book four stars because it allowed me to unleash my monstrous sarcastic wit in a review, assuming, of course, that I'm not making a monstrous wit out of a molehill of mediocrity that is. (say that five times fast?)... would you believe "pole vaulting mouse turds?"..."Killing flies with a shotgun?"
This was a really good read. The first chapter I went "Oh-hell no!" and almost chunked it out my window because of the horrible violence, but I stuck with it. The second chapter I went "Oh, double Hell (effin) NO! This dude, in the chapter, is a freakin Lunatic! But, I stuck with it. In chapter three I learned that the lunatic was none other than our friendly neighborhood protagonist, Donovan Creed. I almost chunked out of the window without opening it. I should have pulled chocks and let this whirly bird fly back to the cuckoo’s nest without me. Yea, I should have, but I didn't. Thank god! I may be as crazy as Donovan Creed's pinky fingernail but this book took off. Maybe I was holding out hope that he might, somehow, redeem himself?
So what did this book do right?
First, Donovan Creed may have a few quirks (yes, cough when you say that aloud) but he was actually a very likeable character, strangely almost a "sympathetic" character. So, he had a habit of killing people for money and is undoubtedly one of the baddest-asses on the planet!
I read a review of this book where the reviewer included an excerpt from an interview with John Locke the author. To quote Mr. Locke, “I called the book Lethal People because it’s about Lethal People.” This book ain’t about cuddly bunnies! So, you might not recommend “A Clockwork Orange” as bed time reading for Mother Teresa either right? (not that she couldn’t handle it better than most). It was still an award winning book and turned into an award winning movie. Both book and movie still considered “Classics” by most people. This includes me with an aversion to gratuitous violence and unredeemable characters.
Second, Donovan Creed really did have some redeeming qualities (He wasn’t all bad things and bad-ass). Human flaws! He felt remorse over not being in his teenage daughter’s life and struggled to find a way to understand her, express his love and support her. He becomes strongly affected, I think in a positive way, by the only surviving victim of the first chapter (where I almost chucked the book out the window) Addie, a poor child, girl, badly burned in a house fire set by arsons. Creed also really falls in love with a good person. Face it, if she can put up with Creed, Kathleen must be buckin’ for Saint Hood! She should get canonized in the next book at this rate.
of course Creed still had feelings left and felt incredible guilt over his smokin' hot ex-wife, Janet. So he had some communication problems he needed to fix? See, he knows he’s a bad guy and a borderline villain. He knows his relationship problems are mostly his fault and he regrets it. He actually wants love, to be in it and to have it with someone.
Kathleen has some darkness in her too, but she seems somehow “reborn” after getting away from her abusive ex-boyfriend (now engaged to Janet our Hero’s smokin' hot ex-wife). She’s started a new life and developed an elastic point of view that allows her to take all things in, process them and find a healthy path. This doesn’t include Creed, but, she, like the rest of us simple citizens, hasn’t got a clue of what our government agents, the assassin brotherhood, are up to on their day’s off -- Innocent until proven guilty right?
Creed would tell her everything, he’s very honest, but she seems to instinctively know that she doesn’t want to know everything about him. Oh, and yea, she’s also the lady volunteering to work in the burn clinic where Creed meets poor Addie, the burned girl. She’s FUN. I’d want to fall in love with her… um… providing my smokin' hot wife approved and had been deceased due to natural causes for at least 5 years.
I have a feeling Kathleen has more roles in these Creed novels to play and may shock us with some darkness yet, but, she doesn’t show it in this book.
The ladies, like the character played by Andy McDowel in “Groundhog Day” always seem to figure Creed’s intentions out unless they are corrupt themselves. He’s good with the bad girls, he sucks with the good girls and he wants to love the god girls. Sweetly sad and made comically twisted and funny by Locke.
Third, The supporting cast may start like cardboard cutout shadows (insert wicked double agent here) but by the end, even the scariest of cronies, Augustus Quinn, shows a very compassionate, human side amidst the Irony of what he does for a living, twisted, no doubt, but ironically so. His loyal smoking-hot apprentice-babe doesn’t turn on him. She puts herself in harm’s way to save Creed’s family. The midgets…yes, there really are midgets…, are both funny but also rather deep for supporting cast--colorful. The real bad guys really do “get it” in the end and thanks to a twist of fate, okay a twist of dreadlocks, the person who is arguably the only innocent in the bunch (of victims), save Janet, Kimberly (Daughter), Kathleen and Addie, who, unlike the other commoners (like us), gets killed, but, as it turns out, Creed didn’t do it!
Forth--the Humor. The dialog is witty, funny, appropriate for people who, as a means of survival, have to find anything they can to keep them from being taken down by guilt because of their work, like use humor. Like any of us in life, they probably started off striving to do good, and, somewhere along the way, fell off the path. They need to be funny to survive. It’s appropriate dialog for the situation.
The Irony. This plot takes several twists but the thing that holds it all together is a strong sense of Irony. Irony refers our ability to laugh at things, even though they aren’t really funny by themselves, yet, can’t help but seem the butt of each other’s crude joke when put together. The Midget Army at the end of the book really wasn’t over the top by these standards.
They were necessary, and putting in a clown army that rides around in a Winnebago with throwing knives and trampolines, really was needed to expose the absurdity of it all. To establish a guide-mark and remind us that this is really a “Black-Comedy” that has masqueraded as so many other things at different parts of the book.
Fifth The mastery of the author. Look, this book, simply put, will not appeal to a lot of people simply because of the violence and the lack of a clear white-hat, Paladin as a main character. Some people aren’t going to get the humor. Hell, I probably sound pretty crazy two paragraphs up talking about the Winnebago full of the little people and all, but for those who can stomach dark characters, enjoy a bit of black-humor and laugh at Irony this is an amazing read. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars was because of its lack of universal appeal and, I'm not a huge fan of villains in hero roles.
Plot wise, the pace starts slow, well, relatively slow, and builds exponentially as the story grows. If you can see the twists and turns coming you are a freakin psychic! Since the story is told in first person, it is appropriate that we are as surprised as Donovan Creed is when things start going bad.
Rather than an anagogic story about growth and the power of the human spirit, this is a caricature of our nation’s ineptness to do the right things in the right ways that is still respectful to us as a nation. Why bring a million dollars in quarters to a penny-ante poker game? Metaphorically speaking, that’s what our government does all the time.
What do the people we employ to be crooked outside of our borders do inside our country with their spare time? Do we really think they are behaving themselves like normal citizens? Maybe they are, but maybe, there as messed up as Donovan Creed. Maybe my mother was right, Cops and Robbers really are cut from the same cloth, then divided into opposing sides?
Are there not corrupt individuals? This is the tale of absolute power breeding absolute corruption, run amuck!
This book gives us a look at the dark side that all of us have. The same dark side that is more seriously explored, but not more thoroughly, in Wyndham’s “Day of the Triffids”, H.G. Well’s “Time Machine” and Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” This is a look at the dark side within all of us, and our own absurd notions, lies and avoidance that help us hide the blackness from our eyes so we do not have to acknowledge it is there.
And, it’s a comedy! It is really funny (save the first two chapters).
The characters are well developed. They are frightening, thought provoking and tender all at the same time.
Sixth Donovan Creed really does have some personal growth. By the end of the story he really does start acting like a hero might, or a reasonable facsimile thereof. He gets to fall in love. His new love adopts Addie, the poor burned girl from the first prologue. Creed throws money to the truly good people and innocent victims, the innocent victims get paid!
At least until he gets another phone call from a certain quadriplegic midget…
Okay there should be some warning labels with this one (ain’t that a brilliant statement).
1) Not for children, questionable for young adults. If your still attached to a rosy picture of a pristine, white-hat, US Government, you might want to avoid this too.
2) There is violence here. I don’t believe it is expressed as gratuitous violence, but after so many bad things happen, how can it not be? Be prepared to simply accept it and move on. If you can’t, save yourself the trouble and start another book.
3) Finally, I reviewed a book with hot babes, fun sex (too little of it) and nudity expressed in a tasteful manner within the same standards that one might see the same thing on Television.
This book is not for the faint of heart, those who abhor violence, people employed in certain government agencies who are required by the constraints of their job to maintain plausible deniability, children or Young Adults. I’d also say it’s not appropriate for anyone unable to enjoy “Black Humor.”
The Bottom Line-- This is a wonderful black comedy that comes across like Ice Cream on a bed of Sauerkraut. The characters are dangerous, “Lethal, People” but, still, if barely, recognizable as “Human.” You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to throw up, but you’ll enjoy every bit of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2011
Full video review : http://mysterythriller.tv/lethal-peop...
You need a kind of black humor to enjoy Donovan Creed, but I seriously enjoyed this fast read! From the opening scene where Creed is self-testing a torture device that boils you inside out, you realize this is no ordinary character. The plot then seriously thickens in several directions, with gangsters, secret government assassins and all kinds of ways to dispose of people. Add in some midget clowns and a love interest plus Creed's heart of gold (beneath the killing spree) and you have a really fun book! Take the afternoon off in the hammock and romp through this. I bought the next in the series as soon as I'd finished and I now understand why Locke rules the Kindle charts.
You need a kind of black humor to enjoy Donovan Creed, but I seriously enjoyed this fast read! From the opening scene where Creed is self-testing a torture device that boils you inside out, you realize this is no ordinary character. The plot then seriously thickens in several directions, with gangsters, secret government assassins and all kinds of ways to dispose of people. Add in some midget clowns and a love interest plus Creed's heart of gold (beneath the killing spree) and you have a really fun book! Take the afternoon off in the hammock and romp through this. I bought the next in the series as soon as I'd finished and I now understand why Locke rules the Kindle charts.
May 13, 2011
I haven’t made up my mind yet about how to classify the Donovan Creed series. They are part spoof, part comedy, part James Bond, and part warning of Homeland Security egregious power plays. Donovan lives in a cell where he experiments with new torture weapons (“When I’m in Virginia, I sleep in a prison cell. When I’m anywhere else for more than a day or two, I generally break into the homes of strangers and sleep in their attics,” seeing how much he can take and survive, has a giant friend, Quinn, who looks like the Hulk after passing through a trash compactor, ostensibly works for Homeland Security killing terrorists (and which is often called upon to clean up after Donovan,) but also subcontracts out to a group of little people (Hugo and Victor) engaged in social experiments that involve killing, and Sal, a crime syndicate boss.
“Victor was born with serious respiratory problems. About twenty years ago, he was in the hospital for a minor surgery when a nurse gave him an accidental overdose that put him into cardiac arrest. Someone wheeled him into an elevator on the way to emergency surgery and somehow managed to leave him there. Up and down he went from floor to floor in the elevator for more than thirty minutes before someone realized what had happened. They rushed him to the OR, but the surgeon botched the procedure and Victor suffered a stroke. Subsequent attempts to save his life rendered him a quadriplegic. “Then the hospital made a feeble attempt to cover up the incident. Victor’s attorneys sued both the hospital and the drug company and managed to win the largest settlement ever paid to an individual in the state of Florida.“
On the ridiculous names of coffee at Starbucks. “Grande,” I said. “Solo. Venti. Doppio. What the hell is doppio, anyway—one of the seven dwarfs?” “No,” she squealed. “But Grumpy is!” Kathleen’s laughter had passed the point of no return. Her cheeks were puffy, and her eyes had become slits. I frowned again and recited the conversation for her. “All I said was, ‘I’ll have a coffee.’ ‘What size?’ she says. ‘A regular,’ I said. ‘We have grande, venti, solo, doppio, short, and tall,’ she says. ”
It’s all done with such clever tongue-in-cheek, that each of the two books in the series I have read has been quite enjoyable and fun.
“Victor was born with serious respiratory problems. About twenty years ago, he was in the hospital for a minor surgery when a nurse gave him an accidental overdose that put him into cardiac arrest. Someone wheeled him into an elevator on the way to emergency surgery and somehow managed to leave him there. Up and down he went from floor to floor in the elevator for more than thirty minutes before someone realized what had happened. They rushed him to the OR, but the surgeon botched the procedure and Victor suffered a stroke. Subsequent attempts to save his life rendered him a quadriplegic. “Then the hospital made a feeble attempt to cover up the incident. Victor’s attorneys sued both the hospital and the drug company and managed to win the largest settlement ever paid to an individual in the state of Florida.“
On the ridiculous names of coffee at Starbucks. “Grande,” I said. “Solo. Venti. Doppio. What the hell is doppio, anyway—one of the seven dwarfs?” “No,” she squealed. “But Grumpy is!” Kathleen’s laughter had passed the point of no return. Her cheeks were puffy, and her eyes had become slits. I frowned again and recited the conversation for her. “All I said was, ‘I’ll have a coffee.’ ‘What size?’ she says. ‘A regular,’ I said. ‘We have grande, venti, solo, doppio, short, and tall,’ she says. ”
It’s all done with such clever tongue-in-cheek, that each of the two books in the series I have read has been quite enjoyable and fun.
January 17, 2011
What constitutes the elements of a good read for you? Do you need to have a gigantic seven foot, disfigured, complex hero type? Aggressive and violent mob bosses? An ex-wife that totally hates the main character? A quadriplegic midget who wants to dominate the world and has dreadlocks that hang to the ground? A main character that is an assassin for Homeland Security and also does work on the side? Wait, how about a group of trampoline using knife throwing circus midgets? I forgot to mention that our main character likes to test out torture devices that he can sell to the government for use, sleeps in peoples’ attics when he can and when he can’t, and in his office complex sleeps in a prison cell. Would that be enough to catch your eye and give this novel a try? Believe it or not, I left a lot out. Check out the simple synopsis from Amazon itself:
“Donovan Creed, a former CIA assassin, is a very tough man with a weakness for very easy women. Meet him in LETHAL PEOPLE a relentlessly entertaining crime novel that's often LOL - bizarre funny! The action is fast and furious, the dialogue smart, savvy and sexy. The story is filled with quirky characters and clever surprises. “
Here is a little something about the author:
“In John Locke's career journey from rock and roll singer, to door-to-door salesman, to the creation of more than a dozen multimillion dollar companies, he has encountered a wellspring of bizarre people from which to craft his unique characters. He is the author of two non-fiction books, Qualities of Character and Dynasty in the Making. He lives in Kentucky, where he has just finished a sequel titled Lethal Experiment. “
Right now there are five novels in the set: Lethal People, Lethal Experiment, Now & Then, Saving Rachel, and Wish List. I read Lethal People on my Kindle, cost for the download-$.99. Probably one of the best purchases I have made at that price in a while, I laughed my $%# off. I am still looking for it, my $%^. I am going to be honest, when I was done reading it, I downloaded the other titles in the series and watched them pop up on the Kindle menu and smiled some more. John Locke can blend all the elements I mentioned in the first paragraph and more and juggle them in a manner that will make you shake your head till the last virtual page. I couldn’t click through fast enough. Donovan Creed and company are an engaging, dysfunctional, passionate, group of heartless killers. You know I love character driven fiction, and I found a real winner here.
** As an important side note for this week and next: I have a big time interview with Steve Berry for posting on Wednesday and next week I will have a Q&A with Michael Palmer. If you are a Goodreads friend please check out our blog for the post, I can’t put it up on Goodreads as I am not an author. Do you have a question for either author? If you do get them to me ASAP!!
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin & Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Donovan Creed, a former CIA assassin, is a very tough man with a weakness for very easy women. Meet him in LETHAL PEOPLE a relentlessly entertaining crime novel that's often LOL - bizarre funny! The action is fast and furious, the dialogue smart, savvy and sexy. The story is filled with quirky characters and clever surprises. “
Here is a little something about the author:
“In John Locke's career journey from rock and roll singer, to door-to-door salesman, to the creation of more than a dozen multimillion dollar companies, he has encountered a wellspring of bizarre people from which to craft his unique characters. He is the author of two non-fiction books, Qualities of Character and Dynasty in the Making. He lives in Kentucky, where he has just finished a sequel titled Lethal Experiment. “
Right now there are five novels in the set: Lethal People, Lethal Experiment, Now & Then, Saving Rachel, and Wish List. I read Lethal People on my Kindle, cost for the download-$.99. Probably one of the best purchases I have made at that price in a while, I laughed my $%# off. I am still looking for it, my $%^. I am going to be honest, when I was done reading it, I downloaded the other titles in the series and watched them pop up on the Kindle menu and smiled some more. John Locke can blend all the elements I mentioned in the first paragraph and more and juggle them in a manner that will make you shake your head till the last virtual page. I couldn’t click through fast enough. Donovan Creed and company are an engaging, dysfunctional, passionate, group of heartless killers. You know I love character driven fiction, and I found a real winner here.
** As an important side note for this week and next: I have a big time interview with Steve Berry for posting on Wednesday and next week I will have a Q&A with Michael Palmer. If you are a Goodreads friend please check out our blog for the post, I can’t put it up on Goodreads as I am not an author. Do you have a question for either author? If you do get them to me ASAP!!
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, Linkedin & Twitter . Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
November 13, 2011
I decided to read the 16 worst reviews on Amazon of this book before deciding to buy it. First, the cost is but 99 cents. Second, those who didn't like the book are silly and wrote silly reviews. I bought the book, read it and kept the repugnant aspects of the character, Donovan Creed, in perspective. He is a killer. Should one expect that killers really have a good side? Get over it, you twits. This is FICTION! The purpose of an escape like reading this book is to cast off from the safe lines of shore and experience the violent seas of the imagination of this kooky writer! I took the trip and am now reading the 7th in a row in less than two weeks. Take it from me, read the nasty, snide and silly reviews of folks who left the author one star reviews and read the daggone book. It might be hard to start but you will quickly finish. And, unlike Obama, I don't think Donovan Creed will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. But I award John Locke the War on Boredom Prize! A great read. --- Ken Rossignol
February 4, 2010
4/5
Pros:
-Interesting
-Funny
-Perfect Ending
Cons:
-Dragged on a little
Writing:
The book is well written, so as to keep you entertained throughout most of the book. And it does. Each moment you can see what is going on and you feel like you are there watching.
Characters: The book follows, assassin and special agent Donovan Creed. This in itself is a confusing, but the way Creed moves through out the book you know his motives and how and why he can be an assassin and a special agent. The supporting characters each have a unique personality that you are able to tell them apart and connect with them.
Dialogue:
The dialogue is worded is a manner that would fit an assassin. Thats all I have to say. You would have to read the book to understand.
Book Excerpt:
She was smarter than me, and I hate when that happens. There was but one thing to do: seize the initiative. I played the trump card God provided: I stared directly into her cleavage.
About the Author:
In John Locke's career journey from rock and roll singer—to door-to-door salesman—to the creation of more than a dozen multimillion dollar companies, he has encountered a wellspring of bizarre people from which to craft his unique characters. He is the author of three fiction books, Lethal People, Lethal Experiment and Saving Rachel, and two nonfiction books, Dynasty in the Making and Qualities of Character. He lives in Kentucky, where he is currently at work on a novel titled Now & Then.
Interview with John Locke
How long have you been writing?
About two years.
What do you like best about being a writer?
Having total strangers quote my characters.
How did you come up with the title?
All my titles are tied to the main theme. Lethal People is about a group of killers. Lethal Experiment is about a deadly experiment. Saving Rachel is about, well, you get the picture! My next two books likewise have obvious titles: Now & Then is a two part story. The first part takes place present day, and the second part goes back in time 300 years to provide an historical backdrop. And Wish List is about a guy who finds that the wishes he wrote on a list have started coming true. If a title doesn’t write itself, there’s a problem somewhere!
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Great question! For me, it’s writing a sentence that makes me laugh out loud, closely followed by writing a sentence or paragraph that makes me think, “Now THAT is well-written.” I always have a few of those moments, but crave more. In that regard I’m like a golfer who hits a few great shots and longs for the day he can play a perfect round instead of a few great holes.
Favorite character in the book?
Of the books I’ve published, I’d have to say my hero, Donovan Creed, tops the list. Even I don’t know what Creed is apt to do in a given situation!
Favorite scene in the book?
In Lethal People, I’m particularly happy about Creed’s interactions with the hookers Jenine and Lauren.
Who would your ideal cast be if a movie was made?
Some of my characters are so bizarre that I’d have to rely on freaks of nature. As for Creed, I think it should be a guy with size, who can convincingly play a tongue-in-cheek tough guy. At the same time, he needs the comedic range to portray a tender cluelessness with regard to “normal” women. Can’t be a pretty boy. I’m thinking someone like a John Travolta or Vince Vaughn.
What's next for you?
I’m currently at work on Now & Then, to be followed by Wish List. Both of these books will feature Donovan Creed.
Favorite one of your own Books?
Saving Rachel moves at the speed of light, with the type of plot twists that keep readers turning the pages. Most people tell me they finished it in a day. I’ve had enough positive response to know that this is the direction my future writing will take, beginning with Wish List.
Who is your favorite of your own characters? (Out of all of your books)
My favorite character has not been published yet. He was in my first book, Killing Hailey (my “practice” novel that wasn’t good enough to print). I’m going to dig Hector back out someday and have some fun with him.
Which was the hardest to write?
Killing Hailey took a year, but I didn’t know what I was doing. Lethal Experiment required three edits. By contrast, Saving Rachel required no editing.
What would you be if not a writer?
I’m only a part-time writer. By day I’m a private investor, specializing in commercial real estate.
Now just some quick things:
Biggest Supporter?
My Twitter friends.
Most inspirational influence?
Probably my brother. I try to write scenes that make him laugh.
Favorite T.V. Show?
Currently, it would be The Office and Modern Family. In years past, it would have been Picket Fences, and more recently, The Sopranos, Deadwood, and Prison Break.
Favorite Movie?
Tie: Scent of a Woman, The Princess Bride, and Arthur.
What upcoming movie are you looking forward to?
I just saw Avatar a couple of days ago, and had been looking forward to seeing that one.
Marvel or DC?
Wow, that’s a toughie. I’m going to have to show my age. When I was into comics the most, my favorites were the Westerns, specifically Kid Colt, Rawhide Kid, etc. For that reason I’ve got to say Marvel.
Favorite Author?
Tie: Ayn Rand shaped my political world view, and Larry McMurtry has given me the most entertainment bang for the buck.
Favorite book?
Tie: Atlas Shrugged and Lonesome Dove
Which Author would you most want to meet?
None of them. I’d feel too weird meeting someone on the basis of them being an author. On the other hand, if I happened to bump into a fellow author and he or she wanted to talk about football, kids, politics, marketing, or whatever, well then any old author will do!
Star Wars or Star Trek?
Great question, because I see Star Wars as strong on plot, strong on tech, while Star Trek is strong on characters. Since my books are character driven, I’d give the nod to Star Trek…barely!
Favorite Quote?
Peter O’Toole, in My Favorite Year. After entering a women’s bathroom and startling a lady, she said, quite indignantly, “Sir! This is for ladies only!” And he said, “Yes, mum, and so is this. But every now and again I have to run a little water through it.”
Pros:
-Interesting
-Funny
-Perfect Ending
Cons:
-Dragged on a little
Writing:
The book is well written, so as to keep you entertained throughout most of the book. And it does. Each moment you can see what is going on and you feel like you are there watching.
Characters: The book follows, assassin and special agent Donovan Creed. This in itself is a confusing, but the way Creed moves through out the book you know his motives and how and why he can be an assassin and a special agent. The supporting characters each have a unique personality that you are able to tell them apart and connect with them.
Dialogue:
The dialogue is worded is a manner that would fit an assassin. Thats all I have to say. You would have to read the book to understand.
Book Excerpt:
She was smarter than me, and I hate when that happens. There was but one thing to do: seize the initiative. I played the trump card God provided: I stared directly into her cleavage.
About the Author:
In John Locke's career journey from rock and roll singer—to door-to-door salesman—to the creation of more than a dozen multimillion dollar companies, he has encountered a wellspring of bizarre people from which to craft his unique characters. He is the author of three fiction books, Lethal People, Lethal Experiment and Saving Rachel, and two nonfiction books, Dynasty in the Making and Qualities of Character. He lives in Kentucky, where he is currently at work on a novel titled Now & Then.
Interview with John Locke
How long have you been writing?
About two years.
What do you like best about being a writer?
Having total strangers quote my characters.
How did you come up with the title?
All my titles are tied to the main theme. Lethal People is about a group of killers. Lethal Experiment is about a deadly experiment. Saving Rachel is about, well, you get the picture! My next two books likewise have obvious titles: Now & Then is a two part story. The first part takes place present day, and the second part goes back in time 300 years to provide an historical backdrop. And Wish List is about a guy who finds that the wishes he wrote on a list have started coming true. If a title doesn’t write itself, there’s a problem somewhere!
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Great question! For me, it’s writing a sentence that makes me laugh out loud, closely followed by writing a sentence or paragraph that makes me think, “Now THAT is well-written.” I always have a few of those moments, but crave more. In that regard I’m like a golfer who hits a few great shots and longs for the day he can play a perfect round instead of a few great holes.
Favorite character in the book?
Of the books I’ve published, I’d have to say my hero, Donovan Creed, tops the list. Even I don’t know what Creed is apt to do in a given situation!
Favorite scene in the book?
In Lethal People, I’m particularly happy about Creed’s interactions with the hookers Jenine and Lauren.
Who would your ideal cast be if a movie was made?
Some of my characters are so bizarre that I’d have to rely on freaks of nature. As for Creed, I think it should be a guy with size, who can convincingly play a tongue-in-cheek tough guy. At the same time, he needs the comedic range to portray a tender cluelessness with regard to “normal” women. Can’t be a pretty boy. I’m thinking someone like a John Travolta or Vince Vaughn.
What's next for you?
I’m currently at work on Now & Then, to be followed by Wish List. Both of these books will feature Donovan Creed.
Favorite one of your own Books?
Saving Rachel moves at the speed of light, with the type of plot twists that keep readers turning the pages. Most people tell me they finished it in a day. I’ve had enough positive response to know that this is the direction my future writing will take, beginning with Wish List.
Who is your favorite of your own characters? (Out of all of your books)
My favorite character has not been published yet. He was in my first book, Killing Hailey (my “practice” novel that wasn’t good enough to print). I’m going to dig Hector back out someday and have some fun with him.
Which was the hardest to write?
Killing Hailey took a year, but I didn’t know what I was doing. Lethal Experiment required three edits. By contrast, Saving Rachel required no editing.
What would you be if not a writer?
I’m only a part-time writer. By day I’m a private investor, specializing in commercial real estate.
Now just some quick things:
Biggest Supporter?
My Twitter friends.
Most inspirational influence?
Probably my brother. I try to write scenes that make him laugh.
Favorite T.V. Show?
Currently, it would be The Office and Modern Family. In years past, it would have been Picket Fences, and more recently, The Sopranos, Deadwood, and Prison Break.
Favorite Movie?
Tie: Scent of a Woman, The Princess Bride, and Arthur.
What upcoming movie are you looking forward to?
I just saw Avatar a couple of days ago, and had been looking forward to seeing that one.
Marvel or DC?
Wow, that’s a toughie. I’m going to have to show my age. When I was into comics the most, my favorites were the Westerns, specifically Kid Colt, Rawhide Kid, etc. For that reason I’ve got to say Marvel.
Favorite Author?
Tie: Ayn Rand shaped my political world view, and Larry McMurtry has given me the most entertainment bang for the buck.
Favorite book?
Tie: Atlas Shrugged and Lonesome Dove
Which Author would you most want to meet?
None of them. I’d feel too weird meeting someone on the basis of them being an author. On the other hand, if I happened to bump into a fellow author and he or she wanted to talk about football, kids, politics, marketing, or whatever, well then any old author will do!
Star Wars or Star Trek?
Great question, because I see Star Wars as strong on plot, strong on tech, while Star Trek is strong on characters. Since my books are character driven, I’d give the nod to Star Trek…barely!
Favorite Quote?
Peter O’Toole, in My Favorite Year. After entering a women’s bathroom and startling a lady, she said, quite indignantly, “Sir! This is for ladies only!” And he said, “Yes, mum, and so is this. But every now and again I have to run a little water through it.”
April 18, 2011
Due to my fascination with the Bourne trilogy, I had high hopes for this book – an assassin ridding the world of evil. Cool. That was the image I had in my head, and, for the most part, I was not disappointed. As far as the story line goes, Lethal People was inventive, complex, intriguing, exciting, and engaging. My hat’s off to the author who managed to take a familiar story line, good versus evil, and make it new. Unlike the days of old, though, the good were not always good and the evil were not always evil. Let’s face it; our hero of the story is a hired assassin. Granted Creed did start out working for the CIA, but when the money becomes too tempting, he branches out. Now he can be outsourced to the highest bidder. This makes him hard to like at times. Warm and fuzzy? Absolutely not. He does his job, VERY WELL, in a clinical, almost brutal fashion. And in the midst of all this, you see sparks of compassion, empathy, devotion and deep rooted love. At the start of this book, I had high hopes, as I said. Half way through the book, I was convinced I would never find anything likable in Creed. And when I finished it, I had come full circle. Creed can never be mistaken for a typical hero, but he is one, nonetheless. In his own way. Sort of. Did I enjoy the book? ABSOLUTELY. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series. What is an easy read? Not always. Was it worth it? You betcha!!!
July 4, 2012
Continuing with my pursuit of the lone Hero (see reviews for Joe Pike novels, John Rain novels, and Jack Reacher novels) Donovan Creed is probably the most unique character I came across.
I'd never heard of John Locke until I received my Kindle DX in the mail. Locke made his fame and fortune self-publishing his books in the Kindle world. For the Kindle, his books are ridiculously inexpensive (around $0.99 to $1.99). I was surprised at what I read and hooked from the start. Unlike my other series books, however, there is a difference in the books in terms of ratings...so I have not given them the standard 4 or 5 star ratings across the entire series.
First of all, the books are short but packing a powerful punch, a mixture of excellent humor (left me laughing at the insanity of what I was reading) and the grim reality of a hero who kills people. Lethal people introduces us to Creed, the business he is in, his side-kicks and his insane relationship within his own world and certainly the world most of us live in (let's just say Creed is not fit to live a normal life and does not understand it). Get ready for a roller coaster ride and, above all...enjoy! You will find that towards the end of each book you will be filled with disappointment that the ride is over...and almost certainly you will hunt down the next Donovan Creed thriller.
I'd never heard of John Locke until I received my Kindle DX in the mail. Locke made his fame and fortune self-publishing his books in the Kindle world. For the Kindle, his books are ridiculously inexpensive (around $0.99 to $1.99). I was surprised at what I read and hooked from the start. Unlike my other series books, however, there is a difference in the books in terms of ratings...so I have not given them the standard 4 or 5 star ratings across the entire series.
First of all, the books are short but packing a powerful punch, a mixture of excellent humor (left me laughing at the insanity of what I was reading) and the grim reality of a hero who kills people. Lethal people introduces us to Creed, the business he is in, his side-kicks and his insane relationship within his own world and certainly the world most of us live in (let's just say Creed is not fit to live a normal life and does not understand it). Get ready for a roller coaster ride and, above all...enjoy! You will find that towards the end of each book you will be filled with disappointment that the ride is over...and almost certainly you will hunt down the next Donovan Creed thriller.
January 7, 2017
1,5
Este libro empieza con elementos buenísimos, un ex agente de la C.I.A. que se gana la vida como asesino a sueldo y como probador de nuevos aparatos de tortura. Pero todo esto que en mi opinión podría haber dado para tanto, queda totalmente desaprovechado, se pierde en tramas aburridas e inverosímiles, de las que no me apetece demasiado hablar, que poco tienen que ver con ese planteamiento tan bueno, por no hablar de lo aburridos y planos que son todos los personajes y lo mal construido que está el protagonista, hace aguas por todas partes. El único personaje que podría llegar a ser medianamente interesante es Callie, pero sale muy poco.
En cuanto al autor, tampoco es ninguna maravilla, pero con ese estilo tan ligero y fresco, con pocas descripciones y esa forma tan característica de narrar las escenas resumiendo la paja y yendo a lo esencial para el lector, algo mejor se podría hacer.
Este libro empieza con elementos buenísimos, un ex agente de la C.I.A. que se gana la vida como asesino a sueldo y como probador de nuevos aparatos de tortura. Pero todo esto que en mi opinión podría haber dado para tanto, queda totalmente desaprovechado, se pierde en tramas aburridas e inverosímiles, de las que no me apetece demasiado hablar, que poco tienen que ver con ese planteamiento tan bueno, por no hablar de lo aburridos y planos que son todos los personajes y lo mal construido que está el protagonista, hace aguas por todas partes. El único personaje que podría llegar a ser medianamente interesante es Callie, pero sale muy poco.
En cuanto al autor, tampoco es ninguna maravilla, pero con ese estilo tan ligero y fresco, con pocas descripciones y esa forma tan característica de narrar las escenas resumiendo la paja y yendo a lo esencial para el lector, algo mejor se podría hacer.
April 11, 2011
This is my second Donovan Creed novel that I've read and I can't quite figure out why I like them so much. There is so much contradiction, with a character who is amoral/moral, lover/fighter, superficial/deep--and a plot that can be so outlandish it verges on parody, yet somehow manages to keep it all believable and 'real'.
I'm quite mystified on why I should like this series. They are like good adventure movies ramped up a notch (or ten), have great plot twists, and I guess the Donovan character is intriguing. I'm still not sure if I like him or not. "The Ruthless Killer With A Soft Heart" is not an easy character to convey or believe in, yet somehow it seems to work. His wit and sense of humor go a long way to making him likeable, as does his (twisted?) nobility.
Still, its a good read. Fast paced and clever. And also 99 cents! So you can't beat that!
I'm quite mystified on why I should like this series. They are like good adventure movies ramped up a notch (or ten), have great plot twists, and I guess the Donovan character is intriguing. I'm still not sure if I like him or not. "The Ruthless Killer With A Soft Heart" is not an easy character to convey or believe in, yet somehow it seems to work. His wit and sense of humor go a long way to making him likeable, as does his (twisted?) nobility.
Still, its a good read. Fast paced and clever. And also 99 cents! So you can't beat that!
October 2, 2012
This book is gimmicky and stupid. I felt like I was actively loosing my brain cells as I read it. The main character is an unlikable Gary Stu with a ridiculous backstory that made me roll my eyes every time it was brought up. The side characters are obviously supposed to make us say "hey, wait a minute! A midget who wants to take over the world? How delightfully kooky!" It's a cheap trick and little more than a lazy excuse for actual characterization or creativity. Why actually have a fresh, original plot when you can just tack on a couple of quirky characters that still manage to be cardboard cutouts and call it a day?
This book's only saving grace is that I was able to turn off my mind long enough to enjoy the action. Like some kind of stupid 90s action movie. The explosions are pretty and the guns are cool, but everything else is shit.
This book's only saving grace is that I was able to turn off my mind long enough to enjoy the action. Like some kind of stupid 90s action movie. The explosions are pretty and the guns are cool, but everything else is shit.
May 29, 2013
Watching the movie "Singing in the Rain" requires suspension of disbelief because most people don't really sing and dance in the rain but it's still a fun, classic movie. John Locke's Donovan Creed and his diverse cast of characters also require suspension of disbelief to fully enjoy and appreciate this quite original creation. This book has the characteristics of what I most prize in a mystery - a successful attempt at originality and wit. Now that I'm hooked, it's onward to the rest of the series.
Read
July 25, 2011I've found a new crime anti-hero to worship—Donovan Creed, the protagonist in a series written by John Locke. I absolutely flew through the first book, Lethal People, in little more than a day, and found the characters to be interesting yet quirky, and the action virtually nonstop. As I've said after I've read other tremendously satisfying crime novels, I don't know why Hollywood keeps making movie adaptations of television shows, comic books and fairytales, or remaking classic movies, when there are some tremendous books that would make great films. Like this one, for example.
Donovan Creed is an ex-CIA assassin who still works as a hit man. He spends his days straddling both sides of the law—he's employed by several different Mob figures (sometimes playing one against another), and in his spare time, he tests weapons for the federal government. On himself. But Creed is sensitive, too; when he finds out his ex-wife is engaged to a man who brutally abused his previous wife, he uses his brains (and a little brawn) to protect her without running the man out of town. When he visits a children's burn ward and finds himself drawn to a severely burned young girl, his investigation into the fire that killed her family nets him a lady friend and a whole lot of danger. And then throw in bombs, hijacked spy satellites, a dreadlocked paraplegic who is a criminal mastermind, a social murder experiment and circus midgets (seriously), and you have a book that is both gripping and entertaining.
I read a lot of crime novels and mysteries, so I look for books that compel me to turn the pages with action, plot and character development. Lethal People has no shortage of all three—Creed is an appealing anti-hero (similar in some respects to TV's Dexter) and many of the other characters were far more than one-dimensional stereotypes. While some of the plot may be a little far-fetched (although do we really know what goes on behind the government's closed doors), I never felt like I had to utterly suspend my disbelief while reading. I'm definitely going to get further into Locke's series, and I recommend this to anyone who likes a good action-packed crime novel. You won't be disappointed.
Donovan Creed is an ex-CIA assassin who still works as a hit man. He spends his days straddling both sides of the law—he's employed by several different Mob figures (sometimes playing one against another), and in his spare time, he tests weapons for the federal government. On himself. But Creed is sensitive, too; when he finds out his ex-wife is engaged to a man who brutally abused his previous wife, he uses his brains (and a little brawn) to protect her without running the man out of town. When he visits a children's burn ward and finds himself drawn to a severely burned young girl, his investigation into the fire that killed her family nets him a lady friend and a whole lot of danger. And then throw in bombs, hijacked spy satellites, a dreadlocked paraplegic who is a criminal mastermind, a social murder experiment and circus midgets (seriously), and you have a book that is both gripping and entertaining.
I read a lot of crime novels and mysteries, so I look for books that compel me to turn the pages with action, plot and character development. Lethal People has no shortage of all three—Creed is an appealing anti-hero (similar in some respects to TV's Dexter) and many of the other characters were far more than one-dimensional stereotypes. While some of the plot may be a little far-fetched (although do we really know what goes on behind the government's closed doors), I never felt like I had to utterly suspend my disbelief while reading. I'm definitely going to get further into Locke's series, and I recommend this to anyone who likes a good action-packed crime novel. You won't be disappointed.
March 12, 2013
I didn’t like this book to start with, not least because I'd just read The Detachment, a very authentic-feeling thriller by Barry Eisler about assasin John Rain. Locke's central character, Donnie Creed is also an assassin, but that's where the comparison ends. Creed has himself tortured to build up his resistance to pain, sleeps in other people’s attics to build up his skills at undetected intrusion, and otherwise lives in a prison cell so he’s used to it when he inevitably goes to jail. Right. Of course he does.
And then, with the help of a Goodreads friend, I got it. It’s not meant to be real or anything like it - this is black comedy, satire. And as such, it’s not bad at all – so long as you can get past the grim violence. The writing is uneven and could use a decent editor and personally, I didn’t find it exactly laugh out loud funny. Nevertheless, Locke has created a very engaging character in Donnie Creed, and his first person narrative voice does keep you turning the pages. I doubt I’ll buy another one, as it’s not really my cup of tea, but I can see why Locke has sold a lot of books.
And then, with the help of a Goodreads friend, I got it. It’s not meant to be real or anything like it - this is black comedy, satire. And as such, it’s not bad at all – so long as you can get past the grim violence. The writing is uneven and could use a decent editor and personally, I didn’t find it exactly laugh out loud funny. Nevertheless, Locke has created a very engaging character in Donnie Creed, and his first person narrative voice does keep you turning the pages. I doubt I’ll buy another one, as it’s not really my cup of tea, but I can see why Locke has sold a lot of books.
August 22, 2015
This may be the most fucked up book I’ve read so far. It was not particularly well-written and I finished rather quickly because it kept me interested and engaged, but it was just…weird. Lethal People was sometimes disturbing, sometimes hilarious, and very action packed and exciting. The biggest issue(?) for me was the protagonist, Donny Creed. I couldn’t figure out if I was supposed to be cheering for the guy, or loathing him. One second he’s a super good guy, and the next, he’s a remorseless dick. It doesn’t help that he falls into the latter more often than not. It’s hard to like and support this character considering what he does and who he associates with. Overall though, Lethal People was absolutely ridiculous but quite the fun and entertaining read. I would liken it to the summer blockbuster that doesn’t necessarily have the best character development or story, but is still a great movie, if you know what I mean.
September 24, 2011
I downloaded this book to see what all the fuss was about and really didn’t know what to expect. The description on Amazon described it as a crime novel that was “often LOL – bizarre funny!” That part was true as I literally found myself laughing out loud. Donovan Creed, the main character in Locke’s series of books, is a hired assassin for the government but takes on free-lance work from interesting and unusual characters. There was always some sort of action or mishap going on to keep your attention and half-way through I pictured Bruce Willis in an eighties style movie. Creed was tough, caring, sensitive yet insensitive, rude, crass, fun, cute and sexy all at the same time; you just had to like him. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a breath of fresh air. I know it won’t appeal to everyone, but I think everyone should give it a try with an open mind and a carefree attitude.
May 4, 2011
I'm not sure if it is wise to tell people I really enjoyed this book or if it's just because the author did such a great job with plot that it had me from the get-go.
I was not sure I would like this book. The main character in the book is an assassin. he literally takes money to kill people. (Okay now that we all got the defintion of an assassin, lol!) Anyway, the book was action packed, which really had no impact for me, but it was so page-turning! I couldn't wait to see what happened next...even though at times I was completely speechless and really shocked. I believe the author has more books out with the character and for some reason I think I'll read them.
I was not sure I would like this book. The main character in the book is an assassin. he literally takes money to kill people. (Okay now that we all got the defintion of an assassin, lol!) Anyway, the book was action packed, which really had no impact for me, but it was so page-turning! I couldn't wait to see what happened next...even though at times I was completely speechless and really shocked. I believe the author has more books out with the character and for some reason I think I'll read them.
April 13, 2011
Well, what can I say? Donovan Creed is not my favorite hero. Nor are these books the best written action stories. They are choppy and inconsistent but they are easy reads that move along and alternate between being fun and gross. On the one hand Creed is a stone cold killer who will take out your grandmother without a question. Then shows compassion for someone who doesn't deserve it. He's not well in the head. It's a bit like watching a car wreck ... you don't want to look but .......... This is the first of Locke's books and maybe Creed will develop a conscience. It remains to be seen.
December 13, 2011
The first in the Donovan Creed series is much the same as the third one I read 'Saving Rachel'. You either like this stuff or you hate it. In a world where far too many people take themselves far too seriously this story allows the reader to enjoy a crazy ride in the world of a larger than life character. Unlike 'Saving Rachel' this book is written in the past tense which I think makes it better than the 3rd book in the series. Strange, unbelievable, fast paced and violent could all be used to describe this book but 'forgetable fun' sums it up best for me.
April 18, 2019
I read this book for a reading club prompt. It started out so badly that I didn’t think I could finish it. However, the constant action kept me with it. My attention only wandered occasionally. The main character was truly an idiot. As were many of the other characters. There was no one in the story I could related to. Lots of gratuitous stuff. If you just want action, this is your book. As for me, “the end” was my favorite part of the story. I have to admit, on the other hand, that I am impressed by the achievements of this indie author.
April 22, 2012
Great for what it is.
January 17, 2019
DUDE IS A SAVAGE!!!!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
May 27, 2020
Great
Different from what I normally read, but great start to what I know will be an amazing series. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Different from what I normally read, but great start to what I know will be an amazing series. Can’t wait to read the next one.
June 4, 2020
Me ha gustado mucho el ritmo, el como te mete en la historia quizás inverosímil de un alguien con tanta facilidad para muchas cosas. Pero siempre es bueno creer en historias donde los buenos tengan ese sentido del humor y la justicia
August 29, 2011
I read Lethal People to see what all the fuss is about. John Locke has been a top-selling Kindle author and his name is frequently mentioned by the self-promoters of self-promotion webinars that promise to help you scramble to the top of the e-publishing slag heap.
To start with, some readers complain about main character Donovan Creed's profession, namely assassin for hire. Comparisons with Dexter are irresistible, along with the complaint that Dexter's (presumably redeeming) sense of remorse is totally absent in Creed.
Ho hum. What's old is new again. Remember that "007" meant "licensed to kill." Did James Bond show the slightest guilt over any of the killings he performed? What? They deserved to die?
Consider the formula for the Charles Bronson revenge movies: Visit unspeakable horrific violence on innocents (usually, his family) early in the first reel, and give him a license to deliver every kind of mayhem to the perpetrators before the last fade-out.
Creed's motivation begins with the toasting of an innocent family in an arson fire. Avoid the read (or skip the chapter) if you're squeamish about boiling flesh.
At the time of his own death, Charles Bronson was the biggest-grossing actor the world had ever paid to see.
Why? Unlike talky drama or comedy, graphic violence transcends language and geographic borders.
Donovan Creed also kills women, and he hints that he's finished off children, too. But if you read closely, you find that the women somehow "deserved it," and the children were unfortunate collateral damage.
Nothing new, unless you don't read the news.
So, look out. Donovan Creed will be in your home very soon.
The only question is whether you'll be seeing him in 720p or 1080i.
To start with, some readers complain about main character Donovan Creed's profession, namely assassin for hire. Comparisons with Dexter are irresistible, along with the complaint that Dexter's (presumably redeeming) sense of remorse is totally absent in Creed.
Ho hum. What's old is new again. Remember that "007" meant "licensed to kill." Did James Bond show the slightest guilt over any of the killings he performed? What? They deserved to die?
Consider the formula for the Charles Bronson revenge movies: Visit unspeakable horrific violence on innocents (usually, his family) early in the first reel, and give him a license to deliver every kind of mayhem to the perpetrators before the last fade-out.
Creed's motivation begins with the toasting of an innocent family in an arson fire. Avoid the read (or skip the chapter) if you're squeamish about boiling flesh.
At the time of his own death, Charles Bronson was the biggest-grossing actor the world had ever paid to see.
Why? Unlike talky drama or comedy, graphic violence transcends language and geographic borders.
Donovan Creed also kills women, and he hints that he's finished off children, too. But if you read closely, you find that the women somehow "deserved it," and the children were unfortunate collateral damage.
Nothing new, unless you don't read the news.
So, look out. Donovan Creed will be in your home very soon.
The only question is whether you'll be seeing him in 720p or 1080i.
October 29, 2011
We meet Donovan Creed right away and a small group of friends or associates, depending on how you look at it. He is an assassin working for a couple different groups with differing agendas. There are twists and turns throughout, and you never know what will happen next.
The characters are quirky and interesting, especially Creed. Locke has an uncanny ability to create unique characters. Each has something about them that makes it hard for the reader to forget, sometimes physical, sometimes emotional or psychological.
I felt the characterization was also a weak point. The female characters were unique as well, but sometimes I felt their motives were a little off. They did things and responded in ways that I'm not sure a woman would. I mean this from a psychological standpoint. Obviously, if a woman in his book is an assassin she will probably kill somebody. It was in the subtleties, the slight differences that makes a woman a woman. I believe this was one of his earlier books so I'm sure he only gets better.
The plot and pacing were great. His writing wasn't extravagant but it didn't matter. It was a page turner, and simple to read, perfect for the price.
The series isn't what I usually look for in a book, but for the price, and the quality of the story he told, it's hard to beat.
The characters are quirky and interesting, especially Creed. Locke has an uncanny ability to create unique characters. Each has something about them that makes it hard for the reader to forget, sometimes physical, sometimes emotional or psychological.
I felt the characterization was also a weak point. The female characters were unique as well, but sometimes I felt their motives were a little off. They did things and responded in ways that I'm not sure a woman would. I mean this from a psychological standpoint. Obviously, if a woman in his book is an assassin she will probably kill somebody. It was in the subtleties, the slight differences that makes a woman a woman. I believe this was one of his earlier books so I'm sure he only gets better.
The plot and pacing were great. His writing wasn't extravagant but it didn't matter. It was a page turner, and simple to read, perfect for the price.
The series isn't what I usually look for in a book, but for the price, and the quality of the story he told, it's hard to beat.
March 23, 2012
John Locke (2009) Lethal People: A Donovan Creed Crime Novel
Donovan Creed, masochist, father, ex-husband and ex-CIA assassin now freelances as a hired killer and in his spare time tests the Army's secret weapons on himself. Got it?
Locke is very good at dialogue, but poor at characterization. Of one of the female protagonists, he says "Paige was pretty cute, but she didn't look like an aspiring actress. She didn't look like a hooker either." He has more to say of her vehicle, "Her silver Honda Accord had sixteen inch Michelin tires with bolt-patterned alloy rims."
The plot drones on with no tension. Creed is an unlikable character who spends most of his time womanizing and hunting down bad guys. He is seldom in any personal danger - he is too skilled, with access to a bevvy of helpers. The dull story line relies on a set of quirky characters and unlikely plot twists to pull it along. One of his employers, is a speech-impaired, quadriplegic, billionaire midget (of course!). When Creed asks him why he should work for him, he is told "because you are going to help us take over the world".
The climax to the story is an assault on a heavily guarded secluded mansion involving a knife-throwing troupe of circus dwarves and the Army's latest secret weapon, a pulse ray. No contest, really.
Ho hum.
Donovan Creed, masochist, father, ex-husband and ex-CIA assassin now freelances as a hired killer and in his spare time tests the Army's secret weapons on himself. Got it?
Locke is very good at dialogue, but poor at characterization. Of one of the female protagonists, he says "Paige was pretty cute, but she didn't look like an aspiring actress. She didn't look like a hooker either." He has more to say of her vehicle, "Her silver Honda Accord had sixteen inch Michelin tires with bolt-patterned alloy rims."
The plot drones on with no tension. Creed is an unlikable character who spends most of his time womanizing and hunting down bad guys. He is seldom in any personal danger - he is too skilled, with access to a bevvy of helpers. The dull story line relies on a set of quirky characters and unlikely plot twists to pull it along. One of his employers, is a speech-impaired, quadriplegic, billionaire midget (of course!). When Creed asks him why he should work for him, he is told "because you are going to help us take over the world".
The climax to the story is an assault on a heavily guarded secluded mansion involving a knife-throwing troupe of circus dwarves and the Army's latest secret weapon, a pulse ray. No contest, really.
Ho hum.
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