Whisky Sour / Bloody Mary

by J.A. Konrath

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller

688 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

About the author

Joe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.

Wow, that's a lot of Jack.

If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.

Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.

He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.

With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.

And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.

Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.

You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just read whiskey sour, really good, suspenseful cop thriller! Really twisted villain and yet somehow the book is oddly funny! Loved it!

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, just getting to the old library books I've had for a while. My big issue was that this book had a chapter by the killer and frankly I don't want to hear from the killer. Otherwise I sort of enjoyed that her partner ate all the time.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed the occasional comedy moment in the book. I would read other stories I'm this series.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books fall into the female detective/cop genre in a fairly typical fashion. The first book descended into some horrific territory describing crimes--so much so that I nearly put the book down. I didn't have anything else at the time that intrigued me, so I persevered and even went on to read the second book. Happily, the author lightened up with the gore the second time around and it was an enjoyable read.

Don't be put off by my three stars. I'm a tough grader and a book has to reach a certain literary level to even be considered for four stars. These books were certainly entertaining and I would recommend them.

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book with its bright and cheery cover was anything but that inside. It was gory and chilling, and I'm always curious about the mental stability of an author that can write something so grotesque for entertainment. If you enjoy detailed, sadistice descriptions of women being murdered, you will like this book. If you enjoy a mystery, you will be engaged by this book. Because I like the latter and not the former, I found myself reading to the end, but mostly because the thought of leaving the gruesome details of this book unresolved and unavenged made me unsettled. I needed closure, but I won't be reading any more of this series or this author.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but it was a little too graphic with the violence... I know that there are people out there that are this crazy and maybe that is why it made me a little uncomfortable at times. I would throw a warning out for any women who have been victimized - NOT a book you would enjoy. I would probably try reading the next one, but hope it isn't quite so hard to get through. I really liked Jack's character and personality - she definitely makes the story.

[Carrie Algozzini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read just the Whisky Sour and I'm still considering whether to read on to the rest of the author's books. It was a little akin to watching a "Criminal Minds" episode mixed with a "Forensic Files". The reading from inside the detective's head and then inside the killer's was a little TMI. I would have been a happier with less information about how he was killing people and how much joy he was taking in it.

[Ken Baumbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Konrath's Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels series is among the best (and creepiest) mysteries out there. Great protagonist, quirky sidekicks and extra creepy villains make me wonder what kind of childhood Konrath had...

~Ken Baumbach, author of Mayageddon 2012 and The Heretics' Power

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book and the whole series. At times it was very, very, graphic but I didn't mind. I found it randomly at the library and fell in love with it. As a bonus, all the books have a recipe for the drink the book is titled.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

On going crime solving Jack Daniels continues to solve the worst of crimes in the city of Chicago.
I find Konrath's books to be real page turners and continue to read these fast paced, thriller, killer, novels. May be to harsh for some readers.

[Bobby Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. Was a random library pick-up and it was brilliant! Excellently written and suspenseful reading.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved It!!! I really enjoyed the cliff hanger.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great plot but a lot of very descriptive violence. I know it's par for the course with these novels, but still.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too graphic but enjoyed the mystery.

[Cheryl Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Konrath definitely writes violent murder mysteries, but his characters are what really make the stories enjoyable. He is a master of his craft and I enjoy his work.

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blah.. won't read another one.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. Nothing ground breaking but a quick read with not too big words. Humor and gruesome stories all in one. Jack is guy's female cop.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect choice for a light read. This was a great combination of murder and humor; loved the lead character. I'll probably read more in this series.

[Andrea Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Graphic, not for the faint at heart.

[Martin Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Gripping with humor. Highly recommend it to those who like crime genre.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as spellbinding as the list and a bit gruesome in the beginning but a quick read.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!!! Edge of ur seat thru it all.