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Nuclear Bombshell #3
The Radioactive Redhead
In this final title in a hilarious trilogy--following "The Plutonium Blonde" and "The Doomsday Brunette"--the last freelance private detective has a new case to solve involving androids, future tech wizards, out-of-control artificial intelligence, and futuristic mayhem. Original.
355 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 6, 2005
1 person is currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
John Zakour
124 books67 followersFrom the Author's Website
John Zakour is a humor/sf/fantasy writer with a Master's degree in Human Behavior and slowly plugging away at his Ph.D. He has written zillions (well, thousands) of gags for syndicated comics and comedians (including: Rugrats, Grimmy, Bound and Gagged, Dennis the Menace and Joan River's old TV show.) John also writes his own syndicated comic, Working Daze for United Media. John has been the regular cartoonist for Geek.com and has sold cartoons or gags to hundreds of journals and magazines. John is also a contributor to Nickelodeon magazine writing Fairly Odd Parents and Jimmy Neutron comic books. Recently he has started writing Simpsons comics for Bongo.
John’s first humorous SF mystery book, The Plutonium Blonde (DAW 2001, co-written with Larry Ganem and started of as an interactive web story for the Sci Fi channel) was named one of the top 30 SF books of 2001 by The Chronicle of Science Fiction who called it, “the funniest SF book of 2001”. His second novel, The Doomsday Brunette (DAW Feb 2004) has made the Locus best sellers list. The third book in the series, The RadioActive Redhead, also made the SF best seller list.
Besides his novels John has sold numerous short stories to anthologies and magazines. John has written the dialog and song lyrics for Frogwares Software computer game Around the World in 80 days. For something a bit different John writes skits for the Harlem Rockets basketball team.
In the past, John has written and helped develop the first year and season of the comic book and animated series: Caramel Crew, for Mobtoons. John also has written for the independent SF TV show, “Realm of the Mind”. John also helped develop an animated sf horror series, called Prime Squad for MUV Technologies in India. His romantic comedy, Skin Deep about an ordinary guy who can’t believe the hottest girl on campus is actually in love with him has won a couple of writing awards. John has also written for Ebru tv.
John use to be a database programmer / web guru / science writer for NYSAES.
When he's not writing or studying John likes to play softball, watch TV and hang out with his wife and son. He use to do judo and karate, but those have been replaced by tai chi and archery.
John Zakour is a humor/sf/fantasy writer with a Master's degree in Human Behavior and slowly plugging away at his Ph.D. He has written zillions (well, thousands) of gags for syndicated comics and comedians (including: Rugrats, Grimmy, Bound and Gagged, Dennis the Menace and Joan River's old TV show.) John also writes his own syndicated comic, Working Daze for United Media. John has been the regular cartoonist for Geek.com and has sold cartoons or gags to hundreds of journals and magazines. John is also a contributor to Nickelodeon magazine writing Fairly Odd Parents and Jimmy Neutron comic books. Recently he has started writing Simpsons comics for Bongo.
John’s first humorous SF mystery book, The Plutonium Blonde (DAW 2001, co-written with Larry Ganem and started of as an interactive web story for the Sci Fi channel) was named one of the top 30 SF books of 2001 by The Chronicle of Science Fiction who called it, “the funniest SF book of 2001”. His second novel, The Doomsday Brunette (DAW Feb 2004) has made the Locus best sellers list. The third book in the series, The RadioActive Redhead, also made the SF best seller list.
Besides his novels John has sold numerous short stories to anthologies and magazines. John has written the dialog and song lyrics for Frogwares Software computer game Around the World in 80 days. For something a bit different John writes skits for the Harlem Rockets basketball team.
In the past, John has written and helped develop the first year and season of the comic book and animated series: Caramel Crew, for Mobtoons. John also has written for the independent SF TV show, “Realm of the Mind”. John also helped develop an animated sf horror series, called Prime Squad for MUV Technologies in India. His romantic comedy, Skin Deep about an ordinary guy who can’t believe the hottest girl on campus is actually in love with him has won a couple of writing awards. John has also written for Ebru tv.
John use to be a database programmer / web guru / science writer for NYSAES.
When he's not writing or studying John likes to play softball, watch TV and hang out with his wife and son. He use to do judo and karate, but those have been replaced by tai chi and archery.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 17, 2013
Please note: I read and reviewed this book in 2007. Copying over review from Amazon.
Overview: It's the not-too-distant future, but the world is a very different place. Reality TV is the preferred entertainment of the masses. Entertainment moguls will go to whatever lengths necessary to procure their next "big" star. Teen pop sensations rise to meteoric heights on their looks and dancing ability - singing talent need not apply. Teen slang is impenetrable to adults . . . wait, that's not so very different, is it?
Well, they have hover-cars. Blasters. Laser knives. How cool is that? Not to mention maid-bots, Kabuki androids and interactive computers that are intelligent enough to be your personal assistant.
Synopsis: Zachary Nixon Johnson is the last practicing private eye in the world and he loves his job - most days. Today, he's not so sure. He accepted an anonymous meet at a Kabuki theatre, only to be attacked upon arrival by the entire Kabuki android cast. In the process, he stops to save a luscious redhead, who we learn is named Sexy Sprockets, a teen pop super star. The next day she contacts him and announces that she needs a bodyguard, that she has received death threats. He agrees to take the case. To make matters worse, HARV - his computerized personal assistant, the most powerful computer in the world - has decided that he wants to "experience" life as a woman. As a long, lean, gorgeous red-head woman who calls herself HARA. Throw in Sexy's three back-up dancers - Missy, Sissy and Lusty, all themselves redheads - and Zach's niece Carol and he is surrounded by redheads. To make matters worse, the Faux network has decided that their new reality TV show will be called "Let's Kill Zach!" and they keep sending assassins after him. Between protecting his client and himself and trying to make peace with his increasingly wrathful girlfriend, Electra Gevada, Zach can't seem to win for losing.
b>Review and Recommendations: Zakour and Ganem are geniuses with the English language and playfully flex and pull at it as much as possible to create some truly awe-inspiring puns and word by-play. This is definitely a book for those who love pulp sci-fi, detective noir or just a fun, well-written novel.
Overview: It's the not-too-distant future, but the world is a very different place. Reality TV is the preferred entertainment of the masses. Entertainment moguls will go to whatever lengths necessary to procure their next "big" star. Teen pop sensations rise to meteoric heights on their looks and dancing ability - singing talent need not apply. Teen slang is impenetrable to adults . . . wait, that's not so very different, is it?
Well, they have hover-cars. Blasters. Laser knives. How cool is that? Not to mention maid-bots, Kabuki androids and interactive computers that are intelligent enough to be your personal assistant.
Synopsis: Zachary Nixon Johnson is the last practicing private eye in the world and he loves his job - most days. Today, he's not so sure. He accepted an anonymous meet at a Kabuki theatre, only to be attacked upon arrival by the entire Kabuki android cast. In the process, he stops to save a luscious redhead, who we learn is named Sexy Sprockets, a teen pop super star. The next day she contacts him and announces that she needs a bodyguard, that she has received death threats. He agrees to take the case. To make matters worse, HARV - his computerized personal assistant, the most powerful computer in the world - has decided that he wants to "experience" life as a woman. As a long, lean, gorgeous red-head woman who calls herself HARA. Throw in Sexy's three back-up dancers - Missy, Sissy and Lusty, all themselves redheads - and Zach's niece Carol and he is surrounded by redheads. To make matters worse, the Faux network has decided that their new reality TV show will be called "Let's Kill Zach!" and they keep sending assassins after him. Between protecting his client and himself and trying to make peace with his increasingly wrathful girlfriend, Electra Gevada, Zach can't seem to win for losing.
b>Review and Recommendations: Zakour and Ganem are geniuses with the English language and playfully flex and pull at it as much as possible to create some truly awe-inspiring puns and word by-play. This is definitely a book for those who love pulp sci-fi, detective noir or just a fun, well-written novel.
April 27, 2022
Oh yeah. I had marked that I started this.
Well I finished it too. Just not sure how long ago that was. I'm going to drop my original four star rating to a three star one. The primary reason is that I had a hard time with the change of HARV into HARA for this story. It was played too much like a gag and it was a gag that got old well before the end of the story.
Otherwise though, it was light hearted and quick moving and I did like it, just I didn't _really_ like it. So sorry for the short shrift review, I'll do better next time.
Well I finished it too. Just not sure how long ago that was. I'm going to drop my original four star rating to a three star one. The primary reason is that I had a hard time with the change of HARV into HARA for this story. It was played too much like a gag and it was a gag that got old well before the end of the story.
Otherwise though, it was light hearted and quick moving and I did like it, just I didn't _really_ like it. So sorry for the short shrift review, I'll do better next time.
January 2, 2009
The Radioactive Redhead has similarities with Zakour’s and Ganem’s previous books about the last Private Investigator on earth. Once again, the supervillain(ess) appears to be a woman with superhuman powers to entertain, seduce, and oppress. Once again, protagonist Zach Johnson is forced to walk a tightrope between his very jealous fiancée and the femme fatale(s) around whom the plot(ting) resolves. Again, the technological turns of phrase replacing theological and proverbial turns of phrase have increased my risibility index: “It’ll be a MAC day in DOS,” “Don’t be such a Pentium,” or “Don’t be such a worm in the data!”
This time, the interesting flavor is due to the fact that Zach’s computer assistant, HARV, transforms himself/herself into a feminine form in order to serve Zach better. Naturally, this makes both Zach and fiancée uncomfortable, as well as HARV’s (now HARA’s) creator. It does, however, give a chance for Ganem and Zakour to address some of the sexist clichés found in private eye stories and “B” movies. Indeed, much of the humor in The Radioactive Redhead forces the thoughtful reader (though why a thoughtful reader would be reading this lightweight, though enjoyable, fare is beyond this thoughtless consumer of pure escape reading) to reconsider how we all tend to relate to people on the basis of appearances.
Yes, The Radioactive Redhead is pure escapism, but it’s delightfully so.
This time, the interesting flavor is due to the fact that Zach’s computer assistant, HARV, transforms himself/herself into a feminine form in order to serve Zach better. Naturally, this makes both Zach and fiancée uncomfortable, as well as HARV’s (now HARA’s) creator. It does, however, give a chance for Ganem and Zakour to address some of the sexist clichés found in private eye stories and “B” movies. Indeed, much of the humor in The Radioactive Redhead forces the thoughtful reader (though why a thoughtful reader would be reading this lightweight, though enjoyable, fare is beyond this thoughtless consumer of pure escape reading) to reconsider how we all tend to relate to people on the basis of appearances.
Yes, The Radioactive Redhead is pure escapism, but it’s delightfully so.
December 27, 2011
this is my third book by this author and it was the best so far. I love books that take genres and play with them gleefully...these books are part old time PI, part sci fi schlock, part futuristic parable, and also very witty, sly 'in jokes' (like 'what the gates?'). It usually examines an interesting social concept (in this case, gender) but always light heartedly and tongue in cheek...all that, and android assassins with fire swords! seriously, a fun book, full of adventure and fun, and not to be missed!
August 4, 2016
Teen pop stars, killer androids performing Kabuki (and killing it! AND being killer assassins too!) and reality show, named 'Let's kill Zack!', HARV wants to be HARA and well he, oh, sorry she (it?), is the best damned computer to accomplish that - nothing that last private detective Zachary Nixon Johnson cannot handle. Witty, insane, explosive.
February 27, 2013
Probably the best of the series. It's just high-octane plot from start-to-finish. Guaranteed to crack you up. But - and there is a "but" - you won't appreciate it as much without reading (at least) one of the earlier bookss. Gives what happens to this poor guy some perspective.
December 31, 2018
This review is for the entire series I binged in two weeks like a crazy day on Netflix. So I must say I loved it! Humorous, campy and fun for all the right reasons. Zakour pokes fun at all the tropes and takes it to the next level, so much over the top you have to chuckle at it poking fun of itself. Just the right blend of Noir and Sci-Fi to make the universe come alive! I highly recommend a binge on this one if you want something light hearted and fun to read!
November 26, 2016
The premise of the book is that Zach is the last PI on Earth cerca 2060, and gets embroiled in a messy case - protecting a sexy teen idol from death threats while dodging assassination attempts against himself (as part of an unwanted and unrequested starring role in a reality TV show called Let's Kill Zach). It's kind of silly fun.
April 22, 2025
I feel like the ending saved this book. Overall still a fun series that doesn't take itself seriously. But the angry Girlfriend bit was getting old fast. I'm glad that got settled. Plus I wasn't a fan of the Harvey turning into Hara. I did LOVE the idea of why the music is so trash and I think it explains a lot for todays music.
December 29, 2017
Fun, light, quick read. It started a little slowly for me, but then the pace picked up and I was swept along with the story. It's not going to change your life, but if you want a humorous hard-boiled novel with a sci-fi twist, this is right up your alley.
October 10, 2019
Silly, pulpy fun, with a hard-boiled PI, hordes of assassins, singing damsels, one of whom is actually named Sexy! It's a ridiculous futuristic ride when you're looking for a non-serious read. May check out the other books in the series.
August 28, 2017
If only I can give this book more than a five, seriously.
February 14, 2019
Frothy. Liked it enough to consider going back to read the first two.
November 13, 2022
Getting a tad too predictable. Hope things pick up in the next one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2023
An excellent continuation of the series, with actual character growth from both HARV/HARA and Zac. I missed some of the clues, which was just perfect, as it made for a great ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2024
I really liked this, it's an effective mix of classic gumshoe style and sci-fi. Also Sexy Sprockets tour sounds great!
April 16, 2025
A pretty fun romp though given Sexy’s nature, the Reactive Redhead would have been a better title
August 3, 2009
I just finished this book, the third in the Zachary Nixon Johnson series. He's the last private investigator in the year 2060 . . . and he's rather cool.
The first two books were good. Good enough that I kept buying the series. And I have to say that the writing is just gotten better. In this third installment, the plotting is exceptional. I felt the second book in the series was a little rocky and not as clear as it could have been, but this one was easy to follow and yet was still convoluted. There were at least three separate plot threads going on: bodyguard to Sexy Sprocketts, unwilling participant in a reality TV show called Let's Kill Zack, and clueless man in a relationship. And the three wove together seamlessly in this book. The authors have gotten much better with this type of thing.
And it rocks. I will definitely be moving on to the other 3 books already out in this series. The writing was smooth, the characters were fun and great, and the interplay between them--even the ones that aren't human--is spectacular. I laughed at moments, and the authors balance the humor with the serious moments perfectly. I STRONGLY recommend reading this book if you're remotely interested in humorous SF.
Not to say there weren't a few problems, but all of my problems were with cosmetic things. The first book in the series had a ton of typos in it that should have been found and corrected before publication. This one didn't have as many . . . but they were still there. I don't mind a couple in a book, because I've been there and done that and no matter how many people read a book there will always be typos. But there were enough that it became noticeable and reached the "touch annoying" line in my head.
In addition, the tag line on the book is . . . misleading. In a big way. It states: "How do you stop a superhuman villain who knows what you're going to do before you do?" Now, this isn't technically inaccurate . . . but the book isn't really about the superhuman villain. In fact, that superhuman villain only gets found and dealt with in the last few chapters of the book. What grabs you and holds you in this book is all of the other characters and their relationships and plot threads.
Again, notice that those two quibbles have NOTHING to do with the actual writing in the book. One is just cosmetic and the other has to do with marketing. So, if those are the only things I can find to complain about, you see how good the book is. I gave it 5 stars after all. *grin*
So go get this book! Get all of the books in this series. The first four are now offered in two omnibus editions, so they're even cheaper than when I bought them!
The first two books were good. Good enough that I kept buying the series. And I have to say that the writing is just gotten better. In this third installment, the plotting is exceptional. I felt the second book in the series was a little rocky and not as clear as it could have been, but this one was easy to follow and yet was still convoluted. There were at least three separate plot threads going on: bodyguard to Sexy Sprocketts, unwilling participant in a reality TV show called Let's Kill Zack, and clueless man in a relationship. And the three wove together seamlessly in this book. The authors have gotten much better with this type of thing.
And it rocks. I will definitely be moving on to the other 3 books already out in this series. The writing was smooth, the characters were fun and great, and the interplay between them--even the ones that aren't human--is spectacular. I laughed at moments, and the authors balance the humor with the serious moments perfectly. I STRONGLY recommend reading this book if you're remotely interested in humorous SF.
Not to say there weren't a few problems, but all of my problems were with cosmetic things. The first book in the series had a ton of typos in it that should have been found and corrected before publication. This one didn't have as many . . . but they were still there. I don't mind a couple in a book, because I've been there and done that and no matter how many people read a book there will always be typos. But there were enough that it became noticeable and reached the "touch annoying" line in my head.
In addition, the tag line on the book is . . . misleading. In a big way. It states: "How do you stop a superhuman villain who knows what you're going to do before you do?" Now, this isn't technically inaccurate . . . but the book isn't really about the superhuman villain. In fact, that superhuman villain only gets found and dealt with in the last few chapters of the book. What grabs you and holds you in this book is all of the other characters and their relationships and plot threads.
Again, notice that those two quibbles have NOTHING to do with the actual writing in the book. One is just cosmetic and the other has to do with marketing. So, if those are the only things I can find to complain about, you see how good the book is. I gave it 5 stars after all. *grin*
So go get this book! Get all of the books in this series. The first four are now offered in two omnibus editions, so they're even cheaper than when I bought them!
June 11, 2014
3.5 stars.
Yes, there is a character called Sexy Sprocket...it's true. As with the other books of this series it embraces/parodies the SF/Noir/Pulp bookes of the 60s and it's a fun thing indeed. There are all the things I liked about the other two book (witty dialog, over the top action, a ridiculous world) but through no fault of it's own this book is a step back, and here's why:
1) The characters once again are hilarious and the HARV/HARA plot made me giggle throughout, the dialog of Roundtree's dialog is awesome also. The relationship status of Zack and Electra as further looked into and it makes them both (and their relationship) deeper which is good. This is not where the book takes a step back.
2) The world is fun and interesting and by now the rules have been established and there is just more and more brushes painted into the canvas to make it more detailed and fun. This is not where the book takes a step back.
3) The story, that's where this book takes a step back. Sure, there is the HARV/HARA and Zack/Electra stuff which is very good, but the issue is the main story. It's not a terrible story, not at all, I enjoyed it. The issue was that book 2 blew the lid on the world and the scope of it and...well book 3 just shrunk it all down again. I kinda would have felt that if this book was in fact book 2 than I would not be saying the things I am saying now. That's the step back.
It's a fun book and by now if you've read 2 you should keep reading them. Fun times!
Onward to The Frost Haired Vixen!
Yes, there is a character called Sexy Sprocket...it's true. As with the other books of this series it embraces/parodies the SF/Noir/Pulp bookes of the 60s and it's a fun thing indeed. There are all the things I liked about the other two book (witty dialog, over the top action, a ridiculous world) but through no fault of it's own this book is a step back, and here's why:
1) The characters once again are hilarious and the HARV/HARA plot made me giggle throughout, the dialog of Roundtree's dialog is awesome also. The relationship status of Zack and Electra as further looked into and it makes them both (and their relationship) deeper which is good. This is not where the book takes a step back.
2) The world is fun and interesting and by now the rules have been established and there is just more and more brushes painted into the canvas to make it more detailed and fun. This is not where the book takes a step back.
3) The story, that's where this book takes a step back. Sure, there is the HARV/HARA and Zack/Electra stuff which is very good, but the issue is the main story. It's not a terrible story, not at all, I enjoyed it. The issue was that book 2 blew the lid on the world and the scope of it and...well book 3 just shrunk it all down again. I kinda would have felt that if this book was in fact book 2 than I would not be saying the things I am saying now. That's the step back.
It's a fun book and by now if you've read 2 you should keep reading them. Fun times!
Onward to The Frost Haired Vixen!
February 29, 2008
I loved this one too. I actually basicially love all these books. And this has my favorite opening of all of them, and my favorite motive too actually(the reason the killer is trying to kill). Of course, I've always had a weakness for redheads so maybe that has something to do with it? But seriously it is very strong for being a third book in a series.(sometimes the third of anything seems kind of cursed. I'm looking at you Spider-man movies) You get a lot of very funny moments including the opening chapter with the performance of "Revenge Of The 47 Samurai" that doesn't go so well. And there's not only the weird "Let's make up swear words based off of current computer terms" thing that happens in every book, there's also the continuation of the Wodehouse references. In Sci-fi! There aren't enough Wodehouse references in fiction these days let alone science fiction. So, yeah, it's great, but with me you seem to get either "I loved it" or "It's dumb".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2013
Teen pop star Sexy Sprockets and Zach meet during a killer performance at the Oakland Kabuki Palace Theatre. As he is trying to save himself from Kabuki actors with real weapons, Zach also saves Sexy because, as he explains to HARV, she is a woman. Sexy is impressed by Zach and hires him as her personal bodyguard as she is receiving some serious death treats while preparing her first farewell tour. HARV is also impressed by the way Zach acted and upgrades itself with hilarious consequences. The interaction between Zach and his personal computer are always funny and I'm often taken by surprise at some of the retorts. Another funny story that is more mysterious than I initially thought. Zach has to find who wants to kill Sexy, and at the same time stay alive from both killer robots and his girlfriend Electra who is not happy about his new employer. Very funny read, this series is very funny and entertaining.
August 5, 2016
This one had so much drama, I almost started not liking this book. But, my doubt were assuaged in the end. I adored this book. Yeah, there was the drama, and I didn't know how I felt about some of the plot threads, but the emotional growth was fantastic. The core characters, as usual, were brilliant. I loved having more of Electra (I don't know how her name is spelled since I listen to the audio dramas.), as well as Carol. The twists shocked me. That's one of the things I love about this series, I'm consistently surprised by the twists, and then realize the clues were there all along. That's the mark of a truly brilliant author, as well as their story. I'm so glad this series is consistently great. Book 4 will just just as good, I'm sure.
November 27, 2016
In the third book of the series Zach Johnson, Earth's last freelance private detective, latest case involves protecting a pop star and trying to survive a reality show based on trying to kill him.
I had a harder time getting into this one, the story seemed slight and felt a bit forced and I figured out most of what was going on pretty much from the beginning. I didn't hate reading it but it didn't have the same zip and freshness the first two did and I can't quite put my finger on why, though part of it may be that to me at least the music industry is so insane it's sort of hard to poke fun of it these days without coming across as cliched.
I didn't find it a waste of time to read, but it wasn't as fun as the first two.
I had a harder time getting into this one, the story seemed slight and felt a bit forced and I figured out most of what was going on pretty much from the beginning. I didn't hate reading it but it didn't have the same zip and freshness the first two did and I can't quite put my finger on why, though part of it may be that to me at least the music industry is so insane it's sort of hard to poke fun of it these days without coming across as cliched.
I didn't find it a waste of time to read, but it wasn't as fun as the first two.
September 2, 2012
I came across this book at a dollar store and I thought it looked cool so I picked it up and now I'm a fan. I enjoyed this book, it moved fast (actioned packed Pee-Wee) and always had me LMAO. The only thing I didn't like was Mr. Johnson had a GF/wife. P.I.s are suppose to be "PLAYAZ!"
I realized I jumped into the middle of the story after reading the Frost-haired vixen. I still wanna read the other adventures of Mr. Johnson.
I realized I jumped into the middle of the story after reading the Frost-haired vixen. I still wanna read the other adventures of Mr. Johnson.
February 25, 2009
Yes, I've read them all, Yes, I recommend them all, and Yes, I'm anxiously waiting for the next one!
July 6, 2009
More of the same,good enough story with better than average humor.
September 9, 2016
Meh. Funny, but too much like the others.
February 22, 2010
This book was just plain fun to read. That's a rare thing.
August 2, 2011
Very fun!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews