What do you think?
Rate this book
Harry McGlade Mystery
Banana Hammock
STOP!DO NOT read this book until you read the description, because you might just hate it...Private Detective Harry McGlade is hired by an Amish woman who suspects her husband is cheating on her. Going undercover into their community, Harry must untangle a web of lies and deception to find the truth. This will be his biggest challenge yet. Because Harry McGlade is an idiot.Lead Harry through a series of comic misadventures and bad puns as he traverses the J.A. Konrath universe, popping into many familiar books and stories. Prepare to be shocked and amazed by scenes that are just plain wrong.It's over 60,000 words of Harry McGlade, which is probably way too much.WARNING About this "Write Your Own Damn Story" AdventureBanana Hammock is not a single, linear book, and should not be read sequentially, page by page. Instead, it is an interactive text adventure.This ebook is meant to be read out of order, depending on the path you, the reader, choose.Harry McGlade is a continuing character in the Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels series. At the end of each section, you decide where Harry goes, and what he does. By following different paths, you can arrive at many different endings. There are literally hundreds of variations.You control the character. You control the fun.Join Harry and a cast pulled from JA Konrath and Jack Kilborn stories, and push ebook technology to the boundaries of reading enjoyment, or something like that.From the AuthorThis ebook is filled with raunchy humor, and has something to offend everyone. If you believe there are taboo things that shouldn't be laughed at or made fun of, don't buy it. Instead, pick up one of my other, less-offensive books. But if you like roasting sacred cows, read on. You'll laugh.If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, this handy scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.BANANA HAMMOCK by JA KonrathBad Language - 8Scary - 1Violent - 5Funny - 9Sexy - 1Crossovers - Contains characters from the Jack Daniels Thrillers series, Timecaster series, and Konrath Dark Thriller Collective seriesFROM THE BOOK"Hell no, I don't want to get your damn horse," I said. "I'm an important man, with important stuff to do, probably."I turned back to Facebook and continued playing Combville--a game where you used a virtual comb to comb a virtual head of hair, over and over and over again until time and life lost all meaning and you questioned the reason for your birth."But Amos will starve! There's nothing to eat in an auto pound.""Your horse is named Amos?"She nodded."Isn't your husband named Amos as well?""Yes.""You don't think that's odd?" I asked."Not at all. But my brother Amos finds it strange.""I promise we'll get the horse later," I lied. "Right now we need to go to the costume shop.""For what?" Lulu asked."For one of those plain black suits and an Abe Lincoln beard." I winked. "I'm going undercover as an Amish guy."To go to the costume shop, CLICK HERETo keep playing Combville, CLICK HERE
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2010
234 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
199 books3,016 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 18, 2011
Banana Hammock is a fascinating read reminded me of the Goosebumps books my children used to read, in Banana Hammock you get to choose the ending what you want Harry Mcglade to do or , have happen to him.I kept going back and forth to read the other option. At times i laughed so hard tears came to my eyes . A throughly enjoyable read. I highly recommend it.
January 10, 2013
The only way this book would possibly make sense is if you read and enjoyed J.A. Konrath's Jack Daniels series starting with the first book, Whiskey Sour. Harry McGlade is hilarious with his raunchy sick sense of humor. I liked choosing every few pages on what Harry would do next. If you don't like McGlade's idiotic sense of humor this book is definitely not for you.
April 26, 2018
Banana Hammock is a MUST READ!!
Want to make sure your Kindle works properly? If yes, this is the book for you...lol.
Banana Hammock is full of a ton of stuff from his many books! The good, the bad (language of course) and all things Harry McGlade weird. A fun read start to finish!! Now, I just might to have go and re-read Draculas...lol
Want to make sure your Kindle works properly? If yes, this is the book for you...lol.
Banana Hammock is full of a ton of stuff from his many books! The good, the bad (language of course) and all things Harry McGlade weird. A fun read start to finish!! Now, I just might to have go and re-read Draculas...lol
July 27, 2019
3.5 stars
So much fun getting to choose how the story goes. Lots of silly jokes, some really funny, some not so much. Overall, a nice change of pace.
So much fun getting to choose how the story goes. Lots of silly jokes, some really funny, some not so much. Overall, a nice change of pace.
May 12, 2017
Until I got Banana Hammock: A ‘Write Your Own Damn Story’ Adventure by J.A. Konrath and Jack Kilborn, I’d never read an interactive e-book. To their credit, the authors warn readers to read the description before reading the book, because you just might ‘hate it.’
Well, I read the description, where they mention up front that there a lot of gored oxen and disrespected sacred cows in this book, and it goes where the reader decides to go rather than in a straight line. Wow, was that an understatement!
The story starts with hapless PI Harry McGlade being hired by an Amish woman who suspects her husband of cheating on her. From that point (which, by the way, is the beginning of the ox-goring) this book definitely does not go in a straight line, but in lopsided circles, depending upon the link you chose at the end of the chapter. Like a mountain trail, it has switchbacks, loops, and detours all over the place. Even if you take notes, if you’re not careful, you’ll get lost, which I did around chapter 4—or was it 3—I really don’t remember, and my notes make absolutely no sense.
I finally gave up after ten or twelve forays to the pages denoted by the links, and decided to just read it straight through. Did it come to a satisfactory conclusion? Well, to be honest, I’m not sure. It sort of depends upon why you read. Since this was billed from the start as NOT a straight forward mystery, I just assumed the authors wanted you to enjoy your haphazard journey into their warped minds and twisted senses of humor.
Well, I did that, so I guess, in the end, it was a worthwhile journey. Sort of like a roller coaster ride; you go up, you do down, you loop a few times, and you end up back where you started, a bit breathless, and wondering why you got on the darn thing in the first place, all the time, itching to get back in line for another ride.
If you’re the prissy type who feels that certain types of humor are off limits, then you definitely should NOT read this book. If you like to be amazed, entertained, and tickled, then by all means, do what I did, and read it TODAY!
Well, I read the description, where they mention up front that there a lot of gored oxen and disrespected sacred cows in this book, and it goes where the reader decides to go rather than in a straight line. Wow, was that an understatement!
The story starts with hapless PI Harry McGlade being hired by an Amish woman who suspects her husband of cheating on her. From that point (which, by the way, is the beginning of the ox-goring) this book definitely does not go in a straight line, but in lopsided circles, depending upon the link you chose at the end of the chapter. Like a mountain trail, it has switchbacks, loops, and detours all over the place. Even if you take notes, if you’re not careful, you’ll get lost, which I did around chapter 4—or was it 3—I really don’t remember, and my notes make absolutely no sense.
I finally gave up after ten or twelve forays to the pages denoted by the links, and decided to just read it straight through. Did it come to a satisfactory conclusion? Well, to be honest, I’m not sure. It sort of depends upon why you read. Since this was billed from the start as NOT a straight forward mystery, I just assumed the authors wanted you to enjoy your haphazard journey into their warped minds and twisted senses of humor.
Well, I did that, so I guess, in the end, it was a worthwhile journey. Sort of like a roller coaster ride; you go up, you do down, you loop a few times, and you end up back where you started, a bit breathless, and wondering why you got on the darn thing in the first place, all the time, itching to get back in line for another ride.
If you’re the prissy type who feels that certain types of humor are off limits, then you definitely should NOT read this book. If you like to be amazed, entertained, and tickled, then by all means, do what I did, and read it TODAY!
December 30, 2019
LMAO!
If your strictly a linear, non bendable , ADHD kinda person this book isn't for you. But if you like raunchy jokes, gross outs and plain old silliness then this is the book.
Chaos of the kind only P.I. Harry (Baby Tits/Sexy Beast) McGlade can cause ensues. An Amish Dame, dognappers, vampires, aliens and excerpts of other novels all jumbled in one big interactive novel. You choose where the action goes, and you even get to be responsible for Harry's demise a few times!
If your strictly a linear, non bendable , ADHD kinda person this book isn't for you. But if you like raunchy jokes, gross outs and plain old silliness then this is the book.
Chaos of the kind only P.I. Harry (Baby Tits/Sexy Beast) McGlade can cause ensues. An Amish Dame, dognappers, vampires, aliens and excerpts of other novels all jumbled in one big interactive novel. You choose where the action goes, and you even get to be responsible for Harry's demise a few times!
October 10, 2020
This was weird and annoying at times but given it stars Harry McGlade and there is a warning from the author at the beginning telling you it will be weird I'm fine with it. The create your own story got confusing after the first few loops.
Harry McGlade is easily my favorite character in the Jack Daniel's series. His constant over the top jokes and utter ridiculousness is just what I need after a stressful day. His scenes never fail to make me chuckle and roll my eyes. His character is definitely not for everyone so if you don't already read the Jack Daniel's series I would steer clear.
Harry McGlade is easily my favorite character in the Jack Daniel's series. His constant over the top jokes and utter ridiculousness is just what I need after a stressful day. His scenes never fail to make me chuckle and roll my eyes. His character is definitely not for everyone so if you don't already read the Jack Daniel's series I would steer clear.
December 23, 2013
Oh Harry is such a sick sick dude. You can't help but love him!
April 30, 2018
Not even worth free
Poorly written, humor better left alone. I loved the choose your own adventure books when I was a kid so I was excited at an adult version. This was horrid!!!!
Poorly written, humor better left alone. I loved the choose your own adventure books when I was a kid so I was excited at an adult version. This was horrid!!!!
July 10, 2022
I know this is in the vein of "Choose your own adventure" books that I read as a kid, and it has a hilarious MC, but this book really didn't do it for me. One read-thru was enough.
August 8, 2012
This was absolutely the most absurd, rediculous, confounding, over-the-top, laugh-out-loud, embarrasingly entertaining piece of literature (ok, I use the term "literature" extrememely loosely) that I have ever read. A "choose-your-progress" book where you are given options to decied what happens next, and each option is more outrageous than the last. And when Konrath blatently warns on the first page that it will be raunchy and offensive, he is not making a gentle suggestion - he's flat out serious. But if you like a little (read: tons of) potty humor, and you're not afraid to laugh at inappropriate situations, then this is a must read. I spent several hours going through the options, but when I started repeating things, I just went through the book page by page, because I really didn't want to miss a thing - and I'm glad I did. Otherwise I might have missed the Ninnie-the-Poop segment, or the cub scout scary story bit. What can I say - it was just...wrong! I still am not sure what happened with the Amish situation, which is how the whole story begins, but I was so entertained by the offshoots, and by seeing some of the scenes from the Jack Daniels series told from Harry's pov - classic! Harry McGlade rules!
August 18, 2018
I really enjoy J. A. Konrath books - and find Harry McGlade as a character hilariously funny. This was an odd book where you could pick which way you wanted to go with the story. I thought it would be interesting and I guess it was for a few minutes - but I will stick to his regular full-length novels - my favorite being the Jack Daniels series.
He's a great writer - so don't judge his work by this book.
He's a great writer - so don't judge his work by this book.
January 4, 2012
Now this one gets 5 stars for being overly creative and giving me lots of laughs. The story wasn't great and the puns are definately absurd but the fun factor of this book was excellent! They definately need to do more in this sort of adult choose your own end book and I totally give Konrath props for making this work!
July 9, 2011
not my favorite Konrath book, but It was a choose-your-own-adventure, and how could I pass that down?! it was totally cheesy and full of stereotypes, but he does warn of that in the beginning of the book
March 28, 2012
LOVE the one liners !
May 23, 2017
Hilarious!
January 22, 2020
My favorite book so far this year.
June 11, 2018
A more accurate rating - 0.5/5 Stars
*high levels of sarcasm and ranting below
Banana Hammock (a title that makes little sense but who needs sense when we follow a violent blackmailing, mentally unstable, arsonist, but don't worry he doesn't do murder just beats up teens, hates liars but lies, and is somehow friends with a police officer?), is a chose your own adventure that really makes you question the meaning of your life.
So if you think sexism, harassment, implied rape, brushing off burning crosses on lawns, mixed feelings of animal cruelty, and following an idiot/a**hole "detective" who is super shallow and clearly in need of a dictionary as it's constantly pointed out then congratulations I found the chose your own adventure for you.
Complete with poorly executed and excessive mentions of the author's other "books" which take up about 50% of the book but feels like 70% and getting off topic a lot.
And just remember folks, the author gave you a fair warning at the beginning of what you are about to read (raunchy humor, something to offend everyone, and if you believe taboo things were not made to be laughed at then you shouldn't read this), so if you end up pulling out your hair that's on you.
*Kleenex and throat medicine not included, but recommended. No refunds on all the time wasted reading this book
Comedy, if you say it's funny it automatically is.
*high levels of sarcasm and ranting below
Banana Hammock (a title that makes little sense but who needs sense when we follow a violent blackmailing, mentally unstable, arsonist, but don't worry he doesn't do murder just beats up teens, hates liars but lies, and is somehow friends with a police officer?), is a chose your own adventure that really makes you question the meaning of your life.
So if you think sexism, harassment, implied rape, brushing off burning crosses on lawns, mixed feelings of animal cruelty, and following an idiot/a**hole "detective" who is super shallow and clearly in need of a dictionary as it's constantly pointed out then congratulations I found the chose your own adventure for you.
Complete with poorly executed and excessive mentions of the author's other "books" which take up about 50% of the book but feels like 70% and getting off topic a lot.
And just remember folks, the author gave you a fair warning at the beginning of what you are about to read (raunchy humor, something to offend everyone, and if you believe taboo things were not made to be laughed at then you shouldn't read this), so if you end up pulling out your hair that's on you.
*Kleenex and throat medicine not included, but recommended. No refunds on all the time wasted reading this book
Comedy, if you say it's funny it automatically is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
As the author stated, you may either like or hate the book.
It was definitely not my “cup of tea”. That’s OK. I was warned. LOL!
I love H.H. McGlade, and all of the Jack Daniels books; and it pains me to only give 2 stars. But this is the first J.A. Konrath book that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy.
I guess the “choose your own story” thing is just not for me.
But at least Harry kept me entertained, so there is that.
It was definitely not my “cup of tea”. That’s OK. I was warned. LOL!
I love H.H. McGlade, and all of the Jack Daniels books; and it pains me to only give 2 stars. But this is the first J.A. Konrath book that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy.
I guess the “choose your own story” thing is just not for me.
But at least Harry kept me entertained, so there is that.
July 12, 2018
Crazy
This book is really weird. If you have attention issues. You should love this. Hey, look a squirrel.
First book I ever read that let you decide what happens next to the character. Interesting concept.
Luckily, i have read some of J A Konrath 's other books. Lol
Hey squirrel get back here. Oh there is a bird. Lol
This book is really weird. If you have attention issues. You should love this. Hey, look a squirrel.
First book I ever read that let you decide what happens next to the character. Interesting concept.
Luckily, i have read some of J A Konrath 's other books. Lol
Hey squirrel get back here. Oh there is a bird. Lol
April 27, 2025
A hilarious "Choose Your Own Adventure" with Harry McGlade. So many choices and decisions to make. Harry pretending to be Amish to the gross Winnie the Pooh ripoff. Not for the fainthearted. I love how Konrath pokes fun at himself by referencing himself & alter ego Jack Kilborn's books in his stories. Raunchy bloody gross fun
May 3, 2025
Love Harry but this one is really shit.
No idea how to get to other parts of the story, I think I tried everything and in the end I just started from the beginning and stopped at the end to get all options and stories.
And the stories are neither good nor funny. Unfortunately.
Don't read it. Seriously. It is just not good.
No idea how to get to other parts of the story, I think I tried everything and in the end I just started from the beginning and stopped at the end to get all options and stories.
And the stories are neither good nor funny. Unfortunately.
Don't read it. Seriously. It is just not good.
July 29, 2022
Really stupid fun, don't pass this one up!
Apparently this book gets a lot of hate and that's according to the author. But have a drink and read this in Bruce Campbell's voice and I guarantee you a good time! I will never stop campaigning for Bruce to be Harry.
Apparently this book gets a lot of hate and that's according to the author. But have a drink and read this in Bruce Campbell's voice and I guarantee you a good time! I will never stop campaigning for Bruce to be Harry.
March 12, 2018
I was so excited when I began, thinking this was like a choose your own adventure from my youth. I was let down. Love the idea but story was lacking
April 5, 2019
clever idea , poorly executed
November 17, 2019
This was just not my kind of book
July 21, 2020
Strange
This was a silly read, but somewhat interesting. I can see the possibility of some good interactive stories using this technique.
This was a silly read, but somewhat interesting. I can see the possibility of some good interactive stories using this technique.
August 19, 2020
Don't like the pick your ending format. DNF
July 9, 2021
Fun read if you're a Harry McGoade fan from the Jack Daniels series. Choose your own adventure with lots of quirky adventures plus some added short stories and blurbs from his other books.
October 4, 2021
A Harry McGlade book. This is a choose your own adventure style book. Absurd and entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews