I’m reviewing Whiplash River by Lou Berney today for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in return for my honest review.
A brief plot summary from the publisher: Having left his life of crime behind, former getaway driver Charles “Shake” Bouchon has finally realized the dream of owning his own restaurant in Belize. Unfortunately, to do so he’s had to go deep in debt to a murderous local drug lord names Baby Jesus. And when Shake thwarts an attempted hit on an elderly customer named Quinn, things go from bad to worse.
Next thing Shake knows, his restaurant’s gone up in flames and he’s on the run from Baby Jesus, two freelance assassins, and a beautiful but ferocious FBI agent. Out of options, Shake has to turn to the mysterious Quinn for help. Suddenly Shake’s up to his neck in a dangerous score that he’ll never pull off unless he can convince an even more dangerous ex-girlfriend to join him.
My review: Loved, loved, loved this book. This is such a fun read. Berney is a gifted writer. He has given us a richly drawn cast of characters. Many of them live on the edge and deal in not-so-legal activities. No matter. Berney’s gift is in writing quirky, far-from-upright characters that, nevertheless, draw you in. This book is populated by a whole bunch of crazies (and I say that with great affection.) Shake, the protagonist, has a past life that led him to a stint in jail and he’s trying very hard to live a ‘normal’ life in Belize. Quinn, an older, mystery man has a shady past working on ‘deals’ in various countries. He talks about it continuously and hilariously. There’s the misguided young couple who are bent on killing both Quinn and Shake. There’s Evelyn, the beautiful FBI agent who goes a bit rogue. And Shake’s ex-girlfriend, Gina, who has turned her life around but decides to go in on a caper with Quinn and Shake, just to get back at Shake for their break-up. From Belize to Egypt, this comedy-thriller, takes us on a wild ride.
I like protagonists who aren’t necessarily on the up-and-up, but who are trying to do the right thing. Much more interesting, I think. Shake is one of those characters. He’s done some bad things, yes, but he’s basically a good guy thrown into a situation where he has to do what he has to do. You can’t help but fall for him. Berney has a great gift for creating off-beat characters and a richly detailed environment. The plot is fast-paced and incredibly entertaining.
I like a touch of absurd. What I love about this book is that in the midst of something violent, Berney often adds that touch of absurd that flips the moment and changes my perception. That takes great skill. This would make a great movie; it’s perfect for film.
Berney has been compared to Carl Hiaasen and Elmore Leonard. He is every bit their equal. He’s written another book, Gutshot Straight, that also features Shake and Gina. You can bet I will be buying it. I recommend this book highly. If you love crime thrillers with a touch of the absurd, you’ll love this book.
About the author: Lou Berney is an accomplished writer, teacher, and liar who has written feature screenplays and created TV pilots for Warner Brothers, Paramount, Focus Features, ABC, and Fox, among others. His short fiction has appeared in the New Yorker, Ploughshares, the Pushcart Prize anthology, and other publications. His first novel, Gutshot Straight, was named one of the ten best debut crime novels of the year by Booklist and nominated for a Barry Award.
Published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, paperback, 305 pages.
One of you will be the lucky winner of a copy of this great book – leave a comment and you’ll be entered!
Thanks for stopping by.
Hey kiddo….good for you making the move. I think it will be best all around. I had gotten so frustrated with blogger, google+ and all the photo changes, I had to walk away for a break. It had sent my BP rocketing and the doc advised putting the hook down and getting out of my chair and off my…you know what? Do fabulous now and am finally starting to enjoy the exercise. But, I do miss the mac and cheese that’s for sure. I have been following along somewhat all summer, but I have that new darn rule about waiting till I”m done with my workout to allow myself some computer time. Hope to get back to posting slowly. We are up in Door County this October, so I know I will take some pictures. Just need to figure out the whole camera on a bike thing. I know this summer has been tough on a few of us, for many different reasons, but we all will carry on.
Ok, I cheated this morning, so I better get going before it get to hot out today. It’s really been tough out there this year in the heat. 2012 = Bad Year for Garden….
Have a great relaxing day…. Kate xoxoxoxo
P.S. You new blog does show up still in my Google Reader…
The book sounds great; I’ll have to check for it at the library (when I finally find it). Love the bit about the author being a liar!
I’m always up for trying a new author. Crime novels are my thing and “a bunch of crazies” sound like a good twist. Thanks for the chance to win. Your blog looks great over here on WordPress.
I would love to have a new good book to read.
Glad you are doing okay. It takes awhile. Sorry that his litle buddy is having problems. Love the flowers.
Love crime novels..Hope you are doing OK..It’s tough..Good that you still have his buddy!!
OOh….exciting! I’m looking for a good book , have been reading Bill Bryson, always fun, since finishing my last great book “The Flight Of Gemma Hardy” (loved it)
Would love to win the novel :)
So happy you’re doing better Claudia.
xoxo
Lori
I would love to read this book.
Thanks
Sounds like a fun read! I’m always looking for new authors that are entertaining.
nancyr
This looks like a very fun book! Glad you are able to do a giveaway for it!
hugs, Linda
How great to win such a fun book, thanks for the chance Claudia! He looks so young to be such a very accomplished author! I love crime thrillers.
Sorry – I’ve been so busy this week again, I’m still thinking of you daily though dear.
Hugs – Mary
I adore far from upright characters and have met many folks such as that in real life. Some I am related to. Thanks for the review.
Sounds like a book I would enjoy! Put me on the list, please!
I’m thrilled to see how much you enjoyed this one! I hope you enjoy GUNSHOT STRAIGHT just as much!
Thanks for being on the tour.
I’m a lover of mysteries and crime books and this sounds right up my alley.
I hadn’t heard from you since your changeover so was happy and relieved when Brenda said to visit you. I was worried that–given the recent sadness–you might not be feeling up to writing.
Eu realmente adoro romances policiais e seu post me deixou curiosa sobre este livro. Adoraria participar.
Abraços,
Zilda
would love to win read every thing i can get my hands on thanks