Death by Books

Okay, let me get my one bugaboo present and out of the way. I'm not big on stories written in present tense. I find it jarring and it generally makes it hard for me to become immersed in the story. That being said, I really enjoyed this book.

I've never read a book like The Blue Blazes before. It's a crime drama, it's an urban fantasy, it's an after school special about a teenager with daddy issues... if that teenager happens to also be an aspiring crime lord. However you choose to describe this book, it's chock full of action and vivid imagery. The next time someone critiques your writing and says, "Show don't tell!" pick up this book and read it. You'll come away with more creative metaphors and colorful descriptions than you can shake a gobbo at.

The characters are fascinating. Mookie Pearl is a seriously tough mofo. He's massive, he's effin' scary looking and he's done some pretty nasty things during the course of his career. Despite all that he comes across as honorable. He can't always face those he's hurt, but he owns up to his failings and in his own way tries to make things right.

There are a slew of other interesting characters, but quite a lot of the enjoyment of the story is derived from discovering and learning about these people. I will tell you this, I doubt you'll ever find another book with an undead stuntman. Or a rotting corpse of a woman who goes into battle with her army of zombie cats. Think about that a moment, and then go buy this book.