Cherry Bomb [Hardcover]

J. A. Konrath is a very funny guy, friendly and likable. That's why I think he has an evil twin who writes the Jack Daniels series. How else could you explain the accuracy with which he depicts one of fiction's most disturbing serial killers? Alex Kork must be every cop's worst nightmare --- a psychotic, highly intelligent, strong monster who kills people with the detachment of someone stepping on an ant. The methods that she devises are straight out of Satan's handbook.

In CHERRY BOMB, Alex is piling up bodies in an attempt to get back at Jack for disfiguring her and to avenge the death of her one true love. It's hard, though, to imagine her ever loving anyone; she is completely heartless. This fact, coupled with her relentless pursuit of her quarry, makes it even more difficult to anticipate her moves. She is not motivated by normal values and desires. Yet the police and those who are trying to stop her are subject to both legal and moral constraints.

As Jack evaluates her situation, in frustration she thinks, "Life had no meaning. It had no point. I'd chosen a career to do good. To prevent cruelty, and death, and suffering. To right wrongs. To fight for something important. But nothing I did mattered. I didn't change anything. And I'd brought upon myself the very things I'd tried to prevent." That's how dealing with evil effects good people. It makes them question themselves, and doubt sets in. It can even lead them to bend the rules and become more like their adversary.

And, while Jack agonizes over her responsibility, Alex simply follows the typical psycho method of coping: "When in pain, the best way to take your mind off of it is to cause pain." It works for her.

While CHERRY BOMB seems to be a bit darker than some of the previous novels in this series, it is not without Konrath's signature wit and sense of irony. These serve not only to relieve some of the tension, but also to provide simple enjoyment to those of us who appreciate words. For example, when Jack's partner Herb is trying to convince her to turn in a piece of evidence, Jack thinks, "We'd been partners for over a decade, and often played conscience for each other. But right now I needed an enabler." Like that. However, I must say that I for one could have lived without quite so much of Slappy. But you'll have to decide for yourself.

With a little help from her friends --- the ambiguously annoying/lovable Harry McGlade, the ambiguously honest/bank robber Phineas Troutt, and her consistently wise partner, Herb Benedict --- Jack is able to confront her sworn enemy in a deliciously satisfying resolution.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding

If you have read the last book then you will be thrilled that in the first paragraph you find out who was killed in the last one. Cherry Bomb picks up and continues the hunt for Alex Kork. The twists and edge of the seat tension just keeps on coming in the one. With comic relief given by one crazy monkey, yes a monkey. This is a must read for all J. A. Konrath fans! At the end of this one the only cliff hanger is where will Jack go next and how will it work into the next book in the series. As a fan of Jack Daniels mystery's I sure hope this isn't the end of her. I really can't tell you much more of the plot without giving away the cliff hanger at the end of Fuzzy Navel. I hate that myself, so I won't do it in my review. Buy this book and enjoy!

I love the Jack Daniels series and all the characters. This story line took Jack to a deeper, darker level as the bodies just kept piling up around her. Somehow, though she always manages to pluck herself back up and keep after the evil Alex. I adore Konrath's writing style - his stories always take on a life of their own and are amusing and/or touching at the most unexpected times.

I also read the short story/Novella collection Suckers in Kindle format on my Blackberry right after reading Cherry Bomb. It's a delightful compilation by J.A. Konrath and Jeff Strand that features more exploits of Harry McGlade (Konrath character) and Andrew Mayhem (Jeff Strand character). If you like Funny Horror, you'll love Suckers.

I was first introduced to Andrew Mayhem a few years ago when I read Graverobbers Wanted (No Experience Necessary) and Casket For Sale (Only Used Once), An Andrew Mayhem Thriller. These books are available now in Kindle format, also. It just doesn't get any better than that.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 40 reviews  4.1 out of 5 stars