Zack Walker is the kind of guy who would undoubtedly drive me insane in real life. He spends way too much of his time "borrowing trouble." Fortunately I don't know anyone like him; therefore, I can laugh my way through his escapades in Linwood Barclay's wonderful books. There is indeed plenty of laugh-out-loud humor in Bad Guys, as there was in the first book in the series, Bad Move.One of the things that makes us laugh the most when reading about Zack is that most of his problems are caused by his own paranoia. He does B to prevent A, which creates C. C collides with A, making all Hades break loose in D, with no one in Zack's family talking to him or even wanting to look at him. If he'd just left well enough alone... but no, he can't, and he should just save time and build himself a dog house out in the backyard, complete with heating, air conditioning, TV... the works. He'll be spending a lot of time there. He just can't help himself. If he weren't so good-hearted and well-intentioned, we wouldn't love him so much as we shake our heads and laugh.Another fun thing to do is to pay attention to the things or the people Zack is introduced to and try to figure out how they're going to blend into the story a few chapters down the road. Because they will. Barclay has a very subtle way of shining a little spotlight on something that lets you know you need to pay attention. Whether it's a route to avoid paying parking fees, or a son who actually seems to like some creepy guy following his sister around, readers not only need to laugh when reading a Zack Walker book, they need to pay attention and to think ahead. Just think of yourselves as Sherlock Holmes to Zack's Dr. Watson.Now that I've laughed (and gasped) my way through Bad Guys (because Barclay knows how to write first-rate action scenes that scare the pudding out of us), I have to get my hands on the third book in the series, Lone Wolf. Linwood Barclay's Zack Walker books should not be missed!
Zack Walker, features writer for the Metropolitan newspaper, has had some really busy nights lately. He’s been assigned to write about the life of PI Lawrence Jones, who’s been staking out high-end men’s clothing stores targeted by crash-and-grab thieves. When Zack’s off duty, he occasionally checks up on his eighteen-year-old daughter’s whereabouts. Zack’s perpetual worries about Angie’s safety soar into overdrive when he learns she has a stalker. Angie doesn’t take the stalker seriously, but when Zack and Lawrence catch him hiding behind Zack’s garage, Lawrence volunteers to check the kid out. Before he can tell Zack what he’s learned, Lawrence is stabbed. Meanwhile, for reasons Zack doesn’t understand, the clothing thieves learn who Zack is and go after him.Linwood Barclay’s BAD GUYS is a perfect blend of humour and drama, twists and turns, that come together in a truly suspenseful ending. Zack’s attempts to keep tabs on Angie have a way of backfiring, which creates some really funny moments. As a parent of teens, I related to his worries, frustrations, and growing helplessness as his daughter charges into the world—driver’s license in hand—with the kind of confidence, optimism, and naivety only the young have. I liked many characters in this book, and kudos to Mr. Barclay for creating some of the strangest and most memorable bad guys I’ve read in a long time. If you’re looking for pure entertainment and enjoyment, pick up BAD GUYS and get ready for one heck of a ride.
What do You think about Bad Guys (2005)?
Then 2nd in the "Zack Walker" series starting with "Bad Move." These books are quirky, suspenseful and quite funny. In this story, Zack is paranoid about what his children are doing. He decides to start following his daughter around to determine if she is safe. He is a reporter for a local newspaper and while trying to write a story about a series of department store break-ins also becomes involved with the local mob. At times this book is like a slapstick comedy and at other times it is just pure suspense. Excellent!
—Kevin
Finally!!!!I blame college for making it take so long to read this damn book.The book was so boring, I seen the majority of the twists coming a mile away. I almost thought "no wait, that is way too obvious it couldn't be that. It will be something else random" but no I was right, it was obvious and predictable and I want this book to end NOW. About 2 pages near the end of this book saved this book for me, I was surprised but it didn't change the main plot that much.The overall mystery was forgettable, I wasn't intrigued at all. The main character just stumbles into trouble too easily and obviously for my liking. He makes Jessica Fletcher look like a stealthy ninja. The book was trying to sustain some sense of realism and failed.It will be a while before I get into another Zack Walker book (which I said the last time I read one).
—Alan
Another very readable book from Linwood Barclay, Bad Guys is part of the 'Zack Walker' range of thrillers and it follows the usual pattern: our 'hero' who is (as always) in the wrong place at the wrong time (and, as usual, makes some pretty stupid decisions...); the family - as always part of the plot; and a range of 'good' and 'bad' guys, some well-drawn, others not so much. The humour in the face of adversity, is also pretty good (in fact, I think 'Bad guys' does this better than most Barclay books).As said at the beginning, this is a very readable book, and for fans of Linwood Barclay, a 'must read'. I have read more 'thrilling' stories and stories which are better-crafted, but Bad Guys is okay - not great, but definitely worth a read.
—Allana
