Einmal Durch Die Hölle Und Zurück (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
What an odd book, and something of a Sophomore Slump by author Josh Bazell. "Wild Thing" is the follow up ("Peter Brown #2") to Mr. Bazell's wonderful "Beat the Reaper" (note: not a good choice for the weak of stomach, but still pretty hilarious through the gore). This latest, which finds our renamed hero on a mission to discover whether a wild and vicious water creature exists, can't quite find a consistent narrative line or theme. That's gotta be tough for an author: "So many issues! I have a platform! Let me spout off on every single one!" Witness that this novel includes both an Appendix and a Sources section that collectively contain 45 pages, alone indicating that Mr. Bazell has a LOT on his mind. The novel's slim plot isn't really the right vehicle to hold them all. Josh Bazell doesn't come across as a well practiced writer, but he knows how to at least be entertaining. He is the guy you would like to sit around a campfire with and just listen to his outlandish stories.In this one you follow a mobster and his new, sexy Paleontologist (read intelligent) accomplice on a Loch Ness Monster chase through some backwoods town in a podunk state. Oh and did I mention the monster hunt is funded by an eccentric billionaire? There is even a caricature of your least-favorite, republican, female, vice-presidential candidate.Bazell keeps the action rolling and while the dialogue is not stimulating it keeps the story rolling. To fill in the gaps there is a constant sexual tension between the two main characters.It is almost as if the book was written as a satire to every action/mystery novel I have ever read. That is why I have given it two stars.But here is my confession, this is the best two star book I have read to date.
What do You think about Einmal Durch Die Hölle Und Zurück (2011)?
Disappointed with this after reading and loving Beat the Reaper.
—Meemie
This book was so weird. I'm not even sure what to say about it.
—mammasam
