Review: Not Bad, Not Great
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 13, 2014
There were some humorous moments in the book and all in all it isn't bad.  It does suffer from several problems.  The formatting for some reason has some glitches in it.  There are numerous grammar problems though some could be attributed to trying to write in a vernacular.  There is the bones of a very good book here and the potential for a series featuring these two characters.The basic plot is that two senior citizens are trying to save their trailer park from being torn down.  They then set off on a series of misadventures to save it from the unscrupulous developer.  Along the way they enlist the aid of several other seniors and an FBI agent.  Yes a lot of the situations are implausible but you can overlook that if the story is good enough.  This one could have been but fell just short.Problem one. several instances of where the author shifted the voice of the story.  99% is told by Barney.  However for about 6 paragraphs he sifts it to Willie.  Then later in the book he shifts it for about 10 paragraphs to another character.Problem two. A lot of the story hinges around barney getting pictures for the FBI.  He uses film.  Have you even tried to buy film lately?  Story was set as current.Problem three, FBI agent hires these two old codgers for undercover and pays them off the books.Problem four, Barney kills another senior in a trash compactor then calmly leaves the scene and seems to have no problem with it.Problem five, Barney, Willie and FBI agents grandmother blow up four criminals then calmly leave the scene.Problem six, it is not really a mystery as you pretty much know all along who is responsible for everything except some Kook that calms himself the night stalker.Problem seven.  Barney and Willie help a friend bury his mothers body so he can keep drawing social security.Is the book humorous?  In places yes.  Is it a mystery?  No.  Is it readable? Yes, but if you are overly bothered with formatting or grammar you might want to pass.  If you want a plausible story you might want to pass.  Looking for light reading and don't mind the inclusion of some black comedy you will probably be ok with it.