Review: A Helluva Ride
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 11, 2013
Allison M. Dickson is full of surprises. For someone who writes primarily in the horror and speculative fiction genres, Colt Coltrane offers the reader another side of Allison’s talent. Set in LA in the late ‘40s, the story follows private detective Colt Coltrane and his robot sidekick, Petey. Yes, a robot in LA in the ‘40s. Immediately, the reader knows this isn’t your everyday police procedural. Colt and Petey are tracking the Lotus Killer through the city and through the sewers. The story is a little scifi, a little mystery, a little bit horror, and a helluva ride.What I particularly loved about this story was Colt’s background and the way it is revealed to the reader. Allison could have been upfront at the beginning and told you exactly how and why Colt was no longer with the LAPD and exactly what happened to his partner and his wife. But she didn’t. She draws it out, piece by agonizing piece, and this not only adds suspense to the story but helps the reader embrace exactly who Colt is. And who would think you could come to love a bag of bolts like Petey?With an array of colorful characters, perfect timing, and spectacular character development, Allison M. Dickson draws you in to the world of Colt and Petey. A dark, slimy underbelly of a world.I was given an advanced copy of this book from the author. And I thank her immensely.