Review: More, please! Similar in tone and style to past Strand novellas "Kutter" and "Disposal"
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 15, 2013
For those who haven't had the pleasure of reading anything by Jeff Strand, he handles a few things extremely well: his dialogue often sings, his characters frequently display a warped sense of humor and individuality (sometimes, although not in this story, his characters often spew more one-liners than a Rodney Dangerfield skit), his sense of pacing is often spot on and he deftly handles conflicts between two characters. I look forward to two-person conflict scenes written by Strand because I just know he is going to deliver an entertaining experience. Maybe it will make you laugh, cringe, or some combination of both. He's a writer who makes reading fun.In this thriller novella, told in the first person by a mostly unlikable narrator, Strand returns to the style of past novellas of his like "Disposal" and "Kutter" by using less comedic and more serious undertones and structure. The main protagonist is seeking vengeance and stalking a man named Terrence who he felt wronged him twenty-five years ago. What keeps the reader curious is learning how this man wronged him and what kind of vengeance will be enacted.From there the story takes a quirky, unexpected turn and a third character is introduced who becomes a main player. Saying any more risks spoiling the story, but you'll keep the pages turning to find out what happens on a very odd, surreal night between a serial killer, his victim and, well, you have to read to find out.I was thinking easy 4.25 stars until the ending which sort of left me a bit puzzled from a technical standpoint. I suppose writing rules are meant to be broken by skilled writers like Strand. Anyway, I knocked off a half star for the ending. The rest of the story I thoroughly enjoyed. 3.75 stars, rounded up. 1,167 Kindle locations. Recommended.