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chellecmorgan's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
paulataua's review
3.0
I’m a Chad Lutze fan, and was quite interested in reading what is a change in genre for the writer, from horror to murder mystery. The story brings together a group of quirky characters in a light and non-too serious crime solving venture. Unfortunately, I don’t sit well with quirky, and although it did have some amusing moments, the fecal depositing (and throwing) driven humor just fell flat for me. I guess this is the beginning of a lengthy series of Jinx and Roddy. I liked both of those characters, but most likely won’t be there to follow their next adventure.
bobmetal's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
stewie's review
5.0
I've been a big fan of [a:Chad Lutzke|8436955|Chad Lutzke|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1508884862p2/8436955.jpg]'s horror books ever since I read [b:Skullface Boy|41210152|Skullface Boy|Chad Lutzke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1534549882l/41210152._SY75_.jpg|64397693], so when I heard he was doing a murder mystery, I was intrigued to say the least. Don't get me wrong, horror and murder are dark topics, but that doesn't necessarily mean because one is good at writing in one genre doesn't mean they can write the other. I'm here to say, Chad Lutzke can do both. Not only that, he does it with ease.
When the Shit Hits the Van is (hopefully) the first of many books in a series Lutzke calls The Neon Owl -- which is the name of the motel Jinx, the main character, inherits after his aunt's death. The motel is home to some delighfully unique characters, and it isn't long before Jinx bonds with Roddy, the motel's one-legged handyman, and the two start investigating the case of who is deficating on the motel property. Which naturally leads to a murder investigation.
This novella is great. The characters are wacky but real and Lutzke also injects a lot of human emotion throughout, something of which I'm a huge fan of in the works I've read. He is great at making you really feel for his characters.
I'm also a big fan of the unlikely teamup between Jinx and Roddy. The two are very different, but they really feed off each other and the dynamic is a lot of fun, not unlike Joe Lansdale's Hap and Leonard characters. You wouldn't think the two would get on the way they do, but Lutzke makes the relationship natural and believable.
If you like the crazy adventures of Hap and Leonard, or are a fan of the characters and stories the likes of an Elmore Leonard novel, or just want to enjoy a great read filled with unique characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and some real, human moments, you won't go wrong with When the Shit Hits the Van.
4.5/5 rounded up.
When the Shit Hits the Van is (hopefully) the first of many books in a series Lutzke calls The Neon Owl -- which is the name of the motel Jinx, the main character, inherits after his aunt's death. The motel is home to some delighfully unique characters, and it isn't long before Jinx bonds with Roddy, the motel's one-legged handyman, and the two start investigating the case of who is deficating on the motel property. Which naturally leads to a murder investigation.
This novella is great. The characters are wacky but real and Lutzke also injects a lot of human emotion throughout, something of which I'm a huge fan of in the works I've read. He is great at making you really feel for his characters.
I'm also a big fan of the unlikely teamup between Jinx and Roddy. The two are very different, but they really feed off each other and the dynamic is a lot of fun, not unlike Joe Lansdale's Hap and Leonard characters. You wouldn't think the two would get on the way they do, but Lutzke makes the relationship natural and believable.
If you like the crazy adventures of Hap and Leonard, or are a fan of the characters and stories the likes of an Elmore Leonard novel, or just want to enjoy a great read filled with unique characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and some real, human moments, you won't go wrong with When the Shit Hits the Van.
4.5/5 rounded up.
lanternsjourney's review
5.0
I love Chad Lutzke's writing style, and even though this book was a departure from what I'm used to, it wasn't any less good. The relationship between Jinx and Roddy as they work together to solve a mystery in their motel is perfection. It reminded me of the relationship between the protagonists in Duma Key by Stephen King, which I also adored.
.
Note: I listened to this book on Audible and the voice acting was top notch. It portrayed all the characters little quirks really well. I'm definitely getting the next in the series on Audible as soon as it comes out!
.
Note: I listened to this book on Audible and the voice acting was top notch. It portrayed all the characters little quirks really well. I'm definitely getting the next in the series on Audible as soon as it comes out!
readbyashleyd's review
5.0
This is SO different from anything I’ve read from Lutzke before and it was absolutely brilliant. I usually go into his work expecting to simultaneously have my heart ripped apart, tears streaming down my face and shuddering with horror. This was the complete opposite of that and I truly didn’t expect it from Lutzke and I think that’s part of what made it so great. It was such a departure from the usual but still so damn good and shows how much range he truly has as a writer. The story itself is just all around hilarious, from the characters to the different situations that happen to the mystery shitter in the bushes. I honestly lost count of how many times this story made me actually laugh out loud which is a rare occurrence for me when I’m reading. I also really appreciated that behind the humour and ridiculousness there was still heart to the story and the characters. It wasn’t all poop in the bushes, you had some great characters with some touching stories and I still got that little wrench of emotions that I’ve come to expect from Lutzke.
theboldbookworm's review
4.0
This was a little different than Chad Lutzke's other books. It was a quick, fun little noirish read. It's kind of like a cozy mystery for adults that cuss. I look forward to reading more about Jinx and Roddy!
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