Rating: 
Summary: Fast-paced, original and intoxicating
Review: Like its namesake, Whiskey Sour is an intoxicating cocktail. I was privileged to receive an advance copy of this book before publication, and from the first page to the last, Joe Konrath grabbed and held my attention. As someone who has been part of the criminal justice system for more than 25 years, I appreciate the accuracy and attention to detail, the obvious care Konrath took in researching and describing police procedures. The blend of gut-busting humor and moderately graphic (but by no means gratuitous) violence reminds me somewhat of Lawrence Block and his Keller stories (which I highly recommend). It's hard to believe that this is Konrath's first published novel; the pacing, character development, and story line all show considerable polish. Some readers may take exception to the tongue-in-cheek depiction of FBI profiling, in which Konrath has taken some comedic license, but to me it adds comic relief to a story about a brutal serial killer. Konrath's approach is refreshing, and I hope that he brings us more Jack Daniels mysteries soon.
Rating:
Summary: Start me a tab!
Review: Not since Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta or Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum has a character arrived on the scene so well developed and easy to relate to. The story line was killer (no pun intended), good character description, great background, and I can only hope for more Jack Daniels novels in the future. Well done J.A. Konrath!! Keep 'em coming.
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite
Review: The only word used to describe this book. The woman theme has been done before, but JA Konrath uses it in a different manner then most would swing it, his diction is hillarious, and his plot is funny, with an unrealistic spin to it. He stole from Janet Evanovich, just a smidge, but turned it into his own with a crime thriller, run about, cat and mouse game of death, where the only person safe from the madman the Gingerman is the people that are already dead. This mad dash thriller should be bought by all detective fans, because we're looking at the next number one bestselling author!
Rating:
Summary: Whiskey Sour is Sweet!
Review: There is nothing worse than a serial killer scorned... Ooops, did I get that right? J.A. Konrath did. WHISKEY SOUR, Konrath's first novel, Hyperion Books, is well worth the money. Fourty-six year old, Chicago Police Lieutenant Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels, is having a really bad week. Yes, you read that right--Jack Daniels--and yes, she's a woman! Not only did her boyfriend dump her for his bulked-up, WWE inspired, personal trainer, but a crazed serial killer who goes by the name of The GingerBread Man, has a sick infatuation with her. His endearing form of love--torture and death. Jack, a chronic insomniac, gets through it with plenty of humor, pool playing, a few gunshot wounds and lots of whiskey sours. Her partner, lovable detective Herb Benedict, whose stomach might hold the answer to the question: where is Jimmy Hoffa buried, is protective of her, and never skips a meal. His most famous line in the book? "Are you going to eat that, Jack?" Rounding out the cast of quirky characters are Phineas Troutt, a pool-playing, ex-con who doubles as Jack's friend and unofficial bodyguard. Harry McGlade, Jack's old partner, who reminds me of Janet Evanovich's bail bondsman and Stephanie Plum's boss, Vinnie, could easily "steal" the show. But the two feds, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are hilarious as they profile The GingerBread man as a horse owning French Canadian--and believe it. Konrath's easy writing style and unique voice make this novel what it is--a truly entertaining, laugh out loud, scare the crap out of you, great read. The same plot and characters in the hands of another, would fall flat, but Konrath's flair for comedy in the face of horror, and his knowledge and respect for law enforcement and justice, shine through. If you're a fan of Janet Evanovich or Dave Barry, you'll love this book. I read it in just over 5 hours, and that was stopping to get snacks and soda. If you're in this to read lots of description and dialogue, don't bother. In true mystery fashion, the book is low on setting and character description, but high on making you use your imagination. Konrath, like Stephen King, allows you to "see" into the heard of a character, with a one sentence description. The only gripe I had, being a Chicago girl, not enough mention of other Chicago neighborhoods. Most of the action takes place in Chicago's "Loop," but I'm confident in Konrath's next book, BLOODY MARY, he'll make a mention or two about other areas of interest.
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