Bad Chili

Rating:
Summary: Bad Chili is Bad Ass Great!
Review: After reading BC, I'm reminded of the reviews that some of Carl Hiaasen's fans gave him over his latest book, "Lucky You." Many complained that he didn't deliver the great funny characters and situations as he'd done in his earlier novels -- characters such as Skink, etc. Perhaps some future nitwit might do the same with Joe's "Bad Chili." I certainly hope their front teeth rot and fall off if they do this idiotic deed. BC is right on target, both with suspense, characterization, and great humor.. Maybe Joe decided not to deliver a great funny line at the onset but he can afford to lay back. The novel is first rate when it comes to a gripping plot and outlandish scumbags. Hap and Leonard are funny but are showing realistic signs of internal growth, so their relationship is not nearly as lively as in the past stories -- a change I find refreshing. Cartoon characters are the ones that never if seldom change. Which is why I enjoyed Joe's changes to his characters. I find the addition of Brett good for the character of Hap, and hope Joe keeps her with the series. I also immensely enjoy the private detective pig farmer. That guy should definitely make more appearances, and hey lets have some really good pig and farm animal jokes to tell too! There's lots of good ones out there that Joe can throw into the mix, like how a big mamma sow, lying in the mud with a dozen piglets clinging on her titties, will make you think she's performing a David Copperfield illusion when she makes that chicken that fell into her pen vanish with nothing left but a few white feathers clinging to her snout. Protein!

Great novel, Joey!

Rating:
Summary: COOL BEANS
Review: Joe Lansdale is one of the most humorous writers out there today. From improbably probable situations (like Hap getting bit by a rabid squirrel) to tense, action packed scenes (including the tornado ending), BAD CHILI is the most fun you'll get in a suspense novel! Hap and Leonard are true friends, and their bantering is priceless. Lansdale knows how to use the most innovative dialogue and fleshed out, likeable characters, and he uses both Hap and Leonard, along with Jim Bob and Brett Sawyer, Clinton and Leon, Charlie, etc. The villains are nasty, and the plot deep and twisty. The romantic involvement between Brett and Hap is one of the most true to life and sexy encounters you'll find in fiction.
Lansdale is a great writer, one who knows how to write for his audience, entertain and intrigue them. It might be bad chili, but it's superb reading! Bon appetite!!!

Rating:
Summary: Bad Chili as Good as it Gets!
Review: This novel isn't for prudes or people who can't leave politically correctness behind. For those who appreciate a lot of healthy belly laughs and down-home philosophy ("A Texan's idea of a salad is a few bananas and strawberries inside a mold of lime Jell-O"), then, by all means, read BAD CHILI. Joe R. Lansdale is the male version of Janet Evanovich, and if you've had the pleasure to delight in the humor of Ms. Evanovich, you'll get the message.

Hap Collins, a happy-go-lucky loser, and Leonard Pine, a rowdy, gay Black dude, are buddies who have a penchant for running into trouble. Hap, unlike his pal Leonard, is a gentle sort; but when he or his friends are threatened by chumps who "look like they'd twist the heads off parakeets and suck the neck stumps for entertainment," he forgets his nonviolence creed and goes for blood. They, along with Hap's new girlfriend, Brett, are some of the most likeable, funniest, real-life fictional characters in any modern novel. I won't give the plot away. You'll just have to find out for yourselves why I wanted the book to never end.

I have just completed my search for the rest (3) of the Hap and Leonard novels, all of which are too short. Mr. Lansdale, you are a proficient writer. From an instant fan: I beg you to please devote more of your time to writing more adventures of the likeable duo and, while you're at it if it's not asking too much, please add two or three hundred extra pages to the future books!