Title: Fuzzy Navel
Author: J.A. Konrath
First published June 1, 2008
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.11
Overview
Lieutenant Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels of the Chicago Police Department is back in action in J.A. Konrath’s latest novel, Dirty Martini. Just when Jack thought her life was finally in order, a sadistic serial killer begins targeting her friends and family.
As she races to solve the case and protect those she loves, Jack discovers that the killer is someone she never expected. With her own life on the line, Jack must use all her wit and cunning to outsmart the killer and bring them to justice.
Dirty Martini is a thrilling, page-turning mystery with a dash of humor that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
About the Author
Joe Konrath has an impressive collection of novels, including over a dozen in the Lt. Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels thriller series. Although they don’t need to be read in order, the titles are: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Shaken, Stirred, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, and Chaser.
And he’s not stopping there – more are on the way.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re a fan of Jack Daniels and her crew, you won’t want to miss out on the Jack Daniels and Associates Mysteries. These include Dead On My Feet, Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Shot of Tequila, Serial Killers Uncut (co-written with Blake Crouch), Jack Daniels Stories Vols 1-4, and Banana Hammock.
If you’re looking for something darker, the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective has got you covered. Titles like The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Close Your Eyes, and Second Coming are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
But wait, there’s more! Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series where you can play the detective and solve brain teasers to catch the killer.
Science fiction fans will appreciate Joe’s sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you’re not into sci-fi, these books are worth a try.
They feature characters from Joe’s other series and are downright wild.
In collaboration with Ann Voss Peterson, Joe wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers. These include Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F.
Paul Wilson), and Rescue.
And last but not least, Joe wrote erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, again with Ann Voss Peterson.
As you can see, Joe writes a lot of books. With such a collection, there’s something for everyone.
You can keep up with his work and sign up for his newsletter on his website.
Editoral Review
Fuzzy Navel is a thrilling crime novel by J.A. Konrath that offers readers a fast-paced and suspenseful ride. Konrath is a New York Times bestselling author renowned in the genre of mystery and suspense, and Fuzzy Navel is no exception.
The novel follows the story of Lieutenant Jacqueline Jack Daniels, a hard-hitting detective in the Chicago Police Department. Jack is on the hunt for a serial killer who has been targeting young women with a particular target audience.
The killer, dubbed the Gingerbread Man after the candy found at each crime scene, is clever and elusive, leaving Jack and her team desperate for leads. The novels plot is intricately woven, packed full of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Konraths writing style is raw, gritty and hard-hitting, perfect for the genre. The author does well to give readers a clear picture of Chicago, anchoring the story with location-specific details.
What sets Fuzzy Navel apart from other crime novels is the characterization of Jack. Konrath has done a fantastic job of creating a fierce and dynamic female lead.
Jacks character is complex; she is vulnerable, funny, strong and ambitious, all at the same time. Konraths portrayal of Jack highlights the challenges that women in law enforcement experience, both at work and in their personal lives.
Fuzzy Navel is not without its flaws, however. Some readers may find the language and gore in the novel to be off-putting, and the plot may be too complicated to follow for some.
Nonetheless, the author’s ability to keep the reader’s attention throughout the book is admirable. In conclusion, Fuzzy Navel is a fantastic book that would appeal to fans of the crime and thriller genres.
It is a must-read for fans of J.A. Konrath’s earlier books, who will find the author’s signature style present throughout. Overall, Fuzzy Navel deserves a 4 out of 5 star rating for its compelling plot, convincing characters and engaging style.
