I get a lot of my ebooks for free from various promotional campaigns, and this is one of the many in my queue of books to read. I've read so many different types of stories, some standalone, some the first of a series. Typically I will read through, note that I either enjoyed the book or not—and then I move on.
But this book is different, and it is the first time in reading one of these books where I've said at the end, "I think I want to read the next one in this series, even if it costs me money." :)
It is fast, funny, and well-plotted. Because of its style (sardonic & witty) it is full of colorful characters, and it's set in an unusual or exotic location where there is beauty and danger mixed--the bayous of Louisiana.
Our protagonist is having a very bad day when the book opens, and it does not improve when she sees something at a funeral that almost scares her to death. So she faints.
The plot simply thickens from that point on, with multiple twists and surprises, falsely supportive people who are trying to see her eliminated, and subtle, unseen supporters who were there the whole time mostly silently rooting for her, but sometimes stepping out in the open to protect and defend her.
Of course there's a romance involved, too, and there are emotional highs and lows. And there's a surprise of a huge payoff as well as the crushing of some dreams, but ultimately, this is a story that is fun and wicked and enjoyable.
Mostly the book is well written and well edited. There are two instances of "revert back." (Hint: Dear writers, "revert" means "to turn back." "Revert back" means to just turn in a circle and continue. Please don't do this.) But I did not encounter other common errors I see in modern books, such as hyphenating an "ly" adverb. (The "-ly" of the adverb takes the place of a hyphen, so "slowly-rising temperature" is the equivalent of adding a hyphen (-ly) and then adding another. Which is not necessary.)
Now as to rating: I would have given this five stars because I so thoroughly enjoyed the book, and loved the pace kept me wanting more—so much so that, as I said, I want to buy the next book in the series. And I probably will!
But this gets four stars because as the book neared its end, it became so much more talky. Yes, of course given the characters of the people in this book, talkiness itself isn't unusual. These people are lively and emotional and like to spew their thoughts. But when characters are explaining the plot or explaining their motives, a book becomes a book report. Please don't do this, writers.
The other major flaw is that one of the characters who is represented in the book as a fool ends up having this very detailed, self-aware conversation that, given the character arc and story, just comes out from left field. Given this character's history and their actions, even in moments of crisis, led to utter disbelief when they shared some of their thoughts. I cannot imagine someone with that depth of self-awareness to be able to say and to the very foolish things they were doing <i>throughout the book</i>.
These faults did not ruin the story. I still enjoyed the book based upon the strength of the characters and the wonderfully witty plot. And almost all the writing is executed professionally. It was just the wrap up felt like everyone was in a hurry to get the book finished and published, and while both the writer and editor felt there were some problems with how to end the story, the decision to simply have the characters speak the plot and their part in it was disappointing.
Am I still going to buy the next in the series? Yes! I enjoyed the book. I think the writing is very good. I want to know more about these banana-pants people and their antics.
I recommend the book, and hope that when you read it you enjoy it as much as I did.
Trouble in Mudbug
Audible Audiobook
– Unabridged
| Price | New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
- Read with Our Free App
-
Audiobook
$0.00 - 14 Used from $4.49 15 New from $12.99 1 Collectible from $9.95
Read & Listen
Switch between reading the Kindle book & listening to the Audible narration with Whispersync for Voice.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $1.99 after you buy the Kindle book.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $1.99 after you buy the Kindle book.
Your audiobook is waiting!
Enjoy a free trial on us
Enjoy a free trial on us
- Click above for unlimited listening to select audiobooks, Audible Originals, and podcasts.
- One credit a month to pick any title from our entire premium selection — yours to keep (you'll use your first credit now).
- You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
- $14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel online anytime.
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
People who viewed this also viewed
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
People who bought this also bought
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
Related to this topic
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
Top reviews from other countries
Hannah
Enjoyable and feel good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 13, 2020
Nicola Gregory
Doesn't know what it wants to be
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 29, 2013
