I. Readalot

The Accidental Hero on July 28, 2011

To me, this story is in the wrong category; it should be in something like Religious/Salvation. The plot is weak; a hit man with twelve kills to his credit isn't likely to shoot someone in a crowded church. He especially wouldn't do it if he stands out as noticeably as the author built the character's attributes. The editing is good but the story isn't great, so it's a three.

The First Kill on July 28, 2011

The first kill isn't long enough to develop the characters so I don't know how to view it. Editing was o.k. but in this length how could it not be. Interesting, but I want to see a full length story line to judge the character and the author.

Crime in the Community on Aug. 02, 2011
(no rating)
If you like English mysteries you may like this book. I don't and I didn't. It's too slow and plodding for my taste, I like action. The characters are eccentric and funny but I was bored half way through. No rating, because others may like the English style novels. Let them be the true judge.

Death on a Rocky Little Island on Aug. 11, 2011
(no rating)
I made myself read ten percent of this book and found it to be boring. A man is trying to determine who to take on a canoe trip with him because his wife doesn't want him going alone. Ninety percent of it was rambling narrative that I suppose was meant to be funny. In my opinion it’s a two at best. Maybe some people like the slow and drawn out narrative, I didn’t. I won’t rate it and let the folks who like this do the rating.

Death on a Small, Dark Lake on Aug. 11, 2011
(no rating)
This is the second story I downloaded by this author and I forced myself to read five percent of it before I again gave up. It was all narrative, as would be the case with a man alone in a canoe. My taste in crime novels is for action not goofy inner reflection. Others may enjoy this type of writing, I didn’t. To me it’s a two, but I’ll refrain from ruining it for others since I barely started it.

The Last Laugh on Aug. 22, 2011

This book is categorized as Mystery & Detective, Hardboiled. At best it is soft boiled. I've noticed lately that a lot of books are stuck in categories that don't fit the story. I assume that is because there is no category that fits, or the author wants into a more popular listing. The Last Laugh is satire not a serious crime novel. I have nothing against that type of writing, but don't try to sell it me as an actual crime story. The book reads like a comic book not a serious hardboiled mystery. For me it was a waste of time even though I didn't finish it. If you like light satirical stories this may be for you.

Train to Anywhere on Aug. 25, 2011

This is one of the best stories I've read by a new author. The plot is original and well told, and the characters are thoroughly developed and interesting. If it weren't for the lack of editing the rating would be a five, but missing words, extra words and confusing sentence structure detract from the reading pleasure enough to rate it a three. If the author would edit the work and republish his story he could have a winner.

Wanted for Questioning on Sep. 22, 2011

This story is too dark and depressing for me. The main character spends a lot of time reflecting on relationships with family, girlfriends and inmates and I got bored before I got into it. Neil prides himself on having a history of telling the truth but constantly tells lies with ease. The girl he decides he loves has serious emotional problems and I never did come to grips with why they were together since they didn't mesh well. Even though I don't like the story it is well written and others may be interested in this style so I'll give it a three rating.

Meeting with Fate on Oct. 13, 2011

I don't know how or why author's places their work in two separate categories, one of which is definitely wrong. In this case HORROR is correct and MYSTERY & DETECTIVE is a deception. I downloaded it from Mystery & Detective and wasted my time; luckily it was extremely short. There is no detective or mystery in the plot. In the story a ghoulish character seduces a young woman over the internet and then, literally, cuts out her heart while a companion films the gory mess. Editing is poor; past and present tense are confused with the use of had and has in the same sentence. For me it's a 1.0

Spy Hunt in D.C. on Oct. 13, 2011

There are so many words missing that the story is difficult to read. The writer uses past, present and future tense in the same sentences. Words are used incorrectly, sentence structure is clumsy, words are misspelled and there are many unnecessary commas. And finally, overall editing is pathetic. The author has made a very confusing effort at telling a spy story. 1.0

The Leveler on Oct. 30, 2011

The second half of The Leveler wasn't as strong as the first part. But the entire premise of a rookie detective being allowed to head up the investigation of a multiple murder case is far fetched. When the rookie made critical errors in judgment early on department politics would have demanded her replacement. Editing is fair with minor spelling and missing / extra word errors. Some of the dialog was strained and un-natural, too formal and detached.

Murphy's Law on Oct. 30, 2011

About two thirds of this is a short story. I don't like stories where the main character is stupid and does stupid acts. I especially don't like main characters who murder someone without knowing who they are killing and then shrug it off and go on their way. The character is a loser and the story isn't worth reading so it's a 1.0. The remainder is about the author and his advertising.

The Value of Life on Oct. 30, 2011

An excellent novel. The story is great, the pacing is good and the characters are believable. Suspense builds from page one and the ending took me totally by surprise. Editing is the weak spot in the story with missing and extra words and a few errors in putting incorrect names with events. If the author would clean up the editing it could easily be a 5.0.

The Heart of an Assassin on Nov. 04, 2011

This story never pulled me in. Overall the story idea is very good, but the execution is extremely poor. The dialog is stiff and unreal. There are many grammatical errors as well as some problems with sentence structure and very amateurish writing. There is a detailed description of a gang leader who is soon murdered. It was not necessary to the story to know how he became the leader. He a minor character. His main role was to be killed. The author's selection of a .22 caliber rifle to shoot a man across the street from the top of a six story building indicated a lack of knowledge and research. The 40 grain bullet in a high velocity .22 doesn't have enough weight to go through the back of a skull, through the brain matter and punch through the forehead and spray blood on the victims associate. It's good for squirrel hunting, not killing humans at a distance. And from the elevation mentioned a bullet would likely come out his chin or neck. Another example of poor plot is a sequence where a van is stopped "a few feet from the end of a pier", a brick is placed on the accelerator pedal, the gearshift is put in drive and the van slowly moves forward and plunges into the water. If a brick is used to increase engine speed, would the van move forward slowly? When the front wheels dropped over the edge and the vehicle dropped onto the frame could there be enough momentum to continue or would it stop? And with approximately 3,500 pounds of human weight in the back would the van tip forward into the water? And then a man in the rear of the van escapes through the locked rear door while an assassin is shooting bullets into the back end as the van sinks. One of the bullets hits the lock mechanism and somehow that allows the door to open. These issues and many, many others make the whole story unbelievable because the actions described are not plausible

Backlash on Nov. 04, 2011

This story opened by introducing a huge number of characters and detailing the relationships of brothers, half brothers, sisters, wives, husbands and mothers who were pregnant by others prior to marrying husbands. One or more people in the family had been kidnapped and taken to Paris and then rescued, and now the bad guys escaped and were coming at them again. Then a Russian showed up with a four year old child and the writing of the foreign dialect was terrible. At 15% I was too confused to continue. It's not terrible and I won't trash it because you may like a very complicated story that may eventually have something you'll like.

A Bridge of Letters on Nov. 16, 2011

A good short story. Character development is good for a 5.700 word tale. It's spread over an almost 20 year span so fine details are left up to the reader's imagination. The plot is spy stuff, and the happenings in the final portion were as anticipated. While it's a good simple read it's not a great and memorable story. I enjoyed it but can't highly recommend it and won't save it to be read again in the future. I rate it a 3.5 to 4.0.

Clearwater Journals on Dec. 05, 2011

A good but rather slow mystery at first. I almost quit reading early on but continued. The action intensified about half way into the story. The main characters are believable and interesting. Editing is fair, but the author should clean it up because the story deserves it. It's simple stuff, spelling, missing words etc. I prefer more serious storylines instead of the continual humor interspersed here, but overall it was an enjoyable read. I rate it a 4.5 plus.

False Details on Dec. 05, 2011

The prolog and two chapters of a book comprise the 4,600 words given here. It's not a book it's a marketing effort. The first sentence of Chapter 1 covered ¾ of my e-reader page. Many of the sentences are extra long and difficult to read. Editing is non-existent. Past and present tense are mixed in the same sentences. It's a British story and very difficult to read due to the lack of editing.

Catching Water in a Net on Feb. 13, 2012
(no rating)
Read 4% and never got into it. Maybe others like the style, I didn't. I don't like the three Ds: dumb, drunken detectives. Won't rate it and ruin it for anyone else.

Family Detective on Feb. 13, 2012
(no rating)
I read the first part of this and was turned off by a live person being dipped into a vat of acid. Then the father and son detectives were boring so I quit. No rating. Try it, maybe you'll like it.

The Last Killer Standing on March 06, 2012
(no rating)
Another marketing scheme; the book opens at chapter 10. Instead depending on the reader opening the sample to judge the book this author chose to start you in the middle of the story. I didn't read it so I won't rate it. If I did it would be a 1.0

Popping the Shine on March 06, 2012
(no rating)
"A special preview edition" means you get the first nine chapters. You can get the same thing as a sample without going to the trouble of downloading it. So, it's not a free book; it's another misguided marketing ploy by a desperate author. No rating. If I were to rate it, it would be 1.0

Now They Call Me Gunner on Dec. 16, 2012

A good well written story. The characters are interesting, the plot is good but requires a stretch of the imagination at times. Editing is better than most, not perfect but acceptable. Plot twists are plentiful and the writing swings from funny to serious. There is a murder at the heart of the story but the characters around the main character are what it's all about.

Kill em Again on Dec. 21, 2012

The description of Kill em Again did state it isn't suitable those under 17 or for all readers. It did not disclose that the story is full of perversion, rape, torture and murder. If you want to read about young boys drugged and having sex with older pedophiles, consensually and forced, feces and urine this is for you. I was disgusted before getting half way through it. The writing is fairly good, the editing needs work.

Redemption – A Short Story on Jan. 17, 2013

When a twenty something construction worker is accused of murder and passes out I should have quit then. I've never met anyone who would pass out after being accused of anything. Redemption has good editing but the dialog is repetitious.

Promise You Won't Tell? on May 06, 2013

Very well written story about a female P.I. with an attitude. Some of the characters are over the top but the story's twist and turns make up for it. Editing is good but not perfect. If you like smart mouthed, sarcastic characters read this.

Beyond the Breakers on June 04, 2013

I liked this story but with some caveats. The writing is overly drawn out and repetitive for my taste. There are scenes that don't ring true, as when the protagonist who has never owned a gun or done much shooting explains the effect of altitude on the trajectory of a bullet. He is an aeronautical engineer so maybe that cuts him some slack. Or at the end when his wife, who is terrified of the whole situation and hates guns, comes to back him up with a pistol instead of her ex-police chief father. On top of those, with a killer chasing them they are having sex out in the open several times a day. Not likely. The editing is good but far from perfect.

Gema: A Trooper's Tale on June 18, 2013

This is the first story in this, so far, three part tale. The plot and writing are outstanding with only minor editing flaws. It begins in South America and moves to England. The action is fast and believable. The biggest flaw in my opinion is the use of the term clips, instead of the correct one which is magazine for semi-automatic weapons. The plot is fresh and twisted as the protagonist deals with the sudden murder of two of his buddies amid abundant action.

Dire Straits: A Trooper's Tale on June 18, 2013

The second story in the Troopers Tale series. This one continues with the previous characters, good and bad and again is filled with action and surprises galore. I enjoyed it and recommend it to thriller and action readers. An excellent story.

Killing Kate on July 24, 2013
(no rating)
I read 8% of this and it was so depressing I quit. I don't care for stories about drug addicts with emotional problems. No rating.

A Hanging Job on July 24, 2013

A decent story, interesting but not great. I'd give it a 3.5.

The Cape Cod Murders on July 29, 2013

It appears there was no effort to edit the short description in this story so why should I waste my time reading it.

2012 The Secret Teachings of the Next Door Neighbour on July 09, 2014

I don't normally read this genre but found this interesting. The plot is good and characterization is good also. Editing is pretty good but could use another pass.

Death Comes in the Morning on Aug. 20, 2014

The writing is wordy and repetitive. The plot is fresh and interesting but the action scenes are implausible. I finished it but the editing makes reading difficult.

Battle of Wits on Aug. 20, 2014

A very well told story for one so short. There is good interaction between the main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Ransom X on Aug. 20, 2014

Excellent but disturbing plot. The main character is eccentric but interesting. I class this as a girly type of story; the action scenes are unrealistic. Example: lead bullets do not cause gas tanks to explode. There are several others. It also needs a good editing. It deserves a 3.5.

LIARS the News Industry on Aug. 29, 2014

This writing travesty breaks every rule I can think of. Words are misspelled and misused, past and present tense are used in the same sentence and sentence structure is abysmal. I personally agree with the writer's conservative message and like the plot and the ending, but the writing is horrible. Please author hire an editor, your story deserves it.

The Assassin Evolves Book Two of the Irrevocable Change Trilogy on Sep. 04, 2014

In book two of the Irrevocable Change trilogy the assassin continued to improve his skills both as a killer and antique dealer. I liked the fact that he is not portrayed as a superman/hero figure. He gets beaten and shot and bleeds and makes mistakes like everyone else. The level of detail in the hits is above average and I liked the fact that the type of firearms used is spelled out. As he gets more proficient and jaded I began to move from liking him to knowing he was becoming evil and dangerous and had to be stopped. The section where he murdered a serial rapist killer and his girlfriend was very real and bordered on being disturbing. Clay's escape from three goons from Philly was truly inspired and the description of the action was superb. I found all of the action scenes in books one and two to be highly detailed and believable, even though one or two did stretch credibility somewhat. His mother's revelation about the long term relationship he forced Adrianna to endure was totally unexpected and I felt his pain over the outcome. The ending of book two drove home the fact that he had fully accepted the power of his role of assassin and had little feeling about ending innocent lives. The Assassin Evolves is a fast paced read that kept me involved while moving Clayton to the top of the professional killer ranks and begins to set up his downfall. Another excellent read.

The Blonde Heiress, a Carter A. Johnson Thriller on Oct. 01, 2014

This author has been one of my favorites since I read his trilogy Irrevocable Change. The description of action sequences is again great and I can imagine each move as it flows from start to finish. The lead character comes across as being real and is a modern day intelligent tough guy with feelings. The story moves quickly as Carter gathers information and is always one step behind the villain. The role of a vigilante to right the wrongs of the judicial system is interesting and is the main theme in this novella. For a first book in a series I thought it was a bit short, but it's free and is an introduction of the main character in a series. I'm buying the follow up story.

The Dogtrot Murder A Carter A. Johnson & Kate Menke Thriller on Oct. 07, 2014

I'm impressed. The Dogtrot Murder has two main characters and both are super. They are well defined and I cared about both of them. The book is well written and editing is good. The sub characters were also intriguing, especially Kinky Stillbrink. I felt like I could see and smell him. All of the characters are well developed so there is a firm understanding of who and what they are. The plot is exciting and Carter is always on the verge of being attacked. However, if you don't care for vigilantes with a license to kill this is not a book for you.

Damage Control on Dec. 05, 2014

There's a decent story buried here but it's overshadowed by poor writing techniques. The dialog is stiff and unnatural and the entire text needs the critical eye of a good editor.

Diabla meets Abaddon on Dec. 29, 2014

I liked this story immensely. The main character, Dee, is a tough, beautiful gal who needs to get laid. Instead she and her partner are on the trail of a psycho killer. How a woman who has been a stripper and a prostitute became a policewoman is beyond me, but she did and now she's a P.I. She's rough but likeable.

The Bahrain Incident on Jan. 31, 2015

The plot of The Bahrain Incident is clever but the dialog is stiff and un-natural. This short story is actually less than 10,000 words, the rest is a sample of another story.

59 Hours on Jan. 31, 2015

I'm a big fan of this author's writing. The editing in this short is very good, better than the average found here in my opinion. The characters are not your average people. But who wants to read about boring average folks. The setting is rural on a small farm. The time is when men wore hats and police cars had the single bubble gum looking red lights. The main characters even drove a Studebaker and stole a Hudson. I won't tell you more because I don't want to ruin it for you, but it's a very dark but different and good read.

Cape Abigail - A Carter A. Johnson & Kate Menke Thriller on May 19, 2015

This third story in this series is as fast paced as the first two. The action quickly builds to a surprise ending. I recommend it for action fans.

The Three Monkeys, A Carter A. Johnson & Kate Menke Thriller on Dec. 08, 2017

A good read. I especially liked the interaction of the young man and the main antagonist. It was sad that he was used so badly. A solid plot with lots of action, especially the tension filled late scene with Carter and Kate.

FOR FASTER ANSWERS, CHECK THESE LINKS BEFORE YOU EMAIL US:

I. Readalot

I. Readalot's favorite authors on Smashwords

Smashwords book reviews by I. Readalot