- Title:
- Mayhem
- Author:
- Stephen Bentley
- Release:
- January 29, 2021
- Format:
- Audiobook
- Narrator:
- Chris Defazio
- Series
- Detective Matt Deal, Book 2
Just like the first book, the villains are comical & unbelievable. It’s vulgar, over-the-top action movie bullshit and I love it.
One thing about the villains that annoy me is how unrealistic the cartel in this story is. I’m growing tired of movies, shows, books, etc. that paint cartels as these lovable psycho’s who will tell you about how they’re going to torture and kill you. But not before they go and get a drink and it’s always the boss handling business. I’ve seen it in Sons of Anarchy, Person of Interest, Mayans MC, a Fast and the Furious movie, and probably more. I’m over it. Cartels are ruthless. Too many writers treat cartels like gang bangers. with reach.
One thing I noticed with book 2 was how it switches between first and third person. First-person for Matt Deal and third person for everybody else. I have no idea why it does that, I don’t remember if the first book did it. But I found it distracting as hell.
There’s a scene where Matt Deal has to be told that trans women are women. Which he makes a big deal about, but eventually cums around to. It felt forced, but being transgender, I did appreciate the effort.
Another goddamn cliffhanger ending. Just like the first book, it ends on a cliffhanger ending. I’m already into this series, but I still find it annoying that anybody stumbling across this book wouldn’t know they need to pick up 3 (or more?) books to get the full story. I get that it’s an ongoing story. But these endings literally end mid-scene. When listening to the audiobook, it can be jarring when the book suddenly stops.
I have little to say about the narrator. His performance was good. This is one of the rare audible books I’ve listened to that didn’t have poorly connected session recordings.
If you’re reading this review, you’ve probably read part 1. This book is more of the same. So if you enjoyed part 1, you’ll enjoy this book as well.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.