Customer Reviews

Bad Guys

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Zack Walker, features writer for the Metropolitan newspaper, has had some really busy nights lately. He's been assigned to write about the life of PI Lawrence Jones, who's been staking out high-end men's clothing stores targeted by crash-and-grab thieves. When Zack's off duty, he occasionally checks up on his eighteen-year-old daughter's whereabouts. Zack's perpetual worries about Angie's safety soar into overdrive when he learns she has a stalker. Angie doesn't take the stalker seriously, but when Zack and Lawrence catch him hiding behind Zack's garage, Lawrence volunteers to check the kid out. Before he can tell Zack what he's learned, Lawrence is stabbed. Meanwhile, for reasons Zack doesn't understand, the clothing thieves learn who Zack is and go after him.

Linwood Barclay's BAD GUYS is a perfect blend of humour and drama, twists and turns, that come together in a truly suspenseful ending. Zack's attempts to keep tabs on Angie have a way of backfiring, which creates some really funny moments. As a parent of teens, I related to his worries, frustrations, and growing helplessness as his daughter charges into the world--driver's license in hand--with the kind of confidence, optimism, and naivety only the young have. I liked many characters in this book, and kudos to Mr. Barclay for creating some of the strangest and most memorable bad guys I've read in a long time. If you're looking for pure entertainment and enjoyment, pick up BAD GUYS and get ready for one heck of a ride.

Barclay has an easy going style that drags the reader into the scenerio quickly and completely. He has the ability to convey his story simply and makes the reader want to know more and more about the outcome! I have enjoyed all his fiction and await more!

Linwood Barclay's Bad Guys takes up where his 2004 novel Bad Move left off. After a disasterous foray into suburban living, Zack Walker has moved his family back to the city. He's now a feature writer for the local paper, and he's working on a story about ex-cop turned private eye Lawrence Jones. Together they've been staking out high-end mens' clothing shops, which have been the target of a spate of recent robberies. The gig with Lawrence, his family's need for a second car, and his daughter's insistence that she is being stalked by a trench coat-wearing admirer combine into a storm of troubles. Barclay's Bad Guys is another great read from an author who's quickly becoming a favorite. The plot is tight, and there's a perfect mix of action and Zack's thoughts, which explain why he makes the choices he makes. Readers should probably read Bad Move before starting this book, as it provides background about the anxieties which inform much of Zack's behavior, but it not essential to do so.

-- Debra Hamel

When I read Bad Move this summer (Barclay's first novel in the series), I was constantly laughing out loud. Happily, the sequel made me do the same. Since the other reviewers describe the book, and I have carapl tunnel, I'll make a couple of points. One, our protagonist Zack is a fantastic creation. He can't control his mouth even in the most dire circumstances. Two, while he clearly adores his teenagers, his relationship with them is one of continuing screw-ups based on his love and fear for them - it makes for lots of fun. And as a story, it's clever, has a few neat plot twists, nice pacing and is extremely well written. The dialgoue is stellar. Barclay is one of the few comic/mystery writers than can put it all togerther and in my mind he's joined the ranks of Carl Hiaasen, Dave Barry and Elmore Leonard. Good company to keep!

I found this book very good from beginning to end. Couldn't put it down. Found it to be hilariously funny in some parts. Laughing out loud at times. Definately worth the time to read. I love the predicaments that Zack Walker finds himself in. If you like Linwood Barclay then this book is for you. This is the 2nd book in the series of 4.Bad Guys

Zack Walker, features writer for the Metropolitan newspaper, has had some really busy nights lately. its aweome i love it

This book is tightly written and altogether enjoyable. However, it is NOT laugh-out-loud funny like the first in this series, Bad Move. It's as if someone told Barclay NOT to be funny. Well, Mr. Barclay, if you are paying attention: BE FUNNY. It's one of the characteristics that differentiates you from your peers in this genre. Make me laugh and sit on the edge of my seat and hold my breath and be surprised, like you did in the first Zach story. Still, this is worth reading without the humor. It's just a little disappointing.

(Read them in order) This is the second Zack Walker book by Linwood Barclay and I have become a big fan. The first one, BAD MOVE was read out loud to some one funny in sections and with BAD GUYS is a great follow up novel, funny yet full of drama with twists and turns. Try this author, fun stuff here. We have Zack Walker, sci-fi writer and good husband and father. Paranoid about safety yet drawn to problems. This book will have you think differently about apple juice, sneaking out of pay-parking lots, and Barbie dolls. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. On to the third one, LONE WOLF.

I enjoyed this sequel quite a bit! It wasn't quite as funny as _Bad Move_, but it still had a couple side-splitting scenes. The characters were just as entertaining and well-done as before, and while the plot was not as unpredictable, it still made for a very fun read. I am quite curious about the rest of the series!

"Bad Guys" is the second installment to the misadventures of Zack Walker. This time the whole family has moved back into the city after some scary encounters in the suburbs, and stay at home sci fi writer/dad Zack decides to supplement his family's income by freelancing for his wife's newspaper. His first assignment is to write about gay P.I. Lawrence Jones who is staking out for violent break ins of various clothing stores. As this is going on, the book parallels the lively activities in the Walker family, in particular the daughter's unwanted attention from a weird, nerdy suitor. From then on we meet Jones' former police partner (hiss) and some bad dudes dressed in black. Eventually both strands of the plot interconnect to a satisfying finish. Yes there was the final twist that was expected (as in the first book), but it certainly only added to the proceedings and managed to tie things up.

Although the book might seem long it never feels it because of the author's light and clear touch. Things get dark here and there, but they never threaten the generally sunny tone of book. Even when one of the main characters is almost fatally injured the book doesn't sink into any deep angst. It never takes itself too seriously, and that's the main reason why I have been enjoying these books.