The Fixer Series
Starts with —
Starts with punch, a literary spin-kick.
There are links, below, to purchase the books. Here’s the deal, this is fast–moving, pulp–like material with a razor edge buried in it. The Apple iBook version is scrollable — yeah, probably going to want that feature, as these move quickly.
Updates the noir, detective, murder–mystery–crime genre.
Just as a thought, and I’m not sure from whence this originates, but newspaper classifieds, like, printed, newspaper, who still uses them?
What I appreciate as much as anything is the way the prose itself is tight. Slightly stylized, and I think I “neo–noir” flavor might be more fun, but that’s me. Can’t say as I would easily recommend the whole series, or what I’ve read thus far.
Spirited, twisted — and dark — characters, with an emphasis on vengeance, cosmic justice, hence the series’s title, rather than merely meting out a little retribution.
By the third novel, it is mean-spirited, borders on edges of the bounds of good taste, and yet, there’s always that hook. Can’t seem to leave well enough alone
The third had a huge hook. Just getting better.
One friend, the one who turned me onto these, started with, like #4 in the list, based on some algorithm that suggested it. I started the series in order, and while not absolutely required, it does help.
Aw, c’mon, who doesn’t like bad–ass woman who overcomes trauma to be magnificent bitch of an anti–heroine? Later, poised against an another anti–anti–heroine?
I stopped after the third one, thinking that I’d only read the first two. Realizing my mistake, that just gave me pause to consider that it is that kind of reading that has the hook.
Book 4, title is? Fixed in Blood. Quick quote?
“She activated her sound system and set Pandora to Lyle Lovett. As the Texan crooned about wishing he had a boat to sail away with his pony, she settled onto her sofa and replayed the day’s events.” Page 172.
Double bonus points for picking Lyle Lovett, then more double bonus points for picking that song.
But Tonto he was smarter
And one day said kemo sabe
Kiss my ass I bought a boat
I’m going out to sea
Rough sketch.
The series’s title is “The Justice Series,” and that’s what nice, as there’s justice served, each time. The intertwined characters weave plot lines in and out, with strong developmental pieces. Yeah, we all got demons, and reading the series addictively would suggest a demon of one’s own.
Having access to the whole set in digital format was perfect. I didn’t read them all back–to–back, but I did slip from one to the next, just trying to make sure I got them in the intended order. Not required, but helpful.
“There’s nothing like the period of being newlywed. It’s as though one exists in a golden sphere of bliss no one other than the couple can occupy.”
- T. E. Woods. Fixed in Fear. Page 85.
Woven into the murder, mayhem, and criminal conspiracies, there are obvious structural elements that work within the various novels’ elements. Plus a novelist’s eye for colorful details.
Each book seems to get a little more tightly wrapped, and despite the concept that each novel can stand on its own as a complete experience, the ease of entry, is key. The package deal is best for those of us who read voraciously — and digital is better.
“Maybe then he’d be able to understand what it was like to speak without the impediment of a permanently lodged foot pushing against his back molars.” Page 219.
I know that one. Too well.
The dynamics of the characters are a little better than the usual, stock, off-the-shelf I’ve been reading lately. As such, there’s greater depth and more compassion, as well as supporting character who isn’t all ripped and muscled. Even the “Fixer” herself is quite damaged, psychically, which is weirdly appealing, and totally humanizing.
The biggest challenge to reading the series is budgeting reading time. For me, I found I would get to a certain point, maybe a hundred (digital) pages into the individual novels, and I wouldn't want to stop reading. Up all night.
Yes, nod to the author, she really upped her game in what might be the final book in the series.
Just buy the whole series, well worth it.
The Unforgivable Fix – T. E. Woods
The Justice Series (6 Book Series)
T.E.Woods — author’s — website.
