| Title | : | When the Shit Hits the Van (The Neon Owl #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1654243531 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781654243531 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 168 |
| Publication | : | First published January 12, 2020 |
A crime noir-ish whodunnit rife with humor, grit, and ranch dressing.
When the Shit Hits the Van (The Neon Owl #1) Reviews
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Review originally published at Cemetery Dance
https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/...
Showing up for a Chad Lutzke story is a resignation of emotional preservation. You come to engage with the words on the page with your heart fully exposed and a willingness to let Lutzke do as he wishes. More often than not, the book will end on a note that breaks your heartstrings and leaves the reader with a nasty bookish hangover.
The Neon Owl is a bit of a departure from the usual agreement and I loved it! This story manages to put a big grin on your face instead of streaking your cheeks with tears and I’m not mad about it.
This guy named Jinx (who feels very much like one of those charming, confirmed bachelor types. Everyone knows a couple of those guys) inherits his Aunt’s fleabag motel called, The Neon Owl. It’s one of those roadside motels that have long-term, live-in residents rather than a place where tourists would want to stay for the night.
I absolutely adore Jinx and the cast of colorful characters he meets assuming his new role managing the motel.
Not at all surprising, Lutzke expertly leans into his gift of humor he’s been hinting at and teasing his readers with all along.
It’s really clear that Chad is one of those people, in real life, who watches people. He listens to them. He’s an observer. He brings this gift of details and mannerisms to the page; bringing to life fully formed, dimensional characters that the reader can vividly see and relate to--often times I find myself thinking, I know somebody just like that.
Somewhere along the line, a mystery is ushered into the plot and it is hysterical. I love the ridiculous nature of this situation Jinx finds himself in and the fact that it’s important enough to him and some of the residents in the motel, to solve the mystery once and for all. Of course, like most things in life, something that starts off seemingly innocent or silly, begins to snowball into something more serious. This is when things go from zany antics to wild and dangerous.
I’m so pleased this is Book 1 and that Lutzke promises there are more of these tales to come. It reminds me of a series Lansdale would write- a mixture of horror, heart and humor. My all-time favorite blend. -
Coming February 2020!
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Great world building and an amazing cast of characters. Can't wait for the next book!
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Another great story from the author, and it further expands his writing choices and genres, which is amazing.
A great start to this humorous crime thriller series, with memorable characters (including The Neon Owl itself) and a murder mystery that will leave you guessing until the end. Can't wait for the next installment! -
I liked this one a lot. My biggest complaint is it should’ve been a novel. My thoughts on this are the same as my thoughts on Cycle of the Werewolf, could’ve been milked out into a nice novel. This felt too short and rushed. Still thought this was awesome.
In a way it reminded me a bit of some of Robert McCammon’s odd and quirky non-horror stories such as Night Calls the Green Falcon and Gone South. This could definitely be a cult classic if turned into a film.
Other than that, this is a fun noir mystery comedy involving some of the oddest characters that I’m sure actually exist on Sunset Blvd. (I visit L.A. a lot because of family, there are a lot of weirdos there) and the plot begins with the investigation on who keeps on shitting in front of the apartment complex. What’s not to love about that plot? -
This is SO different from anything I’ve read from Lutzke before and it was absolutely brilliant. I usually go into his work expecting to simultaneously have my heart ripped apart, tears streaming down my face and shuddering with horror. This was the complete opposite of that and I truly didn’t expect it from Lutzke and I think that’s part of what made it so great. It was such a departure from the usual but still so damn good and shows how much range he truly has as a writer. The story itself is just all around hilarious, from the characters to the different situations that happen to the mystery shitter in the bushes. I honestly lost count of how many times this story made me actually laugh out loud which is a rare occurrence for me when I’m reading. I also really appreciated that behind the humour and ridiculousness there was still heart to the story and the characters. It wasn’t all poop in the bushes, you had some great characters with some touching stories and I still got that little wrench of emotions that I’ve come to expect from Lutzke.
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I had the pleasure of reading this book in early development on Chad Lutzke Patreon page, I was hooked from the start! Now it’s all polished up and even better! Jinx inherits a motel in L.A. all the residents are long term renters and devastated by the death of Aunt “Luna” Ruth! Jinx arrives to take over the The Neon Owl that sits across the street from a seedy strip joint and begins to meet the colorful characters of the Owl. One resident, Roddy, alerts him to a serial pooper messing up the grounds and a mystery begins to unfold. Jinx, hurting from the separation from the love of his life, Audrey is ready for the distraction as he learns the ropes of running a motel. I love all the characters, laughed out loud at parts and just a fantastic mystery story wrapped up in one as we follow the clues with the worst (or the best?) private detective wannabes in Southern California! This is a different writing side of Mr. Lutzke and I’m on board with it! Read immediately and enjoy!
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I've been a big fan of
Chad Lutzke's horror books ever since I read
Skullface Boy, so when I heard he was doing a murder mystery, I was intrigued to say the least. Don't get me wrong, horror and murder are dark topics, but that doesn't necessarily mean because one is good at writing in one genre doesn't mean they can write the other. I'm here to say, Chad Lutzke can do both. Not only that, he does it with ease.
When the Shit Hits the Van is (hopefully) the first of many books in a series Lutzke calls The Neon Owl -- which is the name of the motel Jinx, the main character, inherits after his aunt's death. The motel is home to some delighfully unique characters, and it isn't long before Jinx bonds with Roddy, the motel's one-legged handyman, and the two start investigating the case of who is deficating on the motel property. Which naturally leads to a murder investigation.
This novella is great. The characters are wacky but real and Lutzke also injects a lot of human emotion throughout, something of which I'm a huge fan of in the works I've read. He is great at making you really feel for his characters.
I'm also a big fan of the unlikely teamup between Jinx and Roddy. The two are very different, but they really feed off each other and the dynamic is a lot of fun, not unlike Joe Lansdale's Hap and Leonard characters. You wouldn't think the two would get on the way they do, but Lutzke makes the relationship natural and believable.
If you like the crazy adventures of Hap and Leonard, or are a fan of the characters and stories the likes of an Elmore Leonard novel, or just want to enjoy a great read filled with unique characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and some real, human moments, you won't go wrong with When the Shit Hits the Van.
4.5/5 rounded up. -
Review to come (venue TBA): Had a great time with this one!
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I’m a Chad Lutze fan, and was quite interested in reading what is a change in genre for the writer, from horror to murder mystery. The story brings together a group of quirky characters in a light and non-too serious crime solving venture. Unfortunately, I don’t sit well with quirky, and although it did have some amusing moments, the fecal depositing (and throwing) driven humor just fell flat for me. I guess this is the beginning of a lengthy series of Jinx and Roddy. I liked both of those characters, but most likely won’t be there to follow their next adventure.
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This book is a change of pace if you think you know what to expect from picking up a book by Chad Lutzke. Typically you’re in for a tough read that gets you invested in the characters and then puts them through trials, tribulations, and emotional turmoil.
The Neon Owl: When the Shit Hits the Van keeps the top notch character development but applies it to a private investigator-type setting. Jinx is instantly likable when thrust into his brand new role of motel owner, and the maintenance man, Roddy, who helps him find his bearings is irreplaceable. The rapport that Lutzke quickly builds between these two is the foundation on which the story rests it’s success.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is that all the residents of the Neon Owl motel have a backstory, and their own unique interactions with Jinx. This just about makes the motel itself a player in the story and hopefully in future installments. One could also argue that Coltrane, Jinx’s vehicle of choice, also takes center-stage. It’s also possible that as a lifelong jazz fan, I just nerded out when my favorite composer was name-dropped.
The reader has a laugh out loud good time through some of the absurd situations that go down and it’s made even better by the seriousness with which they are treated. You really need to encounter Jinx and Roddy’s first case for yourself. The dialogue is written in a snappy Lansdale-esque fashion that keeps the pages turning and a smile on the reader’s face.
The instant I turned the last page I was left eagerly anticipating the next Los Angeles-based adventure that Jinx, Roddy, and Coltrane get themselves into. -
Jinx inherits an apartment building in LA when his aunt Luna dies. When he arrives he meets the residents of the building. In addition to getting to know the building and its denizens, he's immediately confronted with a mystery pooper that's defecating in the parking lot. He teams up with the building's one-legged handyman, Roddy, to stake out the parking lot to catch the pooper. Jinx has always wanted to be a detective and dives into the poop mystery with gusto. Then, people show up dead and the real investigation has to begin.
Chad Lutzke is one of my favorite authors and I have deeply enjoyed everything that he's written. His voice is so authentic and he writes fantastic characters that immediately set up camp in your mind and heart. While this book is a departure for Chad, in that it's more of a crime story, it still has all the soul of his other books. Unlike many of his other books, I was not a blubbering crying mess at the end of this one. It seems that this might be the beginning of a series of books revolving around the Neon Owl apartment building and I will be here for all of them. -
You really can't go wrong with Chad's books, even, if like this one, it's a departure from horror, because Chad just draws you in, and there's never a dull moment. Not only is his writing lean, it's the whole package: the characters, the voice, the ideas, everything.
I breezed my way through this.
Sometimes I wish his stories were longer, but then I think, would they work quite so well?
I don't think they would, even if I have wished it in the past.
Anyway, he's hit the nail on the head this time.
This feels just right, especially with this being a new series. It's a great start.
I hope it proves to be a success.
A five star read. -
I’m a sucker for Lutzke’s brand of genuine human characters and storytelling, whatever genre robe it may be wearing. I had a blast with this book and sincerely hope there is another installment on its way... soon.
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Loved it!!
Loved it!!
Dearly loved Roddy and Jinx!
I literally laughed out loud at some parts. Shit and farts... 🤣🤣
I've read several books by this author and they've all been great! A definite recommend!! -
Damnit Chad, I bear you no anus, you nozzy birch, because Jinx and Roddy might be two of my favorite people since Edgar and Wireman in Duma Key. High praise. Hell, right up there with Kinderman and Karras, and those two were a pretty damn good time too (until Pazuzu came along, fuckin demon 🤣) I love this book. I feel it deep down in my soul. I don’t know if Chad was putting a little of himself in Jinx, but if so we’re brothers of the heart. I felt like he was writing about me. Being the kind of respectful person who will never take advantage of people when the whole world laughs and asks why, and wanting to run into clubs and beat up the bald assholes of the world to keep people safe. I like Jinx, it was nice to feel understood for a moment. I like everyone else too, except Steve, suck it Steve! Thanks, Chad. I needed that
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I had the pleasure of reading this book in early development on Chad Lutzke Patreon page, I was hooked from the start! Now it’s all polished up and even better! Jinx inherits a motel in L.A. all the residents are long term renters and devastated by the death of Aunt “Luna” Ruth! Jinx arrives to take over the The Neon Owl that sits across the street from a seedy strip joint and begins to meet the color characters of the Owl. One resident, Roddy, alerts him to a serial pooper messing up the grounds and a mystery begins to unfold. Jinx, hurting from the separation from the love of his life, Audrey is ready for the distraction as he learns the ropes of running a motel. I love all the characters, laughed out loud at parts and just a fantastic mystery story wrapped up in one as we follow the clues with the worst (or the best?) private detective wannabes in Southern California! This is a different writing side of Mr. Lutzke and I’m on board with it! Read immediately and enjoy! Release date 2/28/20.
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This one felt like a cosy mystery for slackers and an intriguing start to what looks to be a series. Jinx inherits The Neon Owl apartment complex from his Aunt Ruth a.k.a. Luna and falls into an investigation on who is shitting in the bushes every night. By happenstance this turns into a murder mystery as Jinx and one-legged Owl handyman Roddy look to find the culprit using their own amateur investigative techniques.
There's plenty of grisly things that go down, but it felt somehow cleaner than a lot of the crime fiction I read with a clear writing style and a fine protagonist.
Will probably need to seek out some of Lutzke's horror stuff too. -
Another solid gold read by Chad Lutzke, I loved it! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Chad is an author whose books are automatic purchases for me. If there is a new Lutzke book released, I’m there! Chad has a way of writing complex characters who are often placed in very intriguing circumstances. With the Neon Owl vol 1, Chad has tried his hand at the Crime genre, and what fun it is! Jinx moves down to LA to run his deceased aunt’s property, the Neon Owl. Murder, mystery and in some cases mayhem ensue, you’ve got to read this novella to see where it goes from there. The interactions between Jinx and Roddy are comics gold, I laughed out loud a ton of times during their exchanges, such fun! It’s good to know that Chad plans to continue with future volumes in this series, I can’t wait to see what other stories he develops in this series, highly recommended!
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This was a little different than Chad Lutzke's other books. It was a quick, fun little noirish read. It's kind of like a cozy mystery for adults that cuss. I look forward to reading more about Jinx and Roddy!
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Review coming soon!
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The shit truly did hit the van!
The Neon Owl was just awesome! I don't know what else to tell you other than.... I freaking love Chad's work. I mean really, truly, LOVE his work.
I mean he creates these gut-wrenching, relatable stories, but I mean his characters... HIS CHARACTERS. I cant get ENOUGH of Chad's characters! Doesn't matter if they are a main character or a supporting character you will simply cherish them all.
As I always say, Chad is the chameleon of authors! He can write in so many horror subgenres and they always come out impeccable! A true author celebrity!
Thanks for reading
Your TRUE FAN Book Worm
Nichi -
Ok, let me just tell you how much I loved this book! Seriously. Loved it 😁. I know Chad was a bit nervous as to how his horror fans would receive this one, but I for one embraced it with open arms and a huge shit eating grin on my face 😆. I have read a handful of other stories by Chad, all of them amazing, all of them leaving me wiping tears from my eyes. Chad is the type of writer that makes you FEEL and that’s part of what makes him a good writer. What makes this story different from his others is that this one is full of comedy. Instead of crying, I was snickering! I mean, the opening dialogue had me laughing out loud and the humor just kept on going from there!
Was I a bit nervous to read something other than horror from an author known mostly for writing horror? Yes. I was. It’s like watching your favorite scream queen actress all of a sudden playing a completely different type of character in something like a rom com. The question is, did they pull it off? Some can, and some definitely can not 😆.
When I started reading King, I read all his old school horror, eating it up like candy. So when I came across books like The Eyes of the Dragon, The Body and The Shawshank Redemption , even though they weren’t the horror stories I was used to, I barely even noticed because King drew me in and I was lost in the magic of the words. As with King, Chads storytelling blurred the lines crossing genres, allowing the reader to just enjoy being inside those pages no matter what was on them. So ya. Chad definitely pulled it off 😁.
In my opinion, The Neon Owl just solidifies Chad as a writer, showcasing his ability to speak to all types of readers. I’m even more excited to see what rabbit Chad pulls out of his hat next. This one gets an enthusiastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me! Oh. And if your not supporting him on Patreon, nows as good a time as any! 😊 -
I'm already waiting on Book 2.
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This was a cozy story that hit the spot nicely. There were convenient plot points, but this isn't meant to be a sweeping novel of depth and intrigue, just a good bit of escapism. So I didn't hold it against the story.
It wasn't hilarious, nor all that funny to be honest. There were a couple of moments that gave me a smile, and I'm not gonna complain about that. Because who doesn't like that, am I right? But nothing that happened in it surprised me. And I was hoping for a certain thing to happen, and when it didn't I was kinda bummed, but it not happening made sense so I didn't let it get me down.
I liked Jinx. He's a good guy with a good head on his shoulders. Roddy was, for me, the best character as I've met about a hundred people just like him. Very realistically created.
I liked the story, my first from this author. It won't be my last either. I encourage you to check this book out and see what you think of it for yourself. -
An extremely well-executed and funny little murder mystery, with an ending I didn't see coming until it was there- a rare feat. Definitely looking forward to the next installment, and where Jinx and Roddy's adventures will take them.
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Chad Lutzke runs in the horror circle, but he's proven multiple times that he also excels in crime and drama. His new series, The Neon Owl, starts with When the Shit Hits the Van, an easily accessible and enjoyable story that brings to mind Elmore Leonard. With plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor, mystery, and wonderful narrative, When the Shit Hits the Van immediately puts The Neon Owl in high regard.
Other than an ending that wrapped too quickly for my tastes, I loved this story and its characters. I fully intend on jumping onto the next book as soon as it is made available. -
I recently discovered the work of Chad Lutzke and couldn't be happier to explore all of his works. While I prefer his horror writing, this book was definitely well-written and maintains the great characterizations that seem typical of Lutzke's work. Since it was a pretty quick read, I'll probably read the next installment in the series but my passion for his horror works will still reign over the Neon Owl. On that note, if anyone reading this has not yet read "Of Foster Homes and Flies", you should go do that now.
