Big Fat F@!k-up by Lawrence Allan

Release: May 28, 2022
Format: Paperback
Publisher: M.S. Wooten Press
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Kindle

A recovering addict and former child star, Jimmy Cooper gets a second shot at fame as a “famous” private detective in Los Angeles.

After cratering his career with booze, pills and public humiliations, Jimmy has started over, working at his Mom’s law firm as the in-house detective, putting his uncanny ability to spot liars to good use. Then, much to his and his mother’s surprise, Jimmy is famous once again after a case ends in a high speed chase viewed by thousands.

With the public looking on, his next case tests his abilities and his mother’s patience. Alicia Crowley, a young heiress, believes her uncle plans to kill her so she won’t collect her inheritance and wants Jimmy to prove it. When the uncle turns up dead, she becomes suspect numero uno. Believing she’s innocent, he investigates but begins to doubt his own instincts as he learns more about his client.

Will Jimmy solve the case and prove his mom wrong about him or just f@!k it all up?

About the Author:

Lawrence Allan is Midwestern as f@!k. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with an MFA in playwriting, his work has been seen internationally. His fiction can be found on Shotgun Honey and in the award-winning crime anthology Wrong Turn. He lives in Los Angeles. More can be found at www.LawrenceAllanWrites.com.

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Big Fat F@!k-up Review:

To begin with, I appreciated the author’s writing style in crafting the tale. The storyline skillfully combines action, tension, and humor, tracing Jimmy’s unexpected entanglement in a high-stakes pursuit. His adept use of wit and charm to navigate challenging scenarios adds a dynamic dimension to the plot.

I liked Jimmy as the central figure. His portrayal as a recovering alcoholic and former child star reemerging into the public eye as a detective adds depth to his character. The author also introduces intricate layers of family dynamics, suspicions, and enigmas, as Jimmy undertakes a case that veers from his usual investigative manner. The narrative gets exciting with the introduction of the Crowley family, with the pivotal event involving Barry driving the story forward.

Moreover, I enjoyed the author’s narrative pacing style, culminating in a climactic finale reminiscent of Agatha Christie and giving the story a special touch. Among the memorable moments, I found Jimmy’s interactions with his mentor, Gordon Bixby, particularly engaging. Similarly, I liked his bond with Erika, and the amusing scenes involving Rachel also stand out.

However, while the narrative maintains its intrigue, I would have appreciated an increased presence of twists and turns. Given the relatively confined pool of suspects, the final reveal became somewhat foreseeable, and I yearned for a more unexpected conclusion. Also, the story needed more substantial action apart from the initial car chase scene, which could have been further enhanced. Although characters like Kemble and Ito make intermittent appearances, their impact felt somewhat subdued.

The author skillfully balances various narrative elements to create an engaging story with compelling characters. The book offers charm, suspense, and humor while incorporating more intricate plot developments and surprises that could have elevated its impact even further.