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Book ReviewsThe Chicken Asylum (Alex Reynolds Mysteries (Hardcover)) |
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Book: The Chicken Asylum (Alex Reynolds Mysteries (Hardcover))
Written by: Fred Hunter |
Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5
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Best of a Fowl Series
Rating:
3 / 5
The fifth book in the Alex Reynolds mystery series is the best so far, which is faint praise indeed. Although the plot is passable, Hunter continues to try and mine humor from his unlikely trio of leading characters (Alex, Alex's mother Jean and Alex's partner Peter), none of whom are very funny; I would compare them to the Three Stooges --- minus the physical comedy! Alex continues to waver between clever and clueless; his periodic references to gays as "faggots" are offensive in context; and his constant gushing and cooing over Peter's sex appeal is simply obnoxious in the extreme.
What "The Chicken Asylum" does have going for it is a fairly interesting "guest character" - a young Iraqi soldier who may or may not be gay; who may or may not have information regarding certain hidden weapons in Iraq; and who may or may not be affiliated with a terrorist group! Alex's and Peter's friends also have larger supporting parts to play than in the previous books, and they are a welcome distraction from our hapless "heroes". Again, to praise a book not for its strengths but instead for its comparative lack of weaknesses is not a ringing endorsement, but that's the best that can be said about Alex & Company's latest caper.
Chicken Delight!
Rating:
5 / 5
THE CHICKEN ASYLUM is a winner! Once again Fred Hunter has seduced his readers in a story that could actually come off the front pages of any American newspaper. Alex, Peter, and Jean, (what would they do without Jean?) are the hapless "victims" of another CIA/FBI scheme gone awry, only this time it deals with an Iraqi defector. The plot line is MUCH MORE CONVOLUTED than Hunter's other books, and brings to the reader a story that is both frightening and charming at the same time. There is no doubt that the "Reynolds clan + Peter" are capable of being pro-active MOTHER HENS, and they prove it convincingly. Much to this reader's surprise, Alex proves to be much BUTCHER than previously perceived. I think this is the best yet in the Alex Reynolds Mysteries, and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
chicken is great food!
Rating:
4 / 5
Fred Hunter's CHICKEN ASYLUM is a great, snappy gay-themed read, not one that you would find in other sections. Delightful characters jump off the page, and perhaps could lend itself to film...Kudos to Hunter for being a visionary, not just Late-Nite material fodder
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