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book_concierge's review
3.0
A quirky novel reminiscent of Carl Hiaasen. Whan Jesus shows up on Christmas Eve in Whale Harbor, things start to happen. An unlikely serial killer is just the beginning.
qkjgrubb's review
2.0
I picked up this book at my local library because I like the premise and the cover. It sounded quirky. I love quirky books. And I have a goal. I have to read 50 books by the end of the year and I'm 4 away and this might so fine.
So I started. And since I'm a new author, I was looking especially at the style and choices the author made. I want to give this book a lot of stars. I root for the underdog that way.
On the premise alone, I gave it four stars. But then I found the super short sentences. Like the ones in this review. Very annoying.
Then the point of view went from head to head without any explanation. I'm taking away a star for this. Shoot.
Now the complicated plot is a little too quirky and there were some unnecessary characters. And I was a little offended at the "you deserve salvation" bit. I can see why a serial killer Jesus sounds interesting, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Now we're down to 2 stars.
Then I read chapter 32 and almost threw the book across the room.
Then I read chapter 35 and said "OH!!" So the book gets a star back, but I'm not dazzled.
If I get to the last three chapters and I catch myself thinking, "At least this gets me closer to my reading goal", then I should take away a star.
Sigh. My quirky, marginally interesting journey into a format Florida tourist trap town at Christmastime is over. I had a forgettable time.
I don't wish you were here.
So I started. And since I'm a new author, I was looking especially at the style and choices the author made. I want to give this book a lot of stars. I root for the underdog that way.
On the premise alone, I gave it four stars. But then I found the super short sentences. Like the ones in this review. Very annoying.
Then the point of view went from head to head without any explanation. I'm taking away a star for this. Shoot.
Now the complicated plot is a little too quirky and there were some unnecessary characters. And I was a little offended at the "you deserve salvation" bit. I can see why a serial killer Jesus sounds interesting, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Now we're down to 2 stars.
Then I read chapter 32 and almost threw the book across the room.
Then I read chapter 35 and said "OH!!" So the book gets a star back, but I'm not dazzled.
If I get to the last three chapters and I catch myself thinking, "At least this gets me closer to my reading goal", then I should take away a star.
Sigh. My quirky, marginally interesting journey into a format Florida tourist trap town at Christmastime is over. I had a forgettable time.
I don't wish you were here.
stenaros's review
3.0
Another good, light novel to read in a day. I picked this one up when I was near the end of Henry and Clara and things were getting ominous. This was set in a small Florida town and is peopled with a lot of quirky characters. Not overly quirky, so they are annoying, but just unique. Jesus comes to town at Christmas time in a fancy RV. His method of bringing salvation is a bit suspect and the people in the town deal with Jesus and their own problems.
chrisiant's review
3.0
This book felt like Dave Barry's novels but less predictable jokes, Christopher Moore's novels but with a little more heart and a little less zany (just a little) and some of the flavor of Carl Hiassen with I'm not sure what missing because I've only read a little Carl Hiassen so far. All that to say, charming and amusing with plenty of plot twists and not a few chuckle-out-loud moments. It must be something about South Florida, but that location plus a bunch of hapless misfits and a Jesus serial killer add up to quite a good time.
michelle_leitheoir's review
4.0
This book is like Frank Peretti’s The Visitation, except in a more humorous, brightly colored packaging. Great characters, fun situational comedy, a tense climax, and really solid writing!
ashleyspilk's review
3.0
Kinda risque in a few places, but definitely worth the read for the Bee-Jesus (you'll see). A fun, quirky, quick read.
amdbarger's review
4.0
So, a lot of people are comparing N.M. Kelby to Carl Hiaasen. I’ve never read anything by Hiaasen, so to me, this book didn’t really seem like a cheap imitation of anyone. I thoroughly enjoyed Whale Season. I thought the characters and setting were all original and captivating to read about. And although the plot seemed to be a little out there at times, I found that it was unrealistic in the way that the “Weird News” section of your local newspaper is also rather unrealistic.
Some have also complained about the length of the book as well, but I thought it was just fine. A quick read during the busy holiday season is fine by me. In fact, I wouldn’t mind reading more about the characters and what their lives were like after the events of Whale Season. Which is not to say that the novel ended abruptly or anything; I just found myself very attached to all of the characters.
I’m looking forward to reading more of N.M. Kelby’s work!
Some have also complained about the length of the book as well, but I thought it was just fine. A quick read during the busy holiday season is fine by me. In fact, I wouldn’t mind reading more about the characters and what their lives were like after the events of Whale Season. Which is not to say that the novel ended abruptly or anything; I just found myself very attached to all of the characters.
I’m looking forward to reading more of N.M. Kelby’s work!
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