Reviews

Rumble Tumble by Joe R. Lansdale

ponyonmyboat15's review

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funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

nigellicus's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense

5.0

Hap and Leonard set out to retrieve Brett's daughter from a bad situation gotten considerably worse. Enounters with mobsters and lowlives of various stripes and persuasions ensue as the trail leads them across the border to a vicious biker gang and whole heap o' violence. Everything that can go wrong generally does, but they keep on truckin'

the_enobee's review against another edition

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3.0

While still enjoyable, I didn't like this Hap and Leonard story as much as the others I've read. The violence started to feel like too much, and the fact of our boys seeking it out and being on the offensive the entire novel wasn't to my liking. Not to mention the finale felt a little too convenient. I already started Captain Outrageous without really meaning too, and I'm glad to see the return to previous Hap and Leonard style.

misterjay's review against another edition

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3.0

Another Hap and Leonard novel, another blood soaked adventure through the wilds of East Texas with bits of Oklahoma and Mexico thrown in for good measure. This time, Hap and Leonard are off to track down and rescue Tilly, the wayward daughter of Hap's girlfriend. A working prostitute, Tilly has indicated that she'd like to leave the life but her pimp and his goons are reluctant to let her do so. Hap and Leonard ride to the rescue.

As always, the author let's conversations between Hap and Leonard handle any and all characterization while the action points carry the story. There are several monologues that introduce the new characters in the book and, unlike previous novels, where new characters might serve to set up the next novel, there are so few left alive at the end of this one that that seems unlikely. So we're given a lot of exposition in the form of speeches to cover over the fact that there is just a lot of waiting and then gunfire carrying the story.

None of this is bad, just a bit more of the same from what we've already seen. I didn't feel like there were any new real developments that could lead to a sense of continuity in the series. Instead, this seems almost as if it is a detour from the standard series arc we've already been presented with.

scheu's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoy every Hap and Leonard novel but this one spent a little less time on plot and a little more time on the secondary characters, none of whom will show up in the next book. It was also a downer! You really want something nice and lasting to happen to these guys.

dantastic's review against another edition

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3.0

When someone brings Brett news of her daughter wanting out of the prostitution business, Hap & Leonard, with Brett in tow, go to Hootie Hoot Oklahoma to find her. But does Tillie want to be found?

My Hap and Leonard re-read continues with the fifth volume, Rumble Tumble. The Hap and Leonard tradition of kicking ass and cracking wise continues, this time featuring pistol-whipping, steroided up bodyguards, hookers, bikers, drug dealers, and one red haired little person.

Rumble Tumble isn't my favorite Hap and Leonard novel. After reading two others in relatively rapid succession, some of the luster has worn off. It also represents a slight dip in quality, along with the next book, [b:Captains Outrageous|219727|Captains Outrageous (Hap and Leonard, #6)|Joe R. Lansdale|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1172804775s/219727.jpg|3002847], before Joe brings the gang back in style in the seventh book, [b:Vanilla Ride|5768980|Vanilla Ride (Hap and Leonard, #7)|Joe R. Lansdale|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320488010s/5768980.jpg|5940721].

However, an average quality Hap and Leonard book is still a lot of fun. There is still great humor and a brutal conclusion that is probably the most violent one in the series at this point. Not only that, there are some great character moments with Hap, Leonard, and Brett. Hap and Leonard never pass through the fire unscathed and Hap feels pretty worn out by the end of this book.

While it's not my favorite, Rumble Tumble is still packed with mojo and a fun read. 3.5 out of five stars.

billmorrow's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced

2.5

csdaley's review

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4.0

Hap and Leonard have turned into one of my favorite series. The dialog in this book is what really does it for me. It is laugh out loud funny.

pbanditp's review against another edition

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5.0

Always a good time with Hap and Leonard. Four stars plus one because of the Deerslayer/ Natty Bumppo references.

martyfried's review

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4.0

I think this series might be better as an audiobook; they are well done, and the southern accent of the narrator really makes it funnier (although I haven't actually compared to print).

As usual, the story is not the best part to me, although it's usually interesting. But the characters and the dialog is what keeps me reading these books.

In this story, Hap's current romantic interest has a daughter who is a prostitute, but in over her head so her mother decides to bring her home. Unfortunately, even if her daughter agrees, the people holding on to her won't. So Hap decides to help. Shouldn't be too hard, right? Unless they get killed, which looks likely at times. Fortunately, Leonard offers to help, and he's a good person to have around if you need help in a situation like this and don't mind someone who likes to stir up trouble.