Assessment:
In Yeargin's novel, Jake Eliam, a baseball bat maker and sometime private investigator, is a little hung up on the past. While the book is well plotted, the missing music manuscript at the heart of the novel is a bit of a stretch. Many of the set-piece scenes are well done, and Jake's interactions with Catfish, his sometime employer and benefactor, have an especially easy rhythm. The climatic action seems more labored than the rest of the book, and Yeargin needs to commit to a little more energy to his depictions of violence, so the reader gets a better idea of the stakes. Jake Eliam has potential, and Yeargin has clearly set him up for a series.
Date Submitted: July 22, 2016
This book feels alive. Every page seems to breathe with life and atmosphere. The inside of Jake’s head is a wonderful place to be. He’s smart but knows he’s a working class stiff. He’s old fashioned, but adaptable. Jake Eliam moonlights as a private eye and his contemplative, easy-going style is a refreshing contrast to the bitter veteran that seems to be the standard for private detective fiction.
This down-to-earth motif runs throughout the entire book and it feels very refreshing. The reader gets a real sense of crisis, especially near the end, but it never seems to take itself to seriously. Jake may be contemplative but he never seems to crossover into full blown brooding. Most of the time, he is looking for a beer and something to eat and something to listen to. Even if you are not from the deep south, anyone who enjoys the simple life will find a kindred spirit in the characters of this book.
The BOOKWORM SPEAKS REVIEW
For more Reviews and comments from readers as well visit my website below
The Georgia Writers Association has announced the 2016 GEORGIA AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS and the novel HOOCHY KOOCHY by Author Cliff Yeargin was named FINALIST in the Mystery/Detective Category.
The awards were presented at Kennesaw State University on June 4th. There were 154 nominees in 14 categories. One Winner and one Finalist were presented in each category.
The novel, HOOCHY KOOCHY is the second book in the mystery series staring Jake Eliam, a former baseball player turned Private Investigator in the Atlanta neighborhood of ChickenBone. His adventures began in the debut book of the series RABBIT SHINE. The Series has garnered rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike.
The author Cliff Yeargin is a native of Georgia and has travelled the United States covering Sports and News as a Broadcast Journalist. He currently lives in Atlanta and works as an Editor/Producer at CNN.
For more information please visit the authors website
cliffyeargin.com
For a full list of all winners in the Georgia Author of the year awards
www.georgiawriters.org
To contact the author for interview request, review request or full BIO
E-Mail cliff.yeargin@gmail.com
Phone 404-588-0712
