Audio Book Review: Travel by Bullet by John Scalzi

Travel by Bullet by John Scalzi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This novella was good, we have the "rules" in place and friends that are....questionable in their work, which leads to this story happening.

The ground work has been put in place with Mason and his grey to dark area of work with dispatching, and being a friend of Tony's that can bring trouble to his doorstep. And it does.

Tony amazes me as he's always laid back and doesn't stress over things, and figures out some way to play the game with the shady characters he comes across. He's great at protecting himself and helping others at the same time. That's a fine line to walk, and he can do it.

This story fell a little short for me compared to the first two. Why? I'm thinking it's hard to explain. It's well written and the mystery along with trouble is all here. But, it just didn't feel to work for me with Mason. Tony obviously sees Mason much more a friend than Mason sees Tony as. I know the story is far fetched to begin with, but the events seemed to be out there for the rules of the murder world, again I know it's said that no one knows why it works for some and not others. I felt the story focused more on Mason's involvement with some crypto scheme rather than being a dispatcher. Dispatching is used by these terrible people, but that's only a side to the story. I really liked when Dispatching was the focus of the story.

All in all, the story is well written to solve for all the stumbles and troubles we see along the way in this short book. I'll definitely keep an eye out to see if more of these come out in the future.

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Audio Book Review: Murder by Other Means by John Scalzi

Murder by Other Means by John Scalzi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm drawn to these books for the thought process. I like when a book makes me thing about the possibilities of getting around the rules put in place. This series does that. What constitutes murder and suicide? Who will return? Then, there's the mystery that makes Tony look guilty. How's Tony going to get out of this one without revealing too much about what he's really doing?

Yea, sounds like a tough subject, but in this world it's not. It really has me thinking as to what could help or happen. And there's people who want to be "murdered" so they can return. It's a thrill for them... but there's always that 1 in a 1,000 that they may not.

This book is 2 years after the first one. Tony is dragged into a... suicide... and a few other illegal events. And we see a few "old" friends again. Interesting to see where everyone is in 2 years time.

I'll be listening to the 3rd story here next. :)

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Audio Book Review: The Dispatcher by John Scalzi

The Dispatcher by John Scalzi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book will question your thoughts on death, murder, and God.

Tony is part of a shady world with his profession. There's a fine line to walk when people are injured. Do you leave them injured or "dispatch" them and hope they are in the 999 out of 1,000 to return.

When someone is sick, when do we stop and let go? This could make for some uncomfortable thoughts and talks, on death and murder in a world where murder doesn't necessarily mean death.

I wasn't sure where we were going or how the returns worked at first. I was kind of confused at the opening. But we quickly learn the process and the in's and out's of a Dispatcher. Very interesting. I'm thinking this concept is interesting to play with and will have varied opinions.

I'll be listening to the rest of these novella stories as the concept has me thinking and interested to learn more.

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