Cherry Bomb – 5 Stars

J. A. Konrath

Hyperion, 2009, 304 Pages

ISBN No. 978-1401302818

The book opens with a gloomy, depressing scene.  Jack Daniels is standing in the rain attending the funeral of her loved one killed by Alex Kork.   Alex can’t even leave Jack alone long enough to grieve.  Jack gets a call at the graveside from Alex advising Alex that she is ready to kill again unless Jack can find a way to stop her.

So begins a wild chase with Jack determined to catch Alex this time and end her reign of terror for the last time.  However, Alex always seems to be one-step ahead and taunting Jack by phone all the way.  Jack has done everything she can to protect her loved ones.  They’ve been sent in different directions with the hope that Alex can’t find them.

This time Jack is working outside the law.  She has some help but Alex is leaving a trail of bodies.  Her victims do not die easily.  Alex is a very violent person and her hatred for Jack is intense.

Some of the characters from previous Jack Daniels books are present in Cherry Bomb.  Even though Jack has sent her loved ones into hiding, a few loyal friends stick by her.  Konrath adds a bit of humor to the bizarre race between Jack and Alex.  A monkey even takes part in a bit of the action. 

Konrath’s books are always exciting with a touch of humor and a bunch of action.  Cherry Bomb is no exception.  The conclusion took me by surprise.  This is the sixth Jack Daniels mystery. 

Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid