When I got the tour invite for Big Numbers I was really excited to give the book a try and since I was going through a mystery phase I thought hey, I can totally squeeze this in, and I did manage to and the plus was I managed to fit it on the blog schedule and really liked it as well.In Big Numbers we're introduced to our down and out hero Austin Carr, who is a hot mess. I loved him as a character but lordy was he a hot mess! I loved it, too often I find that characters in books are too put together so I thought it was refreshing to see one like Austin Carr who besides being a hot mess, divorced dad, living in a camper he has got to have the worst luck I've ever seen a character have and ya know what folks? I loved him! Seriously, I can't remember the last time I've read a book as funny as this one did. It was a quick light hearted read but don't let that fool you. Big Numbers well and truly had it's fair share of plot twists and turns and I totally wasn't expecting that to be partnered with a main character whom I had a lot of fun laughing at.The characters, while they seemed to appear as one thing did so deceivingly because whilst I was reading it there were things that certain characters did that made me stop and think for a moment, and served as a reminded of how deceptive characters in mystery novels can be whether they be the good or the bad guys. Overall, there was quite a bit of action, drama and intrigue to balance out all the hilarious trouble Austin seems to bring with him wherever he goes. Before I started this book I was a little nervous but now I'm so glad that I read the book for the tour because this is definitely a series I'll be follow.I would recommend Big Numbers to fans who want something more than a cozy mystery but don't want something to long, or too serious that they can't get away with reading a book in an afternoon. If you like interesting characters with hard luck stories and want a laugh as well as some mystery and action pick this one up as soon as you can!*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.
Big Numbers is the first book in the Austin Carr Mystery series. Author Jack Getze states that the genre is Screwball Mystery, an apt description for a fun read.Austin Carr has the worst luck. A successful stockbroker until the market crashed, Austin underwent some major changes in his lifestyle after the crash. His income, based solely on commissions from his clients' stock transactions, was cut in half. The worst consequence is that, because he can't make his alimony and child-support payments on his current salary, Austin's visitation rights with his two children have been suspended.And then, there's all the people trying to kill him.But none of this affects Austin's self-confidence. He believes that people will like him, because he gives them "the famous Carr smile." He gets people to go along with him, by flashing "the famous, full-boat Carr grin." He is irresistible to people, because of "the famous Carr charm."Austin's story, charm and all, was irresistible to me. I couldn't put it down, because I just had to find out what would happen to Austin next, and ended up reading Big Numbers in one day. I am looking forward to reading Big Money and Big Mojo, the next books in Jack Getze's Screwball Mystery Austin Carr series.I recommend Big Numbers to mystery fans, especially those who like their mystery splashed with a dash of noir, a pinch of zany, some thrilling, and a lot of funny. Big Numbers, by Jack Getze, rates four out of five stars -- I really enjoyed it!(originally published at Jane Reads)
What do You think about Big Numbers (2013)?
This isn't the kind of story that I usually read. I thought it was very well written, clever and funny. There were a couple of simple spelling errors that I noticed but other than that everything was good. The ending was not what I expected at all, and I love that it happened the way it did. I liked how this novel didn't portray the typical romances that go on in novels, and it was a different view of how men can really be, and women as well. It showed that nothing really ever is how it usually seems. I would read this again, and will be keeping an eye out for the next one.
—Corinna Fiorito
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Ever read one of those books where you find yourself thinking - Really? - This was one of them. Poor Austin Carr has a tough time of it. He takes a HUGE pay cut, loses visitation rights with his kids, gets into ANOTHER bad deal and things just look like they cannot get any worse. Until they do.It was such a blast. One of those comic reliefs with meat. It was hilarious but it still had a story to it. The characters were all so colourful and loud. The story was fun filled, tragedy filled and just plain filled with laughs.I was in love with how real Austin was. A little egotistical, a good dad, a failed husband and a really confident, positive kind of outlook. He believes he can do anything with a little luck and a great smile.It was a very quick read, but a very good one.
—Angelique
This is the first book in the Austin Carr mystery series. My first thought was…a stockbroker hero??? Mmm…well, let’s give it a try. To my surprise, it worked! It really did!Talk about a character who is “down and out” – that’s Austin Carr. I don’t think I ever read a character who had so many bad things happen to him. At times, I found it hard to root for him but at other times I wanted him to succeed. I was torn!It’s a good, funny story filled with suspense and adventure. I like that a couple of characters may not be as bad (or as good) as you might think.What I really loved – there were so many twists and turns you didn’t know if you were coming or going. I read this one in a few days and really enjoyed the blend of mystery with humor. It had me laughing at times and cringing at others. It’s one of those books you want to read straight through even if it meant missing a few night’s sleep.That’s how it was with Big Numbers – twists, turns and a plot to keep readers extremely interested. A great start to the series!FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
—Yvonne
