The Wowzer, Frank Wheeler Jr.
The Wowzer, Frank Wheeler Jr.
List: $14.99 | Sale: $10.50
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The Wowzer

Author: Frank Wheeler Jr.

Narrator: Eric G. Dove

Unabridged: 7 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/01/2012


Synopsis

In the Arkansas Ozarks, old-timers spin tales of the Wowzer, a giant panther-like creature that decapitates those who wander too far into the woods. County sheriff’s deputy Jerry was raised on Wowzer stories, but they aren’t enough to stop him from carrying out his own business in the remote hills. Jerry’s more than a sheriff’s deputy; he moonlights as muscle for local drug traffickers, who sometimes need people to get hurt—or get dead. Fortunately, Jerry’s pretty good at his job. And since Tom Haskell runs the sheriff’s office and the drug-protection racket, Jerry doesn’t see much of a moral dilemma. That is, until he starts thinking about getting out of the trade, and then things get complicated fast. For starters, Jerry’s girl Maggie flees the state after learning about a disturbing diagnosis tucked inside Jerry’s psych report. And now Sheriff Haskell is dragging his feet paying Jerry his cut of the drug money. Is Haskell just reluctant to lose his top muscle? Or is he plotting to take out the man who knows his dirtiest secrets? Fans of hardboiled, “country noir” fiction will love gnashing on Frank Wheeler’s violent and darkly comic debut, sneaking a glimpse into the mind of a killer whose inner monster is about to be unleashed.

About Frank Wheeler Jr.

Frank Wheeler Jr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the son of a preacher. Just thirty-three years old, he has lived in Minnesota, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Maryland, and Nebraska, where he earned his B.A. and M.A. in English studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He and his wife, Marie, do their best to stay in one place these days, living in Nebraska where Frank teaches at a community college in Lincoln. Inspired by the stories his Arkansas uncles used to tell, The Wowzer is Frank Wheeler’s first novel.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Rory

This book does a number of things well. It has a good Jim Thompson-type vibe; "The Getaway" in particular came to mind. Psychology, use of local dialect, and some rousing action scenes were other positives. Somehow, though, it just didn't click for me. I found myself laboring to get through. The plot......more

Goodreads review by Aric

I loved this one! Reminded me-in a good way-of some of Daniel Woodrell's stuff, mixed with some truly twisted typically urban crime fiction. Highly recommended.......more

Goodreads review by Rod

Arkansas will never seem the same after finishing this wild ride. This was one I enjoyed from page 1 till the end.......more


Quotes

“Frank Wheeler is a bright new talent in the farmhouse, and The Wowzer kicks in the kitchen window. I can’t wait to see what he cooks up next.” —Sean Doolittle, author of SaferThe Wowzer is killer blues guitar meets Jim Thompson in the drug-haunts of the Deep South. Think John Lee Hooker in concert, with Sonny Boy Williamson screaming on harmonica. Have your pistol handy as you read, it’s that badass. Frank Wheeler is ‘Bad Like Jesse James’ and The Wowzer is pure Arkansas white-lightning.” —Scott Wolven, author of critically acclaimed Controlled Burn