Official Review: Crime Artist by Rodney Johnson

[Brenda Creech]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Crime Artist" by Rodney Johnson.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Crime Artist by Rodney Johnson is a collection of eleven fictional short stories relating to love, fame, guilt, and money. These thought-provoking stories show how the choices we make in life not only affect us physically and financially but psychologically as well.

In this book of short stories, be prepared to find everything from taking unnecessary chances in "Chicken In A Bag" to choosing money and fame over safety in "Fast Car---Fast Car," or faking one's death in "Crime Artist." Learn the shocking truth behind the disappearance of the owner of an antique mirror in "Vanity Mirror." Feel the psychological torment of being cheated on in "Opsiquinta," and losing touch with reality in "At The Movies." In "The Accident," you will vacillate over how one man's actions harmed a group of children. You'll meet a couple who are in a volatile relationship in "Mind, Body, and Soul." A man finds himself fighting for his life in "Street Brawl," while another is taking back what he feels is rightfully his in "Here Is One For The Hustlers." And finally, two friends are plotting to get the reward money from an accident they caused in "American Money."

The author has a unique and creative writing style. Each story is thought-provoking and left me wondering, at times, if I had read it correctly. I have to admit I read all of the stories more than once to give my mind time to absorb the content. I enjoyed Rodney's creative style of writing, and there is plenty of action to keep the reader enthralled. The characters are well-developed and unique. I enjoyed each of the stories in the book; however, my favorites are "Vanity Mirror" and "Opsiquinta."

What I liked most about this book was the author's creativity in each story and how he leaves the reader contemplating the purpose of the story. What I disliked most was the cover of the book. I couldn't see a correlation between the cover and the contents. The author has published a second book called Promise You Will Love Me Forever. There is a short excerpt included in this book.

I was disappointed to find multiple errors, four of which were in the first two pages. The errors consisted of grammar and punctuation. For instance, there were quotation marks at the beginning of a sentence but left off at the end. The number of errors showed a lack of professional editing. I hope the author will consider having the book re-edited. I recommend this book to all who enjoy short stories as well as psychological thrillers. There is some profanity, sexual innuendos, and violence that may impede some readers. I feel the book would be appropriate for readers ages eighteen and up.

Due to the number of errors in the book, I must remove one star from the rating. Therefore I am giving Crime Artist by Rodney Johnson 3 out of 4 stars.

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Crime Artist
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[Brendan Donaghy]

I agree that the cover is a bit odd. It certainly doesn't grab your attention or make you want to have a look inside the book. Shame about that and the errors, as it sounds like the author can tell a story. Enjoyed your review!

[Brenda Creech]

I agree that the cover is a bit odd. It certainly doesn't grab your attention or make you want to have a look inside the book. Shame about that and the errors, as it sounds like the author can tell a story. Enjoyed your review!

Thank you, and thanks for commenting!

[NetMassimo]

I like psychological thrillers, but generally they're novels or movies, not short fiction, so I find this anthology intriguing, even more thanks to what you wrote about it. Thank you for your great review!

[Brenda Creech]

I like psychological thrillers, but generally they're novels or movies, not short fiction, so I find this anthology intriguing, even more thanks to what you wrote about it. Thank you for your great review!

Thank you, and thanks for commenting!