• The Neon Owl: Book 1: When the Shit Hits the Van

  • By: Chad Lutzke
  • Narrated by: John Mo
  • Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (7 ratings)

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The Neon Owl: Book 1: When the Shit Hits the Van  By  cover art

The Neon Owl: Book 1: When the Shit Hits the Van

By: Chad Lutzke
Narrated by: John Mo
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Publisher's summary

Jinx is a record-collecting, middle-aged minimalist whose dreams of becoming a detective are waylaid by love and laziness. But when he inherits his late aunt’s rundown motel, The Neon Owl, his passion for investigative work reignites while he searches for answers as to who keeps shitting in the bushes. His findings lead to a full-blown murder mystery where he and newfound friend, Roddy, the elderly, one-legged handyman, set out to find the killer.

A crime noir-ish whodunnit rife with humor, grit, and ranch dressing.

"Terrific stuff from Chad Lutzke, who manages to take tired tropes and set them on fire with passion and originality." (Joe R. Lansdale, Champion Mojo Storyteller)

“Once again, Lutzke shows his mastery of creating characters that live and breathe far from the page. An intoxicating blend of humor and intrigue. The only reason I paused while racing to the finale was to laugh out loud.” (Robert Ford, co-author of A Penny for Your Thoughts)

©2020 Chad Lutzke (P)2020 Chad Lutzke

What listeners say about The Neon Owl: Book 1: When the Shit Hits the Van

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good but a bit crude and gritty for my taste.

Writing and story well done. I liked the way the characters were developed. Wasn't sure at first because style different than typical murder mysteries I read, but then again nice to change it up.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Funny and endearing crime noir

I love Chad Lutzke's writing style, and even though this book was a departure from what I'm used to, it wasn't any less good. The relationship between Jinx and Roddy as they work together to solve a mystery in their motel is perfection. It reminded me of the relationship between the protagonists in Duma Key by Stephen King, which I also adored.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story

This is a great little story. Chad Lutzke is a fine writer, This is the third story I have read/listened to by Chad, I am now a fan and I look forward to his other books.. So if you want to read/listen to some good stories, then by all means check Chad out, I would recommend this book or Wallflower to start with. Also John Mo does a solid job with the voices.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Good

More detailed and gritty than I like. A different style of writing. Narration and plot was good. Given audio for my review

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