Red Fish, Dead Fish

Fish out of Water, Book 2

By: Amy Lane

Narrated by: Greg Tremblay

Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

They must work together to stop a psychopath - and save each other.

Two months ago, Jackson Rivers got shot while trying to save Ellery Cramer’s life. Not only is Jackson still suffering from his wounds, the trigger-man remains at large - and the body count is mounting.

Jackson and Ellery have been trying to track down Tim Owens since Jackson got out of the hospital, but Owens' time as a member of the department makes the DA reluctant to turn over any stones. When Owens starts going after people Jackson knows, Ellery’s instincts hit red alert. Hurt in a scuffle with drug-dealing squatters and trying damned hard not to grieve for a childhood spent in hell, Jackson is weak and vulnerable when Owens strikes.

Jackson gets away, but the fallout from the encounter might kill him. It’s not doing Ellery any favors either. When a police detective is abducted - and Jackson and Ellery hold the key to finding her - Ellery finds out exactly what he’s made of. He’s not the corporate shark who believes in winning at all costs; he’s the frightened lover trying to keep the man he cares for from self-destructing in his own valor.

©2017 Amy Lane (P)2018 Dreamspinner Press

Love this book series

I love Jackson and Ellery so much. I love all the side characters as well but this couple makes me so happy. All the mischief Jackson gets up to and Ellery pulls him out of and gives him shit for it all I love it. I can listen to them over and over and just waiting patiently for the rest to be on audible..

Brilliant narration for a gritty, sexy, REAL book

What can I say that hasn't already been said to praise the brilliance of this book, the characters, the storytelling, and the superb narrator?

There just aren't words. But I'm pretty confident in saying that this is my favorite series by this author, and I LOVE Jackson and Ellery. They are fire, snark, chemistry, and everything.

Bring on Racing For the Sun and then Fish #3!

Why did I wait so long to listen to this one???

I received a free copy of this audiobook to listen to and review for Wicked Reads.

I’m currently kicking myself for not listening to Red Fish, Dead Fish sooner. Honestly, with as much as I loved Fish out of Water, I’m still uncertain as to how it took me so long to cue up its sequel. Between the continuation of Jackson and Ellery’s story and Greg Tremblay back as narrator, it boggles my mind. I can only assume that I was subconsciously worried – needlessly and unnecessarily – that I wouldn’t love book two as much as I loved book one. How utterly silly of me.

Picking up two months after the end of book one, Red Fish, Dead Fish has Jackson just getting back to work… well, chomping at the bit to get back to work full-time after his part-time return didn’t go as well as planned (and thanks for the bonus chapter that showed just how that went down). On par with the aggressively independent man we met in Fish out of Water, Jackson is bordering on resentful that those close to him are trying to keep him from doing for himself. Ellery, Jade, and Mike walk a fine line trying to support Jackson while trying to keep him from overdoing it and ending up back in the hospital, AGAIN! Good intentions be darned, Jackson Rivers has a home still being renovated, meth dealers to roust from said home, and a serial killer to catch, and he’s going to do it all or die trying. Unfortunately for all involved, dying trying isn’t off the table. While Jackson might be sharing some of Billy Bob’s nine lives, there are some situations when even a tomcat can’t land on his feet. And that’s exactly what has Ellery so scared. I have to say that Lane did a fabulous job of keeping Ellery and Jackson true to the characters we met in book one. While there is definitely some character growth in Jackson, it occurs in kicks and starts, stunted just like the man; and the level of emotional and physical trauma Jackson endures this time around just adds to the complications and obstacles he has to overcome. Jackson’s sense of recklessness comes off like a bit of a death wish, but it’s the objective observation of Ellery’s mother that makes it easier to understand why Jackson seems so out of control – and had me nearly crying for the little boy Jackson once was. If it weren’t for the fact that Ellery is as stubborn as Jackson is reckless, I don’t know that the showdown with the serial killer would have felt nearly as believable, but it was absolutely perfect for my favorite crime-fighting couple. And the threat to Taylor’s client… WOW! The fact that I get to dive right into the next book is the only thing that makes my waiting to listen to Red Fish, Dead Fish worth it.

It’s no secret that Greg Tremblay is my favorite narrator, so there’s not a lot I haven’t already said about his talent in my previous reviews. What was new for me was just how CREEPY he was able to make the serial killer’s voice. I love the amount of emotion he taps into when narrating Ellery and Jackson, but the whiplash level of crazy that Owens displayed was superbly done. I can’t forget the damaged vocal cords voice of Tess Dakin because that had to hurt to perform, but it was an excellent touch. And I love the way he’s able to capture Taylor’s cool aloofness and warm amusement – the woman is a bit of a contradiction at times and Tremblay conveys that so well. The accompanying stories were a delight because I’ve recently read Racing for the Sun and was amazed by the voices Tremblay created for Ace, Sonny, Jai, and Alba. It was such a treat that left me grinning and even more enamored with his narration. Being as I don’t have to say goodbye yet, I’m off to listen to A Few Good Fish.

Loved the second half of this story

4.25*

The story follows on from book #1 with the same characters and continuing storyline. This time around Jackson and Ellery are tracking down Owens, the ex-cop and now serial killer, who evaded capture in the previous story. Jackson is recovering from a gunshot wound and is staying at Ellery’s home while his place is being repaired. Although their relationship is more established, Jackson is fearful of commitment and is struggling to see a long-term future with Ellery. As much as he wants it, he doesn’t think he deserves it or is good enough for him. The romance development is nicely balanced with the murder/mystery storyline. There’s a lot of dialogue with not much action during the first half of the story. I think you need to have read/listened to the first story to follow exactly what’s going on. We find out more information on Jackson’s background here.

Once the story got going, I was gripped. It’s intense, exciting, and somewhat gruesome in places. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense-filled second half as Jackson and Ellery close in on Owens and also sort out their relationship issues.

There’s also four bonus short stories that are linked to the characters/plot and also Racing for the Sun. The serial killer storyline is wrapped up and a HFN ending, but the story’s not over yet.

I enjoyed listening to Greg Tremblay’s interpretation of the story and that he acts rather than just reads the text. His narrative voice is soothing and his voice evenly-paced. He imparts plenty of emotion when necessary and has created distinct character voices. Jackson and Ellery are so different in personality and their voices are perfectly suited to them. I thought Greg did an amazing job at portraying Jackson’s suffering when he was unwell and in pain, and also Ellery’s desperation when things go badly.

Chaos, panic and disorder... before breakfast.

I'm going to preface this review by saying this is the second book in a series that MUST be read in order. After the shenanigans in Fish out of Water, book 1, Jackson has moved in the Ellery along with his cat while he recovers and his house is refurbished. While Ellery is ready to add Jackson's name to the deed and write Jackson into his will, Jackson already has one foot out the door, waiting for the guillotine to drop on his head. You'd think these two have been through enough and it's time for their happy ever after, right? Yeah... not so much. Chaos erupts at Jackson's house and Ellery is in a panic, his perfectly planned life in disorder. And that's all before breakfast!

Holy crap this book kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! I love the way Amy Lane can weave intricate plots and characters together and keep you wanting more in the middle of the maelstrom. Jackson's life has been nothing but miserable, one disappointment after another, so when Ellery starts making promises Jackson already has his running shoes on. Ellery's life is perfectly planned out, everything routine, normal and boring until Jackson comes along and pulls him out of his shell, makes Ellery want something more. Their relationship is like lightening, sunshine and an atomic bomb sewn together with barbed wire, duct tape and long stem roses with lots and lots of thorns.

The narration is nothing less than extraordinary. Tremblay has a way with words that truly brings the characters to life, makes them feel real. He totally nails Ellery's sarcasm and Jackson's internal struggle with his world falling down around him with tones, nuances and inflections.

This is an audio that I'll be listening to again. On a side note, can somebody tell Amy Lane that I really want Ellery and Jackson to work a case with Ian and Miro (Mary Calmes Marshall series)?! THAT would be an amazing story.

What a performance

Just going to rave about Greg Tremblay. He is brilliant at differentiating between characters. I'm fond of Ellery and Jackson, and Tremblay breathes life into this 2nd book about their continuing involvement with a series of cases, and their developing relationship.

Now that's what I'm talkin' about!

This is the story I was missing when I read book one, Fish Out of Water. The characters were there and the action was there, but I was really missing the feels and the romance.

Amy gives us these things here. We finally get to really plumb the depths of Jackson and Ellery’s feelings for one another and get some of the ooey gooey romance that I crave so much!

There is certainly still a lot of mystery and action going on, and I was so pleased by the romantic elements, too!

If you’ve read book one you’ll want to read this – even if book one wasn’t your favorite – I think this does a lot to make book one come together.

Highly recommended! (Not as a standalone!)


5 of 5 stars

Audio

Woot! So Greg Tremblay is AWESOME and in addition to doing all the awesome he did for book 1, we get the bonus chapters Amy published in her blog and performed those too! While he won’t replace Nick for me as far as Ace and Sonny – I did appreciate his version
This was wonderful and definitely the best way to experience this story! (The ficlets are maybe the best part…;)

6 of 5 stars

A rollercoaster ride!

Amy Lane definitely has the action and angst in this story! I fell in love with Jackson in Fish Out of Water, but Ellory stole it in this one. Jackson has enough emotional baggage to own a luggage store (understandable) and it takes someone with the patience of a saint and with a lot of determination to take that on...cue Ellory! The mystery was fascinating, with a lot of twists, the secondary characters shine...love Lucy Satan! Greg Tremblay, as usual, brings all the characters to life with his narrating.

A+ rating...

My Review:
Overall: 4.75
Performance: 5.0
Story: 4.75

I didn't really have high expectations for this book. Although I love Amy Lane, that cover just didn't do it for me and really messed with my perceptions of what this book would be. OMG, was I ever wrong in my pre-judgment of this book. This story was PHENOMENAL...seriously, almost perfection and the audiobook version of it was perfection. It truly took an incredible book and the audio raised it just one notch higher. Greg Tremblay...happy sigh...he is just a fantastic narrator. I love what he does with his voices.

So, this book. Ellery is a lawyer. Jackson is a PI that works for his law firm. They've worked together for years, but have basically just circled around one another. They really don't even like one another, but that's because they really have no idea what the other one is about. To Ellery, Jackson is a manwhore. Jackson thinks Ellery has a stick up his butt. They are both right and wrong. What they're missing in their perceptions is exactly why the other is like they are and as they begin to work together to get Jackson's brother cleared of killing a cop, they begin to get to know one another...and realize there is so much more.

Jackson...OMG, my heart wept for him. His story is just so tragic. And I loved how protective and alpha Ellery became about that and Jackson. OMG, Ellery started out this book as such a beta, but by the end he was kicking butt and taking names. I loved that. The two of them together were just EVERYTHING. The romance in this story is perfection...everything I love about romance. They grow to respect one another and that becomes so much more as the relationship evolves and deepens. I LOVED JACKSON AND ELLERY TOGETHER!

But there is also a mystery about what really happened in that gas station that night that is also really well done. I loved the corners they wended their way through and all the places their investigation took them.

It was just an incredible book. I HIGHLY recommend it and am so excited to read book #2. I'm just sad it's not out in audio yet. So, I'll read it first...and then listen to it when the audio comes out, too. I LOVED THIS BOOK!

This is a fantastic story

If you could sum up Red Fish, Dead Fish in three words, what would they be?

Holy fucking hell

Who was your favorite character and why?

It’s a tie between all of them. Making me choose is cruel. Jackson and Ellery for different reasons. Also Lucy Satan. Also mike. Seriously there is no choosing. They are all wonderfully written well rounded characters whom I would love to meet in real life.

What does Greg Tremblay bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The accents and the pacing. I’d read too fast, miss too much. And Greg isn’t just reading, he’s acting. It’s like watching tv but better.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh god, if only. I would have if i could have. But at the same time i wanted to draw it out and make it last because god only knows how long it’s going to be until the next one. I’ve been waiting for this book since last summer. It was worth the wait, no question, but I listened to it a lot faster than It’ll take for the next one to come out.

Any additional comments?

I’m about to go fangirl at Amy Lane. These books, both Fish out of Water and Red Fish Dead Fish are some of favorite books. And Greg Trembly is a narrator of unimpeachable quality. The combination is outstanding.