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Jack Daniels Stories: Fifteen Mystery Tales Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

J. A. Konrath (Author), Dick Hill (Narrator), Angela Dawe (Narrator),
4.1 out of 5 stars 468 ratings

JA Konrath, known for the Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thrillers set in Chicago, offers this collection of short stories and novellas from the Jack Daniels universe.

Join Jack Daniels, her partner Herb Benedict, private eye Harry McGlade, and part-time criminal Phineas Troutt, in this omnibus of 15 stories.

These were previous published in magazines and anthologies, and many are long out of print.

On the Rocks - Suicide or murder? Lt. Jack Daniels solves a locked room mystery.

Whelp Wanted - P.I. Harry McGlade becomes a dognapper in order to stop a dognapper, or something like that.

Street Music - Phineas Troutt hunts a prostitute through the dangerous streets of Chicago. Are his intentions pure?

The One That Got Away - The Gingerbread Man (the villain from WHISKEY SOUR) hunts one final victim.

With a Twist - It looked like the man fell from a great height, but the body is in his living room. Jack Daniels solves another impossible crime.

Epitaph - Phin Troutt takes on a Chicago street gang with vengeance on his mind.

Taken to the Cleaners - Harry McGlade tries to solve a difficult mystery, but mostly just goofs off.

Body Shots - Jack Daniels faces her most challenging case yet; a school shooting. But does she know more about the perp than she realizes?

Suffer - Phineas Troutt has taken some questionable jobs, but will he murder a man's wife?

School Daze - P.I. Harry McGlade investigates a private school, but he's not entirely sure why.

Overproof - While shopping on the Gold Coast, Jack Daniels notices traffic has come to a stand-still. When she realizes what the problem is, she's confronted with her own mortality, and the possible deaths of hundreds.

Bereavement - How badly does Phineas Troutt need a fix? What is he willing to do?

Pot Shot - Detective Herb Benedict just wants a home cooked meal. But his plans get interrupted by a very determined sniper.

Last Request - Phineas Troutt picks up a hitchhiker, with deadly results.

The Necro File - Harry McGlade investigates some bizarre murders in this hilarious, gore-filled mini-epic. (Author's note: This is easily the funniest thing I've ever written, but it's also very offensive. Let the reader beware...)

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  1. Listening Length
    6 hours and 53 minutes
  2. Author
    J. A. Konrath
  3. Narrator
    Dick Hill, see all
  4. Audible release date
    May 9, 2011
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Brilliance Audio
  7. ASIN
    B004ZW6A9Y
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 6 hours and 53 minutes
Author J. A. Konrath
Narrator Dick Hill, Angela Dawe
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date May 09, 2011
Publisher Brilliance Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B004ZW6A9Y
Best Sellers Rank #288,684 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#40 in Thriller & Suspense Anthologies & Short Stories
#1,528 in Literature Anthologies
#2,171 in Fiction Short Stories

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
468 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy these short stories and find them fast-paced and quick reads. The writing style receives mixed feedback, with some praising the superb writing while others note bad syntax. Customers appreciate the character development, particularly the different leading characters in each story, and find the humor top-notch, with one customer mentioning they laugh out loud while reading. The story quality receives mixed reactions, with some finding the detective work interesting while others find them boring.

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73 customers mention "Enjoyment"73 positive0 negative

Customers thoroughly enjoy these short stories, finding them engaging and fun to read, with one customer particularly appreciating the hooker story.

"...I also appreciated the introduction to each story, in which Konrath laid out what inspired a story, what he was trying to do with it, and how he..." Read more

"...he wants (which may or may not include food/sex) was as usual, a delight to read. And Phineas Trout... I have a soft spot for Phin...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the story featuring Herb Benedict, too, feeling that it gave me more insight into the character, which will come into play in reading the..." Read more

"...is an author whose work is thoroughly fun, fast paced and a great read Mark J Weinberg" Read more

28 customers mention "Humor"28 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, describing it as top-notch and very witty, with one customer mentioning it makes them laugh out loud.

"...I enjoyed each and every one, and often found myself laughing out loud...." Read more

"...of sixteen short stories not only satisfied my hunger but tickled my funny bone and got my brain twitching at the same time...." Read more

"...it as it fully lives up to Konrath's offensive warning, but the humor in it was good, and I especially liked his Clive Cussler touch of having Jack..." Read more

"...Konrath says it's one of the funniest stories he's written as well as very offensive...." Read more

21 customers mention "Character development"18 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, featuring different short stories with various leading characters, and one customer notes how it provides background on the Jack Daniels characters.

"...story featuring Herb Benedict, too, feeling that it gave me more insight into the character, which will come into play in reading the remaining..." Read more

"The authors characters reflect his assumptions. Jack a well qualified female homicide detective demands and gets respect...." Read more

"...It goes right along with the gritty characters he brings to life on the page...." Read more

"...This is a collection of short stories featuring his primary characters. Very enjoyable! And . . ...." Read more

5 customers mention "Collection quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great collection, with one mentioning it's right up their alley.

"...Frank has put together a decent little collection here that shows off Jackie a bit, but allows Harry to steal the show...." Read more

"This is a great collection for fans of the Jack Daniels crowd...." Read more

"...This anthology is right up your alley. Nearly a dozen short stories from the world of Jack Daniels. Have one or two for the road...." Read more

"Another great collection from one of my favorite authors!! Has all of my favorite characters in one place. Great collection of short stories!" Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced and a quick read.

"...is an author whose work is thoroughly fun, fast paced and a great read Mark J Weinberg" Read more

"It was easy Summer read. It went quickly and was enjoyable. It was a good book to pick up and put down." Read more

"Loved it. This was a great read and a perfect quick read - lunch time, that waiting time at the doctors...." Read more

"Great read. The shorts are fast paced and surprising. Enjoy anytime you have a few minutes to spare. Will definitely read more from this author." Read more

18 customers mention "Story quality"10 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the stories in the book, with some finding the detective work interesting, while others find them boring.

"...Now, in these stories, Jack solves some more direct mysteries (including two locked room stories--old school!)that don't take a whole novel to unwind..." Read more

"...The last story was definitely strange. Anything with Jack is good, but the one with the school shootings was heartbreaking...." Read more

"...are great ways to gain insight into character, personality, backstory and motivation." Read more

"These stories are gritty, sometimes funny just like the characters...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing style"5 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book, with some praising the superb writing while others criticize the bad syntax.

"I enjoyed the confident and no-nonsense writing style of this mystery writer...." Read more

"...I enjoyed these other than some of the grammar issues." Read more

"This author is great at keeping you intrigued and a wonderful writer that is excellent at suspense and Gore...." Read more

"...Bordering on perversion, they went past believability. Violent beyond gross...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Colleen McMahon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Jack & Friends fans, great for newcomers as well!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Jack Daniels Stories is a treat if you are already a fan of the series of novels featuring Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels. Over several mystery novels, Konrath has established Jack and a coterie of supporting characters, including partner Herb, dying badass Phin Trout, and tacky detective Harry McGlade, in a tough world of Chicago crime and justice. Now, in these stories, Jack solves some more direct mysteries (including two locked room stories--old school!)that don't take a whole novel to unwind, and the supporting characters get to step to the front and become the main protagonist in several stories each. I enjoyed each and every one, and often found myself laughing out loud. I also appreciated the introduction to each story, in which Konrath laid out what inspired a story, what he was trying to do with it, and how he felt about the finished product.

    If you are new to Konrath and the world of Jack Daniels, this is a very good jumping on place and a chance to sample Konraths style before jumping into the novels.

    At the time I purchased it, this collection was selling as a Kindle download for just $2.99 and I found it to be quite a bargain. If you know you are going to love Konrath's short stories, an even better deal is 55 Proof for $4.99, which contains all of this book's stories, plus all those from 3 other collections by Konrath as well.
    37 people found this helpful
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  • Jacqueline
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pre-school Drop-out
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    It's been awhile since I've read anything as good as a Jack Daniels thriller. And I desperately needed a crime fix. This anthology of sixteen short stories not only satisfied my hunger but tickled my funny bone and got my brain twitching at the same time. Jack was on her game in several stories, along with her equally sharp partner Herb Benedict, and the locked room mysteries were hard to crack. Harry McGlade, the lovable private detective who couldn't care less about why you want his services so long as he gets what he wants (which may or may not include food/sex) was as usual, a delight to read. And Phineas Trout... I have a soft spot for Phin. Maybe its the poor cancer victim struggling with pain and drug addiction.. maybe its the bad boy who-gives-a-damn attitude even the most ladylike find attractive. Either way, his stories, though fewer then the others were given, were just as entertaining. But nothing beats Harry's sharp wit - Rotisserie, Rheumatism...
    3 people found this helpful
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  • RaksGato
    3.0 out of 5 stars Nice collection of shorts
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I went into this thinking that the Jack Daniels character would be the star of all of the stories, but she isn't. However, She is the main character in, "On The Rocks," "With a Twist," "Body Shots," and "Overproof." I believe, 4 of the 12 stories, and is mentioned in most, and a supporting character in others. In "Whelp Wanted," it's Harry's obnoxious frenemy, Harry McGlade, who is the star, as he is in "Taken To The Cleaners," "School Daze," and "The Necro File." Phineas Troutt takes front and center in "Street Music," "Epitaph," "Suffer," "Bereavement," and "Last Request." Her partner, Herb Benedict, headlines "Pot Shot," and none of the main characters is featured in "The One That Got Away." Even the one series character it featured, The Gingerbread Man from "Whiskey Sour," isn't the lead character in that story, which is told from the viewpoint of his intended victim. So Phin wins the most stories lottery in this collection of shorts.

    In general I enjoyed the stories. Certainly, a short story does not allow the depth of development that a novella or novel does, and that showed. While I wasn't fond of the picture the stories painted of Phineas Troutt, preferring what I know of him from the three series novels I've read, I tended to enjoy his stories the most. Of the stories featuring the Jack Daniels character, "Body Shots" was, to me, the best of the lot. I enjoyed the story featuring Herb Benedict, too, feeling that it gave me more insight into the character, which will come into play in reading the remaining series novels.

    The last story in the collection, a Harry McGlade short, bears an "Author's Note," warning the reader that he considers this the funniest thing he's ever written, but also the most offensive. He was correct on both counts. I can't say I enjoyed it as it fully lives up to Konrath's offensive warning, but the humor in it was good, and I especially liked his Clive Cussler touch of having Jack Daniels ask Harry if he'd every read J.A. Konrath's "Bloody Mary."

    One of the things I did notice was the lack of fashion reporting. In the first three novels of the series, every time the main character (and sometimes other characters) appears, Konrath meticulously describes what she is wearing, name brands and all. That only appears once in four stories in the collection ("Body Shots" at location 2085 on Kindle). Guess the fashion descriptions must have cut too deeply into the allowed word count!

    If you like the Jack Daniels series, you'll like these short stories. I always like reading shorts featuring characters from the series I follow. While the shorts can't match the character and plot development of a novel, they are great ways to gain insight into character, personality, backstory and motivation.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars start with the first book in the series and keep on going
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I'm sure we've all been in this position. You just finished a book you really enjoyed and now you're wondering

    what to read next. You pick up a couple of different titles from your bookshelf,. start to read a chapter or

    two and find that nothing really grabs you.

    I had that problem a few weeks ago when a friend suggested that I read the first in the "Jack Daniels" series

    of J A Konrath books,. for this suggestion I owe her a HUGE debt of thanks.

    I began with Whiskey Sour which introduces the main character Det Jack Daniels and a supporting

    group of wonderful characters. Well, here it is six weeks later,. and I have exhausted the entire series

    available up to this point and am eagerly awaiting the next installment due out in October.

    I am one of those readers who doesn't like to give too much away in discussing the books but let me

    assure you that once you begin the series you will be caught up in the characters and plot of all the books

    and wish you could read slower to savor the enjoyment longer.

    My friend did me a huge favor in suggesting this author and I'm sure you will agree with both of us that this

    is an author whose work is thoroughly fun, fast paced and a great read

    Mark J Weinberg
    16 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • elizabeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant , funny , laugh out loud A +++++
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 26, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    The best collection of short stories I've ever read , this guy is Awsome and soooo funny . My favorite story was the last one , about necrophilia , loved how it was written , loved Harry and it was one of the funniest stories I've read . Konrath is superb , He's fast becoming my favorite author . 5 stars from me <3
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  • Sandy
    5.0 out of 5 stars and loved them, reading this book of short stories was ...
    Reviewed in Australia on October 20, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Having read all the Jack Daniels books, and loved them, reading this book of short stories was quite fun, and I have to say that even after being warned about Harry McGlade in The Necro File story, I laughed so loudly, it really was hilarious and of course quite off tap, maybe for some it could be offensive in the politically correct department, but if you know Harry then what else can you expect, I loved it and wished there was more of his hilariously insane and inappropriate stories. I don't see why Harry cannot have his own book. I would read it for sure.
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  • Misfit Malice
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I've been reading the stories of J.A. Konrath for the past 2 weeks non-stop! I'm on the seventh book, right now, and never I've been disappointed!
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  • T R Jackson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good variety
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent range of short stories. Some serious and others humourous with a little bit of horror thrown in.
    Recommended buy for JD fans
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  • Wendy
    3.0 out of 5 stars Great, apart from the Harry McGlade stories, which are stupid
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    As always, I enjoyed the stories featuring Jack Daniels. The author states that with regard to Harry McGlade, you either love or hate him - I'm in the second category. This character definitely lets the author down; it's as though he has to write some awful stuff to make the good stories seem better.

    I don't appreciate a character that has a casual opinion of animal abuse, and is downright stupid a lot of the time. The comments he makes are just that - stupid. I had to stop reading the stories containing this idiotic character. The character of Jack Daniels would most certainly not have anything to do with him, so it's disappointing when she is dragged into his silly stories.
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