I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.This is a short book, almost a novella. I've got conflicting emotions about it. On the one hand, it's the kind of fascination and fetishizing of ugliness and decay that I don't like. On the other hand, some of the characterization was quite good- that's really all that saved it from one star.Because this is the kind of book that glories in its nastiness. If you like descriptions like "puke on a gray sidewalk" to give you a visual of what a neighborhood is like (this is taken from the review copy)) then you'll love this book. It shows a world of grim shabbiness and bad people. The most interesting character in the book, the Tattooed Man, is undoubtedly a psychopath. So is Jon, our main character. Jon and the Tattooed Man talk pretty frankly about inability to feel empathy and how love doesn't stop them from destroying anything. One small grace- the book isn't big on torture porn. Jon is an assassin who hurts people badly before allowing them to die to strike fear into the hearts of any who would cross the Tattooed Man. At least I didn't have to read about it in detail. The book was at its most interesting when it showed Jon trying to navigate the normal world while feeling like an outsider. He's invited to a friend's party, for example, and just tries to blend in with the wallpaper so no one will ask him to dance. Jon's non-psycho friends aren't romanticized, but their every-day-ness is so intently observed that it becomes touching, when seen by someone who knows that this life cannot be for him. So, in short, this is a character study of someone who is not normal, can torture people to death, and his grungy little world. It's a well-written study. But be aware that it will rain on your parade unless you really like a close look at bad things and people.
The Mind of an AssassinJon works for the Tattooed Man as a hit man. Because he's good at his job and does whatever the Tattooed Man assigns, he lives well, but he's a loner. When he meets up with Andy, an old school friend, that changes. Andy is out of work, and he has a wife a baby. Jon realizes that his friend has something he doesn't, and he wants to help him. This is the beginning of real changes in his life. When he does the bidding of the Tattooed Man, he functions as a slave, but now he has a chance to act on his own. This is a very psychological book. Jon is a complex character. Cross does a good job of presenting Jon's background and development without overdoing the backstory. Andy is also a well done character moving from being a loser to losing himself. If you enjoy psychological novels, I recommend this book. It deals with an interesting interpretation of what it means to be free or a slave.I reviewed this book for Net Galley.
Do You like book Mr In Between (1999)?
Imagine a killer, blindly killing those he’s ordered to – a slave, a servant, doing the will of the mysterious powerful Tattoo Man, andnow imagine this killer, Jon Bennet, suddenly realizing that he is a slave, and that he has a choice between freedom or slavery.But he has it all as a killer – a fine apartment with beautiful furnishings, money to burn – everything but a normal life – love and the day to day life many of us enjoy.What would you do? Do you sometimes just wait for the freedom of your days off and wishe that you could hit the lottery and be free from your job?Sure, Bennet’s job is extreme – but he has it all. And soon he finds himself stuck – is freedom having it all? Or is freedom doing what you would love to do, but can’t given your job? Find out how Bennet wrestles with this – does he succeed? Read this and fine out!
—Bill
This book deals with personalities and moralities not commonly found. I found it fascinating and repelling at the same time. Yet, it was most difficult to put down. This book is a better analysis of the elements affecting human relationships than a text. It provides situations and interactions familiar to all of us, but in a context that requires the reader to analyze and thank them through. Jon, the main character, exists in between two very definite worlds, yet can not exist in either one. Only when he tries to become alive, he fails. The writing is crystal-clear and the imagery wonderful. The book will stay on your mind long after you stop reading.
—Jay Williams
Given To Me For An Honest ReviewMr. In-Between by Neil Cross isn't the hitman story that I had thought. It was even better. This book is even better. You'll open the book to page one and it will grab you, hold you down and then those pages will turn and turn and turn some more until you get to the last page. You'll then wonder what did you just read. Jon Bennet kills as willed by Tattoo Man. Before too long he realizes that he is a slave and that he has a choice between freedom and slavery. As a killer he has it all. He has everything he would ever want or need except for a normal life. Will Jon Bennett ever get to have his freedom? Will he always be a slave? What will he choose ... freedom or slavery? This book was a great read. I really enjoyed reading it. It would make a great gift and would look good on your bookshelf. I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could have given it more. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially if you enjoy reading futuristic crime fiction, social realism and imaginative writing. Neil Cross did a fantastic job with this book and I look forward to more of his writings.
—Marjorie
