[HDNA #7] - War Against the Mafia (The Executioner Book 1) by Don Pendleton

[Alien Redrum]

I just finished chapter "How The Prostitute Business Works Exposition Dump".

I have a problem with this. A big one.

So Mack is a guy no one knows. They do know, however, that his dad was loaned money by them AND he was picked up by the po-po like two days ago. Now, if Leo was smart, he might have put two and two together and figured out Mack's sister worked for him as a sex worker.

But, giving benefit of the doubt, even if he didn't, he just spent 30 minutes breaking down every single aspect of his illegal prostitution ring.

What the fuck?

Worst. Mob. Boss. Ever.

[Neon Maniac]

That's like every chapter I've read so far.

One of these things happens in a chapter and it's the only thing that can happen in a chapter:

1. Someone's entire plan is laid out exactly for expository purposes.
2. Mack thinks about something.
3. Mack has sex.
4. Mack attacks the Matthews.
5. Mack talks to Weatherbee.

[Alien Redrum]

Mr Weatherbee is that goddamn worst.

[Neon Maniac]

Reggie has that look on his face because he's giving jughead a handy

[Alien Redrum]

Oh Jesus. Look at Jughead's expression. He's disgusted, but he's enjoying it.

[Neon Maniac]

Oh Jesus. Look at Jughead's expression. He's disgusted, but he's enjoying it.

He didn't plan for that to happen but he might as well enjoy the ride.

Betty and Veronica are totally a couple of bedspring tigers.

[Neon Maniac]

Did you just stop reading this or what?

[Alien Redrum]

Oh, no. Not at all! The past two days at work have been busy. I usually try to read at lunch, but I couldn't the past few days. I'm back on it tonight/tomorrow!

[Neon Maniac]

Maybe if you spent less time on Twitter you would have more time to do this.

[Alien Redrum]

Book 2, Chapter 1

Spoiler:

If you're still tired of reading "The Executioner" over and over, this chapter will hold very little for you.

FWIW, "Matthews" is becoming my The Executioner. What a stupid term. The Matthews. WTF, Mack? This is your idea of a good nickname?

Lt. Weatherbee is becoming my favorite character. I'm picturing him exactly as Mr. Weatherbee from Archie comics. He's a fucking badass.

I love how an unknown amount of time has passed and Mack is living in his apartment in the trendy "Library District"

What happened to his brother? I guess 14 yo Johnny's just living alone in the home where his dad killed everybody? That's got to be mentally healthy for him.

No word on how the matthews found him out, they just did. We all knew it was going to happen, so why bother writing that part?

Agreed on all, especially Mr. Weatherbee.

I didn't even read this spoiler until today. I'm glad I'm not the only one picturing this tough-guy cop as Archie's principal.

Reggie once said Weatherbee is no prince and no pal.

[Alien Redrum]

B2 C2

Spoiler:

Wow, the .444 marlin is shattering wheels on cars

"I want to leave a messsage"
"Let me get a paper and a pen"
"No, this is a simple message"
Then goes on to leave a long and confusing message

Right!?! I was reading that and thinking, How the fuck is she supposed to remember all of that?

THEN, after that dumb message, he comes back like Columbo with one more thing and proceeds to leave ANOTHER message.

B2 Ch 3

Spoiler:

He totally penetrates!

"The Matthews would surely recognize that fact now. They'd been penetrated, and they damn well know it."



They all know who he is and who is brother is, and where they all live. WTF Mack?

One thing I like is...fuck, I don't know what chapter it is, but it's not a spoiler. At one point after he fucks some shit up, he gets in his car and his hands are shaking. I loved that. Dude can get scared.

[Neon Maniac]

Mark's hands would never shake, and if they did, his Indian Medicine Man would offer a calming shoulder rub.

[Alien Redrum]

OH!

I DID get to that chapter with the title you knew I'd hate. WTF.

[Neon Maniac]

Since you're reading again I am too. Don't freak out about numbers, as you've undoubtedly learned by now, each chapter is basically a single scene, this book is super short.

These are all about 180-200 pages, and I'm wondering if the average time to read them corresponds with average flights or train trips? It seems like a lot of quick genre books like these (I'm going cross genre and including Harlequins) are about that size. I'm just curious because these types of books seem to be the type that you buy, then you leave behind after you've read it so someone else can find it and read it. I imagine up until the early 2000's that was more common than it is now.

B2 Ch5

Spoiler:

Wow, Mack's a dick. I don't think he cares about getting those people fired at all. Also, what would your reaction be if someone came into your work and started doing this shit? He'd probably shoot me because I'd tell him to fuck off.

Also, where is he getting all of these marksmanship medals? He's giving them away like candy.

At what point do the matthews who know everything about him just go kill his brother and laugh at him? I'm thinking that would've happened for sure after the boss's house.

[Neon Maniac]

B2 Ch 6

Spoiler:

Take that, Sergio. You old fuck.

I've read up to Book 3. Not going to read anymore until you catch up.

Poor Mack, is all I can say. He doesn't make the best decisions so it's lucky the matthews are stupider than he is. I can only hope everything works out for him at this point.

The Matthews