Hard Case Crime books are usually decent, if not outright great. The cover of BLOOD SUGAR features a half-dressed woman wearing a witch’s hat and riding a broom on a vintage calendar, with three fun-size candy bars stacked on top of it—one has a razor blade stuck in it. I initially expected the book to be an erotic noir detective story, but I was unfortunately mistaken.
BLOOD SUGAR, written by Daniel Kraus, is not a crime novel. Instead, it is an urban coming-of-age story centered on a teenager named Jody, told from his point of view. The book is written in street slang, contributing to an unappealing character portrayal. Frankly, I found none of the characters likable.
There is no crime, mystery, violence, or horror. The real mystery is how BLOOD SUGAR got published under the Hard Case Crime label.
It feels like a bait-and-switch. The cover has nothing to do with the plot, which is a shame because I love the cover. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the story—which is poorly plotted and written. I suppose that is the horror of it all, and the joke is on anyone who buys and reads BLOOD SUGAR. ╌★✰✰✰✰
Reminder: The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com. As an Amazon affiliate, I will receive a small commission if you buy the book through the link above. All earnings will help to support future reviews.
.png)
Harsh review, but that's ok, each to their own. I was also confused why this was a Hard Case Crime publication, however the cover is indeed in the story - it's Robbie's calendar that is mentioned multiple times, and ends up on the table then the candies are being prepared. Doesn't seem an inappropriate choice.
ReplyDeleteThe story doesn't fit with the Hard Case Crime books. I was expecting something else by the cover alone and was disappointed with what I got. Yes, I recall the calendar and the candies, but I envisioned something different.
Delete