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Random Bullets
Alternate Cover Edition: 1519229267 (ISBN13: 9781519229267)
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs wild in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such heinous acts? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in Jersey, Cornwall, Manchester and London, Random Bullets is an involving thriller with a paranormal twist.
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs wild in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such heinous acts? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in Jersey, Cornwall, Manchester and London, Random Bullets is an involving thriller with a paranormal twist.
- GenresThriller
252 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2015
About the author
Joy Mutter
24 books143 followersAuthor of Random Bullets, 4 books in The Hostile series, Her Demonic Angel, Living with Postcards, Potholes and Magic Carpets, The Mug Trilogy, The Trouble with Liam, The Trouble with Trouble, Trouble in Cornwall, Troubled, Nuru and his Crows, The Storms of Padstow, Punishing the Innocent, The Brothers Grimshaw, A Sunny Day in Oldham, and Friends in Need.
Joy Mutter started writing books in 2007 but waited until 2015 to publish six of them on Amazon. More books soon followed. All her books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. Nine books also have audiobook versions on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Joy was born in Jersey in the Channel Islands and lived there for 18 years. After gaining a Graphic Design Degree at Coventry University, she lived and worked in Kent as a professional graphic designer for 20 years. She moved from Kent to Oldham in 2012 and has been writing, designing, and publishing her books full-time ever since.
Her first 3 books are third-person autobiographies and form The Mug Trilogy. Books in this series are A Slice of the Seventies, The Lying Scotsman, and Straws.
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary character-led novel.
Living with Postcards is her first non-fiction book.
Random Bullets is a psychological thriller with a paranormal twist.
Her Demonic Angel was published in early 2016 in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook. It contains fourteen of Joy Mutter's short stories written in various genres.
In 2016-2017, Joy published The Hostile Series of unusual paranormal crime thrillers. Books in the series are The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and The Hostile Series Box Set. Each book in The Hostile series is available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook editions.
The Trouble with Liam, a psychological thriller was published in 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, she published 3 erotic thrillers; The Trouble With Trouble, Trouble In Cornwall, and Troubled.
In 2021, Joy published Nuru And His Crows, a dark erotic thriller. Her first novella, The Brothers Grimshaw, was published in 2022 along with A Sunny Day in Oldham. In March 2023, she published her 20th book, The Storms of Padstow, book 2 of the Nuru and his Crows series. Punishing the Innocent, book 3 of the series soon followed.
In the past couple of years, she has written a third-person memoir called The Brothers Grimshaw, and a novel called Friends in Need.
Joy is currently writing two thrillers and a second collection of short stories.
Joy Mutter started writing books in 2007 but waited until 2015 to publish six of them on Amazon. More books soon followed. All her books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. Nine books also have audiobook versions on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Joy was born in Jersey in the Channel Islands and lived there for 18 years. After gaining a Graphic Design Degree at Coventry University, she lived and worked in Kent as a professional graphic designer for 20 years. She moved from Kent to Oldham in 2012 and has been writing, designing, and publishing her books full-time ever since.
Her first 3 books are third-person autobiographies and form The Mug Trilogy. Books in this series are A Slice of the Seventies, The Lying Scotsman, and Straws.
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary character-led novel.
Living with Postcards is her first non-fiction book.
Random Bullets is a psychological thriller with a paranormal twist.
Her Demonic Angel was published in early 2016 in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook. It contains fourteen of Joy Mutter's short stories written in various genres.
In 2016-2017, Joy published The Hostile Series of unusual paranormal crime thrillers. Books in the series are The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and The Hostile Series Box Set. Each book in The Hostile series is available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook editions.
The Trouble with Liam, a psychological thriller was published in 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, she published 3 erotic thrillers; The Trouble With Trouble, Trouble In Cornwall, and Troubled.
In 2021, Joy published Nuru And His Crows, a dark erotic thriller. Her first novella, The Brothers Grimshaw, was published in 2022 along with A Sunny Day in Oldham. In March 2023, she published her 20th book, The Storms of Padstow, book 2 of the Nuru and his Crows series. Punishing the Innocent, book 3 of the series soon followed.
In the past couple of years, she has written a third-person memoir called The Brothers Grimshaw, and a novel called Friends in Need.
Joy is currently writing two thrillers and a second collection of short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 12, 2017
DNF at 38%
I could not connect to the story. There were too many characters and the story is very descriptive. This novel is multi-themed - crime, thriller, mystery, paranormal, erotic, LGBT.
The author does have potential and I have seen all positive reviews by other reviewers. Perhaps this book wasn't for me.
An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
I could not connect to the story. There were too many characters and the story is very descriptive. This novel is multi-themed - crime, thriller, mystery, paranormal, erotic, LGBT.
The author does have potential and I have seen all positive reviews by other reviewers. Perhaps this book wasn't for me.
An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
August 17, 2016
I happened to come across this author purely by coincidence on twitter and I received the book in exchange for an honest opinion. As a blogger it is so easy to get caught up with all the 'big' name authors, blog tours or whatever book is being hyped at the time in the blogger community. So on that basis it was an absolute delight to find this hidden gem, it wouldn't have reached my radar otherwise. Which proves there are so many books and potential enjoyment being missed!
This is a mix of crime and thriller, with an underlying paranormal element which is not my usual preference but it worked so well in this.
There is no slow build up, it's instant action from the outset. Who doesn't like being in a park on a hot sunny day, there can be many reasons behind each visit and we are introduced to several characters whose daily activity involves being in that particular London park on that fateful day, when a random gunmen is on the loose.
Edward has many issues, ranging from a troubled childhood up until the events that lead him to the point where he loses his 'rightful' inheritance. There is a complex family history and this is where the story unfolds as we learn about the relationships between him and primarily, step-brother Charlie and his nephew Sam. I could easily visualise what slimy little toads these people were!
The reader is taken on the journey between past and present, the young Edward didn't always behave in a responsible way and his teen love interest makes a re-appearance later in life. I found the parts revolving around him and Janine quite heart-wrenching. As hard as Edward wants to improve himself he is stuck in a downward spiral, some due to his own stupidity but the majority exacerbated by circumstances.
The descriptions of Edward's living conditions pull emotions in all directions. At times I wanted to shout at him to get a grip and make something of his life instead of making poor decisions or mixing with the wrong people, especially Tommy. But by the next paragraph I was 'inside' his head feeling the rage, pain and anguish.
Although the ending was obvious from the outset due to the nature of the story I was totally transfixed and couldn't wait to see how all the pieces fitted together. Thankfully all the loose ends are tied up nicely to completion. There are a lot of characters involved but the writing style makes it easy to follow.
I really enjoyed this, since finishing it I have been attempting to understand the psyche behind Edward's thoughts and have come to the conclusion that even the most ordinary people can sink into madness if the provocation is there, quite a scary thought!
I have other books by Joy sitting on my Kindle, just waiting for an opportunity to read them. Based on Random Bullets I think I'm in for a treat. Just reverting back to my comment about 'meeting' on Twitter it just shows the importance social media can play in book awareness/promotion.
This is a mix of crime and thriller, with an underlying paranormal element which is not my usual preference but it worked so well in this.
There is no slow build up, it's instant action from the outset. Who doesn't like being in a park on a hot sunny day, there can be many reasons behind each visit and we are introduced to several characters whose daily activity involves being in that particular London park on that fateful day, when a random gunmen is on the loose.
Edward has many issues, ranging from a troubled childhood up until the events that lead him to the point where he loses his 'rightful' inheritance. There is a complex family history and this is where the story unfolds as we learn about the relationships between him and primarily, step-brother Charlie and his nephew Sam. I could easily visualise what slimy little toads these people were!
The reader is taken on the journey between past and present, the young Edward didn't always behave in a responsible way and his teen love interest makes a re-appearance later in life. I found the parts revolving around him and Janine quite heart-wrenching. As hard as Edward wants to improve himself he is stuck in a downward spiral, some due to his own stupidity but the majority exacerbated by circumstances.
The descriptions of Edward's living conditions pull emotions in all directions. At times I wanted to shout at him to get a grip and make something of his life instead of making poor decisions or mixing with the wrong people, especially Tommy. But by the next paragraph I was 'inside' his head feeling the rage, pain and anguish.
Although the ending was obvious from the outset due to the nature of the story I was totally transfixed and couldn't wait to see how all the pieces fitted together. Thankfully all the loose ends are tied up nicely to completion. There are a lot of characters involved but the writing style makes it easy to follow.
I really enjoyed this, since finishing it I have been attempting to understand the psyche behind Edward's thoughts and have come to the conclusion that even the most ordinary people can sink into madness if the provocation is there, quite a scary thought!
I have other books by Joy sitting on my Kindle, just waiting for an opportunity to read them. Based on Random Bullets I think I'm in for a treat. Just reverting back to my comment about 'meeting' on Twitter it just shows the importance social media can play in book awareness/promotion.
February 7, 2017
Edward is angry and believes that justice is best served via random bullets.
Although Edward is the main character, there are many characters interwoven into the plot. At the beginning I did wonder how all their stories would link up with Edward's, but they do, and it's done well.
If you like a complex personality, then Edward is your man. You learn what happened in his youth and the impact it has on his adult life. As an adult he's a mess who at times had my sympathy, whilst at others I wanted to knock some sense into him! I think this is a sign of a good author - when they can make you feel a range of emotions.
There is a supernatural element to this book that enhances the story and helps create a satisfying ending. There were 3 people affected by Edward's actions who got the ending I was hoping they would.
Joy is an author that more people should be aware of and I enjoyed this, the first book of hers I've read. It won't be my last.
Although Edward is the main character, there are many characters interwoven into the plot. At the beginning I did wonder how all their stories would link up with Edward's, but they do, and it's done well.
If you like a complex personality, then Edward is your man. You learn what happened in his youth and the impact it has on his adult life. As an adult he's a mess who at times had my sympathy, whilst at others I wanted to knock some sense into him! I think this is a sign of a good author - when they can make you feel a range of emotions.
There is a supernatural element to this book that enhances the story and helps create a satisfying ending. There were 3 people affected by Edward's actions who got the ending I was hoping they would.
Joy is an author that more people should be aware of and I enjoyed this, the first book of hers I've read. It won't be my last.
September 9, 2016
This is a very well thought out book.It starts out letting us know a variety of people and then in the end of the book most of these people are brought together by a certain event.I liked it very much and highly recommend it.The author made wonderful connections with the people and then the ending takes us even further.I can only say that anything can happen to us in the afterlife and the examples in this book were well placed.Worth all five stars!
December 1, 2015
I found this book hard to put down - once I'd started reading I wanted to know what had led to the murderous events in the London park.
A good story that leads you through to the end, showing how people snap and the consequences.
A good story that leads you through to the end, showing how people snap and the consequences.
March 23, 2019
I've read a couple of Joy Mutter's books, and I have to say, she is the master at creating complex, disturbed characters who you're not sure if you should feel sorry for or hate!
I love how this story takes off at a running pace, introducing you to the various characters and building up to the inevitable climax. Set in a calm park on a hot summer's day, everyone taking advantage of the beautiful weather during their lunch breaks, their tranquillity about to be shattered by the sound of a bullet. We are introduced to the secondary characters and left wondering what their fates will be while the author tells us Edward's story.
Edward is filled with a rage that has been burning for many years, ever since finding out his narcissistic mother disinherited him in her will. The story takes us back to his childhood and adolescence, revealing events that slowly make Edward more and more unhinged, and urging him forward to the fateful day in the park.
Mutter is so good at 'excusing' her characters' behaviour, that it is difficult to decide whether you should hate them or feel sorry for what life has thrown at them. As you read Edward's back story, you find yourself agreeing with his innermost thoughts, even while being disturbed by them. Not many authors manage to do this, and I commend Mutter for her particular skill at bringing this off!
A great read I highly recommend.
I love how this story takes off at a running pace, introducing you to the various characters and building up to the inevitable climax. Set in a calm park on a hot summer's day, everyone taking advantage of the beautiful weather during their lunch breaks, their tranquillity about to be shattered by the sound of a bullet. We are introduced to the secondary characters and left wondering what their fates will be while the author tells us Edward's story.
Edward is filled with a rage that has been burning for many years, ever since finding out his narcissistic mother disinherited him in her will. The story takes us back to his childhood and adolescence, revealing events that slowly make Edward more and more unhinged, and urging him forward to the fateful day in the park.
Mutter is so good at 'excusing' her characters' behaviour, that it is difficult to decide whether you should hate them or feel sorry for what life has thrown at them. As you read Edward's back story, you find yourself agreeing with his innermost thoughts, even while being disturbed by them. Not many authors manage to do this, and I commend Mutter for her particular skill at bringing this off!
A great read I highly recommend.
September 1, 2016
6/15/2015, London, England. Pauline (accountant, bulimic nervosa, binge eater) was getting ready to start her new job at Bernard Wiggins Advertising Agency (BWAA) close by Hammersmith Park.
They had 2 boys but a daughter had been still-born.
Bob (40+, Pauline’s husband) was a taxi cab driver.
1 day Divesh (Indain, tax driver) ask him if he would like to make a little extra money.
Bob agreed. Guess what his other line of work was?
Florence (mother) had disinherited Edward. Charlie (chubby) was Sam’s 1/2-brother, who also lived in Cornwall.
Uncle Edward (62, Edward’s father) lay in wait at the Hammersmith Park & then shot Sam (nephew) in the head.
Marcus (Charlie’s biological father, Edward’s stepfather, wealthy man, resturant owner, Cornwall) had died sometime ago.
Claire (50+, plump, BWAA, illistration dept.) worked with Pauline.
As teens Edward was doing Tracy (f) & Carl (Edward’s BMF, foster child) was doing Moo (f) at/on Jersey beach. They were all 4 on LSD & virgins.
Edward was hurt & had been taken to to A&E.
Later Edward “Ed” & Carl went to Manchester U, majoring in electrical engineering.
Charlie married Lara & opened up a Cornish seafood restaurant.
Florence “Flo” (65+) had gone swimming & the cold water caused her heart to stop & she drowned.
Edward was expelled from Manchester U.
Yrs. later Charlie & Lara had Sam Le Cornu (15, son) & then got a divorce over her promiscuous behavior.
Many yrs. later Pauline & Claire were once again on the park bench at Hammersmith Park eating lunch together.
18 months later Claire was PG with James (fiancée, Flemming, Upkirk & Kilbride (FUK), publishing co.) unborn child.
Yrs. later Edward meets Janine by accident. What does she reveal to him?
Edward was paying for a DNA test to see if Danielle was really his daughter.
Janine (Danielle’s mother) was there with him when he opened the envelope.
BANG! Stuart (50+, postman) had been shot & Gill (journalist, agricultural magazine) was trying to help him.
Edward Le Cornu (Florence’s son) was getting away.
Charlie, Edward (1/2 Uncle) & Marcus had agreed on terms of the estate after their mother had died.
Battersea area of London. BANG! Pauline (Bob’s wife, accountant) falls to the ground as Claire looks on in horror.
BANG! Mungo is next. BANG! & a random bullet hits Maureen.
P.C. Delaney is at the crime scene.
Will Edward get caught?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written Paranormal Thriller book. It wasn’t alway very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Paranormal Thriller movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me but I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
They had 2 boys but a daughter had been still-born.
Bob (40+, Pauline’s husband) was a taxi cab driver.
1 day Divesh (Indain, tax driver) ask him if he would like to make a little extra money.
Bob agreed. Guess what his other line of work was?
Florence (mother) had disinherited Edward. Charlie (chubby) was Sam’s 1/2-brother, who also lived in Cornwall.
Uncle Edward (62, Edward’s father) lay in wait at the Hammersmith Park & then shot Sam (nephew) in the head.
Marcus (Charlie’s biological father, Edward’s stepfather, wealthy man, resturant owner, Cornwall) had died sometime ago.
Claire (50+, plump, BWAA, illistration dept.) worked with Pauline.
As teens Edward was doing Tracy (f) & Carl (Edward’s BMF, foster child) was doing Moo (f) at/on Jersey beach. They were all 4 on LSD & virgins.
Edward was hurt & had been taken to to A&E.
Later Edward “Ed” & Carl went to Manchester U, majoring in electrical engineering.
Charlie married Lara & opened up a Cornish seafood restaurant.
Florence “Flo” (65+) had gone swimming & the cold water caused her heart to stop & she drowned.
Edward was expelled from Manchester U.
Yrs. later Charlie & Lara had Sam Le Cornu (15, son) & then got a divorce over her promiscuous behavior.
Many yrs. later Pauline & Claire were once again on the park bench at Hammersmith Park eating lunch together.
18 months later Claire was PG with James (fiancée, Flemming, Upkirk & Kilbride (FUK), publishing co.) unborn child.
Yrs. later Edward meets Janine by accident. What does she reveal to him?
Edward was paying for a DNA test to see if Danielle was really his daughter.
Janine (Danielle’s mother) was there with him when he opened the envelope.
BANG! Stuart (50+, postman) had been shot & Gill (journalist, agricultural magazine) was trying to help him.
Edward Le Cornu (Florence’s son) was getting away.
Charlie, Edward (1/2 Uncle) & Marcus had agreed on terms of the estate after their mother had died.
Battersea area of London. BANG! Pauline (Bob’s wife, accountant) falls to the ground as Claire looks on in horror.
BANG! Mungo is next. BANG! & a random bullet hits Maureen.
P.C. Delaney is at the crime scene.
Will Edward get caught?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written Paranormal Thriller book. It wasn’t alway very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Paranormal Thriller movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me but I will still rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 16, 2016
This is not the first book I've read by the author, and it won't be my last. True to form, Ms. Mutter keeps the action moving and uses character description we can relate to, which draws us into the story. What we don't expect, is to find out these so called regular people aren't normal at all.
I loved the paranormal element in this, which adds a fascinating twist to the story. And I was so torn about my feelings for Edward; while he is certainly lacking in responsibility, you can see how his family history has contributed greatly to who he became. It makes you wonder about people you know and what has made them what they are as well.
This book will run you through the gamut of emotions and you won't be bored.
I loved the paranormal element in this, which adds a fascinating twist to the story. And I was so torn about my feelings for Edward; while he is certainly lacking in responsibility, you can see how his family history has contributed greatly to who he became. It makes you wonder about people you know and what has made them what they are as well.
This book will run you through the gamut of emotions and you won't be bored.
November 21, 2016
Quite possibly the most disturbing account of how NOT to lose one's virginity I've ever read in my life. From the beginning of this story until the last any illusions you've had about the people around you leading sane and normal lives is thrown to the wind. From the twisted viewpoint of the murderer, to the not so secret disdain for the façade that the "morally" upright people project as a public persona; this book this book not only slays those beliefs, but buries them and comes back after dark to piddle on them while reeling from a fine gibbering madness. A fun romp all the way through.
August 31, 2016
I found this book very enjoyable not the usual crime thriller I read but it was easy to get into plus held my attention from beginning to the end several stories mingling into one a bit raunchy in places and a bloodbath at the end this is the first joy mutter book I've read but it certainly won't be the last
September 28, 2016
A Combination. Of Related Tales
A book of many strands which combine to keep your attention from first page to last. Well written complex characters have our sympathies pulled in many directions and ensure our interest until the final word.An Author whose work I shall follow with much interest and I suspect much enjoyment
A book of many strands which combine to keep your attention from first page to last. Well written complex characters have our sympathies pulled in many directions and ensure our interest until the final word.An Author whose work I shall follow with much interest and I suspect much enjoyment
April 12, 2018
WOW I LOVED IT
Even though this book is of serious nature, im at awe with the writing of Joy Mutter -She has such a way with lines that you find yourself laughing out loud at times.
I somehow had the feeling that the author was by my side reading it to me.
As I mentioned, this book is of a serious nature but the author does it with a completely different out look.
Highly recommended.
Even though this book is of serious nature, im at awe with the writing of Joy Mutter -She has such a way with lines that you find yourself laughing out loud at times.
I somehow had the feeling that the author was by my side reading it to me.
As I mentioned, this book is of a serious nature but the author does it with a completely different out look.
Highly recommended.
July 7, 2016
Do you know the person you live with...really know? An insightful look behind the many faces we wear, and how burning resentments can take you into madness and murder. A sunny afternoon in the park...what could be nicer?
December 11, 2016
Really good
December 3, 2017
A gunman runs amok in a London park killing apparently random victims. But what could have provoked such monstrous behaviour? Moving through several locations and a myriad of ordinary (and not so ordinary) characters, the story gradually slots the pieces into place to track the series of events that lead to one moment of madness.
Part thriller, part paranormal mystery, this is one of Ms Mutter’s early frays into the world of the paranormal. (Her talent for all things mystical is more pronounced in her later books - most notably, the ‘Hostile’ series.) The characters, as always, are an eclectic bunch and like all good mysteries, the links between them emerge slowly. The plot develops into a complex tale of family feuds, fallings-out and misunderstandings that – as we all know - can so easily lead to murder and mayhem. The audiobook version, narrated by actor and voice artist Alexander Doddy, is an enjoyable and occasionally laugh-out-loud story, and while I don’t think it’s quite up to the standard of the author’s later works, it is no less entertaining.
Part thriller, part paranormal mystery, this is one of Ms Mutter’s early frays into the world of the paranormal. (Her talent for all things mystical is more pronounced in her later books - most notably, the ‘Hostile’ series.) The characters, as always, are an eclectic bunch and like all good mysteries, the links between them emerge slowly. The plot develops into a complex tale of family feuds, fallings-out and misunderstandings that – as we all know - can so easily lead to murder and mayhem. The audiobook version, narrated by actor and voice artist Alexander Doddy, is an enjoyable and occasionally laugh-out-loud story, and while I don’t think it’s quite up to the standard of the author’s later works, it is no less entertaining.
March 31, 2018
This story is told with a number of fascinating tales all ending up at the same place and time - a dramatic and terrible event.
It is a thriller, with a twist of the paranormal, but more than that it is a deft character study. Each character is brilliantly written with their own story, drawing the reader in deeper and deeper to their minds and lives. From Edward, who is tragically damaged and dangerously bitter to Bob, the accidental porn actor to Maureen, who longs only to see her husband again; each character is created with such depth you can almost sense them reading over your shoulder. At first the stories seem unconnected, but then it becomes clear they are all building to a specific event where each character plays a part, no matter how small.
With perfect pace, elegance and empathy Random Bullets is an exciting, entertaining and thoughtful read.
It is a thriller, with a twist of the paranormal, but more than that it is a deft character study. Each character is brilliantly written with their own story, drawing the reader in deeper and deeper to their minds and lives. From Edward, who is tragically damaged and dangerously bitter to Bob, the accidental porn actor to Maureen, who longs only to see her husband again; each character is created with such depth you can almost sense them reading over your shoulder. At first the stories seem unconnected, but then it becomes clear they are all building to a specific event where each character plays a part, no matter how small.
With perfect pace, elegance and empathy Random Bullets is an exciting, entertaining and thoughtful read.
August 6, 2017
This book is about murder, but it is more than that. it takes readers into the minds of not only the killer, but all those who make him who he is. Edward has had, according to him, an awful life. Nothing seems to go right for him, especially when he is cheated out of what he feels is his rightly inheritance. This is an interesting, well written story. The author does a great job capturing psychological thinking and what life happenings can do to a person.
March 8, 2018
This was a fun,yet distressing book.A man kills a family member,but first we learn everything about everyone involved.Narration by Alexander Doddy was excellent!“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
March 6, 2023
Another great read by Joy Mutter. Edward is a loner whose life spirals out of control into madness.
October 27, 2016
Edward is troubled. Family is a problem. Life is a problem.
This book mixes Edward as a troubled man taking things further & shooting his nephew, but builds up from his youth which is confusing. The atmosphere is built up introducing us to different people as it goes. It's all worth it for the full tale.
There is a taste of paranormal, a taste of crazy, a taste of hard life & spoilt life.
I really enjoyed this book. Different to lots of others with a good build up & it actually ends. That's huge to me!
This book mixes Edward as a troubled man taking things further & shooting his nephew, but builds up from his youth which is confusing. The atmosphere is built up introducing us to different people as it goes. It's all worth it for the full tale.
There is a taste of paranormal, a taste of crazy, a taste of hard life & spoilt life.
I really enjoyed this book. Different to lots of others with a good build up & it actually ends. That's huge to me!
November 23, 2016
Not sure whe I started this, but it was a suprining narative. The story carriues lots of energy and freshness that carries you through to the climax of an ending.
December 6, 2017
( Formate: audiobook )
"Nothing. Ziltch. Nada."
A sunny day in London, June, 2015, the day that Edward will end his, and his nephew Sam's, life. At sixty-something, Edward's time n earth has been filled with pain, disappointment and anger. With an abrasive personality similar to his mother's, they had clashed and she had written him out of her will, favouring instead his half brother, Charlie. So whilst Edward had existed in poverty on disability benefits in the dreary confines of the North of England, Charlie and his flirtatious wife had the comforts and luxury of a prosperous restaurant in Cornwall and an expensive house in Jersey. When Sam, his nephew, disregarded an agreement reached by the two brothers before Charlie's death, Edward snapped. His nephew was going to die.
This is not a who-dun-it but much more a what-happened-next thriller. The basic killing is established in the early pages but it is the background which surrounds it that fills the book, background not only to Edward's life but also that of people sitting in the park close to the shooting. So the reader meets a number of characters and those close to them, their hopes, their loves, their lives. It is an interesting book, compelling, if sometimes a little disjointed as focus switches between protagonists, and there is humour as well as pathos and love.
It is, however, hard for this reader to rate the story in this audiobook as the reading by Alexander Doddy dominated the overall atmosphere. His sing song presentation, with wildly changing intonation and up-down speech, gives everything a dismissive and slightly comic feel. With a more conventional narration, the impact could have been very different. As it is, there is a sense of comedic unreality throughout and it is difficult to engage with any of the characters as actual people.
My thanks to the rights holder for gifting me a complimentary copy of Radom Bullets, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. My review is entirely voluntary. Whilst an amusing listen, I think a reader would be better choosing the written version of this book rather than this audio version.
"Nothing. Ziltch. Nada."
A sunny day in London, June, 2015, the day that Edward will end his, and his nephew Sam's, life. At sixty-something, Edward's time n earth has been filled with pain, disappointment and anger. With an abrasive personality similar to his mother's, they had clashed and she had written him out of her will, favouring instead his half brother, Charlie. So whilst Edward had existed in poverty on disability benefits in the dreary confines of the North of England, Charlie and his flirtatious wife had the comforts and luxury of a prosperous restaurant in Cornwall and an expensive house in Jersey. When Sam, his nephew, disregarded an agreement reached by the two brothers before Charlie's death, Edward snapped. His nephew was going to die.
This is not a who-dun-it but much more a what-happened-next thriller. The basic killing is established in the early pages but it is the background which surrounds it that fills the book, background not only to Edward's life but also that of people sitting in the park close to the shooting. So the reader meets a number of characters and those close to them, their hopes, their loves, their lives. It is an interesting book, compelling, if sometimes a little disjointed as focus switches between protagonists, and there is humour as well as pathos and love.
It is, however, hard for this reader to rate the story in this audiobook as the reading by Alexander Doddy dominated the overall atmosphere. His sing song presentation, with wildly changing intonation and up-down speech, gives everything a dismissive and slightly comic feel. With a more conventional narration, the impact could have been very different. As it is, there is a sense of comedic unreality throughout and it is difficult to engage with any of the characters as actual people.
My thanks to the rights holder for gifting me a complimentary copy of Radom Bullets, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. My review is entirely voluntary. Whilst an amusing listen, I think a reader would be better choosing the written version of this book rather than this audio version.
July 14, 2023
Random bullets is the first book I have read by author, Joy Mutter. I will be going back for more because I really enjoyed it.
Described in the blurb as a ‘psychological novel with a paranormal twist’, it’s that and so much more. From the start, we begin our introductions to a plethora of characters,ball of them fascinating, all of them with entertaining backstories which could make great novellas in themselves. At the heart of the story is Ed. We know that someone is going to do something very bad, but to whom, how and when, the author cleverly keeps us waiting. We learn more about Ed and the array of people around him who help shape his life and his personality. The ‘Random Bullets’ aspect is told in real time. We drop in on what’s happening between darting off to find out more about Ed and the other people who will be affected by his actions. Throw in a paranormal aspect as people make timely and untimely ends, a plot written with both pathos and humour, and you have yourself a thoroughly entertaining and unputdownable novel.
Described in the blurb as a ‘psychological novel with a paranormal twist’, it’s that and so much more. From the start, we begin our introductions to a plethora of characters,ball of them fascinating, all of them with entertaining backstories which could make great novellas in themselves. At the heart of the story is Ed. We know that someone is going to do something very bad, but to whom, how and when, the author cleverly keeps us waiting. We learn more about Ed and the array of people around him who help shape his life and his personality. The ‘Random Bullets’ aspect is told in real time. We drop in on what’s happening between darting off to find out more about Ed and the other people who will be affected by his actions. Throw in a paranormal aspect as people make timely and untimely ends, a plot written with both pathos and humour, and you have yourself a thoroughly entertaining and unputdownable novel.
August 10, 2018
I received the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Here's what I liked about the book
The premise. It seemed simple enough and easy to follow.
What I did not like:
I only wish that the rest of the book operated this way. First off, as I said I had the audiobook so this review applies to that.
Anyway, starting with the narrator, he did not fit with the book. According to the synopsis, the book was supposed to meld paranormal and crime. But listening to him made it feel like satire. Not sure if it was supposed to be, but I wasn’t crazy about it.
Next, I’m okay with a meld of book categories and when its done right, a book or audiobook can stand out. This book seemed like the author tried to add clichés of a variety of genres (i.e spirits floating around, etc.)
Overall, this was so confusing that I listened to this a week ago, and I couldn’t tell you the central point or even one character from the book. Just too much all around.
Here's what I liked about the book
The premise. It seemed simple enough and easy to follow.
What I did not like:
I only wish that the rest of the book operated this way. First off, as I said I had the audiobook so this review applies to that.
Anyway, starting with the narrator, he did not fit with the book. According to the synopsis, the book was supposed to meld paranormal and crime. But listening to him made it feel like satire. Not sure if it was supposed to be, but I wasn’t crazy about it.
Next, I’m okay with a meld of book categories and when its done right, a book or audiobook can stand out. This book seemed like the author tried to add clichés of a variety of genres (i.e spirits floating around, etc.)
Overall, this was so confusing that I listened to this a week ago, and I couldn’t tell you the central point or even one character from the book. Just too much all around.
August 9, 2017
I was surprised to read so many positive reviews. I found the writing to be amaturish, the storyline rather predictable and dull, and the characters rather unremarkable. Edward's fall into insanity was not very convincing as his state of mind never seemed to change from beginning to end. I can't recommend this book.
March 5, 2017
Riveting story
It's the very first time I've read a book by Joy Mutter and I hope she continued to write. I've been surprised by its unexpected twists. Very emotional and deep into the psyche of the character, you sink, lost in this madness. Great read!!
It's the very first time I've read a book by Joy Mutter and I hope she continued to write. I've been surprised by its unexpected twists. Very emotional and deep into the psyche of the character, you sink, lost in this madness. Great read!!
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