Should Have Been in the Romance Section

On a whim, fooled by the marketing blurbs, I tried this author randomly, looking for a mystery. After a few pages (or minutes in an audio file) I was ready to hit the delete button. Switching to sarcasm and parody mode, I began to hear the stilted dialog and corny, unsophisticated story line as a work of humor. And it worked. For a short while.
Along with being the most badly written novel I have ever had the misfortune to come across, I remain amazed at the complete lack of depth, character development and writing skill this book presents. How does someone get this stuff published? And do people intentionally buy it?
I haven't smoked pot in forty years, but doing so may be the only way to get through this dog.
Note: The website would not allow me to leave the page without selecting at least one star. Ergo my rating.

42 people found this helpful

Really like Sandra Brown

I almost didn't buy this book because of the one review written when I purchased it. But I love Sandra Brown, and I'm glad I disregarded the review and gave the book a try. While I agree that it isn't her best novel, and that it was a little slow in the beginning, there were unexpected twists later in the book that kept me interested. I especially sympathized with Dodge and Caroline in the choices they made and lived with for 30 years. If you're a fan of Brown, I wouldn't call Tough Customer a wasted credit.

21 people found this helpful

mediocre story at best

There are many books by Sandra Brown that I like, but this isn't one of them. I wasn't able to connect with the story or the characters. Having just reread her excellent Chill Factor, this book was definitely at the other end of the spectrum. The narrator was fine; he just couldn't salvage the stale storyline.

20 people found this helpful

Not her best

I'll freely admit this is not Sandra Brown's best effort. Out of the over 70 books she has had published (close to 60 on the NY Times Best Sellers list) there are several I like better than this one. Envy,of course, being my favorite along with The Alibi, Chill Factor, Mirror Image as well as some of the "romance" titles, Bittersweet Rain, Slow Heat in Heaven and others.

Tough Customer isn't bad, it's just not her best. I liked the back story involving Dodge and Caroline, it was interesting. The current story which involved Berry and Sky as well as Dodge and Caroline just didn't quite make it for me.

15 people found this helpful

I was leary at first

Sandra Brown is one of my favorite authors but I wasn't sure about a book featuring the private detective from Smash Cut. Then I read the reviews about book and since most of them were negative I decided not to get this book. Glad I changed my mind. I should have known that a Sandra Brown book narrated by Victor Slezak couldn't help but be excellent. Having said all of that I agree that isn't the best book that Sandra Brown has ever written.

12 people found this helpful

Not her best - but it is Sandra Brown

I always look for new releases by Sandra Brown, so I came across this one. I would always choose one of her novels. I went with it despite the negative reviews. It was entertaining, but definitely all over the place! Too many subplots. When I thought I was winding up the book, I was surprised to see that I had 3 hours left! A bit formulaic, but entertaining enough. Lots of Sandra Brown signature moments. I wouldn't put it at the top of your list, but when you need a new read, I wouldn't pass it up because of the reviews.

8 people found this helpful

"Sue Me"

Would you listen to Tough Customer again? Why?

yes, I did listen twice, as I missed some good parts the first time. S.B. writes a mystery, so you can miss some clues if you are multi-tasking.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

yes, as this has a bit of a thriller in the story.

Which character – as performed by Victor Slezak – was your favorite?

Victor Slezak and S.B. books are an automatic download for me. I own all of this reads on downloads/MP3 of Ms Browns. He is the best of the SB readers. I just wish Audible would get White Hot in full length. This is my all time fave of SB with Victor stealing the show!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, and that is why I missed some clues.

Any additional comments?

Check out V.S. reads of S.B. You will not be disappointed.

6 people found this helpful

Disappointed Customer

I really, really hate it when I waste a credit. I've tried twice to get into this story and characters, but it just isn't happening. Taking way too long to hook any interest and the narrator falls short, too. Maybe I shouldn't have listened to this one so soon after The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. Can I have my credit back?

5 people found this helpful

Engrossing but not great literature

Male characters just not very believable and the female characters are made out to be shallow and vulnerable. An OK book with a convoluted plot that was interesting just not very believable.

4 people found this helpful

Not too bad

Being a Sandra Brown fan for a few years, I always like to see what new storyline her new books render. I hadn't read (or listened in this case) this book until now and needless to say it isn't one of her best ones. It was entertaining and worth a listen. One of my faves is "Fat Tuesday" as well as "Chill Factor". Those are the classic Brown suspense novels that i personally enjoy!

4 people found this helpful