What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruddy McCann #2
Repo Madness: A Novel
Ruddy McCann is back in Repo Madness--the laugh-out-loud, thrilling adventure from bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron!Ruddy McCann, former college football star, now Kalkaska, Michigan repo man, is finally getting his life back on track. He has a beautiful fiancé, Katie Lottner, a somewhat stable job stealing cars, and a lazy, lovable basset hound.With his job suddenly in jeopardy, his fiancé wanting a break, and a new court-ordered psychiatrist insisting he take his medication or violate the terms of his probation, Ruddy finds himself missing the one thing he thought he would be happy to be rid of--the voice of Alan Lottner, dead realtor and Ruddy's future father-in-law.When a woman tells Ruddy that the tragedy that defines his life may, in fact, be a lie, Ruddy starts to investigate the disappearances of women in the area and soon discovers that his own redemption may be within reach. Alan's voice returns, and Ruddy and Alan work together to bring down a corrupt banker, win back Katie's love, and stop a serial killer before he can strike again.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2016
74 people are currently reading
1380 people want to read
About the author
W. Bruce Cameron
94 books4,467 followersI’ve always loved dogs, which puts me in a unique category along with what, maybe two or three billion people?
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
August 10, 2016
I honestly think I have been waiting for this book forever. I loved The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man and the novella which followed and couldn't wait to see what happens next in Ruddy's world. When the book starts, Ruddy's life is running pretty smoothly. He and his fiance Katie are doing well, Jake the Basset is as loving and as lazy as always, and his job is great. However, the bliss is short-lived because a new court-appointed psychiatrist thinks Ruddy is crazy and needs to go back to jail, Alan, the voice in his head is back, his boss is dead from a questionable suicide and Katie wants to move out. Not to mention something happens to Ruddy which makes him question what happened to him in the past and discover that a serial killer may be on the loose.
The book was extremely fast paced and engrossing. There are so many plots and sub plots that I found it hard to put down. The characters are as quirky and as crazy as they were in the original book and Jake is still the lazy basset I have grown to love (who am I kidding - I loved him immediately upon his arrival in the first book). I especially enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ruddy and his new brother-in-law, Kermit. Kermit would probably get on my last nerve too but he and Ruddy aren't as different as they would like to think. I also enjoyed the small town setting and the fact that the book takes place during a Michigan winter only adds to the atmosphere Cameron has created. I kind of imagine Kalkaska as my own little Stars Hollow, only grittier and much colder.
There really isn't anything that I don't love about this book other than the fact that it's over. Now I have to wait for the next installment. However, there is a plus. All the time I was reading this I kept imagining this as a movie/series of some sort. In fact, I was trying to think of actors to play the roles of each characters. (I sort of picture Ruddy as a Matthew McConaughey except I'm sure Ruddy is actually larger). The end of the book contains commentary from the author and it mentions that the Ruddy McCann books are in production for a TV pilot. I will keep my fingers crossed and although I'm sure Matthew may be busy, I know Hollywood will find the perfect Ruddy. They just better keep Jake a basset hound! You know how they like to mess with books!!!!!
I received this book for Forge in exchange for an honest review.
The book was extremely fast paced and engrossing. There are so many plots and sub plots that I found it hard to put down. The characters are as quirky and as crazy as they were in the original book and Jake is still the lazy basset I have grown to love (who am I kidding - I loved him immediately upon his arrival in the first book). I especially enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ruddy and his new brother-in-law, Kermit. Kermit would probably get on my last nerve too but he and Ruddy aren't as different as they would like to think. I also enjoyed the small town setting and the fact that the book takes place during a Michigan winter only adds to the atmosphere Cameron has created. I kind of imagine Kalkaska as my own little Stars Hollow, only grittier and much colder.
There really isn't anything that I don't love about this book other than the fact that it's over. Now I have to wait for the next installment. However, there is a plus. All the time I was reading this I kept imagining this as a movie/series of some sort. In fact, I was trying to think of actors to play the roles of each characters. (I sort of picture Ruddy as a Matthew McConaughey except I'm sure Ruddy is actually larger). The end of the book contains commentary from the author and it mentions that the Ruddy McCann books are in production for a TV pilot. I will keep my fingers crossed and although I'm sure Matthew may be busy, I know Hollywood will find the perfect Ruddy. They just better keep Jake a basset hound! You know how they like to mess with books!!!!!
I received this book for Forge in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2016
Like MIDNIGHT PLAN OF THE REPO MAN, this one is so refreshingly funny, without resorting to crudeness, that it soared to five stars for me within the first couple chapters. Ruddy McCann, our protagonist, once again is hearing Alan Lottner (his fiancee's father) in his head. No, really. Alan died awhile back. In MIDNIGHT PLAN, Alan inhabited Ruddy's head to pester him into solving his murder. Now, eighteen months later, Alan is of the opinion that Ruddy should pursue the idea that Lisa Marie Walker didn't die when Ruddy drove into the lake late one night, a death that ultimately landed Ruddy in prison and ended his very promising football career. Ruddy, as usual, finds Alan hard to argue with and even harder to ignore. While "they" are trying to reinvestigate the case, Ruddy is trying to stay out of jail, for he has a new, hard-nosed court-ordered psychiatrist who is threatening to recommend revoking his probation, and the local deputy is only too happy to arrest Ruddy on the smallest infringement of the law. How he will ever make it through the next few days is truly anyone's guess. But it's most entertaining to watch.
August 24, 2016
http://www.themaineedge.com/buzz/repo...
Achieving success in one literary genre is difficult enough. There are thousands of writers out there working daily toward goals that only a scant percentage will actually achieve. And of those who achieve their goals and become published novelists, a tiny fraction will find a modicum of fame within the trappings of their chosen style.
But then you have someone like W. Bruce Cameron.
Cameron is someone who you might know for “8 Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.” You might know him for his series of dog books – “A Dog’s Purpose” is set to become a major motion picture release this fall.
And if you’re like me, you know him because of Ruddy McCann the repo man.
Cameron’s latest is “Repo Madness”, a sequel to 2014’s quirkily excellent “The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man.” It marks the return of Ruddy McCann, the rough-and-tumble, tack-sharp repo man with an unwelcome inner voice. Ruddy has another mystery to solve – and this one might change not only his future, but the way he views his past.
It has been 18 months since Ruddy McCann last heard the voice of Alan Lottner, the deceased realtor who took up residence in Ruddy’s head. Ruddy is still working as a repo man, roaming the roads of northern Michigan tracking down the assorted deadbeats and forgetters who have let the payments lapse on their various vehicles.
He’s engaged to Katie – Alan’s daughter – and living in his house with her and his trusty (and generally put-upon) basset hound Jake. He’s hanging out at the Black Bear, the bar he (kind of) co-owns with his sister Becky and her new husband Kermit.
But he’s also dealing with court-appointed psychiatrist visits thanks to the muddy circumstances surrounding his previous escapades. And suddenly, it seems like all the progress that he has made is slowly slipping from his grasp, leaving him doing something he never thought he’d do – missing Alan.
But when a young woman gives Ruddy a piece of information about the long-ago accident that derailed his once-promising life, he finds himself embroiled in yet another mystery. It turns out that his situation is not unique – the disappearances of several other women might be somehow tied to the events of the fateful night that changed Ruddy’s trajectory.
And Alan’s back.
The two team up yet again to try and solve the mystery, take down a crooked banker, remove the stain from Ruddy’s past, save his relationship with Katie…and repossess some cars along the way.
Ruddy McCann is one of the more delightful literary characters to whom I have been introduced in recent years. Flawed heroes are the best heroes – and Ruddy wears his flaws like a badge of honor. Sure, he grows and changes as his circumstances do, but his core – his basic Ruddy-ness – remains the same. He is charming, steadfast and loyal, with a fierce intelligence that he’s more than happy to hide and a tremendous capacity for love that he’s never quite certain how to show.
Oh, and he just happens to be hilarious.
It’s hard to articulate the nuances of the Ruddy/Alan dynamic – think something like “The Odd Couple,” only if Felix was a voice in Oscar’s head. But that relationship, while foundational, is just one of many that serve as the beating heart of this book. Don’t get me wrong – the narrative is compelling as all get out, but “Repo Madness” is built on interpersonal relationships, just as its predecessor was.
Ruddy is at the story’s center, but his friends and family orbit him tightly. The town of Kalkaska is populated with richly-realized eccentrics; there’s a whole fleshed-out supporting cast that populates Ruddy’s world. It’s a vivid and slightly off-kilter community, capturing the unique character of a unique part of the country.
There’s an undeniable spiritedness to Cameron’s prose that is both emotionally engaging and wildly entertaining. “Repo Madness” mixes humor and hubris with aplomb, creating something special. We can only hope that there’s more to come from W. Bruce Cameron and Ruddy McCann.
Achieving success in one literary genre is difficult enough. There are thousands of writers out there working daily toward goals that only a scant percentage will actually achieve. And of those who achieve their goals and become published novelists, a tiny fraction will find a modicum of fame within the trappings of their chosen style.
But then you have someone like W. Bruce Cameron.
Cameron is someone who you might know for “8 Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.” You might know him for his series of dog books – “A Dog’s Purpose” is set to become a major motion picture release this fall.
And if you’re like me, you know him because of Ruddy McCann the repo man.
Cameron’s latest is “Repo Madness”, a sequel to 2014’s quirkily excellent “The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man.” It marks the return of Ruddy McCann, the rough-and-tumble, tack-sharp repo man with an unwelcome inner voice. Ruddy has another mystery to solve – and this one might change not only his future, but the way he views his past.
It has been 18 months since Ruddy McCann last heard the voice of Alan Lottner, the deceased realtor who took up residence in Ruddy’s head. Ruddy is still working as a repo man, roaming the roads of northern Michigan tracking down the assorted deadbeats and forgetters who have let the payments lapse on their various vehicles.
He’s engaged to Katie – Alan’s daughter – and living in his house with her and his trusty (and generally put-upon) basset hound Jake. He’s hanging out at the Black Bear, the bar he (kind of) co-owns with his sister Becky and her new husband Kermit.
But he’s also dealing with court-appointed psychiatrist visits thanks to the muddy circumstances surrounding his previous escapades. And suddenly, it seems like all the progress that he has made is slowly slipping from his grasp, leaving him doing something he never thought he’d do – missing Alan.
But when a young woman gives Ruddy a piece of information about the long-ago accident that derailed his once-promising life, he finds himself embroiled in yet another mystery. It turns out that his situation is not unique – the disappearances of several other women might be somehow tied to the events of the fateful night that changed Ruddy’s trajectory.
And Alan’s back.
The two team up yet again to try and solve the mystery, take down a crooked banker, remove the stain from Ruddy’s past, save his relationship with Katie…and repossess some cars along the way.
Ruddy McCann is one of the more delightful literary characters to whom I have been introduced in recent years. Flawed heroes are the best heroes – and Ruddy wears his flaws like a badge of honor. Sure, he grows and changes as his circumstances do, but his core – his basic Ruddy-ness – remains the same. He is charming, steadfast and loyal, with a fierce intelligence that he’s more than happy to hide and a tremendous capacity for love that he’s never quite certain how to show.
Oh, and he just happens to be hilarious.
It’s hard to articulate the nuances of the Ruddy/Alan dynamic – think something like “The Odd Couple,” only if Felix was a voice in Oscar’s head. But that relationship, while foundational, is just one of many that serve as the beating heart of this book. Don’t get me wrong – the narrative is compelling as all get out, but “Repo Madness” is built on interpersonal relationships, just as its predecessor was.
Ruddy is at the story’s center, but his friends and family orbit him tightly. The town of Kalkaska is populated with richly-realized eccentrics; there’s a whole fleshed-out supporting cast that populates Ruddy’s world. It’s a vivid and slightly off-kilter community, capturing the unique character of a unique part of the country.
There’s an undeniable spiritedness to Cameron’s prose that is both emotionally engaging and wildly entertaining. “Repo Madness” mixes humor and hubris with aplomb, creating something special. We can only hope that there’s more to come from W. Bruce Cameron and Ruddy McCann.
September 4, 2016
Repo Madness, the sequel to Cameron's The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man, is a solid mystery novel. It lacks the silliness of the first novel but there where plenty of moments that made me smile. The series has legs, I look forward to reading the next one.
Cameron's story is tight with a couple of different set-ups for book 3 in the series. To keep the story fresh new characters help Ruddy plod thru a Michigan winter. Never fear word nerd Kermit, the beer tossing Wolfingers, dim witted Jimmy, and fiancee Katie are still in Kalkaska doing their thing. Thankfully Alan is still a repressed, (I swear he's gay)high strung, type A who isn't afraid to talk smack to Ruddy. Their interactions are still my favorite parts of the books.
Cameron's story is tight with a couple of different set-ups for book 3 in the series. To keep the story fresh new characters help Ruddy plod thru a Michigan winter. Never fear word nerd Kermit, the beer tossing Wolfingers, dim witted Jimmy, and fiancee Katie are still in Kalkaska doing their thing. Thankfully Alan is still a repressed, (I swear he's gay)high strung, type A who isn't afraid to talk smack to Ruddy. Their interactions are still my favorite parts of the books.
August 24, 2016
W. Bruce Cameron has done it again! While this is a sequel to The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man, you don't have to have read the first book to thoroughly enjoy this one. However, I'm glad I did read Midnight Plan first, because it made Repo Madness feel like visiting old friends. It made me laugh, and kept me guessing. I can't recommend Repo Madness enough. But, I recommend all of Mr. Cameron's novels. He knocks it out of the park every time!!
August 25, 2016
I absolutely adored this book. The characters seem like old friends but their attitudes change over the course of the three books in this series--just like real people do. My favorite part of this book is that Alan is back! Is Alan real or part of a mental disorder? I agree with Ruddy that it doesn't matter because Alan is such fun to be around. In this book, some of the minor characters in the first book are fleshed out and they are given their turn in the spotlight. There are two mysteries to solve along with Ruddy this time. One is a carryover from the first book and the other builds on characters introduced there. A separate crime story has some good twists and turns.
Overall, I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is humorous, has great characters with many dimensions, and the plot is full of mysteries and crimes committed by and against our hero(es). The best news is that the author leaves a teaser to the fourth book in the series at the end of this book. I can't wait.
I received this book as an advance reader copy from the publisher by winning a Goodreads giveaway but that has not impacted my review.
Overall, I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is humorous, has great characters with many dimensions, and the plot is full of mysteries and crimes committed by and against our hero(es). The best news is that the author leaves a teaser to the fourth book in the series at the end of this book. I can't wait.
I received this book as an advance reader copy from the publisher by winning a Goodreads giveaway but that has not impacted my review.
September 9, 2016
I didn't expect to say this, but Repo Madness is even better than the first novel in the series, The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man, which was excellent. (If you haven't read the series, do check out the first book, as well as the digital-only short story, The Midnight Dog of the Repo Man.) Having said that, Repo Madness does stand on its own. I was amused, intrigued and surprised throughout the book. W. Bruce Cameron has a great gift of suddenly taking his story in a direction the reader did not see coming, but -- and this is important – when he does it, it fits the narrative, fits the direction of the story. The reader, happily, just doesn't see it coming. When it happens, and it happens in all his books, it's quite the delight. There's nothing better than involving yourself in a great book and having finding yourself caught off guard on what's happening to the characters. Like many people, I discovered Cameron's work from reading A Dog's Purpose, certainly a favorite book of mine, so it's truly a pleasure to go on a different path with one of America's most talented -- and, yes, always surprising -- writers.
August 30, 2016
Ruddy McCann, repo man, former football player, and unwitting detective, could use a break in his personal life and business life. And if time machines existed and this were a sci-fi book (they don't and it isn't), he could use that machine to turn back the clock and redo a major event from his past that significantly changed his life.
In this second installment, Ruddy relies on family, friends, business contacts, and a sidekick, rather, an inside-his-head-kick, to help him research a murder case with more twists and turns than the roads he travels searching for delinquent cars to haul back to the bank. With a dry sense of humor, comebacks that don't come quickly to many, but easily to Ruddy, he has the drive and determination to rewrite his past, while others would simply give up.
The author's vivid descriptions of the characters make it difficult not to take a vested interest in their well-being or demise. The only negative is having to wait for the next book.
Maybe I could find a time machine online.
In this second installment, Ruddy relies on family, friends, business contacts, and a sidekick, rather, an inside-his-head-kick, to help him research a murder case with more twists and turns than the roads he travels searching for delinquent cars to haul back to the bank. With a dry sense of humor, comebacks that don't come quickly to many, but easily to Ruddy, he has the drive and determination to rewrite his past, while others would simply give up.
The author's vivid descriptions of the characters make it difficult not to take a vested interest in their well-being or demise. The only negative is having to wait for the next book.
Maybe I could find a time machine online.
October 1, 2016
I liked this book even better then the first one in the series. A young woman approaches Ruddy at a festival and tells him that Lisa Marie was not in the car when Ruddy drove into the lake. That moment changed his life for the worse. This encounter sends Ruddy on a new adventure to find out what really happened that night. All of my favorite characters are back. Alan, the voice in Ruddy's head who just happens to be his future father-in-lawr; Kermit, his brother-in-law who has a big heart and loves to use big words; and Jake, his very lazy basset hound. Barry Strickland, ex-sheriff, comes on the scene to help with the investigation. Then on top of this investigation, Ruddy's fiancee needs a break so she moves out and Ruddy gets involved in a murder to hire scheme. The interaction between Ruddy and Jake and Ruddy and Alan kept me laughing throughout the book. The author successfully wraps everything up by the end and even finds time to drop a hint about the next book in the series.
September 2, 2016
I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of Repo Madness, and as a fan of Cameron, I was thrilled to continue reading the saga of Ruddy McCann and be an early reviewer. Continuing the saga of Ruddy's adventures as a tow-truck driver repossessing vehicles in the frozen Minnesota landscape, the story will capture you with early mysteries, people trying to do the right thing, dead people having most of the dialogue, good guys turning into bad guys, and bad guys getting what you hope is coming to them. This is a fast-paced book that keeps you on the edge of your chair and takes you to lakes, dark bars, and frigid country roads, ice fishing, and humans loving each other and their dog in the best way they can. As a sequel to Midnight Plan of the Repo Man, this book stands alone, but after reading both books, I feel like I know these characters and love welcoming them into my home and my bookshelf.
August 27, 2016
BINGO!!! THIS BOOK IS A WINNER.
If you want a GREAT ROLLER COASTER RIDE then hop on the Madness Ride because W. Bruce Cameron does it again. Just when you think you have it all figured out.......NOPE, you dont. Who Dunnit? Read to find out and by the way, when you finish the book and are craving more, I'm SURE there will be more to come in this series. Read the FIRST in the series "Midnight Plan of the Repo Man", it's as thrilling, funny and scary as "Repo Madness". For an additional treat, read the ebook prequel "Midnight Dog of the Repo Man".
If you want a GREAT ROLLER COASTER RIDE then hop on the Madness Ride because W. Bruce Cameron does it again. Just when you think you have it all figured out.......NOPE, you dont. Who Dunnit? Read to find out and by the way, when you finish the book and are craving more, I'm SURE there will be more to come in this series. Read the FIRST in the series "Midnight Plan of the Repo Man", it's as thrilling, funny and scary as "Repo Madness". For an additional treat, read the ebook prequel "Midnight Dog of the Repo Man".
August 24, 2016
GREAT BOOK!!!
I read the Advanced Reader Copy of Repo Madness. I was excited to read it, and it was better than I had wished for! Sequel that stands alone. I laughed out loud several times and enjoyed the mystery, storyline and characters very much. Another best seller for W. Bruce Cameron!!
~Paula
I read the Advanced Reader Copy of Repo Madness. I was excited to read it, and it was better than I had wished for! Sequel that stands alone. I laughed out loud several times and enjoyed the mystery, storyline and characters very much. Another best seller for W. Bruce Cameron!!
~Paula
October 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book filled with funny lively characters. He talks to his girlfriend's dead father, repos cars, and investigates murders. Great read. If you want a book to read that will make you laugh out loud, this is it. I loved the story.
December 22, 2016
To express how eager I was to read this second book in the "Repo Man" or "Ruddy McCann" series (after Midnight Plan of the Repo Man), I shouldn't need to say much more than, "I paid full price for the hardcover at Barnes & Noble." That's $25.99, folks. And I'm cheap. The last new-release hardcover I bought before this was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - a few minutes past midnight, July 7, 2009. But I loved Ruddy McCann, and I pestered booksellers at several other stores before I found a copy that had just arrived and hadn't even been put out on the shelf. And then I quit reading another book I was really enjoying because I couldn't wait to read this. Now let me add: I was not disappointed. Need I say more?
OK, so I'll say more. Ruddy McCann, in case you don't know, is a once-promising Michigan State quarterback whose life went into the drink with him one night when he mistook a boat ramp for the highway, and was pulled out of the icy water by a couple of pot-heads who happened to be nearby. The drunk co-ed who was sleeping it off in the backseat of his car didn't make it, washing ashore five days later. Ruddy took it on the chin, doing a prison term for murder even though he wasn't legally drunk. Now, after a further misunderstanding with the law landed him on probation, we find him dividing his time between such peaceful, fulfilling routines as bouncing at his sister's bar, repossessing cars for a lowlife named Milt, missing the voice in his head that claimed to be his fiancee Katie's dead father Alan, and... Well, I figured that last one might catch you. You really should catch up on your reading; that title again is Midnight Plan of the Repo Man.
But trouble is never far from Ruddy McCann for very long. And when it comes, it comes in heaps. Two years after saving her from the men who murdered her father, Ruddy is worried about his relationship with Katie, who is talking about needing a break. He is worried about his best friend Jimmy, who is having an affair with a married woman; about a couple of crusty old barflies who have fallen prey to a scam; and about his new court-ordered psychiatrist, who actually cares whether he is taking his court-ordered medicine. And then a strange girl walks up to him and tells him he may not be responsible for the death of Lisa Marie Walker - an idea that somehow puts Ruddy on the trail of a serial killer. And then Milt suddenly dies, an apparent suicide - but something about it doesn't sit right. And then a banker, who Ruddy knows is the husband of Jimmy's girlfriend, hires Ruddy to do some of his dirty work - and it keeps getting dirtier. And then, and then, and then... once the pace gets rolling, these new problems swirl together into a Northern Lower Michigan winter storm of danger for Ruddy and everyone he holds dear.
Oh yes, I forgot to mention - Alan comes back. And though Ruddy missed him while he was gone, he is more convinced than ever that Alan is really a figment of his imagination - though the disembodied ex-realtor would be hurt to hear that. The bickering, bantering chemistry of Alan and Ruddy is a lot like having "The Odd Couple" squeezed into one man's head, with Alan disapproving of Ruddy and Katie's romantic involvement, Ruddy's diet, Ruddy's household and personal hygiene, and Ruddy's damn-the-torpedoes, full-speed-ahead approach to dealing with people.
Also back are Ruddy's lovable but malapropism-prone brother-in-law Kermit, who is now also his boss; ex-sheriff and all-around stand-up guy Barry Strickland, who is now his co-worker; Ruddy's lazy but lovable basset hound Jake; and the old familiar conks on the head, struggles for survival, gruesome surprises, sweeping crescendos of suspense and accelerandos of action, frequent touches of goofball humor and sweet romance, and the surprising patterns that fall out of Ruddy's distinctive way of juggling multiple complex problems. I already anticipate being a pest to local booksellers when the third book in this series approaches its release date. It hasn't been announced yet, but I'm sure it's going to happen, given the loose ends left dangling at the end of this most entertaining book.
OK, so I'll say more. Ruddy McCann, in case you don't know, is a once-promising Michigan State quarterback whose life went into the drink with him one night when he mistook a boat ramp for the highway, and was pulled out of the icy water by a couple of pot-heads who happened to be nearby. The drunk co-ed who was sleeping it off in the backseat of his car didn't make it, washing ashore five days later. Ruddy took it on the chin, doing a prison term for murder even though he wasn't legally drunk. Now, after a further misunderstanding with the law landed him on probation, we find him dividing his time between such peaceful, fulfilling routines as bouncing at his sister's bar, repossessing cars for a lowlife named Milt, missing the voice in his head that claimed to be his fiancee Katie's dead father Alan, and... Well, I figured that last one might catch you. You really should catch up on your reading; that title again is Midnight Plan of the Repo Man.
But trouble is never far from Ruddy McCann for very long. And when it comes, it comes in heaps. Two years after saving her from the men who murdered her father, Ruddy is worried about his relationship with Katie, who is talking about needing a break. He is worried about his best friend Jimmy, who is having an affair with a married woman; about a couple of crusty old barflies who have fallen prey to a scam; and about his new court-ordered psychiatrist, who actually cares whether he is taking his court-ordered medicine. And then a strange girl walks up to him and tells him he may not be responsible for the death of Lisa Marie Walker - an idea that somehow puts Ruddy on the trail of a serial killer. And then Milt suddenly dies, an apparent suicide - but something about it doesn't sit right. And then a banker, who Ruddy knows is the husband of Jimmy's girlfriend, hires Ruddy to do some of his dirty work - and it keeps getting dirtier. And then, and then, and then... once the pace gets rolling, these new problems swirl together into a Northern Lower Michigan winter storm of danger for Ruddy and everyone he holds dear.
Oh yes, I forgot to mention - Alan comes back. And though Ruddy missed him while he was gone, he is more convinced than ever that Alan is really a figment of his imagination - though the disembodied ex-realtor would be hurt to hear that. The bickering, bantering chemistry of Alan and Ruddy is a lot like having "The Odd Couple" squeezed into one man's head, with Alan disapproving of Ruddy and Katie's romantic involvement, Ruddy's diet, Ruddy's household and personal hygiene, and Ruddy's damn-the-torpedoes, full-speed-ahead approach to dealing with people.
Also back are Ruddy's lovable but malapropism-prone brother-in-law Kermit, who is now also his boss; ex-sheriff and all-around stand-up guy Barry Strickland, who is now his co-worker; Ruddy's lazy but lovable basset hound Jake; and the old familiar conks on the head, struggles for survival, gruesome surprises, sweeping crescendos of suspense and accelerandos of action, frequent touches of goofball humor and sweet romance, and the surprising patterns that fall out of Ruddy's distinctive way of juggling multiple complex problems. I already anticipate being a pest to local booksellers when the third book in this series approaches its release date. It hasn't been announced yet, but I'm sure it's going to happen, given the loose ends left dangling at the end of this most entertaining book.
January 18, 2017
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Ahhh, Ruddy McCann -- from local (and rising) sports star to someone pitied by a hound. Life isn't that nice for him -- even his heroics at the end of The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man didn't do much to improve his life.
One day, he's minding his business and a complete stranger comes up and tells him that he's not guilty of the crime he was convicted of. This encounter turns his world upside down -- he remembers nothing that happened around that time, he just assumed he was as guilty as he was told. But if he wasn't?
He starts looking into things and soon finds more dead women than he expects -- and before he knows it, Ruddy (and Alan) are on the trail of a possible serial killer.
He's also found himself doing errands for (and maybe accidentally threatening people on behalf of) a corrupt banker -- he is making pretty decent money this way, but he's not sure he should. Still, he needs money as a couple of local police have taken to shutting down any of his repossession activities. So he soldiers on, while trying to find a way to take this guy down, too.
Ruddy's having some difficulty in his personal life, too -- both with his fiancée and his sister. Because a barely employed ex-con needs more complications in his life than stopping two crime sprees. Alan's advice (as unwilling as he is to give it) probably saves the day, for him.
I'm not crazy about his psychologist as a character -- but as an antagonist he worked well. Also, I'm not sure I like what we seem to have learned about Alan from him. The banker was amusing, I'm not sure I took him as seriously as a criminal, but I had fun with him. I may have liked Katie more in the last book, but she's a good character and I enjoyed her effect on Ruddy.
I don't know why Cameron gave Ruddy's brother-in-law, Kermit, this knack for using the wrong word so often, but I have to tip my cap to him -- it has to be hard to write (and not overdo it) and it works so well for building a character and bringing some extra lightness to his scenes.
Cameron walks a fine line between humor and serious drama -- I don't find this as funny as some, but it is light and amusing. That doesn't take away from the drama, the danger or anything -- it just makes the narrative easier to read.
This is one of those sequels that you don't see the need for -- The Midnight Plan was a fun novel, and a complete story, but it did leave the door open for this one (and Repo Madness has left at least one more open). I'm glad that Cameron brought Rudy back and look forward to his return. This was another solid outing for this unlikely hero.
---
I dropped Jake off at Kermit's office before I headed out of town and tried to ignore how eager my dog was to leave the repo truck. 'you know you belong to me," I reminded him. He gave my hand an affectionate, reassuring lick. I think we both knew I was being condescended to by a basset hound.
Ahhh, Ruddy McCann -- from local (and rising) sports star to someone pitied by a hound. Life isn't that nice for him -- even his heroics at the end of The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man didn't do much to improve his life.
One day, he's minding his business and a complete stranger comes up and tells him that he's not guilty of the crime he was convicted of. This encounter turns his world upside down -- he remembers nothing that happened around that time, he just assumed he was as guilty as he was told. But if he wasn't?
He starts looking into things and soon finds more dead women than he expects -- and before he knows it, Ruddy (and Alan) are on the trail of a possible serial killer.
He's also found himself doing errands for (and maybe accidentally threatening people on behalf of) a corrupt banker -- he is making pretty decent money this way, but he's not sure he should. Still, he needs money as a couple of local police have taken to shutting down any of his repossession activities. So he soldiers on, while trying to find a way to take this guy down, too.
Ruddy's having some difficulty in his personal life, too -- both with his fiancée and his sister. Because a barely employed ex-con needs more complications in his life than stopping two crime sprees. Alan's advice (as unwilling as he is to give it) probably saves the day, for him.
I'm not crazy about his psychologist as a character -- but as an antagonist he worked well. Also, I'm not sure I like what we seem to have learned about Alan from him. The banker was amusing, I'm not sure I took him as seriously as a criminal, but I had fun with him. I may have liked Katie more in the last book, but she's a good character and I enjoyed her effect on Ruddy.
I don't know why Cameron gave Ruddy's brother-in-law, Kermit, this knack for using the wrong word so often, but I have to tip my cap to him -- it has to be hard to write (and not overdo it) and it works so well for building a character and bringing some extra lightness to his scenes.
Cameron walks a fine line between humor and serious drama -- I don't find this as funny as some, but it is light and amusing. That doesn't take away from the drama, the danger or anything -- it just makes the narrative easier to read.
This is one of those sequels that you don't see the need for -- The Midnight Plan was a fun novel, and a complete story, but it did leave the door open for this one (and Repo Madness has left at least one more open). I'm glad that Cameron brought Rudy back and look forward to his return. This was another solid outing for this unlikely hero.
October 20, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. It was my first book I've read out of Bruce Cameron's works. When I first picked up this book from a local library, I didn't know what to expect from it. But once I started reading it, I just wanted to sit in my reading armchair and read all day long, doing nothing else.
There was humor (It was so fun to read dialogues between Ruddy and Alan, haha) and suspense (lots of it). It was not classified as Mystery, but I could say it is. Because the story revolved around Ruddy finding out what really happened to the girl who people thought, even Ruddy, died in a sinking car. If you read it up to the end, you will get a hint that there will be another book with you-know-what mystery that Ruddy is going to solve. I thought it was a good strategy for him to drop a hint about his next book. I liked it.
I really enjoyed it and can't wait for his next book of Ruddy McCann series.
While I'm waiting, I think I will read Repo Man.
There was humor (It was so fun to read dialogues between Ruddy and Alan, haha) and suspense (lots of it). It was not classified as Mystery, but I could say it is. Because the story revolved around Ruddy finding out what really happened to the girl who people thought, even Ruddy, died in a sinking car. If you read it up to the end, you will get a hint that there will be another book with you-know-what mystery that Ruddy is going to solve. I thought it was a good strategy for him to drop a hint about his next book. I liked it.
I really enjoyed it and can't wait for his next book of Ruddy McCann series.
While I'm waiting, I think I will read Repo Man.
October 19, 2016
Yes, yes, and yes! Give me more of the Repo Man. Ruddy is my new hero. This book is a fast read and Mr. Cameron knows how to spin a tale. I read The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man first as it was on the list as a good summer read from the library. Little did I know it took place in my home state of Michigan until I had the book in my hands. If you are from Michigan, you will certainly recognize some up-north-rednecky twists. This book had me rooting for the underdog and his dog. I'm completely a fan of Mr. Cameron's writing since reading the Repo Man series and have bought several of his "dog" books although I haven't had the chance to read them yet. I can't recommend this book enough. A fast, funny read that will keep you coming back for more!
September 16, 2016
I received an advanced readers copy of Repo Madness.
I was looking forward to it as I had loved the first in the series The Midnight Plan of he Repo man as well as the e-book novella prequel The Midnight Dog of the Repo man.
W. Bruce Cameron does not disappoint with his quirky, endearing humour I so enjoy.
A page turner of a mystery with twists and turns that will keep you reading well past your bedtime.
I hope there will be a next novel in the series as I have become invested in Ruddy and Alan, Katie, Becky, Kermit and of course Jake and the rest of the characters in Repo Madness.
I was looking forward to it as I had loved the first in the series The Midnight Plan of he Repo man as well as the e-book novella prequel The Midnight Dog of the Repo man.
W. Bruce Cameron does not disappoint with his quirky, endearing humour I so enjoy.
A page turner of a mystery with twists and turns that will keep you reading well past your bedtime.
I hope there will be a next novel in the series as I have become invested in Ruddy and Alan, Katie, Becky, Kermit and of course Jake and the rest of the characters in Repo Madness.
February 7, 2017
This is the second book about Ruddy McCann, the Repo Man. A woman tells Ruddy that the woman he thought he had killed in an automobile accident was not in the car. Ruddy had served five years in prison for her death. In search of the truth, Alan's voice returns to help Ruddy find the answers he is looking for.
October 20, 2016
Love this series!!!!
Another great story about the repo man. Ruddy is definitely somebody you would want as a friend. There's a little humor, a little mystery, a little nail-biting excitement - another all around great story. I'm looking forward to the next story.
Another great story about the repo man. Ruddy is definitely somebody you would want as a friend. There's a little humor, a little mystery, a little nail-biting excitement - another all around great story. I'm looking forward to the next story.
February 23, 2017
This was by far my favorite of the series. Yes I said series as I can tell there will be others! Yea!! Humorous and light reading. And has all of the elements that make for a good story. Mystery, suspense, a dog, humor, a fumbling romantic and repo man who has a voice in his head!
May 9, 2017
Love the Ruddy McCann humor. Can't wait for the next.
November 28, 2021
What fun to read a first-person film noir set in contemporary times. I did not expect to cheer on this protagonist, yet I found myself doing so. I doubted I would care about the mystery here, but I was gripped throughout the whole book. Although I did not think I would enjoy this, I'm happy to be completely wrong. It took me a while to find a full day to finish this book, and I kept reading faster with each page. No spoilers here. Just enjoy reading this.
February 5, 2017
Sometimes you're skeptical of what a book is really going to be like. When I read the first installment of this series, The Midnight Plan Of The Repo Man, my mentality going into it was one similar to what one might feel when he is walking into a circus as an adult. The bright yellow cover of that book, the bright blue cover of this one, the somewhat corny titles and cartoonish drawings on the front, it all seems to possess an image not to be taken too seriously. But, damn it, if I just couldn't resist that picture of the little pooch on the front!
I really enjoyed reading both of the books, but this one in particular. They were adventurous, had great elements of mystery, parts that will make you laugh, and, overall, avoided the potholes that could have easily sent it all spiraling out of control toward laughable attempts at comprehensive literature. Will they ever be considered as "classics" when our childrens' children are scrolling through their Kindles and looking for the most interesting title on their high school summer reading lists? Probably not. But, that's an unfair assessment if that's how you decide what is worthy of your time and what could be tossed into a fire. The four star ratings on both of these novels are entirely deserved. It's simple stuff that contains mostly elements of adult reading, not young adult fiction, and surprisingly twisty and turny (yes. Twisty AND turny.) with the plot. Not to mention, Repo Madness left enough open-ended material to allow for another book to be added to this growing series.
If you don't feel like forcing yourself through another Charles Dickens or Leo Tolstoy book, and are instead in the mood for something more recent, modern, and lacking in lengthy sentences using words having never been uttered post-1900 (as in 2016, I believe?), Cameron is your cure for the common readers block. Hop on board and tell Jake I said hi.
I really enjoyed reading both of the books, but this one in particular. They were adventurous, had great elements of mystery, parts that will make you laugh, and, overall, avoided the potholes that could have easily sent it all spiraling out of control toward laughable attempts at comprehensive literature. Will they ever be considered as "classics" when our childrens' children are scrolling through their Kindles and looking for the most interesting title on their high school summer reading lists? Probably not. But, that's an unfair assessment if that's how you decide what is worthy of your time and what could be tossed into a fire. The four star ratings on both of these novels are entirely deserved. It's simple stuff that contains mostly elements of adult reading, not young adult fiction, and surprisingly twisty and turny (yes. Twisty AND turny.) with the plot. Not to mention, Repo Madness left enough open-ended material to allow for another book to be added to this growing series.
If you don't feel like forcing yourself through another Charles Dickens or Leo Tolstoy book, and are instead in the mood for something more recent, modern, and lacking in lengthy sentences using words having never been uttered post-1900 (as in 2016, I believe?), Cameron is your cure for the common readers block. Hop on board and tell Jake I said hi.
April 30, 2018
Ruddy McCann might be a fictional character, but author W. Bruce Cameron has such a gifted way of breathing life into his creations that Ruddy immediately becomes someone you already know, someone deeply familiar, someone wholesome and flawed and rugged and real, someone you can relate to, and you just can't help but cheer for him from the very beginning. Our hero in this novel is an unmistakably good guy with whom we identify and genuinely like from the moment we meet him. His witty, clever handling of quintessential Everyman dilemmas — some of them funny and some of them flat-out terrifying — are so winning, you can’t help but find yourself emotionally invested in wanting this protagonist to succeed.
When you get to the last breathless page after clutching the edge of your seat, you may discover a swirling cocktail of complex emotional responses, not the least of which will be a pressing need to know when the next installment will be released.
Picking up where The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man left off (with brand new layers of intrigue, of course), this installment is multi-faceted, rich and complex, with thematic elements of tragedy, loss, scandal, murder, justice, truth, grief, hope, redemption, perseverance, spirituality, mystery, miracles and the fantastic power of love. Oh yeah, and I also laughed my a$$ off, too.
My brain hungrily devoured every delectable word of this brilliant, darkly comical, suspenseful, carefully constructed, gorgeously rendered story. Can't wait to read what happens in the next installment of this fascinating series.
When you get to the last breathless page after clutching the edge of your seat, you may discover a swirling cocktail of complex emotional responses, not the least of which will be a pressing need to know when the next installment will be released.
Picking up where The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man left off (with brand new layers of intrigue, of course), this installment is multi-faceted, rich and complex, with thematic elements of tragedy, loss, scandal, murder, justice, truth, grief, hope, redemption, perseverance, spirituality, mystery, miracles and the fantastic power of love. Oh yeah, and I also laughed my a$$ off, too.
My brain hungrily devoured every delectable word of this brilliant, darkly comical, suspenseful, carefully constructed, gorgeously rendered story. Can't wait to read what happens in the next installment of this fascinating series.
March 10, 2019
This was a fun read, another visit with Ruddy the Repo Man, who lives and works in a small town in Michigan. Ruddy hears the voice of a dead man in his head, and while he’s not completely sure it’s real, it certainly is helpful at times. Hiding it from the court-ordered psychiatrist is getting harder, though.
My favorite part of these books is actually Ruddy’s job, the one he does when he’s not trying to solve mysteries. For instance, at one point he sizes up a building as being big enough to hide two pickup trucks; this has become his unit of measurement.
This time the mystery concerns the car wreck which ruined Ruddy’s life nine years earlier. What if he didn’t actually kill a girl in that wreck? What if someone else murdered her, and is still killing today?
This takes place in the winter, and there are some interesting scenes which take place in a fishing village built on top of the ice of Lake Charlevoix.
My favorite part of these books is actually Ruddy’s job, the one he does when he’s not trying to solve mysteries. For instance, at one point he sizes up a building as being big enough to hide two pickup trucks; this has become his unit of measurement.
This time the mystery concerns the car wreck which ruined Ruddy’s life nine years earlier. What if he didn’t actually kill a girl in that wreck? What if someone else murdered her, and is still killing today?
This takes place in the winter, and there are some interesting scenes which take place in a fishing village built on top of the ice of Lake Charlevoix.
August 19, 2020
I listened to this book and it has 3 stars for two reasons- #1. why did they change the narrator??! I wanted the real Ruddy McCann back! This narrator had his tone all wrong. And #2 I really hate having to get all caught up and reintroduced to the characters and their background. 2nd books in series should never be read without having read the first so we can all just MOVE ON! I looked at the timing and it was about an hour of listening to stuff I already knew. With that being said I enjoyed the book but did find myself saying should I just stop and call it good? But I wanted to see who done it and I liked the story and twist etc.
March 9, 2017
A dry but hilarious second installment that follows our hero, Ruddy (the fearless repo man), through the tribulations of solving a serial murderer case, love, psychiatry, psychotics, and, of course, repo-ing. It's not exactly necessary to read the first book in the series. I actually had forgotten a lot of what happened in the first one, which I also loved so maybe you should read it. If you like quirky characters, amateur detective work, and lazy dogs you will enjoy this book.
October 13, 2016
Not as good as the first one, but interesting still. Jake, the Basset Hound is a terrific plus to the book. The book was too long, and I'm not crazy about some of the characters, especially that doctor. He's the one who needs meds. 3.5 stars
December 7, 2017
This book was even better than the first! I absolutely love Ruddy McCann and I certainly hope he has many adventures in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews