If you love fast-paced, twisty reads where nothing is quite as it seems, "Bad Monkeys" is a wild ride you won't want to miss. Jane Charlotte's unreliable narration keeps you guessing: is she a member of a covert evil-fighting organization, or a masterful liar spinning the ultimate yarn? With madcap gadgets, philosophical questions about good and evil, and a dark sense of humor, this book will hook fans of psychological thrillers, conspiracy theories, sci-fi action, or anything akin to "The Matrix" or "The Usual Suspects." Perfect for readers who crave clever mind games and stories that don't play by the rules.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not everyone will gel with this mind-bending tale. If you don't enjoy unreliable narrators, plot twists piled high, or stories that blur the lines between reality and delusion, you might prefer something more straightforward. Some readers found the ending too twisty, abrupt, or unsatisfying, feeling the narrative lost its way toward the finale. And if you demand realistic settings and grounded characters, the surreal vibe and action-movie-style science fiction elements might not be your thing.

A smart, fast, and unpredictable thriller that delivers both fun and thoughtful questions - just be ready for a wild, sometimes disorienting ride.

About:

'Bad Monkeys' by Matt Ruff is a fast-paced thriller that follows Jane Charlotte, a woman on trial for murder who claims to be part of a secretive organization targeting evil individuals. The narrative weaves through conspiracy theories, psychological suspense, and science fiction elements, keeping readers guessing about what is real and what is not. With a mix of dark humor, unexpected twists, and a mind-bending storyline, the book explores themes of good versus evil and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

Characters:

Characters are often eccentric and serve to highlight the main themes, particularly Jane, whose reliability is constantly in question.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is quick and witty, featuring a blend of humor and psychological insights, with a focus on an unreliable narrator that keeps readers guessing.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around a woman accused of murder who claims to work for a covert organization tasked with eradicating evil, creating a complex narrative that blends reality with fantastical elements.

Setting:

Set against the backdrop of a psychiatric facility intertwined with flashbacks, the setting enhances the themes of surveillance and the nature of reality.

Pacing:

The pacing varies throughout the book, starting quickly but becoming uneven towards the end, where rapid twists may leave readers feeling disoriented.

IT’S A ROOM AN UNINSPIRED PLAY-wright might conjure while staring at a blank page: White walls. White ceiling. White floor. Not featureless, but close enough to raise suspicion that its few contents a...

Notes:

Jane Charlotte is arrested for murder and claims she works for a secret organization called Bad Monkeys that eliminates evil people.

The novel is told through her conversations with a psychiatrist as he assesses her sanity.

Bad Monkeys operates under the Department for the Final Disposition of Irredeemable Persons, a covert organization tackling issues the government won t address.

Jane possesses a gun that can cause fatal heart attacks or brain aneurysms when used, showcasing the science fiction elements of the story.

The narrative includes themes of surveillance, moral ambiguity, and vigilante justice, questioning who has the right to judge others' worth.

Jane is portrayed as an unreliable narrator, leading readers to question the truth of her story throughout the book.

The plot intertwines humorous absurdities with serious themes, such as the nature of good and evil.

Several reviewers noted the book's structure is reminiscent of The Usual Suspects and The Matrix, mixing action with philosophical questions about reality.

The ending is contentious among readers, as some find it unsatisfactory and rushed after a strong buildup, while others appreciate its complexity.

Despite its science fiction themes, the book addresses real-world issues of morality, judgment, and redemption.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of murder, mental illness, and violence, which may serve as content warnings for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Jane Charlotte has been arrested for murder. During questioning, she tells the police that she is a member of a secret organisation. Her division, the Bad Monkeys, is an execution squad, determined to rid the world of evil people. But the man she has just killed was not on the target list. As her story becomes more bizarre the question becomes: Is Jane lying, crazy - or playing a different game altogether?

2007

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259 pages

Ratings (10)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (21):

Read It (11)
Want To Read (6)
Not Interested (4)

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Bad Monkeys

Matt Ruff

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