The author sent me a copy (mobi format) in exchange for an honest review (member of Rosie’s Book Review Team).
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Plot
(by Goodreads)
After 27 years as a newspaper man, Peter Anderson’s career is slipping away, at least it was, until he stumbled upon the story of a lifetime. Sent to do a fluff piece about lights in the night sky over Arizona, he discovers far more than he ever expected when he comes upon a mysterious young woman held prisoner in a basement. After helping her to escape, she disappears before he can learn the truth about who she is or where she came from. His search for her leads him back to the lights in the sky and leaves him with more questions than answers. The only thing he knows for certain . . . the only thing he can count on are the two words offered repeatedly by his friend and guide . . . “IS BELT.”
Genre(s): Science fiction, Fantasy, Action
Series: n.a.
Length: 168 pages
Release Date: 2014-09-03
Teaser
“Is seat belt,” he said flatly.
“What?”
“Seat belt. Bob’s friend must have on seat belt,” he scolded.
“You gotta be kidding me,” I griped, but dutifully snapped the belt.
My Opinion
This book introduces you to newspaper guy Peter Anderson whose career is going downhill. A promising story requires him to get a ride to the interview; his driver is – Bob.
With Bob, Tegon Maus has created a clever combination of science fiction and mystery with a humorous streak. The story comprises some interesting characters with sufficient depth; Peter “Andy” and Dimitri “Bob” have some weird encounters, facing more than one tricky situation. I had a great time reading Bob – it is a very fast-paced read. I was drawn into the story right away, understanding Peter’s desire to help Emma and his frustration as well as enjoying Bob’s take on things.
This is for you if you like shorter, fast-paced reads, urban (Arizona!) science fiction, funny moments, interesting characters and mysteries.
Recommended.
Is there a “Bob” fan club? 😉
In brief:
| Writing | Great |
| Plot | Full of surprises |
| Mood | Suspenseful, light-hearted |
| Pace | Fast |
| Characters | Developed |
| Violence | Some violence |
| Sexual content | No sexual content (hints) |
| POV | First person |
About the author
I was raised pretty much the same as everyone else… devoted mother, strict father and all the imaginary friends I could conjure. Not that I wasn’t friendly, I just wasn’t “people orientated”. Maybe I lived in my head way more than I should have, maybe not. I liked machines more than people, at least I did until I met my wife.
The first thing I can remember writing was for her. For the life of me I can’t remember what it was about… something about dust bunnies under the bed and monsters in my closet. It must have been pretty good because she married me shortly after that. I spent a good number of years after following a variety of ideas before I got back to writing.
It wasn’t a deliberate conscious thought, it was more of a stepping stone. My wife and I had joined a dream interpret group and we were encouraged to write down our dreams as they occurred. “Be as detailed as you can,” we were told.
I was thrilled. If there is one thing I enjoy it’s making people believe me and I like to exaggerate. Not a big exaggeration or an out right lie mine you, just a little step out of sync, just enough so you couldn’t be sure if it were true or not. If I can make people think “it could happen,” even for a moment, then I have them and nothing makes me happier. When I write, I always write with the effort of “it could happen” very much in mind and nothing, I guarantee you, nothing, makes me happier.
Connect with the Author:
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about Bob? Or – if you did not yet read Bob – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
My question for you cinephiles:
If Bob was filmed – who should direct it, who could you imagine as actors?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
My train of thoughts on... 
I’ve got BOB on my TBR list. After I finish two ARCs I’m digging in. 😀
Great! Have fun with BOB, Sue. 😀
Great review, Karen and I’m definitely tempted to read this. I love how he started to write whilst attending a dream interpretation class.
Thank you very much, Annika!
You won’t regret reading BOB. Tegon is a writer to remember.
Just bought it and look forward to reading over the holidays. Sounds perfect!
The urban science fiction genre usually makes for a great holiday read. Enjoy it, Annika!
Thank you for the read Karen… not to mention a great review ! And to answer your question JJ Abrams to direct, Johnny Depp to play Peter and BOB well that would be me of course !! Naw just kidding – it would have to be someone like Wallace Berry. Someone big and scary that’s really a teddy bear inside. I have no idea who that would be but I would love to see it !!
Thank you for writing this story, Tegon! At Bob’s first mention, I raised a brow; at his second mention, I couldn’t help chuckling. 😀
I’d love to see BOB filmed. Thank you for creating such a memorable character!