📖 Overview
Repairman Jack returns in this urban thriller that pits him against a dangerous new street drug and the shadowy forces behind it. When clients approach him about their loved ones' bizarre behavior changes, Jack uncovers connections to a mysterious substance known as "Berzerk."
The investigation leads Jack through New York City's criminal underworld as he traces the drug's origins and distribution network. He must navigate between warring crime organizations while protecting his own anonymity and the safety of those close to him.
The novel combines elements of crime fiction, horror, and supernatural suspense as Jack confronts both human adversaries and potentially otherworldly threats. The story maintains its ties to the larger mythology established in previous Repairman Jack books while functioning as a standalone thriller.
This installment in the series explores themes of addiction, power, and the thin line between natural and supernatural evil in modern society. The narrative examines how ordinary people can be transformed by forces beyond their understanding or control.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a fast-paced Repairman Jack novel that delivers action but lacks the depth of earlier books in the series. Many note it works better as a straightforward thriller than a supernatural horror story.
Readers appreciated:
- Quick pace and shorter length compared to other entries
- Return of familiar characters from past books
- Focus on real-world issues rather than cosmic horror
- Stand-alone plot that new readers can follow
Common criticisms:
- Less complex than previous Repairman Jack novels
- Limited supernatural elements disappoint series fans
- Some character actions feel forced or implausible
- Side plots that don't fully connect to main story
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,100+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (150+ ratings)
Multiple reviewers called it "a solid middle-of-the-pack Jack novel" and "good but not great." One frequent comment was: "Fun read but not as memorable as The Tomb or Legacies."
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Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey A supernatural hitman returns from Hell to navigate Los Angeles' criminal underworld while confronting both human and otherworldly enemies.
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🤔 Interesting facts
🔧 The character of Repairman Jack first appeared in Wilson's 1984 novel "The Tomb," which was originally intended as a standalone story.
📚 F. Paul Wilson is also a practicing physician, bringing medical expertise to the realistic injury descriptions in his novels.
🏆 The Repairman Jack series spans 15 main novels, with "All the Rage" being the fourth book in the sequence.
🌆 The series is set primarily in New York City during the 1990s, before widespread cell phone and internet use, giving it a distinct noir atmosphere.
🔄 The supernatural elements in the series connect to Wilson's larger "Secret History of the World" universe, which encompasses several of his other book series.