Jos Van Brussel

I received this from Library Thing to read and review. This book is a rather ell written funny book, a take- off on today’s esoteric intelligence agencies. Zack Zapp and Milton Burdass-Nuttall are selected to head up the newly established European Intelligence Agency (EIA), though some might wonder, me included, just what qualifications they could possibly have that make them good fits for the jobs. I think there was no good fit actually, just someone’s wife’s idea of what is needed. Once on the job, the duo immediately becomes embroiled in a case imagined by some evil mastermind that involves two poor little dogs of the European President’s wife, the future of the human race and male genitalia. Their adventures (or should I say misadventures?) endear the duo to the reader from the start and provide more humor than most books. This is not the usual cop chases suspect book or the romantic themed mystery/tale. This is comedy in its truest form, and will make the reader sit up and read on to find out what happens next as well as laugh out loud at some of the tongue-in-cheek wording and antics of the duo as they pursue their leads and culprits. I love the author’s sense of humor and creativity. This is a book the reader will begin and rush through, savoring every morsel of action and dialogue, finding humor just about in everything. If you are ready for a lot of light hearted mischief and a good but funny (and perhaps strange also) tale, this is a book for you.… (mer)

The Schuman Shenanigans
by Jos Van Brussel
Often when one says, 'this is my first read by this author' it really isn't saying much as there are so many cookie cutters out there. Let me assure you when I say 'This is first read by Mr. Van Brussell.' it says a lot.
It says I have been introduced to a genre which not only is new to me, it is also therefore out of my comfort zone to review such. Perhaps we shall begin by stating what this book is and is not.
If you a looking for a serious, mind-challening, mystery this is not for you. If you are in the market for the typical romantic comedy, exit stage left. You will get typical nothing here. And in that is the delight to the reader. This is a comedy - a tounge in cheek, make the Pink Panther proud comedy. Or as today's generation would say it is cheesy at times. Well, heck, most of the time.
Mix in a cast of unique and bizarre characters, most of whom deem themselves spies, and you have a great read on your hands. Yes there is a plot, but I'll be darn if I didn't find myself forgetting what it was as the antics of this group got out of hand. Certainly some were unrealistic as is the case in these type stories. (Who gets to blow up the wrong building by mistake and just show up for work the next day? I think not.)
Van Brussel is a gifted writer who has a niche for storytelling. Hang onto your seat and don't expect to connect to connect all the dots.… (mer)