Review of Murder in the Garbage

[PeterRabitt20]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Murder in the Garbage" by Jerry A Greenberg.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Raoul Martez started a new job as a trash collector for Trinity Waste Management (TWM). He’s thankful for his amiable partner but loathes the upper management. They are rude to their employees, who are overworked and underpaid. Plus, he senses something shady about their behavior.

When the company’s CEO turns up dead in a trash container, CIA agent Hank Boucher uncovers an illegal network involved in trafficking stolen military weapons. But, who is the true culprit? A disgruntled employee? A jealous widow?

Jerry A. Greenberg’s Murder in the Garbage takes you deep into the heart of San Antonio, Texas—the home of the Alamo. The book is the first installment in this murder mystery series, with CIA Hank Boucher as the protagonist.

Greenberg is no novice, having written numerous books. He does an admirable job at making the plotline cohesive and free of frustrating backreads; this was a positive point for me. The story starts with young Raoul’s job search and college aspirations; afterward, it shifts to Hank Boucher’s post-retirement plans. These seemingly unrelated events create a panorama of the exposition. The mystery build-up is slow, though. I was disappointed that Hank Boucher solved the crime by engaging in long conversations with other characters while eating. His job was too easy, and he didn't struggle enough to make the reader tense.

My favorite trait is the respectful portrayal of a trash collector. As Raoul Martez discovers, the profession requires hard work and doesn’t get the reward it deserves. Greenberg even uses rubbish to initiate commentaries about social class differences. Without being rude, he makes an important point about wasting food: There are many people suffering from hunger around the world. These moments were important since they were thought-provoking.

The writing style is straightforward but often dry. My biggest dislike was the dialogues, which were too mechanical. There was little distinction between the characters’ voices and tones. As a result, they sounded like one person talking instead of many.

In addition, Greenberg depends heavily on visual descriptions, which are good most times but can be overused. For example, he mentions the height and weight of most of his characters. Yet, other sensory details were abandoned—they may have raised the story up a notch. For instance, the author missed the rotten stench of the landfill.

In the end, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. I simply didn’t get the thrill I was seeking. All is not lost since this book is practically error-free and professionally edited; therefore, a lower rating is unnecessary.

The story leans towards the polite side, with limited use of profanity; therefore, I recommended it to those averse to foul language. For those hardcore mystery lovers, it may not be dynamic enough. Also, there is some stereotyping of Latinos and women, which may offend some readers. So, I would caution anyone who takes issue with these issues.

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Murder in the Garbage
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[Rayah Raouf]

It sure is an interesting concept, but it is a shame that its lacking in a few areas. Thank you for the review.

[erzaandjellal]

It sounds nice enough to get me to start the book but not nice enough to make me finish it.
Thanks for the review though.

[Christopherio]

it's a confusing message that I don't quite understand. thanks for the honest review

[Elenimo Chembe]

I like crime thrillers but the review seems rather critical - don't know if I should read it.

[EssyJ]

I hope the author does a better job with their next book as this review is quite critical of this one. I'll pass.

[Ceeco2002]

I'd like to find out how the real culprit behind the CEO's death is discovered. Thanks for your honest review!

[Horlarmidey Harkinolah]

The story behind a company CEO death which could implicate an unsatisfied staff is an interesting concept. But the lack of thrill as stated in this review makes me lose interest.
Thanks for your honest review.

[PeterRabitt20]

It sure is an interesting concept, but it is a shame that its lacking in a few areas. Thank you for the review.

Thanks for stopping by!

[PeterRabitt20]

The story behind a company CEO death which could implicate an unsatisfied staff is an interesting concept. But the lack of thrill as stated in this review makes me lose interest.
Thanks for your honest review.

Maybe there will be a newer edition. Thanks for your comment.

[PeterRabitt20]

I'd like to find out how the real culprit behind the CEO's death is discovered. Thanks for your honest review!

Unfortunately, I can't tell you that. But I hope you get a chance to find out. Thanks for your comment.

[Tina M 2]

The plot seems quite interesting but the critical review makes me a bit skeptical to read it. Thanks for the review.

[PeterRabitt20]

The plot seems quite interesting but the critical review makes me a bit skeptical to read it. Thanks for the review.

Thanks for reading my review and leaving a comment!

[PeterRabitt20]

I like crime thrillers but the review seems rather critical - don't know if I should read it.

This is just my view, but you may find it appealing. Thanks for the comment!

[PeterRabitt20]

it's a confusing message that I don't quite understand. thanks for the honest review

That's a good way of putting it. Thanks for your comment.