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How to Succeed in Evil #3
Hostile Takeover
What happens when a loyal henchman, or better yet, hench-laywer rebels against his criminal mastermind?
The answer is Hostile Takeover, the sequel to How to Succeed in Evil. Victorious over the forces of good (such as they are) Edwin Windsor is free to do the most evil thing he can imagine: open up an insurance company. Sure, it's a cover for using the Cromoglodon (think, the Hulk) in a protection racket, but when Omdemnity Insurance begins to succeed on it's own merits, it creates a problem for his loyal, violent, debaucherous and very, very short hench-lawyer Topper. When you get into the game for the action, the last thing you want is a real job.
After Edwin and his company suck all the fun out of his life, Topper rebels. Staging an unlikely, uphill coup against the smartest, most thorough genius he has ever known.
If you've ever had a job you hated. If you've ever secretly rooted for Lex Luthor. If you've ever wondered what it would be like if the henchman was in charge. And, especially if you've read How to Succeed in Evil, you'll love, How to Succeed in Evil:Hostile Takeover
The answer is Hostile Takeover, the sequel to How to Succeed in Evil. Victorious over the forces of good (such as they are) Edwin Windsor is free to do the most evil thing he can imagine: open up an insurance company. Sure, it's a cover for using the Cromoglodon (think, the Hulk) in a protection racket, but when Omdemnity Insurance begins to succeed on it's own merits, it creates a problem for his loyal, violent, debaucherous and very, very short hench-lawyer Topper. When you get into the game for the action, the last thing you want is a real job.
After Edwin and his company suck all the fun out of his life, Topper rebels. Staging an unlikely, uphill coup against the smartest, most thorough genius he has ever known.
If you've ever had a job you hated. If you've ever secretly rooted for Lex Luthor. If you've ever wondered what it would be like if the henchman was in charge. And, especially if you've read How to Succeed in Evil, you'll love, How to Succeed in Evil:Hostile Takeover
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2012
24 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Patrick E. McLean
14 books157 followersPatrick's work ranges from the autobiographical, to the absurd and fantastic. Describing himself as a "writer raised by Economists" his perspective on the world is naturally unusual. From violent revenge and musings on the value of life from a character who is dead (Unkillable) to the rage and frustration of a consultant who grows so sick of having his advice ignored that he decides to take over the world (How to Succeed in Evil) Patrick's work is high-concept, penetrating satire that manages twists and turns while never shorting true psychological insight into fascinating characters caught in desperate situations.
In 2005, feeling that "he wasn't putting any torque through the axle of the world" he started the Seanachai podcast (http://www.theseanachai.com) He wrote and produced an original short story or essay every week for a year.
Among his influences, Patrick cites Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, Mark Helprin, S.J. Perleman, H.L. Mencken, Albert Jay Nock, Hafiz, Homer and George RR Martin.
In 2005, feeling that "he wasn't putting any torque through the axle of the world" he started the Seanachai podcast (http://www.theseanachai.com) He wrote and produced an original short story or essay every week for a year.
Among his influences, Patrick cites Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, Mark Helprin, S.J. Perleman, H.L. Mencken, Albert Jay Nock, Hafiz, Homer and George RR Martin.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 27, 2012
Bah...
A weak follow-up to an excellent book. I really don't understand how things can go wrong when the cast of characters include: The Most Calculating Man in the World; a maniacal, hedonistic, destructive dwarf, a superhero with a desire to switch teams and a human wrecking ball.
But somewhere in there the author decided to screw over the reader.
Writing was solid, minus a few errors.
But it just didn't seem believable.
The main character, our stalwartly calculating Edwin from the first book, decides to become an evil-doer because of the death of his faithful Agnes. But we don't see anything really change. In the first book, he's a consultant for evil because he wants to help them make a profit. In the second book, he's supposed to be motivated by the death of his friend, yet the motivation never changes... money. We don't see an actual shift in the character's drive... he just becomes a self-actualized profiteer.
Then, we have possibly the worst crime of all. The author decides to give the most destructive and perverted dwarf in all of the history of literature superpowers, and barely gives us one short scene with them. Nothing could have elevated this book from "meh" to "fun" like a flying dwarf in a child's superhero costume and balls of energy shooting out of his fingers. Things were looking up at that point. Unfortunately, it was all for naught. Nothing really exciting came out of that golden opportunity.
Anyway, couple that with the author's use of a time worn and annoying method of wrapping everything up without having to make any sacrifices and the book managed to leave a bad taste in my mouth upon finishing. I would have rated this a two, but it's still a well written book, with interesting/entertaining scenes. It just could have been a lot more fun.
A weak follow-up to an excellent book. I really don't understand how things can go wrong when the cast of characters include: The Most Calculating Man in the World; a maniacal, hedonistic, destructive dwarf, a superhero with a desire to switch teams and a human wrecking ball.
But somewhere in there the author decided to screw over the reader.
Writing was solid, minus a few errors.
But it just didn't seem believable.
The main character, our stalwartly calculating Edwin from the first book, decides to become an evil-doer because of the death of his faithful Agnes. But we don't see anything really change. In the first book, he's a consultant for evil because he wants to help them make a profit. In the second book, he's supposed to be motivated by the death of his friend, yet the motivation never changes... money. We don't see an actual shift in the character's drive... he just becomes a self-actualized profiteer.
Then, we have possibly the worst crime of all. The author decides to give the most destructive and perverted dwarf in all of the history of literature superpowers, and barely gives us one short scene with them. Nothing could have elevated this book from "meh" to "fun" like a flying dwarf in a child's superhero costume and balls of energy shooting out of his fingers. Things were looking up at that point. Unfortunately, it was all for naught. Nothing really exciting came out of that golden opportunity.
Anyway, couple that with the author's use of a time worn and annoying method of wrapping everything up without having to make any sacrifices and the book managed to leave a bad taste in my mouth upon finishing. I would have rated this a two, but it's still a well written book, with interesting/entertaining scenes. It just could have been a lot more fun.
July 4, 2012
Might have been better than the first installment. These were very good words in definitely the right order.
March 7, 2013
The kindle version has a lot of typos, but still enjoyable.
August 11, 2020
So, to save time, I'm going to review all 3 books in this series at once. Book 1 is 4.5 stars but I rounded up because this is the first book I've discovered on the internet that has an artificially deflated score. Usually it works the other way with discerning readers not bothering to leave reviews of books they dislike. Here, somehow, Mr. McLean has found more than his fair share of poor reviewers.
Book 2 is 3 stars because, while Mr. McLean maintains plotting and story-telling standards, I found the story resolution weak. It looked to me as if book one was written as a stand-alone book that was good enough to deserve a sequel whereas book 2 was written with an eye to book 3.
Book 3 is 4 stars- good story telling but, because of familiarity with the characters by this point in time the big reveal was predictable, but enjoyable.
Mr. McLean hits my personal sweet spot with a highly competent MC, Edwin Windsor, a consultant to supervillains who tires of explaining to his clients why space-based lasers are financially impractical. Mr. Windsor is all brain and very little heart, his only attachment being to his former governess, now assistant, who is as competent as she is insistent on serving tea to all clients. Mr. Windsor's only real friend is his lawyer, Topper. Topper is 4' 4" and a half but hates it when anyone points out that fact. Topper is a hard charging criminal defense attorney who doesn't hesitate to pay a hooker or do a line of coke when not on the job. In essence Topper, while smart, is the opposite of Windsor, being more heart, and general zest for life. Topper only uses as much brain as he needs to win, because Topper really loves to win and doesn't care if he has to use a gun, or a rocket launcher, to do so.
In book one, Topper is approached (and kidnapped) by vampires as they have been unable to get Windsor by phone at night. These are your typical haughty, "we were European nobility" type vampires who refuse to realize that hunting for their own food essentially makes them peasants, even when Windsor spells it out for them. The vampires, like so many of his other clients, only listen to Windsor until they realize he isn't going to just tell them what they want to hear. This puts Windsor, and Topper, in the dangerous position of being the focus of some very insistent vampires. Worse, the vampires don't have bank accounts so now Windsor also has to take payment in gold.
In book 2 Windsor is consulted by "Dr. Loeb", a typical mad scientist type, whose only super power is money. After explaining to Dr. Loeb the many barriers, including financial, to placing laser in space, it comes out that Dr. Loeb is really just acting out against his overbearing and outrageously rich mother. Seeing an opportunity for profit Windsor heads to Alabama only to discover that Loeb's mother is crazier yet since the mother appears to be intent on restarting the Civil War so as to bring Southern manners and sweet tea to the rest of the nation. Windsor, true to form, explains to dear old mom how to leverage her assets to become even wealthier, without the dangers of a new Civil War. Of course the mad mother is displeased with such practical advice and imprisons Windsor, this initiating the protocols Windsor has arranged with his assistant, meaning a new hand-made custom suit is ordered since the one Windsor is currently wearing almost certainly won't survive.
In book 3 Windsor and Topper have gained control of a remarkably powerful, yet stupid, super, Cromoglodon. This leads them to take over an insurance company and turn it into the only insurance company in the world willing to insure against supers. Of course any corporation not buying their insurance is visited by Cromoglodon and so the company has an unprecedented period of expansion without a single claim every being filed. That is until the government decides to attack Windsor's pocket book and sends "heroes" to destroy factories insured by his company. Further, the humdrum of running an insurance company drives Topper crazy, especially when it is repeatedly made clear to him that this really is Windsor's company. Concerned that Windsor is losing himself in the company, Topper convinces himself to cooperate with the feds in removing Windsor.
Bottom line: All three books are witty and well plotted. Easily worth the read.
Book 2 is 3 stars because, while Mr. McLean maintains plotting and story-telling standards, I found the story resolution weak. It looked to me as if book one was written as a stand-alone book that was good enough to deserve a sequel whereas book 2 was written with an eye to book 3.
Book 3 is 4 stars- good story telling but, because of familiarity with the characters by this point in time the big reveal was predictable, but enjoyable.
Mr. McLean hits my personal sweet spot with a highly competent MC, Edwin Windsor, a consultant to supervillains who tires of explaining to his clients why space-based lasers are financially impractical. Mr. Windsor is all brain and very little heart, his only attachment being to his former governess, now assistant, who is as competent as she is insistent on serving tea to all clients. Mr. Windsor's only real friend is his lawyer, Topper. Topper is 4' 4" and a half but hates it when anyone points out that fact. Topper is a hard charging criminal defense attorney who doesn't hesitate to pay a hooker or do a line of coke when not on the job. In essence Topper, while smart, is the opposite of Windsor, being more heart, and general zest for life. Topper only uses as much brain as he needs to win, because Topper really loves to win and doesn't care if he has to use a gun, or a rocket launcher, to do so.
In book one, Topper is approached (and kidnapped) by vampires as they have been unable to get Windsor by phone at night. These are your typical haughty, "we were European nobility" type vampires who refuse to realize that hunting for their own food essentially makes them peasants, even when Windsor spells it out for them. The vampires, like so many of his other clients, only listen to Windsor until they realize he isn't going to just tell them what they want to hear. This puts Windsor, and Topper, in the dangerous position of being the focus of some very insistent vampires. Worse, the vampires don't have bank accounts so now Windsor also has to take payment in gold.
In book 2 Windsor is consulted by "Dr. Loeb", a typical mad scientist type, whose only super power is money. After explaining to Dr. Loeb the many barriers, including financial, to placing laser in space, it comes out that Dr. Loeb is really just acting out against his overbearing and outrageously rich mother. Seeing an opportunity for profit Windsor heads to Alabama only to discover that Loeb's mother is crazier yet since the mother appears to be intent on restarting the Civil War so as to bring Southern manners and sweet tea to the rest of the nation. Windsor, true to form, explains to dear old mom how to leverage her assets to become even wealthier, without the dangers of a new Civil War. Of course the mad mother is displeased with such practical advice and imprisons Windsor, this initiating the protocols Windsor has arranged with his assistant, meaning a new hand-made custom suit is ordered since the one Windsor is currently wearing almost certainly won't survive.
In book 3 Windsor and Topper have gained control of a remarkably powerful, yet stupid, super, Cromoglodon. This leads them to take over an insurance company and turn it into the only insurance company in the world willing to insure against supers. Of course any corporation not buying their insurance is visited by Cromoglodon and so the company has an unprecedented period of expansion without a single claim every being filed. That is until the government decides to attack Windsor's pocket book and sends "heroes" to destroy factories insured by his company. Further, the humdrum of running an insurance company drives Topper crazy, especially when it is repeatedly made clear to him that this really is Windsor's company. Concerned that Windsor is losing himself in the company, Topper convinces himself to cooperate with the feds in removing Windsor.
Bottom line: All three books are witty and well plotted. Easily worth the read.
October 7, 2018
Nice story with some fantastic reflections on working life
The story itself is ok, a worthy continuation to the previous two. Original rethinking of the superhero trope. If it was just that, I'd easily recommend it as worth the time and money, while advising you to read the preceding two instalments. What makes this one even better, much better, are scattered passages where the story reflects on corporate - and despite what this sounds like, these passages are gold, worth perhaps more than the story.
Well done. Kudos.
The story itself is ok, a worthy continuation to the previous two. Original rethinking of the superhero trope. If it was just that, I'd easily recommend it as worth the time and money, while advising you to read the preceding two instalments. What makes this one even better, much better, are scattered passages where the story reflects on corporate - and despite what this sounds like, these passages are gold, worth perhaps more than the story.
Well done. Kudos.
December 29, 2020
Soda accident
Laughed so hard soda shot out of my nose....great fun! Follow this series and the world becomes a much more bearable place....
Laughed so hard soda shot out of my nose....great fun! Follow this series and the world becomes a much more bearable place....
August 30, 2013
This was a wonderful book. I wish I could have listened to it. I love the sound of McLean's voice.
Edwin is one of my favorite bad guys. He is the scariest one I know.
In book 1, Edwin was logical, calm, and composed. The story starts out normal. As the situation progresses, Edwin makes decisions I understand. They're clever and justified. I identify with him. About half way through, there is a chapter told from the perspective of a prostitute. She sees Edwin as cold and evil. Her description is visceral. It gives me chills. She changes the way I see. This new perspective sets a tone that alters my reactions to the events that follow. By the end of the book,I see Edwin as Evil and cruel. Then, I remember the way I used to agree with him. Those thoughts scare me every time.
Book 2 is about Topper, Edwin's midget lawyer friend. Topper is argumentative, aggressive, and impulsive. Topper watches Edwin make bad and destructive decisions. His narration is emotional and moving. His feelings win me over. I start rooting for an annoying little jerk. I understand how and why he acts. Once again, I'm drawn into someone doing 'wrong'.
There is so much more to say, but I won't spoil the plot. I love this series. I love the questions it raises. The books are thoughtful but not preachy. The characters are deep and real. Sentences are well constructed and a joy to read. As a narrator, McLean's voice is deep and rich and clear. Please read or listen to these. You won't regret it.
August 28, 2013
Wow, what a disappointing followup to a great book, How to Succeed in Evil. This book just wasn't any fun. Edwin, the fabulous consultant for Evil, is simply boring in the few scenes we actually see him. Topper is the star of this one and while I loved him in the first book and the novella Consultation With a Vampire, he didn't have any fun in the book either except for his too brief time as a super hero.
I hope there's a next book in the series and I will happily give it a chance but I hope it returns to the spirit of the first one.
I hope there's a next book in the series and I will happily give it a chance but I hope it returns to the spirit of the first one.
June 4, 2013
Really enjoyed this, the sequel to How to Succeed in Evil. I don't think the storyline was necessarily better, but Hostile Takeover seemed to flow much better than the first book. May be just an impression, but I found it more polished. Exactly as enjoyable, though...
The main thing about these books is simply that they are great fun. The characters of Edwin Windsor, efficiency consultant to supervillains, and his hedonistic attorney Topper are well conceived and written. Patrick E. McLean has put together another enjoyable visit into the boardrooms of evil...
The main thing about these books is simply that they are great fun. The characters of Edwin Windsor, efficiency consultant to supervillains, and his hedonistic attorney Topper are well conceived and written. Patrick E. McLean has put together another enjoyable visit into the boardrooms of evil...
January 6, 2015
Something that stands out in Patrick's How to Succeed in Evil series is his excellent characterization. It's almost over the top, but it works, particularly in such short stories.
That said, I didn't like this one as much as the first. It might be because I listed to the first in podcast form, which Patrick's zeal evident in his voice. But I think it was also because the story was a little dry and once I got about 2/3, a little obvious.
I certainly plan to continue reading his work, but this one wasn't the best of them.
That said, I didn't like this one as much as the first. It might be because I listed to the first in podcast form, which Patrick's zeal evident in his voice. But I think it was also because the story was a little dry and once I got about 2/3, a little obvious.
I certainly plan to continue reading his work, but this one wasn't the best of them.
April 17, 2013
Not as good as How To Succeed in Evil but worth reading. There were some funny moments with an always eccentric Topper but some really sad trauma that was left hanging and forgotten, perhaps being part of the cruel injustice, but a reader certainly desires some significance when an innocent man like the lovable Adjustor Jerry is killed or when the Cromoglodon is electrocuted. I guess I thought it could have been a bit funnier, even in its evil. Even in evil, a reader loves comedic karmic justice.
September 28, 2013
Abandoning evil consultation because of poor quality villains, Edwin perfects evil in the form of an insurance company (confirming my long held suspicions that the insurance industry is pure evil). McLean continues his series by focusing on the Edwin’s disgruntled sidekick, Topper. Evil has gone corporate and Topper vows to teach is friend that there is more to life than evil. Once again, McLean’s superb story and impeccable writing had me wheezing with laughter.
July 3, 2012
I only gave this book 4 stars because I don't think it is as good as the first book. But I do love it. the story is great. there wasn't as much balance in this one. a little too much topper and not enough Edwin. and Agnes, the best character is gone. but Daniel is around. hopefully he plays a bigger roll in future stories.
January 29, 2015
Hilarious
Topper is a very funny and tragic character that brings out my sympathetic side. We got to see from the viewpoint of a misfit who seeks the exciting to hide his pain. This book allowed me to read about a colorful protagonist and there were many plot turns. I will say the ending was predictable and so we're other parts.
Topper is a very funny and tragic character that brings out my sympathetic side. We got to see from the viewpoint of a misfit who seeks the exciting to hide his pain. This book allowed me to read about a colorful protagonist and there were many plot turns. I will say the ending was predictable and so we're other parts.
September 9, 2016
I love the idea of this series, but the writing could be stronger and cleaner and there are A LOT of typos in the Kindle version.
I'll keep reading McLean's books because I think he has great ideas, but I really, really want them to be better. I just can't put my finger on how or why...
I'll keep reading McLean's books because I think he has great ideas, but I really, really want them to be better. I just can't put my finger on how or why...
October 5, 2012
Another great one from Patrick E. McLean. Topper is back and better than ever. Great story.
Can't wait for more.
Can't wait for more.
October 28, 2012
This book seemed to lack most of the wit and charm of the previous books I only gave it 3 stars because I love Topper so much
August 7, 2014
Love to hear about Topper.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews