My era (1958),, my early rock and roll memories are what attracted me and the early paragraphs did not disappoint.

Young American early teens trying to find a music band with a magical formula, and all the ups and downs associated.

But why are the male characters nearly all called a name beginning with 'J', and the females 'M'?

A long book all set up for a series but not for me. I hope the boys invited Eddie Cochran to come and play 'Summertime Blues' before it's release as the release date didn't tie up?

Thanks to Net Galley and an Independent Publisher for the chance to read and review.

DNF
Sometimes when you begin reading a book, you are able to tell right away that the story will remain unfinished to you. This is one such book. It is excruciatingly dialogue-heavy from the start, which prevents me from continuing it.

BookBuzz.net provided a galley for review.

I'm always in for stories involving music, especially if they are period pieces that draw elements from a particular era. Here, we are talking 1958 in the early days of rock 'n' roll. It sounded like it could be a fun read.

The story here is a bit long (over 400 pages) and unfolds slowly at the start. The laid-back pacing does reflect the times when life was simpler; however, I do think it could have benefitted from some editing to make it tighter and snappier. I also would have avoided having so many of the lead characters all having names that start with the letter "J" (I found myself working very hard to keep them straight). The same thing happened with a lot of the female characters all having names that started with "M". There really was a large cast to juggle overall. Despite all of this, I did find that the story progressed logical, and Hendricks has an ear for dialogue that sounds natural and period appropriate.

The tricky thing with period pieces is making sure you get all the details right. From the book's blurb above, this is set in 1958. In one of the earliest chapters, the guys are playing in front of a crowd at the park on a spring day (says so in the text). But then the guys play Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues", a song which did not have its release as a B-side to the single "Love Again" until late summer of 1958. While most readers might not catch that detail, ones that know music (or know how to do a quick Internet search) will. It's the little details that can slip a writer up if they are not careful. Luckily, many of the other references Hendricks sprinkled in did pan out (I found myself checking every one of them after catching this first one), so this error might have been one that fell through the cracks. Again, a good editor would have caught this.

For readers looking for a clean, wholesome story about twenty-somethings set in a simpler time, Hound Dogged has you covered. But, as noted earlier, this is just book one of a series. There is several definite cliffhangers at the end of this one.

A captivating journey back to the vibrant era of 1958, where the pulse of Rock & Roll resonates through the hearts of five friends. This book beautifully captures the essence of the time, where societal forces clashed and cultural shifts were taking place. The story revolves around the musical aspirations of John, Stu, Jerry, Patrick, and the talented newcomer Danny as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the music industry.

What makes this novel shine is its exploration of the complexities of friendship and ambition. As the band faces doubts and tests of camaraderie, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The addition of Danny Bruer adds a layer of intrigue and competition that keeps the plot engaging. Hound Dogged is a compelling tale that will resonate with anyone who has pursued a dream, and it's a reminder that the pursuit of fame can sometimes blur the harmonious bonds we hold dear.

Hey, rock 'n' roll rebels! Hound Dogged is like a time machine straight to the electric '50s, where teenage hearts thumped to the rhythm of Rock & Roll. It's the story of five pals who decided to turn up the volume and form The Hound Dogs. But here's the twist – they're not just facing the usual growing pains; they're navigating the crazy world of fame, friendship, and a little friendly competition.

This book isn't just about the music; it's about the heart and soul of a generation. It'll take you on an emotional rollercoaster as doubts and ambitions collide. Plus, when the talented Danny joins the crew, things get even more interesting. Hound Dogged is not just a story; it's a time capsule that reminds us that sometimes, chasing fame can get in the way of the harmonies we cherish. So, strap in for a wild musical ride and let this book's nostalgic beats rock your world!