This is not really a novel--it's more of a compilation of short stories that feature the same main character. I wouldn't even really say the stories are related, because there's no character arch beyond each individual story. Lettie has the same traits, but we don't really learn much about her personal life other than that she's an ex-con, ex-junkie. Each story puts Lettie into a pulse-poundingly dangerous situation, and she's got to use her skills as a con artist, her guts, and her charm to get her through. Apparently this character now has her own television show, and I can really see this working in that format. These definitely don't have the depth or the complex ideas found in Crouch's full-length works, but the guy can tell a story that makes your heart beat faster. No doubt about that.

Good Behavior is a collection of three independent novellas (The Pain of Others, Sunset Key, and Grab) all featuring Letty Dobesh, a recovering alcoholic/meth addict convict. Letty is a sexy, bad ass, master thief who you find yourself rooting for. The final story was my favorite but all three stories were an exciting thrill ride. After each story, there is also a note from Crouch talking about the tv series. Looking forward to watching the show on TNT. I definitely recommend this book and reading other books from Blake Crouch.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of Blake Crouch's "Good Behavior" in exchange for a honest review.

I haven't watched the TV show inspired by these short stories, but I definitely will now. Crouch does a great job of creating a mostly likable character, but one who has major flaws. Even though you know Letty is going to keep screwing up, you can't help but continue to root for her, hoping that this time she'll finally stay sober, get her life together, and walk away from the rush she gets from committing crimes that always end with her facing down the barrel of a gun. While the meth addict part of Letty's story doesn't seem quite as believable, her other addictions are depicted perfectly. Every story introduces new elements of her personality, and Crouch is an expert at twisting the plot just when you think you've got it all figured out.

This book is a fun introduction to the world of Letty Dobesh and the series, Good Behavior, airing on TNT. Blake Crouch is a novelist and screenwriter and in this book, he gives you a little look at how he adapted three novellas (combined in this book) for the television series. Letty is a delicious bad girl! I enjoyed this book and then got a kick out of seeing them on the TV screen. If you haven’t watched the show yet, do yourself a favor.

I love reading books by Blake Crouch - and this was just amazing. I didn't see so many things coming! I love love it.

GOOD BEHAVIOR: THE LETTY DOBESH CHRONICLES (2016)
By Blake Crouch
Thomas & Mercer, 290 pages.
★★

By now many of you have seen episodes of the TV series from which the above book has been adapted. Give Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery credit for stretching herself–Letty Dobesh is no Lady Mary. In fact, she's no "lady" at all, though she can pass for one when she's not in jail or strung out on crystal meth. The title is ironic, with "good behavior" referencing both early release from prison and a demeanor of which Letty is incapable. Letty is a thief, a world-class pickpocket, an addict, a divorcee, a thrill-seeker, and isn't above turning a trick now and then. She has a son, but not custody because, in short, she's about as much bad news as one can cram into a single beautiful body. She is, however, a very good thief and con artist, which makes her irresistible for anyone looking to assemble a team devoted to nefarious purposes.

Good Behavior is actually three novellas packaged under one cover. In "The Pain of Others," Letty is newly paroled and working heists in an Asheville, North Carolina luxury hotel. During one "pull," things go wrong—do they ever go "right" is such stories?–and she is forced to duck into a closet to avoid detection. There she overhears a deal being struck between a contract killer and a husband wishing to have his wife dispatched. What would you do if you were Letty? Is it any of her business? This story has a nice twist to it.

In "Sunset Key," Letty is in Florida where her contact, the shadowy Javier, sets her up with John Fitch, the CEO of an energy company who is about to report to federal prison ands wants a sybaritic weekend before he goes away for a few years. Letty is led to believe that she is basically a high-priced hooker. As the cliché goes, things get complicated.

The final story, "Grab" is a story of crooks seeking to steal from another crook—in this case, a Vegas casino owner whose stash is allegedly burglary-proof. Letty thinks so too, but if the team pulls it off, she could probably retire on the payoff.

I was a big fan of Crouch's alt.universe Dark Matter, which I found thought provoking and unique. I can't say the same about Good Behavior, which reads like what it is: short narrative treatments he wanted to convert to scripts and franchise as a TV series. I don't watch television, so maybe these stories are terrific on the small screen. As literature, though, these stories flunk the sniff test. They are clichéd, predictable, histrionic, and underwritten (as, indeed, they would be if the script is the ultimate goal). It's as if Crouch figured he'd sell scads of these if the TV show struck popular chords. Letty is an intriguing character, though one wonders what it says about our society when we begin to admire characters like her or Breaking Bad's Walter Hartwell White. In fact, I wondered how much of White went into conceiving of Dobesh. That might be an unfair rap on my part, but I do have a pretty good grasp of mediocre prose when I see it. Cross this one off your wish list, folks.

Rob Weir

Blake Crouch is one of my favorite authors so I just had to read this book. Letty Dobesh is a master thief and a drug addict. She is trying hard to quick the drugs, but not so hard to stop getting involved with various criminal escapades. She wants to get back to her son that she lost custody of some time ago. This is not one long novel, but a book of short stories about Letty and I enjoyed each one. What I didn’t know that this was a television show and now I have to watch it!

Blake Crouch has done it again- his writing style is such that I find it impossible to put his books down. "Good Behavior" is a unique insight into how novels (or in this case, short stories) are adapted to the silver screen. Having a flawed, bad girl character with a penchant for trouble and an even better knack for getting out of it provided for fun, suspenseful hijinks, but even more than that, made me desperate to watch the TV show based on this series! I will definitely recommend this book to library patrons.

Excerpt from Review: "...Blake Crouch’s writing is fast-paced and captivating – so much so that I finished this book in a day’s time. Good Behavior: The Letty Dobesh Chronicles is a great read for those who want their protagonists to be somewhat flawed with redeeming qualities..."

I had seen this on TV before I had received the book. In view of same, I had no interest in the book.

Letty Dobesh had me from the get-go with her Jimmy Choo sunnies and snark, no matter that she had undoubtedly stolen the former and the latter is a natural gift.
I'm not a big fan of short stories, and I did not realize until the end of the first chapter that this is a collection of three interlinked novellas. Too late, I was already hooked. Some of the novella setups are way over the top, but plot holes aside, are so well crafted that you can't help but enjoy the ride. Each story exposes a new side of Letty. Her conscience pops up when she least expects it, and she becomes a true anti-heroine. When she starts to empathize with the other characters is when we know the gig is up. You get a bad feeling that she's backed herself into a corner that can have no good outcome. However, grifting is a super power and Letty's pretty good, but she has much to learn as she soon comes to find out (i.e. never con a con). At first, I was not sure how to feel about her. She has a compelling back story, but she's not that sympathetic of a character. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but commend her grit and tenacity. So yes, I admired her, despised her, and pitied her all at the same time. But she doesn't need my sympathy or anyone else's for that matter.
Good Behavior has the double, triple, short and long cons. All are complete mind fucks that are ambitious as they are intriguing. I know why Letty likes the high. The adrenaline rush comes through in spades. But the ultimate con artist is Blake Crouch himself. He twists and turns the plot and characters seemingly willy-nilly, but he knows what he's doing from the outset (I think). At first, I was put off by the author notes after each chapter, but I came to appreciate their crafty brilliance. Unlike a lot of book dragons, I love an adaptation, and Good Behavior is one of the best. It perfectly peels back Letty's layers in two different but complementary ways. The lit version is a bit more brash and fantastical, while the while the small screen version has the drama of the slow and sexy burn. Both are totally addictive.

Good Behavior aka the Letty Dobesh Chronicles is an action-packed, pulse-pounding and exciting collection of three stories told through the eyes of a junkie thief. Typically, I’m not the biggest fan of short stories, but there was a part of me that couldn’t resist this compilation from the mastermind behind Dark Matter, a story that left me completely mesmerized last year. Not to mention, these stories are the foundation for a new show, so what better way to find out if it’s worth a watch.

The Pain of Others - Letty Dobesh, our lead character and meth head, one that just spent the last nine months in prison, is back at it. She’s in the midst of a job at a hotel, using a pilfered master key to lift things from guest rooms, when she overhears a murder-for-hire scenario. Should she intervene? Her choice is interesting, considering the easy alternative right at her fingertips. It all comes together in a way that lends a human side to her character in the eyes of the reader, but be warned, it just might leave you questioning the alternative, at least it did for me and Letty. I mean . . . WOW! What an ending.

Sunset Key - This story features the most down-and-out version of Letty. Jonesing for a score, with absolutely nothing to her name, not even a way to make it through the next day, she gets an opportunity . . . maybe of a lifetime. With the assurance of a huge payoff from a business associate, she heads to Sunset Key to pull off a heist. Once again, things aren’t what they appear to be. The lesson to take away here - never underestimate ANYONE! With a bit of a horror feel, this was the most suspenseful and heart-pounding of the three, which I loved. The reality of the situation hadn’t even crossed the realm of possibilities in my mind . . . what a twist!

Grab - Going in, I honestly thought this was going to be my least favorite. Something about a Vegas heist sounded like a ‘been there, done that’ too many times already scenario. I have absolutely no shame in admitting I misjudged this story from its synopsis. This was definitely the most high energy of the three and featured who I thought was the most ‘determined to change’ version of Letty. All of the mishaps along the way, and fear they weren't going to pull it off, had me biting my nails in anticipation. Again, Blake Crouch hit me in the gut with an unexpected ending. What was that lesson again? Oh yeah, nobody and nothing is what it appears to be at first glimpse.

After each short story, the author discusses his inspiration behind the idea and how it will play a part in the show, or not. Sadly, Sunset Key won’t be happening because it doesn’t line up with the overall feel of the show. Bummer. It was interesting to read Blake Crouch’s thoughts on collaboration, how working with others has morphed his idea from a short story into something he never could have created on his own. I’m definitely excited to see how it all comes together on screen.

I'm thrilled with this new character - it's also a bit different than his horror genre but I'm loving just as much. It fun and dark and still has the ability to build a series.

I didn't realize when I started that it was a few short stories instead of a novel. It was a fast read and enjoyable. The character seemed a little inconsistent at times, but it was easy accept that and get into the quick little stories.

he secret is out, I love everything that Blake Crouch writes. It is hard to believe this is the same author that wrote "Wayward Pines" in the sense that it is such different content. I have become recently addicted to the television show based on this book, also called "Good Behavior" and recommend that as well.

This book is divided into several novellas with little commentaries by the author after each. Only one of the novellas directly parallels the show which makes it a lot more fun. The novellas tell the tale of a gal that is having hard luck, named Letisha, who meets up with an even worse character named Javier who takes her down a very dark path. On the screen one wonders who is worse, in the book it is easy to tell who is the beast. The book has a lot more suspense while the show is a slow build. One cannot help but like the characters which are flawed yet interesting.

Read and see both. Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blake Crouch returns from Wayward Pines and Dark Matter (2016) with his latest smashing hit, GOOD BEHAVIOR The book, audio, TV series- (The Letty Dobesh Chronicles): EPIC! Brilliantly crafted.

Extraordinary from book, audio, to TV on-screen, Landing on my Top Books of 2016, and best 2016 book to screen. The collaboration between Blake Crouch and Chad Hodge is a “match made in heaven.”

Yes, I am enjoying the ride. Please do not let it stop!

Ongoing: “I am the best me I can be!” (Letty)

In the series, Letty is fresh out of prison, (meth-addicted) when she overhears a hitman being hired to kill a man's wife. When she sets out to derail the job, she puts herself in the crosshairs of a killer, entangling them in a dangerous and seductive relationship, and so much more.

This sexy hitman man Javier may be her path and key to redemption. That is if she does not screw it up.

Javier is sensitive and caring. He has pain in his life and his past. Leading him to his path as a hitman. They have a love/hate relationship. He lives on the outskirts of society due to an event from his childhood (we discover in the TV series).

A constant pull between them as well as their own individual lives. They have a connection and this makes them want to be better. They are perfect for one another. They rescue each other and find a home in one another.

Forgive me here, since I have watched the TV series (Season one Episodes 1-9, read the book, and listened to the audio (twice). You could say, I LOVE GOOD BEHAVIOR, so using this review as a combo review of all three.

I first listened to the audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan and the author, Blake Crouch. (Exceptional).

Afterward, immersed in Amazon Prime (TNT) TV Good Behavior. Purchased the entire season. Taking the fantastic information provided by Blake in the audiobook and applied to how the 3 novellas were transformed to on-screen.

This is a “Must” to read the book and learn all the backstory. The backstage, inside scoop of how the author created these characters, and his collaboration with Chad Hodge for the television show. Quite intriguing. (Dying for a Season 2)….please, please!

In between, while getting caught up with the TV episodes, anxiously awaiting the weekly next episode, was “granted my wish” for a digital copy of the book, Good Behavior via NetGalley. Was so excited, with “Christmas coming early”, began diving into the book, and once again, read it in one sitting. I bookmarked so many pages.

Letty Dobesh is troubled, flawed, beautiful, striking, smart, inventive, charismatic, self-destructive, a chameleon. She crosses between good and bad. A constant struggle. She is authentic. Real. Even though in (Episode 9) not happy with her attitude and kicking Javier to the curb with her betrayal. (Let’s hope she can turn her mistakes around once again). I was dying with this one. Javier is good for her.

Don't score. Don't kill.

We follow Letty on a journey as she attempts to discover who she really is, and wants more than anything to make peace with that woman, even if she does not fit “inside the box” society has drawn for her. She wants to be a good mother, a daughter, and a friend; to make up for her past mistakes and misdeeds. Every time she tries, she gets knocked down.

Crouch is pitch perfect with his character development of both Letty and Javier. I like the transition from the book to the screen.

The book:
• The Pain of Others
• Sunset Key
• Grab

After each of these novellas the author adds some insightful commentary about the work, the show, images, and other additional content from the journey, he has taken with Letty. No, I would not dare skip over these parts. I love it!

With the book, it is like a backstage pass, with a peak at the inside operations. The reader becomes invested in the characters, the story, and a fan for life. Letty is flawed, irresistible, broken, lovely and brave. She wants desperately to get her son back. She keeps running into obstacles and pulled in by her addictions to stealing and the high. She is so good at being bad!

I wanted to hold off writing my review until the last TV episode Season One; however, being it was on my Top Books for 2016 List my fellow GRs friends wanted to know my thoughts. Yes, I loved it!

Letty Raines is a thief and con artist (impulsive), whose life is always one wrong turn, one bad decision, from implosion. Michelle Dockery is amazing. Juan Diego Botto (Javier) is sexy and to die for; each episode, I love him even more. Currently I am in HIS corner.

Christian, Jacob, Estelle ( a piece of work), Rob and the other supporting characters only add to the intense drama. What a riot! In the meantime, I am now just finishing the 9th episode, and let me say, starting at episode 5, I fell totally in LOVE. A turning point, from five on.

Letty and Javier are intimately connected on so many levels, and ultimately become each other’s saviors. Both emotionally-- two souls which are perfect for one another.

At the opening of the 5th episode, when Letty opens with, “you came.” Javier replies, “you called.”

OMG, that look between the two of them, was the best since: Jerry McGuire’s "You had me at 'hello," and Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook, "I wrote you 365 letters. I wrote you every day for a year. It wasn't over… it still isn't over."

A modern SEXY twist of The Notebook and Bonnie and Clyde. Letty can rock a wig. I think she needs to have her own line. I would definitely buy one.

Season One: (TV)
• So You’re Not an English Teacher (Good opening-Statesville, NC caption) even though filmed in Wilmington; Letty is rocking the red bob wig—love the Grove Park Inn) book mention, even though not filmed here. She has the southern accent down as well as the blonde bangs.
• Only the Best for Mrs. Diaz
• From Terrible Me
• Your Mama Had a Hard Night (Letty-Sad but moving)
• Beautiful Things Deserve Beautiful Things (Hilarious!)** My favorite. Loved the short blonde wig and the St. John’s knit ensemble—Classy!
• We Pretend We’re Stuck (Loved the tie in with Jacob)- Emotional
• The Ballad of Little Santino (Javier-Sad but moving) Fantastic look at his character’s past.
• It Still Fits Bitch – A fun episode featuring Letty’s mom and Jacob. Tables are turned.
• For You, I’d Go with Strawberry – Did not like the turn this one took. Please get Letty back on track with Javier. Bad, bad girl. Sure, there is a plan here.

Waiting anxiously for the next episode . . .. in suspense.

Letty and Javier: Sexy, dangerous, thrilling, and flawed. With their tough exterior, we see their hearts, their desires, and love of family. The pull- of right and wrong. A fitting title for a struggle between right and wrong. Good and evil. From danger, intrigue, style, humor, emotion, heart, sex appeal, well-developed characters and an edge of your seat plot. All the ingredients for a HIT! Superb acting and pitch-perfect writing.

OK, Crouch fans and everyone else, BUY—the book, GOOD BEHAVIOR and watch the series! A show stopper. Hats off - A job well-done. Hopefully, we will see Season Two. I am hooked! Fingers crossed. 5 Stars +

Now that I have sold you on the book, and the author, I want to add a side personal note: I am a native of Statesville, NC, as is the author, Blake Crouch. Read More on my Blog @ JDCMustReadBooks

A very special thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for granting my wish with a review copy.