IQ

What a great book! I certainly hope that it will be a series and that Joe Ide writes really really fast. Isaiah Quintabe is my new favorite detective.

This book introduces Isiaiah Quintabe and his compatriots to readers. IQ is brilliant and an inductive reasoner. There are basically two stories, the first taking place about ten years earlier when IQ's older brother Marcus is killed by a hit and run driver. The second in present days when IQ is investigating the threatened and attempted murder of a rap star. I won't go into detail since it t would lead to spoilers, but rest assured you, the reader, are taken into East Long Beach and South Central believably. Only someone who lived the life would be as familiar with the language, ethnology and manners of these characters. Very good reading. I am looking forward to future stories. Thanks to Net Galley and Mulholland Books for an ARC for an honest review.

Just finished reading this book and it was fantastic. Author Joe Ide has just introduced a new detective to the mystery genre that readers are going to love.. Isaiah "IQ" Quintabe grew up in Long Beach and has lived there his whole life. As a high school student he was on the path to potential greatness till a tragic and life altering accident changed everything. Now as an adult he ekes out a living solving crimes and helping the people that the police can't or won't.

The author takes us to neighborhoods in Long Beach that we rarely get to see, and people we never get to know. The plot has Isaiah trying to solve the attempted murder of a well known and rich hip-hop artist, as well protect himself when a crazy hitman decides "IQ" must go. I loved the story as well as the flashbacks that show the reader Isaiah's past and why he is the man we know. I would definitely recommend this book to any mystery, thriller, or crime reader out there who is looking for more than just another book to read. Lastly I can't wait for another book about Isaiah and whatever comes his way.

I really enjoyed this book. Isaiah is smart, interesting character and his friend Dodson is different. There are many characters is the story, some funny, some mean and some crazy. I do hope Mr. Ide has plans to make this into a series. I would like to see how Isaiah grows over time.

I loved this book! I consider myself a huge book "snob". The writing has to be intelligent, the plot needs to be engaging, there can be zero mistakes. This met all my requirements. I can't wait to read more from this author and hopefully about this character.

This book presented a fresh voice in crime fiction. I really enjoyed the narrator, his back story, and his compatriots. Isaiah is like a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, and it was interesting to watch him navigate the various personalities and clues throughout the story.

A promising start to (hopefully) a new mystery series. IQ, Isaiah Quintabe is a young man with a troubled past. The story is told in flashbacks and present day. Showing just why IQ became the man he is today. Plus you get insight into all the characters with the shifting perspectives. All in all, an enjoyable mystery that kept me turning the pages.

This is the most entertaining book I've read in a long time. The combination of raw urban gang life complete with hilarious dialogue and psycho murderers is in sharp contrast to the intelligence and powers of observation of Isaiah, the amateur investigator of the title. I am reminded of the books of Donald Westlake who could write of bumbling incompetents or slick criminals equally well. I expect this is just the first of many great stories about I.Q.

Someone is gunning for rapper Black the Knife and he hires Isaiah Quintabe to find the killer. Can IQ stop the killer and the people who hired him before Black the Knife takes the big dirt nap?

Mullholland denies me for everything on Netgalley so when they sent me an invitation to read this one, I almost passed out of spite. I'm glad I didn't.

IQ is the first mystery starring Isaiah Quintabe and I hope there are many more to come. IQ is a high school dropout who takes cases for whatever people can pay. This book tells two tales, the current case involving Black the Knife and another tale of how Isaiah came to be who he is.

I really got into the book's parallel structure. The twin tales of Isaiah, one in the present day and the other in the past, did a lot to get me behind IQ. IQ is like a young black Sherlock Holmes, although not as much of an asshole. He's got a lot of knowledge and inductive reasoning skills in his cranium but is far from behind a super hero. Dodson, his Watson, isn't a sycophant like Holmes' sidekick either. The two have an adversarial relationship at times and it does a lot to set this book apart from similar ones.

The writing is pretty slick, particularly in the dialogue. East Long Beach felt real to me and the dialogue reminded me of Elmore Leonard or George Pelecanos, authentic and readable. There was also a fair bit of comedy.

The villain of the present day case was fairly believable and more than a little scary. The way Isaiah and Dodson eventually handled things, again, didn't make them look like super heroes. By the end, who hired the hitman to kill Black the Knife was almost an afterthought. I sure didn't figure it out.

Isaiah's not the most sympathetic character until the story delves into his troubled past with his brother and Dodson. By the time the two stories dovetailed together, I knew I was hooked on the series for the long haul.

If you're looking to jump aboard a new detective series at the ground floor, IQ is a little different than most of the crime books on the racks. IQ reads like an episode of Sherlock written by George Pelecanos. Four out of five stars.

this book has it all:
. . . A smart protagonist;
. . . A forest take on urban crime fiction;
. . . An intereresting plot, and
. . . A protagonist we want to meet again.

This was the most interesting novel I've read in a long time; I loved it.

I found this book totally captivating. It is well written and flows smoothly. This is a very gritty, in-your-face type of novel. It takes place in and around L.A., in the gang-ridden, war zone, drug den areas. I don't usually read a lot of novels like this, though I have read some, so to me this was a unique story. The main character, Isaiah, is a young man that has had much death and sadness in young his life. He also has an uncanny, almost genius, way of figuring things out. So, he finds himself helping out a few people in his neighborhood and word starts to spread about how he can help you "find" things/people. He finds himself in the position of working for a gangsta rapper to try to find out who has a "hit" out on him. A completely engaging novel that kept me looking to see what was going to happen next. Bravo Mr Ide! Thank you for a great story. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an uncorrected proof copy in exchange for an honest review.

Where has this guy been hiding. This is on my shortlist for this year's Edgar. An engaging protagonist, an unconventional setting, and a thrilling plot makes this one of my favorite books of the year! My customers will love it.

How can this book not be amazing? A highly intelligent guy uses his intellect to solve crime. The idea reminds me a bit of The Mentalist, but I enjoyed it none the less. I look forward to reading more by this author

Meet Isaiah Quintabe, IQ, with a high IQ, who works both sides of the good guy/bad guy scenario. The book seesaws between the story of a young Isaiah who is making his way in the world using his innate intellect to plan and execute robberies. Then there is the somewhat older Isaiah who is using that same intellect to figure out just who done what. In scene after scene, Joe Ide writes adrenalin. As you read, your heartbeat gets a little faster as you race through page after page.

There are quite a number of characters here, some from his youth, some from present day, and some overlapping the two. Despite this, it is always evident that each plays an important role in moving the story forward.

Did I mention that Joe Ide writes adrenalin?

I also want to note that the use of language is spot on. I have rarely seen such absolutely perfect use of vernacular. Joe Ide gave each character a voice, a unique way of speaking. This isn't easy to do with the consistency I saw here. This attention to detail can make or break a book. I would imagine that Joe Ide has great command of the English language, and that he also has a great editor.

When I read a book, I read everything. I read the Acknowledgements, and I read About the Author. I was not at all surprised that Joe Ide was a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle. In IQ he has managed to combine a subtle feel of Sherlock Holmes with the very modern Los Angeles in the age of rap music. Does it work? Absolutely.

Along with Holmesian logic, there is a morality play interwoven into the action as IQ puts the pieces of the case together. Like Joe Ide, I am a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, and I really enjoy finding works, such as this, that take the kernel of the tried-and-true to new and exciting levels. Joe Ide is now on my radar so I hope to see more books like this one.

I obtained this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

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4.5/5
Joe Ide will be a well known name in this genre! I see IQ being a bestseller and would put him up there with the most popular detective/mystery characters!

Great easy style and take on a vigilante detective for hire. Loved the background and character development of Isaiah Quintable. Loved the skills he hones and employed. Loved his patience and sense of justice for people regardless of status. He's someone you would like to know and call friend!

I was drawn to this story and picked it up to read every chance I had. Even though it read easily there were enough turns to keep you wondering who the real culprit might be. Very well done.

Beginning with the heartbreak of loosing his older brother who was his guardian, mentor, motivator and parent, we follow Isaiah through depression, shady antics and finding his purpose in life. This debut novel from this author speaks volumes about his skills and I look forward to seeing more of IQ!

This was a ride... a ride into another way of looking at things, understanding them and also confirming the good which is within everyone.
Unique in the way it is told and worth the read.

This is the first story in what is sure to be a fantastic series...I'm hooked on the Sherlock Holmsesch character of Isaiah Quintab (IQ) and his sidekick Dobson, who both work at solving crimes no one else will take on...mainly because the victims can only pay in anything other than cash, i.e. casseroles anyone?

The writing is sharp, with a smart dialogue, tons of wry wit and paired with suspense, this is one thrill ride you won't want to put down. The characters are well developed, the premise fresh and unusual, but best of all, the reader doesn't have the story figured out part way through...there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, and entertained.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.

At last, a credible detective of the younger generation. Although I'm two generations older, I appreciate the application of old logical techniques to a setting and with dialog sure to appeal to Millenials and Net-Geners. Isaiah is formed from a mold familiar to veteran mystery devotees...smart, clever, bold, and a loner. With a smart social media campaign, IQ should draw in readers not familiar with the genre. I, for one, look forward to IQ's next case.

Great debut novel that I hope is the first in a series. Likeable main character. And a must read for fans of Sherlock Holmes.

This is a first novel by Joe Ide, but not the last. His characters are solid and multi-dimensional. The protagonist Isaiah Quintabe is an unlikely "Detective for the Hood." He trades investigative services using a barter system. Most of his 'clients' could not afford to hire an investigator. IQ seems fearless, matching intelligence against violence. He is a stickler for justice.

Isaiah Quintabe grows a reputation as a problem solver, and fits into his moniker.

The untimely and tragic death of his brother, causes IQ to change his life goals. His priority becomes survival and keeping the apartment he and his beloved brother shared.

Usually I read through books at breakneck speed, but IQ was like a feast prepared by a skilled chef. I ate savoring the unique and alluring flavors of each bite.

IQ kept me in suspense the entire book. I hope that author Joe Ide has more, to come. He has the goods to easily attract readers to the table again and again.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this first novel, and I will recommend it for purchase in our library.

BookFilter review: He had me at the cool nickname "IQ." Here is a deeply satisfying, funny and emotionally complex novel that's also the launch of a very promising new mystery series. Isaiah Quintabe aka IQ is a Los Angeles high school dropout who happens to be Sherlock-smart when it comes to solving crimes. Like the great Easy Rawlins, IQ is a detective on the sly, helping local people who can't or won't go to the police and who (sometimes) pay him any way they can. When a rap star with a paranoid complex decides his ex-wife is trying to kill him, the Kanye-like nutter's agent hires IQ to calm the guy down and get his meal ticket back in the studio recording a long-overdue album. Unfortunately, IQ quickly realizes the rap star isn't so crazy after all. From this set-up, debut author Joe Ide tells his story on two tracks. In the present, IQ follows his one lead through the world of dog-breeding and right up to the door of a lunatic assassin who has trained dogs as killers. In flashbacks, we see how the promising student Isaiah is devastated when his brother is accidentally killed in a car accident, devolving into a life of crime alongside a street-savvy gang member at his high school. So we get the suspense of a case to solve while delving into the deeper, more meaningful mystery of how the righteous IQ once leaned into the bad side and what made him turn his life around. Ide handles all this very, very well and the book is filled with great and real characters -- even when they're behaving in Carl Hiaasen lunacy, they're still believable. It's a pleasure to see IQ solve puzzles with his intellect, even if he's also a fine wheel man with a skill set in self defense. Except for an early action scene that's movie-ready but out of character for IQ and the novel as a whole, Ide never misses a beat in balancing all the various timelines. He doesn't yet have the social scope of Walter Mosley and it'll take the second entry to see if Ide can absorb us in a crime without the dramatically rich flashbacks to IQ as a troubled, depressed kid. But boy is this a fun, superior debut. -- Michael Giltz

I had no idea what to expect when I requested IQ by Joe Ide. What I got was an amazing world that I was unfamiliar with but fascinated by and I'm so grateful that I read this book. What a masterpiece. The rap world of music, warring gangs in East LA, the hopes and dreams of people regardless of circumstances combined to make this book excellent. Mr. Ide's main character though is one I have not seen before and he was terrific. Thank you so much.

IQ is not the type of book I normally read, but it looked interesting and I decided to give it a try. What a good decision! I really enjoyed this book so much. The writing was crisp with great, gritty dialogue and interesting characters. Since this is the first book in what will hopefully be a series, it not only gave us the current case IQ is involved in, it also gave us his background. It so added to my enjoyment of the story to know how IQ and Dodson got to where they are now. I want to know where they're going. I definitely recommend this book to an adult reader who enjoys a gritty, urban book with an unusual protagonist.

A fun, quirky slant on a modern-day Sherlock Holmes

Isaiah Quintabe, known as IQ as much for his brilliant mind as for his initials, is young, black, lives in down-and-out L.A. and helps people. He helps them find things, find people, or whatever might be needed and he's willing to take what they can afford to pay - even if that's only a sweet potato pie.

What that means is that sometimes he has to find a job that pays a bit better so he can make his house payment and put food on the table.

This was a fun story but also one that made me think, full of bad guys, worse guys, a pit bull named Goliath (and he's not misnamed), guns, more guns, drugs and more drugs, and a rapper that definitely needs IQs help.

The setting seemed very genuine and the dialogue flowed seamlessly along. I liked the skipping between different timeframes, filling in backstory.

I enjoyed the story, the characters especially IQ, and the feeling like this could actually be non-fiction.

I received this book from Mulholland Books through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.

After reading this book, I'm hoping there will be more- as in a series. The writing is witty and entertaining, and the characters are unexpected and vibrant. If you love unconventional detectives, Isaiah Quintabe (IQ) is a perfect introduction and a joy to read as a debut novel.

I can easily say this was one of my most favorite books of the year! Isaiah Quintabe, a young African American high school dropout known as IQ, helps those who can't go to the police solve their problems, sometimes without being asked and frequently without being paid. By combining two timelines, 2005 and 2013, the reader learns of how IQ lost his older brother in a hit and run and how that loss has haunted him and drove him to a life of crime. Well, but not for too long, and eventually IQ takes the skills that made him a good criminal and uses them to be the good guy. The story is well written with plot lines weaving in and out and dovetailing nicely at the end. One part didn't feel resolved for me and I am holding out hope that it means there will be a follow up book. IQ is too much of a character to be contained in one installment!

A Brainy Detective Fights Crime in Los Angeles

The crime rate in East Long Beach is sky high and the police aren’t having much success. Isaiah Quintabe, IQ ,is a brilliant high school dropout trying to do what he can to help his neighbors. He solves crimes for those who can’t pay except with a cake or a casserole. However, Isaiah needs money for his other projects, and his bank balance is getting low.

When his ex-roommate, Dodson, turns up with a case that could pay big bucks, Isaiah doesn’t want to take it, but finally he’s persuaded. Black the Knife, a well-known rapper, is terrified for his life. A big black dog found his way into the rapper’s house and tried to kill him. It’s an unusual murder weapon. Isaiah is hooked, takes the case, and he and Dodson form an uneasy partnership to protect the rapper and solve the crime.

A detective and his sidekick is a usual pairing in mysteries, but Isaiah and Dodson are somewhat unique, if only for the setting. Isaiah solves crimes by thinking logically about what he sees. Dodson is a conman. He’s more intuitive and makes a good counterpart for Isaiah.

The story is told in two time periods, the present and scenes from Isaiah’s early life. Although I often find stories told in two different times become boring because events in one time are much more interesting than those in the other, the author does a good job moving quickly between time periods to keep the action going. The introduction of Isaiah’s early life is important to understand his desire to solve crimes and his relationship with Dodson.

The plot features a creative killer who tries odd ways to get to his victim. I thought that was one of the best parts of the story.

I recommend this book if you enjoy a detective who searches for clues and a fast paced plot.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

I really enjoyed this book. In all honesty, I wasn't really sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked the character of IQ. Isaiah Quintabe (IQ) is hired to figure out who hired a hit man to kill rapper Black the Knife. The more IQ investigates and uncovers, the further down a dark rabbit hole he gets.

The story is well written and flows seamlessly between the investigation IQ is embroiled in and IQ's younger years. As IQ's younger years unfold, we get to see how he became who he is today. This knowledge is imperitive for understanding how IQ got where he is. The author has done a great job of building characters that you'll grow to like and care about.

The story is fast paced and will have you wanting to know what is going to happen next. I couldn't put the book down. The author has created a character that uses critical thinking, inductive reasoning, and plain old common sense to solve his mystery. I certainly hope the author writes more with this character, I really enjoyed this book.

I voluntarily chose to review this book after receiving it from the publisher through NetGalley.

Oh IQ! He is my new favorite tragic hero. Seriously. This was such a fun book to read -- I laughed out loud several times and was also continually intrigued. When I finished this book, I was honestly sad it was over and I haven't felt that way in a LONG time. This is another mystery told intercalary but you know what I loved most about this? We find out so much about IQ by learning about his past and what makes him tick and yet, I still want to know more. Because of this, I really hope this is the start of a series. I, for one, can't wait to read about the next mystery IQ will solve and also to find out more about him. This was funny, well thought out and written in such a way that it was so easy and a joy to read.

I think (HOPE) that this is going to be a series -- I am definitely ready for more IQ! Definitely recommend this one to fans of Elmore Leonard or fans of witty mystery-- this had a bit of Psych feel as well! IQ comes out today on October 18, 2016, and you can purchase HERE.

"I'm an up-and-comer, you know what I'm sayin'? I was born to be a celebrity. I should have the spotlight all over me."

"Spotlight all over you -- for what?" Isaiah said.

"What do you mean for what? That Kardashian girl's booty could fit inside my booty and you talking about for what. You know she made thirty million last year?"

Isaiah knew other girls who felt that way. Somehow believing a big booty was like owning real estate or having a college degree, something you could put on a job application.

As I first started to read this book by Joe Ide it occurred to me that I don’t seem to read a lot of books with African American lead characters – particularly in my beloved crime fiction / thriller / suspense genre. And then I remembered James Patterson’s Alex Cross and Jeffery Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme. So… there are some. But not many. In my world anyway… where I mostly stick to the bigger publishers and mainstream fiction.

Isaiah Quintabe is something different though, and I was reminded of the work of Raymond Chandler and my love for Robert B Parker’s Spenser series. Needless to say I adored the sassy and smart Isaiah – better known to those who need him as IQ.

(I insert blurb here.)

Isaiah’s already ‘become’ IQ by the time we meet him. He has a reputation for helping the helpless and being a straight shooter. Metaphorically. And he’s a bit of a smart arse. But in a good way.

His IQ is off-the charts and we soon learn he was destined for great things until the death of his older brother (and carer) while IQ was still in school.

Juanell Dodson came into IQ’s life when Isaiah most needed the small-time crook’s money to pay rent and keep the foster care system at bay, but the pair haven’t seen each other for a long time. IQ’s again in need of some money though and Dodson’s client is offering the big bucks.

It took a while to get to the actual plot of this book, as Ide first leads us off in the direction of another case. It was an interesting approach, but a little disconcerting at the same time as – once that was resolved – it felt like the book was over before it began. I guess the idea was to give readers IQ’s measure though, because it’s then the plot involving Dodson’s client kicks off.

Ide slowly ekes out IQ’s past and his early life with Dodson; sharing what we need to know within the nick of time.

Ultimately the whodunnit was a bit predictable and there wasn’t a lot of analysis needed as Ide pretty much points us in the right direction from the beginning.

However the strength of this book (and Ide’s work) is Isaiah. He’s a great character – very complex, as is his relationship with those around him. He’s scary smart and an amazing problem solver, but not arrogant. He reminded me a little of Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X… minimally concerned about his own welfare and in possession of a strong conscience.

If I see this debut novel as akin to something by Robert B Parker or many of the other (short but sweet) gumshoe / PI whodunnits I’d say it’s spot on – and an improvement on similar books. But the quality and potential of Ide’s Isaiah suggests this series could develop into something more – given a stronger and more complex plot. And hopefully that’s something Ide will develop over time.

An interesting twist on a very old story. Who'd have thought you could take a tale essentially focused on the mean streets of drugs and prostitution -- among other deadly pursuits -- and weave the story through the eyes of an unlikely hero: a young African-American boy with an over-the-top IQ (also, disingenuously, his street nickname) who's determined to steer friends, neighbors and "business associates" alike from the wrong side of the law... to redemption.

The young hero is immediately engaging, and you root for him all the way. Some friends stay true; some betray. But the journey -- either way -- is unpredictable and riveting. IQ finds himself reluctantly keeping company with some very dangerous and powerful people, and must stay one step ahead to survive. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this anything but typical story, along with the author's smooth, easy style. IQ becomes your friend, too, and his imprint stays with you long after the last page. Definitely recommended!

*** This book was provided to me by the author and/or publisher, through NetGalley, as an ARC in return for my honest review. ***

After finishing the last page of IQ, I immediately looked to see if Joe Ide is working on a follow-up. No news yet (that I could find anyway), but after an Epilogue like that, if there isn’t a second book coming there’s no justice in the world.

I was blown away by the quality of this one, especially so considering it’s Ide’s debut. His author bio mentions his fascination with Sherlock Holmes stories when he was a kid, and the connections between those classic detective stories and the book he’s chosen to write are clear. Except Ide’s detective, Isaiah Quintabe, grew up in East Long Beach and isn’t really the earflap hat and tobacco pipe type. What he is is deeply principled and a master of inductive reasoning.

I’m not much for series, whether it’s books or TV, but if you want to make me a loyal fan for life, give me a detective character who is this compelling. IQ is quiet, thoughtful, but not shy, not afraid of his tough surroundings. He won’t be bullied or intimidated. He is measured and careful, but he also carries a reserve of rage just under the surface, and very, very occasionally, it boils over. He also has a back story that I can’t WAIT to see further explored in future installments.

When I do get really into a crime series, I’m not showing up because I can’t wait to see what the next case will be. I’m in it because I’m invested in the detective and want to see how their character arc develops, and IQ is the kind of character an author could get a lot of mileage out of. Other favorites include Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole book series, the Longmire TV series on Netflix (I’m almost afraid to read the books because the show is that good, I know, what kind of reader am I?), and an oldie but goodie, Kyra Sedgwick as The Closer. Her giant handbags inspired me to proudly carry my own oversize suitcase-purse to work.

So yes, sign me up for the official IQ fan club. I’m hooked.

With regards to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the advance copy. On sale now!