Isaiah Quintabe is suffering from PTSD after several particularly dangerous, violent cases. The fact that his girlfriend Grace has broken up with him doesn't help his ability to heal and recover.
Isaiah, known as "IQ" for both his initials and his intelligence, was initially the neighborhood fixer. Lost cat, someone threatening your mother, problems with a loan shark? Call IQ. Yes, he'll take live chickens or a good meal in payment if necessary. There are, however, also cases that have proven more difficult, dangerous, and violent.
IQ has made enemies along the way, one of which has taken out a $25,000 bounty on Isaiah and the other has kidnapped his estranged girlfriend Grace. At his lowest point, IQ is dealing with more problems than he can manage.
The first section of the book concentrates on Grace, as she does her best after being kidnapped by Skip Hanson (hitman, lunatic, and a man who loathes IQ) who is determined on revenge. Interfering at the same time is Manzo, former gang leader who blames IQ for his humiliation.
An important and interesting element is how Joe Ide can list all of the awful things these villains do--and still create some sympathy for them.
Back to the neighborhood--this is where I think much of the success of the series lies. Deronda, Juanell Dodson, Cherise, TK, and others lighten the atmosphere and contribute to the community feel of the run down, crime ridden neighborhood.
What saved Fixit for me? The diversity of characters, the neighborhood community, and Juanell Dodson. Not IQ, this time. I have to wonder if this was the author's intent. Dodson has grown into his role at the same time IQ seems to have grown out of his.
Is this the last of the series? I don't know, but while Fixit was not as good as the first novels, I enjoyed reuniting with the characters that have given a such a strong backdrop to IQ's various adventures.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books.
Publication date: May 9, 2024.
