Jumping Back into the Misadventures of Jim Otis: A Review of Woman Trouble by David Benjamin

Title: Woman Trouble

Author: David Benjamin

Publisher: Last Kid Books

ISBN & Price: 9798986312934, $9.99 Buy the book here. Review by Betsy Lepchitz

In his aptly titled continuation of Jim Otis’s misadventures, Woman Trouble, David Benjamin draws us back into the work of intrigue that is Hercules, Wisconsin. This time, the epicenter of crime and chaos is Hercules High School, but with shockwaves that reach nearly every part of this idyllic small town. 

We first re-encounter Chief Otis in the middle of a confrontation with a well-known drug dealer and unwanted fixture of “Herc High.” Otis’ celebration of finally catching him is short-lived, however. Otis is almost immediately faced with three additional crises: a missing cheerleader, a runaway prostitute from Otis’s former life in Chicago, and his ex-wife, Connie. 

While Otis’ ex doesn’t linger in Hercules long, her appearance is enough to stoke the flames of jealousy for Otis’ girlfriend, high school English teacher Carol Demeter. Otis hardly has time to process her annoyance, however, before the Madison police call about the young prostitute with whom Otis had an affair in Chicago without knowing her real name or real age. She reappeared after a violent experience, mentioned Otis’s name, and disappeared again into the ether, only her memory and worry for her well-being lingering with Otis. Although the ex-wife and ex-affair don’t take up much story time, they set the tone well for the future troubles that plague Jim Otis. 

The story’s primary “woman trouble” is the missing cheerleader: Carrie Crowfoot. Carrie, who by all accounts is dependable, talented, beautiful, and universally beloved, misses cheerleading practice one morning. What would normally be an easy label of a teen skipping responsibilities turns into a conspiracy: why would this adored cheerleader go missing, and most importantly, who would do such a thing? Otis hears rumors, puts pieces together, and ultimately lands on someone only he would suspect, someone with whom he had an unfortunate run-in that led to his initial dismissal from the police department (prior to his well-earned return). Otis lands on Josie Dobbs, the Prom Queen, now a Bryan Mawr student whose accusation of Otis seducing her was what led to his pariah status in Benjamin’s previous novel. Otis believes she’s recruited a town “screw-up,” Billy, as her puppet, although, according to Hercules natives, it’s a stretch of an accusation. 

Benjamin unwinds another tale of intrigue, mystique, and slipping of societal masks as he continues allowing us to explore the world of Jim Otis. We’re joined on this journey by many of the characters we’ve met before at AJay’s bar. Despite the dark twists, explosive violence, and stained underbelly of Hercules, WI, hearing the banter of Crystal, the aging hippie whose quick wit helps not only establish Hercules' history but also adds an element of levity and humanity to dark conversations; Kenny, the beloved regular at AJay’s who helps readers who need more social context; and of course, the purveyor of the eponymous bar makes us feel like we’re part of this conversation. Benjamin’s focus on dialogue continues to draw readers into this world, to feel like we’re truly listening to the histories and the inhabitants' biographies that also drip with local color. Still, while most major pieces are explained, it might benefit readers to be familiar with Benjamin’s previous Jim Otis books to truly understand the backgrounds, relationships, and character arcs. 

The ending answers some questions, but leaves readers curious about Otis’s next story. Not all of the plot lines come to a close; we’re left wondering what is true justice, if it will be served, and to whom. 

With themes of racial tension, violence against women, and teenage drug usage, Benjamin uses his strong voice of dry wit to add levity when readers need a moment to catch their breath from the tragedy and drama. While parts of Woman Trouble are uncomfortable to read, they are no less real. Benjamin treats these conversations, albeit difficult, with tact. He talks about them in ways many readers will recognize: he addresses the problems, sympathizes with victims, but acknowledges that many people cope with trauma with dark senses of humor. This helps add to the realism of Benjamin’s world-humor. However bleak and at times socially taboo, it helps us digest the darkest parts of the world and bring us together when tragedy strikes and we need community the most. 

Benjamin paints a town, and a populace, his readers can truly see, making us anxious to see what next will befall beloved curmudgeon Jim Otis and his odd-ball family in Hercules.