I can break down the new book “Fun & Games” by Duane Swierczynski into two words:
Fucking Awesome.
But on a more serious note- this is a book for all of those that love their leading characters hard boiled. Charlie Hardie is one hard boiled son of a bitch. He’s like Phillip Marlow mixed with Rambo, with dashes of Superman and Batman to boot.
“Fun & Games” is like watching an action movie- but it’s real- and you’re on the set. Pulse pounding to the point where you want to scream at the book: give them a break, let them rest! but you know, as soon as they do, they’re going to be in trouble.
He sets up his characters perfectly, gives us just enough up front and slowly unfolds, amongst great action, deep, heartfelt back stories that make us feel for Charlie and Lane (the actress he finds himself protecting).
And of course, the books villain(s) are some scary people. The “Accident People” work behind the scenes to, well, kill people and make it look like accidents, creating such a fine tunes story that the world has no choice but to believe it. Think, how did Marilyn Monroe really die? Do we know all the facts. Ask the Accident People, maybe. If they tell you, they’ll probably have to kill you after.
Really, Duane Swierczynski is a great writer. You can tell he loves to read, you can tell he loves his pop culture. He writes his novels in a voice that is different from nearly all other crime writers. The narrator for “Fun & Games” is sarcastic, funny, you almost believe Duane is sitting in front you telling you the story about Charlie and Lane and the Accident People and all the crazy action that ensues.
So, crime and noir readers, if you’re ready for a new hero read “Fun & Games” by Duane Swierczynski. How can you not love a hero that gets stabbed in the chest, shot, drugged, shot with a taser…oh I could go on.
Seriously, read the book. It’s fucking awesome.
