fergi

This is the first novel I have read by Joe R. Lansdale and after reading all the awards he has won I wonder why it has taken me so long. He has received the British Fantasy Award, the American Mystery Award, the Edgar Award, the Grinzane Cavour Prize for Literature, and seven Bram Stoker Awards. "Vanill Ride" is the seventh book in the Hap and Leonard series. If you familiar with the novels of Tim Dorsey, you will find that Hap and Leonard are a lot like Serge A. Storm and Coleman. Hap and Leonard are best friends, and seem to invite trouble whereever they go. Unlike Serge and Coleman, they are street fighters and are not strangers to killing. They, however, perform their deeds with good intentions. Hap and Leonard are asked by a friend to rescue his granddaughter from a drug dealer and find themselves in a fierce fight for their lives. When the young lady is rescued they find that they are facing serious charges and possible jail time. However, they are asked by the FBI to help out on a case that involves the "Dixie Mafia". A Mafia leader has agreed to give the FBI much needed information if they can find his son who has run away with his girlfriend and $300,000 dollars of the Mafia's money. Hap and Leonard agree to find them and the money if the charges are dropped against them. The search is on and Hap and Leonard receive help from "Tonto" and "Bob", who add to the fun and excitement of the book. They also find themselves being pursued by the "Dixie Mafia", but also by "Vanilla Ride" who might be the most formidable foe they have ever faced. This is really a fun and enjoyable read that never ceases to entertain the reader. In all the murder and mayhem in the book, there are also some great give and takes provided by both Hap and Leonard that gives the book its humor. A note of caution in that the book can be irreverent at times, and does contain some strong language.

2022-10-21 05:32