Devil Said Bang

The fourth volume (after Aloha from Hell) in Kadrey’s saga featuring sarcastic antihero James Stark (aka Sandman Slim) is the most irreverent, darkly comedic, and downright cool installment to date. Stark, a hard-drinking, foul-mouthed “monster who kills monsters,” isn’t exactly enjoying his new gig as Lucifer. Although the role has some perks, like a bad-ass motorcycle and tough satanic armor, it also makes him the prime target for power-hungry denizens of Hell. After managing to get back to L.A. and the girl he left behind, Stark must somehow stop a ghost from unraveling reality while figuring out who he really is. Powered by Kadrey’s twisted wit and distinctive narrative voice, this novel is replete with memorable lines, images, and pop culture references. While the existential and spiritual speculation isn’t quite as strong as in earlier books, the action-packed and bombshell-laden blend of dark fantasy, crime fiction, and Hellish sitcom is utterly readable. Agent: Ginger Clark, Curtis Brown. (Sept.)