Lucky Bastard

Springboarding off a traditional noir framework, Browne (Fated) delivers an insightful, intriguing tale. Nick Monday may call himself a private investigator, but that’s a cover for his real profession: luck poacher. Over years of stealing luck from the fortunate and selling it to the desperate and addicted, he’s carved out a small, occasionally lucrative niche for himself in San Francisco. Then he’s hired by the mayor’s daughter to retrieve her father’s missing luck. With a hefty payday at hand, Nick tackles the job enthusiastically—until he’s accosted by the Chinese mafia, blackmailed by the government, distracted by an attractive rival, and disowned by his sister. Seriously reconsidering his lot in life, Nick will be lucky to get out alive. With twists aplenty, this fast-paced adventure succeeds as both a hard-boiled homage and a paranormal romp. Agent: Michelle Brower, Folio Literary Management. (Apr.)