The likable pack of operatives for Daniel Kearny Associates of San Francisco return for a tremendously fun romp, working fast repos on a list of classic cars missing after a raid on a shady auto dealer. Better yet, they slam the gas on a collision course for another battle of wits with the Gypsy gang they faced a couple of novels back in the delightful 32 Cadillacs. Told vignette-style, with a huge cast of characters and many subplots, this novel is anchored by the adventures of the beautiful Gypsy witch Yana, cast out from her clan, forced to scam her way alone through the gadjo
world and now wanted in the death of her husband. The Gypsies hire DKA to find Yana, but seem more interested in having them lead the assault on a millionaire's fortress with its secret treasure. Caper novel, murder mystery, encyclopedia of con games—here Gores has reached a masterful level, loose (street accuracy is not as solid as in his early books, for example) and playful (with a cameo from Michael Connelly's L.A. sleuth, Harry Bosch, and a hilarious nod to Gores's longtime pal Donald Westlake). Gores includes a few hard-boiled scenes, since he did start out as a tough-guy writer (no one conveys as well the joy of fishtailing away in a popped car), but the relaxed veteran of many novels and teleplays is much more enjoyable. You cannot go wrong joining him for this masterpiece of monkey business. (Aug. 28)
Forecast:This novel should appeal to the same audience that goes for Donald Westlake's Dortmunder series. The pulp-like look of the dust jacket will also attract hard-boiled fans.
