Hog Wild: Or Singin’ Them Jihog Blues

Ray Puzo, the 34-year-old hero of this gonzo noir from Woods (Kiss the Devil Goodnight), has been a professional killer for 17 years, most recently as a Special Forces sniper “hunting ragheads on the Afghan high desert.” He takes a job in the Texas hill country at the Cross Bar Ranch exterminating feral pigs that have been spoiling the ranch’s grazing land. Radiation from atom bomb tests together with other factors have made the hogs so intelligent they can speak English, stand on two legs, wield a knife, and fire automatic weapons. A large cast of zany characters live at the ranch, including Ray’s boss, the sexy Mrs. Amanda Cross, and her beautiful “nympho daughter,” Loretta. When not killing hogs, Ray spends his time having sex with Loretta and recovering from having sex with Loretta. A massive battle ensues after the hogs declare all-out war. Amid all the sex and violence, there are many excellent book and movie recommendations. Readers willing to loosen their inhibitions and jettison their good taste will get a lot of laughs out of this one. (Sept.)