Anarchy of the Mice (Third Chance Enterprises, #1)

by Jeff Bond

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Anarchy of the Mice is the first book in a new PI/thriller series by Jeff Bondt. Due out 15th June 2020, it's 462 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

I really loved the pulp cover (yes, even the faux distressing) and was hoping for a rollicking story. I wasn't disappointed. This is a well told tale featuring a trio of altruistic mavericks with three wildly different skill sets. Much of the situational tension is funny and happily the book doesn't take itself overly seriously. Many of the critical story elements are somewhat farcical, if not downright ridiculous (lead character Molly is going to infiltrate a hacker collective despite not being tech-savvy in any way shape or form?)... For me, it was a bit like hot dogs, delicious as long as they're not examined too closely.

Although set in the present day, the action and adventure hearken back to the days of the pulps like Creasey's Baron and Toff, and Gardner's A.A. Fair books (Donald Lam & Bertha Cool), with a tiny smidge of Hap & Leonard thrown in for good measure (much less active violence and much cleaner language than Lansdale's duo, though).

I really enjoyed it. Pure escapist over the top and well written. The author is a capable wordsmith. Bonus for this edition, a sneak peek at the first chapter of the next book: Dear Durwood.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.