CLONK!

Quirky characters collide chaotically in Rieger’s darkly comedic detective novel.

Robbers burst into a Baltimore hair salon and critically injure a plucky actor. The reader is afforded just a taste of the action before the story jumps back six weeks, then back 25 years, and then forward again, continuing to haphazardly flit through 30 years of related characters and situations every few pages. Among the chaotic jumble of stories, three arcs act as anchors: First, there is the story of Kev Dixit, a cop. He is cynical yet endearing, a family man who stays true to the people and the city he loves as he investigates fraud, robbery, and outlandish murders. Second, Lou Ricciti and Pete Palanzo, pros in the real estate business, find their lives upended upon the arrival of some sketchy new bosses who are up to no good. Finally, actor Chris Waxley struggles to find work and love in an unforgiving city. The author demonstrates an exceptional ability to create eccentric personalities that are lovable, detestable, and everything in between (as when a self-deluding pastor complains about his mistress: “And then while she was so giddily laughing at me and making fun of me, she revealed her latest canvas. It was her hand with a flyswatter about to cruelly strike at a small housefly, painted with glasses and a tie to represent me! Me!”). Each character, no matter how fleeting, teems with potential—potential that is unfortunately often wasted in a story that jumps around so spasmodically and gives the reader so little time to settle in and cozy up to the characters. Dixit, in particular, seems like a sure fan favorite if given more time—his detective work is a joy to read. Each passage is comical and quirky, albeit confusing and brief. Still, there is much enjoyment, entertainment, and, above all else, potential, in Rieger’s story.

An eccentric detective novel bursting with comedy and personality.