The Lawn Job
by Chuck Caruso
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Pub Date 10 Oct 2017 | Archive Date 8 Mar 2022
Description
When ex-con Craig Collins began his new job mowing lawns, he was ready to leave his former life where it belonged-in the past. But everything changes when Craig suddenly loses one of his contracts after staring a little too hard at the aging trophy wife of his pizzeria mogul client, Big Gino Pasarelli. Soon, Craig begins to hatch a plan for revenge-along with his transgender sort-of-girlfriend, Juana. Since Big Gino seems to enjoy cheating on his wife, Craig and Juana decide to blackmail him with a sex tape. Their plan goes horribly wrong, and Craig finds himself in deeper and deeper trouble. It might be up to Big Gino's wife, Sheila, to bail him out, but can she be trusted? Thrilling and comical, The Lawn Job is a delightfully suspenseful look at what can go wrong in a deceptively simple suburban neighborhood. As Craig finds himself fighting for his life among a colorful cast of characters, it's hard to believe it all began with a simple lawn job.
A Note From the Publisher
Edgy crime thriller for fans of Elmore Leonard, Dennis Lehane and Chuck Palahniuk;
Highly respected English professor, 19th Century Americanist, Edgar Allan Poe scholar and author;
Publicity campaign will include public events and readings in September/October 2017.
Advance Praise
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"Utterly compelling. One of those rare books you put on the shelf for a treasured second read. It is that fine." - Ken Bruen, Shamus Award-winning author of the Jack Taylor series
“[A]n absolute blast of a book! A wonderfully drawn noir tale of lost dreams, deceptions and betrayal - I loved it.” – Jeremy Duns, author of the Paul Dark spy novels
"Chuck is an author to keep your eye on." - Johnny Shaw, Anthony Award-winning author of Big Maria
Marketing Plan
About the Author
Chuck Caruso is a nineteenth-century Americanist and Edgar Allan Poe scholar. He teaches in the Department of English at Marylhurst University and has contributed to academic publications from Johns Hopkins University and the documentary film Edgar A. Poe: Buried Alive. Caruso's crime and horror writing has been published in Cemetery Dance, Shroud, and Dark Discoveries. Caruso lives in Vancouver, Washington. The Lawn Job is his first published novel.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9780995465733 |
| PRICE | US$15.95 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Lena *, Reviewer
This book started a bit too slow for my taste. But it was definitively the writing that kept me on reading, and I am glad that I didn't give up too early.
The second part rewarded me for all my patience. A well written debut novel by Chuck Caruso is a thrilling and at the same time hilarious read. It is an unusual mixture of humor and social satire, a soap opera and psychological thriller. A brilliant final match that won't leave you indifferent. Even if it won't come totally unexpected.
But what for a crazy set of circumstances! It is a point where I can't give more away not to spoil the story for you.
3,5 stars rounded up without any hesitation and put the author on my don't miss his next novel list.
Anne F, Educator
This was one great romp! When ex-con, Chris Collins gets fired from his lawn job for ogling Big Gino's wife, Shelia, he and his transgender friend, Juana plan revenge to blackmail Gino. But of course nothing goes as planned and everything backfires. Throw in Chris's two best friends, Alonso and Tooby and the fun continues. Lots of sex, violence, and downright noir fun. This is a great roller-coaster ride of hilarity, filled with quirky characters and fast-paced dialogue sure to please in a quick read!
D F, Reviewer
3,5 Stars
Oh, wow....That was a crazy ride!
It was like Tyler Durden and Marla Singer decided to take Mark Renton out for a drink, to form a plan how to trick Patrick Bateman.
You don't play lightly with those and you know the game will get messed up for someone.
I can't say whether Chuck Caruso's debut novel is a thriller, a dark psychological read, transgressive fiction or a Portland-set TV drama like story.
I don't know. And I don't need to- I only know I liked the surprises and I definitely want to see more from the author.
***Copy kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
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