Publishers Weekly
01/13/2020
When Jane Gardner, the jobless and broke 30-year-old protagonist of this humorous road novel from Edgar winner Lansdale (The Elephant of Surprise), resolves to travel from Texas to her snobbish sister’s wedding in New England, she answers a ride share ad posted by large, tough, crotchety Henrietta, who goes by the name Henry. Henry, who has one dead eye that wanders “as if drunk or drugged,” claims to be headed to Boston for an eye appointment and needs someone to be her chauffeur. With some reluctance, Jane obliges, and the mismatched pair set off on an unusual journey across America. Along the way, Jane and Henry battle disabled shoplifters, go on tour with a washed-up country singer, and get kidnapped by an octogenarian and her motley bunch of slavers. Outrageous wit, memorably quirky characters, and comical situations elevate the slight, somewhat ho-hum story, which works best as a gratifying tale of friendship. Fans of Lansdale’s Hap and Leonard crime novels won’t want to miss this one. Agent: Daniel Baror, Baror International. (Mar.)
Library Journal
03/01/2020
Jane is fired from her job at the laundry after she fails to remove a ketchup packet from a jacket. When her sister's wedding invitation arrives, she decides to make her way to New England from her Texas town, although she knows none of her sisters expect her to show up. She finds a ride share offer from Henrietta, a large woman who lifts weights and has one eye and a suspended license—but owns a car. The opinionated women immediately lock horns, but they end up driving toward Boston. Along the way, they face panty-snatchers in a 24-hour store, a thief in a motor-powered machine, and attempted kidnapping by modern-day slavers when they stop for gas. They manage to save themselves and a number of other women. The kindness of a liquor store clerk and a country music singer set Jane and Henry on the road north again. The escapades of these two outspoken women couldn't be any more outrageous. VERDICT Lansdale follows his latest "Hap and Leonard" installment, The Elephant of Surprise, with this over-the-top picaresque novel. The crude humor and quirky characters will appeal to the author's fans.—Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN
