Fun City Heist - by Michael Kardos (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Mo Melnick used to be a drummer in rock band Sunshine Apocalypse. He used to be someone. These days he rents beach umbrellas on the Jersey Shore. The last thing he expects is for Johnny Clay, his old bandmate turned enemy, to ask him a favor. Johnny's dying, and before he passes he wants Sunshine Apocalypse to reunite for one last gig at Fun City, the beachfront amusement park where their musical journey began. Mo's in--reluctantly. But then Johnny reveals his real plan: He doesn't just want to play at Fun City on the fourth of July. He wants to rob it. The plan is crazy more holes than a golf course. But Mo's sick of barely keeping his head above water, so he and his gang of middle-aged has-beens dive into what will be the most outrageous heist New Jersey's ever seen--if, that is, they can pull it off alive . . ."--

Book Synopsis

A washed-up rockstar gets his old band back together for one final gig . . . and one daring robbery! A brilliantly funny, twisty heist caper from Pushcart Prize-winning author Michael Kardos.

Mo Melnick used to be a drummer in rock band Sunshine Apocalypse. He used to be someone. These days he rents beach umbrellas on the Jersey Shore.

The last thing he expects is for Johnny Clay, his old bandmate turned enemy, to ask him a favor. Johnny's dying, and before he passes he wants Sunshine Apocalypse to reunite for one last gig at Fun City, the beachfront amusement park where their musical journey began.

Mo's in--reluctantly. But then Johnny reveals his real plan: He doesn't just want to play at Fun City on the fourth of July. He wants to rob it.

The plan is crazy. It has more holes than a golf course. But Mo's sick of barely keeping his head above water, so he and his gang of middle-aged has-beens dive into what will be the most outrageous heist New Jersey's ever seen--if, that is, they can pull it off alive . . .

Packed with astonishing twists and laugh-out-loud moments, Michael Kardos' unique comedic thriller is perfect for fans of Elmore Leonard and Donald Westlake.

Review Quotes

Start to finish, Fun City Heist makes for captivating reading . . . musicians will really feel like this book's been written for them-- "The Clarion-Ledger"

With more twists and turns than Fun City's giant rollercoaster, Kardos' novel is equal parts wacky and heartwarming

-- "Booklist"

A great (and, yes, very fun) heist novel. Thrilling, hilarious, and deeply entertaining-- "William Boyle, author of Saint of the Narrows Street"

A twisted heist tale that layers nostalgia with heartfelt emotion-- "Mystery & Suspense Magazine"

An expertly paced thriller, equal parts thrills, low-key comedy, and well-earned heart. I flew through the pages of this perfect summer read-- "Peter Swanson, NYT bestselling author"

Funny and touching . . . Here's hoping Kardos provides his unlikely hero with a well-deserved encore-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Kardos renders his washed-up protagonist with tenderness and sympathy, and he orchestrates the tale's madcap climax with aplomb. Carl Hiaasen fans will eat this up-- "Publishers Weekly"

As human as it is suspenseful, as patient as it is thrilling, as genuine as it is surprising-- "NYT bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz on Before He Finds Her"

Climaxes with a spin worthy of the most adept con artists-- "Booklist on Bluff"

Compelling-- "Booklist on Before He Finds Her"

Masterful storytelling . . . Highly recommended-- "Kirkus Reviews on Before He Finds Her"

Michael Kardos is a master at ratcheting up the suspense-- "Lisa Scottoline on Bluff"

One of the most innovative and compelling thrillers to come along in recent years. Read the first page and kiss the next 24 hours goodbye-- "Jeffery Deaver on Before He Finds Her"

Outstanding . . . Sophisticated characterizations enhance the intricately constructed story line-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Before He Finds Her"

Suspense in its purest form--character-driven, immersive and hopelessly addictive-- "Megan Abbott, Edgar Award-winning author of You Will Know Me, on Bluff"

This crime caper is sure to please readers of action and suspense alike-- "Library Journal Starred Review of Bluff"

Well-crafted . . . with an ending you don't see coming-- "The New York Times on Before He Finds Her"