Dying is Easy

Stand-up comedy was the next best thing for Syd Homes after leaving the police force. After all, he has plenty of material, even if it is dark and sordid in tone. After his routine, he and a couple of the other guys take turns complaining about Carl Dixon, another comic who has been offered spots on shows like Leno and known to steal jokes from other performers. Syd sees Carl out back and gives him a beating to remember, though Syd left Carl very much alive. When Carl is found dead the next morning, Syd is on the move to clear his name. He tracks down several leads from the club, leading him to a pawn shop, then a movie set. Unfortunately, this murder will not be an easy one to solve as Carl was disliked by many, almost as many as Syd himself.

Syd is not likable, his police skills bumbling and his comedy brash, making him a refreshing main character for a dark murder mystery. While some of the characters are drawn similarly, which can be confusing, there’s enough of Hill’s storytelling to follow along. It probably won’t appeal to most of Hill’s fans, but it’s a decent distraction while waiting for the next release.