The Big Get-Even

The Big Get-Even by Paul Di Filippo is a fun and furious crime novel that will keep you wondering to the last pages. The novel is more technically classified as a crime novel rather than a noir, with there not being investigations, private eyes, or court scenes. Instead one finds some mean-spirited folks, with the “heroes” of this tale also being transgressors. The book does have some lively characters: a corrupt lawyer, a prostitute, and an arsonist. They are ready to bilk a shady real estate tycoon who landed one of them in jail after he no longer had use for his criminal services. He also uses some harsh language when he gets to tell people what he really thinks of them.

It’s definitely a tale about people on the wrong side of the track, but the book is compelling, weighty, and sexy. This is not a book for young kids, even if there are a bunch of sci-fi and fantasy references. Author Di Filippo has written many genre books and stories, and he might not have gotten the big fame because he is also a critic. The book has some of his humor as well as a hard edge. There’s not really a moral in this one, except maybe that people sometimes seek retribution. There’s romance instead, and plenty of punishment to go around.