I find it hard to locate books that can make me laugh out loud or books that have the demented, absurd plots that I enjoy and that actually work. Because I have this problem, I figure that other people have it too. So, while you’re waiting for the next Christopher Moore, Terry Pratchett, or Janet Evanovich book to come out, give Tom Holt a try. I’ve read four of his books so far and there hasn’t been a one that hasn’t made me almost snort a beverage out of my nose yet. 🙂
Dead Funny contains two full novels, Flying Dutch and Faust Among Equals. Flying Dutch takes the story of the Flying Dutchman, adds nuclear power, alchemy, insurance, and accounting and creates a delightfully weird book. Faust Among Equals is, if you can believe it, even weirder. Basically, Faust escapes from Hell, hooks back up with Helen of Troy, and wreaks hilariously warped revenge on his captors. And it all comes to a close in a theme park in Hell designed by Hieronymous Bosch.
As an added bonus for me, Holt has a very English way of writing that is a joy to read, with wacky metaphors, inventive turns of phrase, and uproariously funny understatements. Fun, fun, fun. Plus, he has a huge list of titles already written, so I don’t think I’m going to run out of reading material any time soon.