For the fans of noir, Triple Shot is a dark ride.

This book is a compilation of stories by three New York writers who clearly must have some twisted dreams when they sleep. Reading these novellas had me visualizing the blackness of life as seen through the characters’ eyes. Compelling, to say the least.

The first novella, Thump Gun Hitched, was written by Klavan with a definite Western feel to it, but doesn’t take place in the Old West. Payback is an ugly consequence when two Los Angeles task force detectives, Bobby Dane and Haran, end up with a dead body that may or may not have been murder. This novella is full of the twists and turns one wants with a good crime story. There are liars, deception, suspicion, and that one man who doesn’t care who gets hurt as long as he gets what he wants. Impeccable!

O’Mara wrote Smoked, the second novella. This story begins with a drug dealer breaks into his ex-wife’s house for a hidden cache of money, drugs, and alcohol. Little does this man know his life is about to take a plummet longer than jumping off the Golden Gate bridge. This story reminds me of the idiom, “Too many cooks spoil the broth.” With each new character addition to the story, the individuals go further into darkness than most hardened criminals would choose. It’s impossible to trust anyone, and who knows what is around the corner. This novella had me wishing I hadn’t had that second cup of coffee… which one gave me the jitters more, the story or the caffeine? I’m guessing the former more than the latter.

The final novella, Twist of Fate, is by Salzburg. Trish Sullivan is a news anchorwoman who receives a letter from a woman imprisoned for six years over the murder of her husband and two daughters. She insists on her innocence and hopes that an interview with Trish will bring the truth out and set her free. Trish isn’t one to give up on a story this big, especially if it brings her notoriety. With the information she uncovers, a new trial is set and witnesses who previously held back information finally speak out. Without going any further, I can honestly say that this story is one that will have you wanting more because justice is served on a hot plate.

Thanks to the authors, I had my own set of nightmares to deal with after reading this book. Kudos to you!

Rating: 5 stars

Reviewer: Jules

Title: Triple Shot

Author: Ross Klavan, Tim O’Mara, Charles Salzberg

Release Date: August 1, 2016

Don’t miss any of the bookish fun. Subscribe now!