A Lot of Nerve is a standalone novel about the shady world of crime and being able to trust no one.
Jones is a small-time crook; a confidence trickster who likes working schemes around schemes and violence is definitely not his thing. One day, while having a pint in a local, he sees some sort of payoff taking place and vows to worm his way in on the deal. The problem is that he is still obligated to shift some merchandise for a local gangster, one who doesn’t want him to get out of his debts so easily. As Jones uses Peter to pay Paul, he lands up being pulled in a number of different directions and finds himself drawn deeper into the more dangerous side of his profession. Add to this a cop who seems to have more than a professional interest in him. A lot is riding on perfect timing, so can he pull off one of the biggest capers of his life and keep his head on his shoulders?
A Lot of Nerve is a fast-paced and enjoyable quick read. There are a few editing mistakes but nothing that is offputting. Even though Jones is a crook and you know he is defrauding people, you can’t help but root for him as he works out ways to use his connections. Since I’m not privy to the world of conmen and thievery I cannot say for certain just how much artistic licence is taken in the story, but the craziness of what was asked of him and how he weaselled out of it definitely had me laughing. Add in a government agency somehow trying to manipulate gangsters and you have the basis of a hair-brained scheme relying on the most unexpected of players.
I really enjoyed this book as a bit of a snarky look at the world of crime. It had a Guy Ritchie feel to it—where more of the cerebral ability instead of general physical violence ruled the day. Good for a quick laugh with writing that creates a comfortable flow of reading.
Thanks to Thistle Publishing for the chance to review the book.
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