Dilbert Pinkerton is a walking, talking, crime-solving man-sized armadillo. A misunderstanding with a mob boss and a six-figure opportunity outside his home convince the private detective and his friend to skip town and head for the city of Nevermore Bay. What should be a place for an easy getaway and an easy job turns troublesome for Dilbert when a local vigilante not only interrupts the job, but tips him off to a bigger and more dangerous venture than the one he's being paid for.
This book is FUN. And that's a big deal for a book of brawls, bike chases, murder, and inter-species prejudice. The magic of mixing all that together and making it an enjoyable read originates in Dilbert's narration. He's gruff, sloppy, disgruntled, and for better or worse, he has a heart of gold. His observations are often hilarious, and in their turn of phrase and negativity you get a laugh, a description, and Dilbert's jaded opinion in humorous little packages. He's a larger than life character, the type who might be familiar to noir buffs, but at the same time he's an armadillo. That makes a difference. He's the kind of hero you want to follow and hope succeeds, especially as he's getting beaten to a pulp.
An assortment of other characters round out the novel, from Dilbert's short list of allies to the bikers, policemen, and Dick Tracy-style henchmen they have to handle under the watchful and suspicious eyes of the Buzzard, a gadget-wielding vigilante with a sense of justice askew from Dilbert's. They help or hinder the detective in fights, foot chases, and bike chases, tearing up Nevermore's streets and reputation while Dilbert uncovers the city's secrets.
City of Smoke and Mirrors is full of energy, and skillfully balances a wide load of humor with some pretty dark details. It's an effective mystery and character story, the kind I had trouble putting down.
