A Dead End Job by Justin Alcala

      A man voted in high school as most likely to end up with a dead-end job, comes to satisfy that prophecy when he finds himself working for Death, while the boss is trying to take a much-needed vacation. Cue in all manner of paranormal and undead shenanigans.
      This is a premise and genre that has been done before, many times, both aspects of it. The idea usually results in a sort of neo-noir with a loveable loser or loser-ish protagonist, fun side characters, paranormal politicking intrigue with different undead parties vying for control of the city, some slapstick comedy, oodles of action and a redemption-flavored carrot at the end of the stick for the main guy.
      This novel works the formula to the tee. From the sort of glibly amusing tone to the wacky cast to the wham-bam-thank-you-m’am shoot’em’ups. It’s silly but you knew it would be, going in. Buck, a former military man turned assassin for pay, gets to redeem himself by choosing the right side and by unwittingly becoming a dad. Chicago does well as its own character, a city many greedy factions of various undead are just undying to take over. 
      Not all of the jokes land (some are too cheap, but some are pretty funny) and the plot at times gets much too convoluted, but overall, the novel maintains a lite mindless entertainment thing pretty decently. Buck warns you, more than one, that his life I a dime store novel, so you can adjust your expectations accordingly. Not sure I’d read more (and this one definitely reads like there will be more), it isn’t really my genre, but it was fun while it lasted, a perfectly serviceable supernatural diversion. Reads quickly too. Thanks Netgalley.