Deadbomb Bingo Ray

September 11, 2017
The launch of Johnson’s new series, as inventive and comic as the Darby Holland books (Lucky Supreme, etc.), introduces Philadelphia fixer Dead Bomb Bingo Ray. Three years earlier, Ray derailed a scheme by greedy hedge fund manager Tim Cantwell to rip off some retirees. When Ray learns that Tim is now plotting revenge, Ray sets out to teach him a lesson. Ray believes in firepower (he keeps two Berettas loaded with three different kinds of bullets) and in safe exits (he pays the proprietors of four restaurants, a grocery store, a dress shop, and more to stand by in case he needs their help). Cantwell has his allies, such as operator Mary Chapman, the bait for a honey-trap. That Mary has her own complicated schemes, as do various other players, prompts Ray’s helper, Cody, to comment: “Setup inside a setup inside a setup. Inside a setup.” Descriptive gems—“the costume brought out the side of him that was dangerous in a next-level way, beyond angry beehive and well into biblical-serpent territory”—make Johnson’s writing a rare treat.

Narrator Johnny Heller cops a delightful and sidesplitting "wise guy" attitude as the infamous Philadelphia fixer Deadbomb Bingo Ray. Our hero enlists colorful allies and dodges low-level felons bent on getting revenge after he burns a crooked businessman who cheated a group of senior citizens. Heller shines as the bodies fall and as hired guns try to kill Ray and his delightful new girlfriend, a theoretical physicist. Heller navigates this stylish noir with ultimate vocal skill. Deadbomb Bingo Ray lives up to his name as the game reaches an explosive climax. Fans of the genre will love Ray, and Heller is drop-dead great in this enjoyable romp. R.O. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine