Book Review: Signalz by F. Paul Wilson

I love the Repairman Jack series and the Adversary Cycle – but I haven’t read either in quite some time. I was delighted when I saw that there were new stories in this universe, with this and The Last Christmas. I think this book was every bit as marvelous as the earlier books in the series. I do think it helps to have some familiarity with the series, conceptually, but as I didn’t remember very many details beyond the fleeting sense that several of the names were familiar and an understanding about Nightworld as a concept, I had no difficulty following the story or enjoying it on its own merits.

I thought the characters were marvelous and liked the way their stories were interwoven. I’ve seen a number of other reviewers comment on Wilson inserting himself into the story. This didn’t bother me at all – I actually liked it. But then again, I tend to like when actors or authors break the fourth wall. I thought it gave a nice surreal feel to the story as a whole, which reinforced its underlying nature in a way that I felt enriched the tale rather than detracted from it. Is it arrogant to put yourself in your books, maybe. But it didn’t bother me here…

I hope like crazy that Wilson keeps finding ways to reinvigorate this universe of characters. I’ll read ’em all, and likely reread the older books while I’m at it!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.