Book Review: The Loot by Craig Schaefer

I’m a fan of Craig Schaefer. His urban fantasy antiheroes stuff is excellent – easy to read with great characters and engaging plot lines and action that draws you in and plays out just enough at just the right times to keep you in the story from start to finish. When I saw this title, I immediately requested it – without reading the blurb. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be contemporary crime, straight up.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it at first – largely because I was expecting something different. It also felt like it started slower than his previous books. Since I went into the read looking for more of what I’d come to expect from him (I’d been on a bit of a downer, review book-wise, and needed something reliably entertaining, hence picking up an author I knew I liked who guaranteed a fun read), I was initially disappointed. I kept reading though, because, well, Craig Shaefer… I’m so glad I did because just a little bit further in I found myself hooked and now I can’t wait for the next installment.

Charlie is a great protagonist – redolent of Harmony Black in some ways, but with her own unique flavor. The plot was as engaging as I’ve come to expect from a Schaefer title, full of action and some well-timed misdirection and lots of kick-ass heroine moments (Hello, Dom!). The supporting cast was well-crafted and the grey area that everyone treads throughout the story kept me engaged and entertained.

I guess it just goes to show that if you find a writer whose style works for you, it doesn’t much matter what the topic is – you’ll enjoy it (even if it’s not always your favorite because of the topic). I enjoy crime well enough, although former-soldier/mercenary stuff isn’t usually my thing. Still, the characters carried the day on this one and I’m definitely coming back for more.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy.