Staff Pick – Divine Misfortune, by A. Lee Martinez

I have two days left on my seven day loan. I’m frustrated; I waited too long to dive into the novel Divine Misfortune, the latest by A. Lee Martinez. I’m excited; I’ve barely started reading it and am enthralled by the set up. I’m giddy; since his first novel, Gil’s All Fright Diner, Martinez’s comedic writing flows even more naturally. I’m also nervous; I think it may read faster than I can enjoy it.

Oh well, I’ll borrow it again if need be. And in the mean time, he’s spewed out six other titles, each very different and silly.

Gil’s All Fright Diner – a pot-bellied redneck werewolf and his balding, middle-aged vampire buddy rescue a town from angsty zombies and find love.

In the Company of Ogres – an awkward militia of mismatched monsters overcome their differences to prove their metal…and torment their new leader…and save the world.

A Nameless Witch – an attractive witch, a demon-possessed duck, a virtuous paladin and an endearing troll are all that stand against a horde of man-eating goblins.

The Automatic Detective – a former cabbie and semi-sentient robot detective is on a quest to find his missing mutant neighbours, romance his robotocist, and thwart an alien invasion.

Too Many Curses – a kobold slave faithfully serves her evil-wizard master…until he suddenly dies, leaving his enchanted castle unprotected, and full of…things…

Monster – a monster-hunter extraordinaire finds himself stuck between his life, his succubus girlfriend, a city full of mythic creatures, and the love of his life who won’t believe a word of it…despite the Yeti.

Divine Misfortune – loving couple wants to keep up with the Jones, so they find a god on-line and sign up to worship…good luck, green lawn, and a raccoon-headed deity sleeping on the couch.