The Wheelman, Duane Swierczynski
I was really grumpy after I finished this novel for two reasons. First, it kept me up until really late because I couldn't let the story go, and second, I was astounded at the ending and quite unsettled.
So I did something I hardly ever do, I emailed the author and demanded a few answers. Those of you who have emailed me over the years wanting to know what's up with one of my characters: you see, it happens to me too. Go ahead, submerge yourself in Schadenfreude, soak in it until your fingers get all wrinkled.
Duane (who has a good website*) was kind enough to email me back and not answer my question. That is, he didn't answer it in such a way that the answer was clear anyway. And now I'm satisfied, and I recommend this novel to anybody who likes gritty, noir type stories that lean toward the absurd in terms of humor. I keep thinking of the movie Snatch (one of my favorites; Jason Statham as Turkish, Vinnie Jones as Bullet Tooth Tony, Benicio Del Toro as Franky Four Fingers and Brad Pitt as a Pikey, really, what more could you want in a movie?). This novel has that same kind of energy and quirkiness, all quick turns and odd characters. But Duane isn't nice to his characters, so if you're soft hearted, this might not be the book for you.
Oh, and: the cover is great, too.
*just read on Duane's website that he's got a new two book deal, so congratulations to him, and I hope he writes faster than I do.