The latest roaring, rollicking adventure from Edgar Award-winner Joe R. Lansdale, featuring odd-couple P.I.s Hap and Leonard.
Hap and Leonard are an unlikely pair--Hap, a self-proclaimed white trash rebel, and Leonard--a tough-as-nails Black, gay, Vietnam vet and Republican--but they're the closest friend either of them has in the world.
After years of crime-solving companionship, something's changed: Hap, recently married to their P.I. boss, Brett, is now a family man. Amidst the worst flood East Texas has seen in years, the two run across a woman who's had her tongue nearly cut out, pursued by a heavily armed pair of goons. Turns out the girl survived a mob hit, and the boss has come to clean up the mess.
On a chase that blows even the East Texas swampgrass back, Hap and Leonard must save the girl, and vanquish her foes, before the foes get them first. With a new case to solve, and a brand-new challenge to their relationship, will Hap and Leonard's friendship survive? Will Hap and Leonard survive?
The Elephant of Surprise is rich with Lansdale's trademark humor, whip-smart dialogue, and plenty of ass-kicking adventures.
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“[In] Lansdale’s relentlessly paced twelfth novel featuring Hap Collins and Leonard Pine…striking metaphors help drive the violent plot, in which Hap and Leonard must use all their wiles, including the ‘elephant’ of surprise, to defeat a gang of murderous criminals…Some readers may wish for more breaks in between action scenes, but Lansdale’s fans will be satisfied.”
— Publishers Weekly
“The twelfth novel in the series is essentially an extended action sequence…Lansdale’s narrative voice is as wonderful as ever, as is the banter between the mismatched best friends as they punctuate the violence with drolly mundane observations…It’s always a pleasure to spend time with Hap and Leonard, even in the worst of circumstances.”
— Booklist“This latest entry in the amiable series…is more relentless than previous outings in the series, with the action moving at a near-constant clip…Hap and Leonard remain two of the most likable characters in crime fiction.”
— Kirkus Reviews"The Elephant of Surprise is the read of the year thus far for adrenaline junkies, action-hero aficionados and, as is always the case with Lansdale's novels, fans of clever and unexpected similes and metaphors.
— BookPageHap and Leonard remain two of the most likable characters in crime fiction.
— Kirkus ReviewsLansdale's narrative voice is as wonderful as ever, as is the banter between the mismatched best friends as they punctuate the violence with drolly mundane observations. . . . It's always a pleasure to spend time with Hap and Leonard, even in the worst of circumstances.
— BooklistRelentlessly paced
— Publishers WeeklyRamón de Ocampo, an Earphones Award-winning narrator, was a cowinner in 2018 of the Audie Award for Best Multi-Voiced Performance. A graduate of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, he has been seen on television, film, and stages all over the world, including recurring roles on such television shows as The West Wing, 12 Monkeys, Sons of Anarchy, and Medium. He is the winner of a prestigious Obie Award for his stage work.
Christopher Ryan Grant is an actor and audiobook narrator. His readings include It’s A Long Story: My Life by Willie Nelson and Honky Tonk Samurai by Joe R. Lansdale, among others.