Shovel Ready, Adam Sternbergh's first novel, explores the world of New York City in the years after a dirty bomb is detonated in Times Square. Half of the population has dispersed to less radioactive climes, and most of the half that remain spend their time hooked into virtual reality. Sternbergh paints a grim picture of life and culture in this environment, and presents Spademan as the hit man with a heart of gold.
Given his qualms about killing the teen, who turns out to be the daughter of a famous evangelist, he ends up as more detective than hit man. With a little help from his friends, he uncovers a nefarious plot and saves the girl. Shovel Ready is gritty, raw fiction, with a style matching the bleakness of this future New York. Enjoyable, original, and likable.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
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