Snappy yet Addictive
Familiar but with a fresh twist, ‘Russian Roulette‘ by Mike Faricy is a deliciously dark crime caper that fuses gritty noir with riotous slapstick, following the chaotic exploits of a private eye who just can’t seem to catch a break.
It all kicks off when Dev Haskell, a perpetually unlucky PI, wakes up next to a beautiful stranger named Kerri—who immediately ropes him into finding her missing sister, Nikki. What starts as a routine case quickly spirals into a wild ride through a minefield of Russian gangsters, sleazy officials, and a horrifying trafficking ring. Dev gets shot at, blown up, and smacked around more times than you can count—yet somehow, he keeps going, unraveling a sinister plot with more layers (and danger) than he ever expected. The twists don’t stop, leading to a pulse-pounding showdown with Bracko “the Whacko,” a crime boss you definitely don’t want to owe money to. Through it all, Dev bumbles with style, proving that stubborn grit and dumb luck can still get the job done.
Mike Faricy’s prose is slick, sharp, and laugh-out-loud funny, with a rhythm that keeps you turning pages like you’re being chased. The dialogue pops with snark and sass, while Dev’s inner thoughts—equal parts clueless and cocky—make him an endlessly entertaining antihero. Faricy delivers the grit of crime fiction but wraps it in enough ridiculous charm that it never feels too heavy. With short, punchy chapters and nonstop action, this is the kind of book you burn through in one sitting and then wonder where the time went.
If you’re into mysteries with humor, unpredictable plots, and flawed but fun characters, ‘Russian Roulette’ is worth picking up. It’s an easy, entertaining read—perfect for a weekend binge. Dev Haskell may not have it all together, but watching him stumble through danger is exactly what makes him so fun to follow. With shadows, smirks, and a smoking gun, this one’s a 5-star noir delight.
