(Reviewed by Christopher J. Lynch)
#CommissionsEarned
The Safe Game by Wes Verde is undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read. Set in the late 1920’s America, it follows the story of three con artists trying to pull off their final score before retiring from the game. The cons — two men and a woman, each have their unique skills and work very well together as a team. The book is part “The Sting”, part “The Grifters”, and all talent.
A character driven novel, Mr. Verde does an excellent job of getting us into the principals’ heads and understanding their backstories, as well as their motivations for doing what they do. The writing here is as crisp and concise as John Steinbeck, and not only do the characters become sympathetic to us, but likable as well.
Understandably, books — and movies for that matter, about a heist or otherwise criminal plot involve planning and preparation and therefore a good portion of the story is taken up by exposition devoted to this. What I liked most about The Safe Game is that Mr. Verde wisely uses this time to allow us to dig deeper into the character’s psyche. In fact, this is so masterfully done, you end up caring less about the actual heist than you do the characters.
I could say much more about The Safe Game, but what I would like to say most is buy it!
You will not be disappointed.
