Is Fat Bob Dead Yet?

“Stephen Dobyns pulls off a neat misdirection in this brazenly titled comic crime novel. On its face, “Is Fat Bob Dead Yet?” is a frivolous romp through an underworld of solecism-spouting thieves and doltish enforcers. But…there’s surprising depth here, as Dobyns convenes an ensemble cast whose thwarted ambitions suffuse an antic storyline with an air of poignancy.” —The Washington Post

“This crafty, witty, hilarious novel by award-winning writer Stephen Dobyns…views life as whimsical and capricious, or as one character describes it, “tradiculous,” a mixture of tragedy and the ridiculous.” —Providence Journal

“A uproariously entertaining comic thriller that evokes Elmore Leonard and Donald E. Westlake but adds several layers of absurdity and a narrative voice that suggests metafiction meets a Greek chorus meets Jane Austen… Yes, it’s absurd; yes, it’soutrageous; but here’s the thing: somehow, amid all the craziness, there’s a beating heart, too.” —Booklist (starred review)
 

“The latest offering from veteran novelist and poet Dobyns (The Burn Palace) delights with quirky characters, absurd situations, language play, and keen insights. Recommended for those who enjoy dark humor and complicated plots in their mysteries.” —Library Journal

“Gold Dagger Award-finalist Dobyns’ genius for dark comedy makes this intricate crime novel a triumph that will appeal to Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiassen fans.” —Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)

“Stephen Dobyns is what the baseball scouts call a five-tool player: he writes with ease and insight, he can make you laugh in one paragraph and rock you back on your heels in the next, and he tells stories that you can’t put down. All those talents are in full flower in IS FAT BOB DEAD YET? I loved it, and so will you.”
—Stephen King


“Another darkly comic whodunit from veteran novelist Dobyns…a lively, laugh-out-loud winner.” –Kirkus