Pariah by Dave Zeltserman

Title: Pariah
Author: Dave Zeltserman
Pages: 288
Genre: Contemporary Mystery

Pariah by Dave Zeltserman is one of those few novels that leave me reeling and speechless at the end of it! If you are the type that enjoys a fast pace and a mean spirit, then this is the book for you. I thought the novel ‘Small Crimes’ (also by Zeltserman) was a masterpiece, but this one is even better. In his usual style of a story laden with disaster, Zeltserman delivers his best novel yet!

Here’s a brief overview of the novel:
Once part of the holy triumvirate ruling, the South Boston Irish Mob, Kyle Nevin is set up with the Feds by head mobster Red Mahoney, who leads him to a court case and a stretch in the slammer. Now out of prison, Kyle wants revenge on his old boss and mentor and, just as importantly, to reclaim his former glory.

A kidnapping gone wrong leads, bizarrely, to a major book deal and a newfound celebrity status for Kyle. However, it also brings about bigger problems for both himself and anyone unlucky enough to cross his path.

With this dark riff and contemporary theme, Zeltserman shows why he is the heir of Jim Thompson and James M. Cain.

The antihero Kyle Nevin is a ruthless, reprehensible, mean son of a gun who would take no nonsense from anyone, or stop at anything to do what he intends to do. As he goes through the city breaking heads like nobody’s business, you sometimes feel like taking his side! In spite of the despicable crimes, you end up feeling invigorated and enlivened at the end of the book.

There is more to the novel apart from the suspense and hideous crimes. Zeltserman’s ability to get his readers to see the world through his character’s eyes is truly exceptional. As you follow Kyle’s rampage from kidnapping a sick child to burning a relative alive, you can’t help but be amused by the zealous illogic of it all. You enjoy the ride as Zeltserman fools around with the justice system and pokes fun at those in the publishing industry who would go to any appalling extent to have a book published! In all, I think Pariah by Dave Zeltserman is a fantastic read!