A Dirty Job, by Christopher Moore
I’ve already recommended Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal, also by Christopher Moore. So, you should trust me when I say that I’m doing you a favor when I recommend A Dirty Job.
If you’ve read any of Mr. Moore’s other books, you know that he’s a fan of using the same location and/or the same characters throughout his books. A Dirty Job takes place in San Fransisco and characters from Coyote Blue, Bloodsucking Fiends, and You Suck: A Love Story make appearances. However, the main characters are completely new.
The story is of Charlie Asher and his daughter Sophie. Charlie is what Mr. Moore calls, “a beta male.” Not alpha by any stretch of the imagination. However, circumstances put Charlie in the position of being very important, indeed.
Charlie is the proprietor of a second-hand shop in San Fransisco. After a series of traumatic events, he begins to see items in his shop glow with a preternatural red light. Come to find out, Charlie is a “death merchant.” A death merchant’s job is to protect souls from the forces of darkness. In this lively tale, there are people walking around without souls, and there are souls attached to objects. When a soulless person meets the right object for them, BAM! They’ve got a soul. Nifty, huh? Except those pesky forces of darkness are always trying to get the soul for themselves before it can be passed onto the next person.
This book has the same vein of humor that runs through Lamb. I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions. While the story is far-fetched, Mr. Moore writes in such a way that makes you believe it’s entirely possible. I never had one of those “now, come on… really?” moments while reading this book.
If you’ve read Lamb, and are looking for another funny, witty and thought-provoking book by Christopher Moore, I highly recommend A Dirty Job.
I liked that one, too!
Thanks, Swistle, for the comment. I was feeling sorta let down and then I saw your name : )