Heather’s Bookshelf: Cooking for Cannibals
Author: Rich Leder
Released: 01/14/21
Genre: Dark Humor
“The good news was the episode was nominated for an Emmy in the category of Best Writing for an Imaginary Detective Series Inside Carrie’s Brain because the heartbreaking subtext of the story—the emotionality that connected the audience to the villain for the entirety of the dramatic hour in spite of her smart mouth and dastardly deeds”
“Cooking for Cannibals” introduces you to Carrie Kromer, a scientist working at a lab on a drug meant to reverse the signs of aging, and Johnny Fairfax, an ex-con seeking to break into a culinary career. The two characters find an unlikely kinship (and romance) while trying to survive a seemingly impossible series of events.
The book starts with introductions to two very different people. Carrie’s life is filled with her work with gerontology, lab rats, and caring for her elderly mother. Carrie actually lives in the same complex as her mother and several other aging adults. It is here that she meets Johnny who has also recently been hired as the cook for the same complex.
Carrie deals with the repercussions of her decision to steal a drug from her lab at the same time that Johnny deals with a corrupt parole officer. The two characters soon realize that they share more than a place to live. Their feelings for each other blossom as their safety is threatened and they must work together to survive.
Fair Warning: This is a dark comedy, so there is adult language, sexual situations, violence, torture and yeah…cannibalism
I enjoyed this dark comedy. The two main characters are flawed and very different from each other, but their connection within the crazy circumstances in the story seem pretty natural. Their chemistry is undeniable and their relationship development endearing. I found myself rooting for this couple to get together and be happy throughout the novel. The ancillary characters are also well done and memorable. I especially loved the Copa Crew and their shenanigans throughout the book. Both the fixer and the cleaner were also great additions as super scary but complex guys. The only thing that I found incomplete was the ending. While not exactly a cliffhanger, many things were still left in the air. Even the way that the ending was written led me to believe that the author was also torn about it’s direction. Regardless of the ending, I appreciated the crazy journey to get there.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
I enjoyed this dark comedy filled with crazy circumstances and endearing romance. It is off the wall, different, and lots of fun.
Want to learn more about the author? Check out my interview with Rich Leder
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