This Body's Not Big Enough for Both of Us
Ratings6
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings6
Average rating3.7
In a dingy office in Fisherman's Wharf, the glass panel in the door bears the names of A. Kimrean and Z. Kimrean, Private Eyes. Behind the door there is only one desk, one chair, one scrawny androgynous P.I. in a tank top and skimpy waistcoat. A.Z., as they are collectively known, are twin brother and sister. He's pure misanthropic logic, she's wild hedonistic creativity. The Kimreans have been locked in mortal battle since they were in utero, which is tricky because they, very literally, share one single body. That's right. One body, two pilots. The mystery and absurdity of how Kimrean functions, and how they subvert every plotline, twist, explosion, and gunshot and confuse every cop, neckless thug, cartel boss, ninja, and femme fatale in the book is pure Cantero magic. Someone is murdering the sons of the ruthless drug cartel boss known as the Lyon in the biggest baddest town in California: San Carnal. The notorious A.Z. Kimrean must go to the sin-soaked, palm-tree-lined streets of San Carnal, infiltrate the Lyon's inner circle, and find out who is targeting his heirs, and while they are at it, rescue an undercover cop who is in too deep, deal with a plucky young stowaway, and stop a major gang war from engulfing California. They'll face every plot device and break every rule Elmore Leonard wrote before they can crack the case, if they don't kill each other (themselves) first.
Reviews with the most likes.
I really, really wanted to love this. I adored Cantero's other English-language novels, and I pre-ordered this figuring it would be a sure winner.Unfortunately, this just didn't work for me. The characters are either two-dimensional, or so extreme I couldn't relate to them. I think I see what he's going for - this should be like Sherlock Holmes having to share a body with John from [b:John Dies at the End 1857440 John Dies at the End (John Dies at the End, #1) David Wong https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1189289716s/1857440.jpg 1858059], and how they somehow wind up saving the day, despite their conflicting styles. Only, for me Adrian and Zooey came across as less subtly drawn than either Holmes or John! I guess Cantero's hyperbole fell flat for me, while it clearly worked for other people. The plot also didn't quite gel for me - but I can see how this may be more about my dislike for Noir overall than a specific failing of this story. The solution to the mystery is pointless and impossible to predict. That's just not my bag.I will say that there were some laugh-out-loud moments, and there were some interesting themes around gender, siblings, Noir tropes, and fiction in general - I just felt like Cantero merely touched on them, opting to focus more on zany action.I'll definitely check out Cantero's future work. I think my enjoyment depends a lot on what the genre is, so hopefully the next one will be more in my wheelhouse!
“Ursula ta-daed back before their eyes, her noodle legs looking like Hellboy's right fist, ending in heavy-armored sneakers.”
If you give into its completely mental nature of This Body's Not Big Enough for Both of Us its a great, fun read.
The idea of two siblings (brother & sister) sharing the same body from birth is enough to tell you what you're in for, both personalities are very different and they clash on every page.
I personally REALLY like Cantero's writing style and whilst this didn't live up to Meddling Kids, it was super fun.
Almost gave it four stars but I think thats probably half a star to many! 3.5 very well deserved stars, would read a sequel!
This quote sums the plot up perfectly, don't fight it, just enjoy it...
“Kimrean sighted purple caged dancers, mud wrestlers, tattooed devils, G-stringed Atlases erected like Pillars of Hercules out of a liquid crowd waving in worship of ancient twerk masters summoning cellulite tsunamis.”
