PERRY'S KILLER PLAYLIST

The stunning assassin returns, heaping chaos on her lovably obtuse musician as he struggles to complete a European tour (Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick, 2011).

Perry Stormaire has had an amazing three months: a new girlfriend, Paula; a touring band gig in Europe; and no sign of Gobi, the Lithuanian assassin who blew up his house. While in Venice, Perry finds himself drawn to a prearranged meeting spot where both a hit squad and Gobi are waiting for him. On the run from assassins and police, Gobi and Perry trek across Italy, Switzerland, and France to clean up the killers and find Perry's missing family. Schreiber endows loyal Perry and deadly Gobi with strong characterization, but dependence on action clichés and stilted dialogue hamstring this book, as with the earlier title. Perry is more self-aware, making him less of a hapless victim and more of a reluctant sidekick, one whose strong sense of loyalty compels him to tough out dangerous and ridiculous events. Gobi's vulnerability is a welcome change from her near-robotic, practically superhuman performance. Despite the plethora of explosions, back-stabbings and secret identities, there are some touching moments between the two protagonists as bullets fly by. The narrative ends with a sense of completion, but it won’t prevent Schreiber from breaking out his espionage duo for future endeavors.

An action blockbuster in print form: loud, fun and entirely forgettable.