HORROR

Sucker

by Daniel Hornsby
Anchor. Jul. 2023. 256p. ISBN 9780593469675. $27. HORROR
COPY ISBN
Hornsby’s latest (after Via Negativa) is a satire of wealth and capitalism with a supernatural twist. The book follows the exploits of its unlikable protagonist, Charles Grossheart (or Chuck Gross to his friends), as he struggles to maintain his failing punk label, stay in his evil billionaire father’s good graces, and possibly do some good at the large corporation Kenosis with his old friend Olivia. But all is not as it appears with Olivia, who is in the business of selling immortality. Unfortunately, the novel struggles to find its footing, and the satire is a little heavy-handed. The supernatural part of the novel is excellent but rationed too finely in the beginning and comes too late at the end, although Hornsby’s characters are interesting and make the reader want more.
VERDICT While the author’s writing style has good flow, the satire is over-the-top, making the story less palatable.
Reviewed by Jeremiah Paddock , Jun 16, 2023
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Heads Will Roll
by Winning, Josh
FICTION

Bury Your Gays
by Tingle, Chuck
FICTION

Incidents Around the House
by Malerman, Josh
FICTION

The Eyes Are the Best Part
by Kim, Monika
FICTION

The Z Word
by King-Miller, Lindsay
FICTION

How To Make a Horror Movie and Survive
by DiLouie, Craig
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?