Duane Swierezynski The Wheelman

The Wheelman

Duane Swierezynski

St. Martin's, Oct 2005, $23.95

ISBN: 0312343779

In Philadelphia, mute Irish immigrant Lennon, is the getaway driver while Bling and Holden rob the Wachovia Bank. The heist is successful, stealing the city's cash slated for "Operation Fresh Start", but as they speed away, Lennon hits a pedestrian, but keeps on going. However, a fortified van comes out of an ally smashing into the getaway vehicle. Not long afterward Fury, son of a Russian Mafiya leader and college student Andy, tosses two bags of garbage down a pipe that leads to the Delaware River. The third bag comes to life as Lennon refuses to die. Instead he turns the tables on the two men, killing them.

Lennon knows that only one other person knew his route besides himself, his girlfriend Katie. He plans to pay her a visit, but for now must heal from his injures while eluding the Russian mob, and the cops who know he probably killed Fury and robbed the bank. However, time is not on his side, as an apparent ex-cop catches up with him, with plans for the loot, and Lennon knows, for him too.

This terrific urban noir stars an antihero, who readers are going to appreciate as he battles to stay alive against overwhelming odds. The storyline is action-packed from the moment Lennon takes off in the getaway car, and never slows down until the final twist. Interestingly are the "allies" chasing after Lennon as the Mayor's office, the Russian and Italian mobs, and others want the loot, him dead, or both. Fans of gripping one sitting thrillers, will want to ride along with Duane Swierezynski's wild trip through the Camden-Philadelphia meanest streets.