Everybody Wants to Rule the World is a standalone espionage PI nostalgia adventure by Ace Atkins. Released 2nd Dec 2025 by HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback (lg. print), audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a frenetic espionage thriller with a truly eclectic, campy, wonky, cast of misfits. There are rogue Russian agents, murder, and corporate and political espionage. Thriller fans who lived through the 80s will remember the music and many of the cultural references with fondness (or loathing). Although it's not at all derivative, and Mr. Atkins is a *prodigious* talent in his own right, there are definite vibes of Hap & Leonard, with a little Robert Ludlum thrown in the mix. There's quite a lot of strong language usage throughout, with good/comedic effect. There's also some graphic violence and it's melancholy in places.
Four stars. Very funny in places and very well constructed. It would make an excellent buddy read, as well as a bang-up home or public library acquisition.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment