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  • SOME DEAD GENIUS

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Lenny Kleinfeld
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SOME DEAD GENIUS Kindle Edition

by LENNY KLEINFELD (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars (128)
Chicago homicide detectives Mark Bergman and John Dunegan investigate the murder of a well-known painter and uncover a seven-year-long trail of extremely talented corpses.
Their hunt for a slippery serial killer is complicated by interference from their superiors, and the FBI, and a ruthless City Hall fixer, and a brutal Mob boss.
Because this is a story about how Chicago works, and the marketing of fine art.

"Some Dead Genius continues Lenny Kleinfeld's romp through Chicago's dark side that began in Shooters and Chasers. Again Kleinfeld takes readers to the edge of believability—this time through the art world— but manages to deliver the one-two punch of dark humor and beautiful prose that only an exceptional crime novel set in Chicago can manage. And SDG is exceptional. I recommend it highly."
—Libby Fischer Hellman, author of Havana Lost and Set The Night On Fire

"With his hardboiled black comedy Some Dead Genius, Lenny Kleinfeld has now written two of the funniest mysteries I've ever read. But more than funny, both books are tight, fast-paced, well-crafted crime fiction."
—Jeffrey Siger, author of the Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis Mysteries

"Kleinfeld is one of the most original and thrilling crime writers working. Some Dead Genius is a hilarious caper with more layers than a Jackson Pollock canvas. It's Damon Runyon meets de Kooning."
—Jacki Lyden, NPR Host and author of the international bestseller, Daughter Of The Queen Of Sheba
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  1. Print length
    344 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    May 26, 2014
  5. File size
    796 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

NPR'S GREAT READS OF 2014--Smart, edgy and profane, arollicking caper you constantly think you've got figured out until youdon't. This book is fun. Loads of fun.

Clever, well-pacedplot and terrifically real characters. A sharp insider's look at the art scene,and an especially addictive narrative voice. There's one thing more to pointout while recommending the hell out of this book: The humanity of it. And that is sorefreshing in a Gritty Urban Detective Yarn. (Wayne Alan Brenner, TheAustin Chronicle)

Thriller of the Month--There are cops, apsychotically brilliant business plan, dead artists, living artists, mobsters,an upstart FBI agent, corrupt officials walking City Hall, and an art dealerwith skin a curiously Dorian shade of Gray.
 Kleinfeld's style is slick andplayful. The comedy is black and funny, the pace fast. He captures what the Coen brothers do sobrilliantly on screen. Think plot-drivenTarantino; or, The Godfather with wit. (Sophie Scott e-Thriller. Com)

Let me tell you aboutLenny Kleinfeld's wild and witty Some Dead Genius. Kleinfeld's fast-pacedbooks are likely to appeal to fans of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen. The cops pursue the killersthrough the Art Institute in an extended cinematic scene that could have beenchoreographed by Quentin Tarantino, had he channeled the Marx Brothers.(Georgette Spelvin Read Me Deadly.com)

Outrageously funny. Some Dead Genius may be full of frauds,wackos, geniuses, and mobsters, but such is the quality of author Kleinfeld'swriting that none of them even remotely resemble stereotypes. (BettyWebb Mystery Scene Magazine)A stellarnovel with creative flair. Exquisite writing, subtle humor, plenty ofadventure. (Beth VanHouten Foreword Reviews)

About the Author

LennyKleinfeld's first novel, Shooters AndChasers, was called "A spellbinding debut" by Kirkus Reviews.

His second novel, Some Dead Genius, wasone of National Public Radio's Great Reads Of 2014, and named Thriller Of The Month by e-Thriller.com.

Back before he was spellbinding, he was a playwright in Chicago and acolumnist for Chicago magazine. His fiction, articles, humor and reviews have appeared in Playboy,Galaxy, Oui, The Reader, the Chicago Tribune,New York Times and Los Angeles Times. According to a reliable rumor healso spent fifteen years writing screenplays.
lennykleinfeld.com/

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00KLMW4JC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ NIAUX-NOIR BOOKS
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 26, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 796 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Best Sellers Rank: #2,535,700 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars (128)

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Lenny Kleinfeld

Lenny Kleinfeld

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Lenny Kleinfeld's first novel, Shooters And Chasers, was called "A spellbinding debut" by Kirkus Reviews.

His second novel, Some Dead Genius, was one of National Public Radio's Great Reads Of 2014, and named Thriller Of The Month by e-Thriller.com.

Criminal Element called Novel #3, Shooting Lessons, "arguably the best and definitely the boldest of his three novels. I mean, the guy fearlessly lampoons a fictionalized version of the NRA. Mr. Kleinfeld is one of the most underrated and hilarious crime writers around."

Back before he was spellbinding, he was a playwright in Chicago and a columnist for Chicago magazine. His fiction, articles, humor and reviews have appeared in Playboy,Galaxy, Oui, The Reader, the Chicago Tribune, New York Times and Los Angeles Times. According to a reliable rumor he also spent fifteen years writing screenplays.

lennykleinfeld.com/

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
128 global ratings

Customers say

Customers enjoy this book's dark humor and preserving thrills and suspense, with one noting it's a thriller with a raunchy sense of humor. The story features interesting plotlines and great characters, while the writing style is masterfully executed. Customers find it an easy summer read that's too good to read too fast.
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19 customers mention humor, 18 positive, 1 negative
Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its dark and out-loud laughs, with one customer noting it's a thriller with a raunchy sense of humor.
...Smart, funny, outrageous. Kleinfeld obviously knows Chicago and makes the reader comfortable with the insider insights to the city....Read more
...The book is funny, but while the dialogue is snappy and makes the reader laugh out loud, there is an evolving mystery underneath that prevents it...Read more
...It’s good to see them again. In SDG, Kleinfeld’s style, wit and general storytelling chops engage us again, this time in an intricate tale of art,...Read more
3.5 stars The writing is mostly crackerjack and very witty. Not much of a "mystery" as the culprit is revealed fairly early....Read more
17 customers mention entertaining, 16 positive, 1 negative
Customers find the book entertaining and exciting, preserving thrills and suspense throughout. One customer describes it as a darkly comic joy ride.
Lot's of fun reading!Read more
...Smart, funny and exciting. If you like Elmore Leonard and Carl HIaasen you'll love Lenny Kleinfeld.Read more
...Loved it so much that I am now reading the first two. Wacky and funRead more
This turned out to be a very entertaining book. It is the second in a series. I went back and got the first book....Read more
9 customers mention story, 9 positive, 0 negative
Customers enjoy the plotlines of the book, with one describing it as a compelling detective story and another noting it's a face-paced mystery suitable for summer reading.
...Great characters (I love his two cops) and a terrific story that pulls you right in and won't let go. Smart, funny, outrageous....Read more
...and the just plain great story telling....Read more
A compelling detective story set in the big city- Chicago. Well written book with a fully developed storyline....Read more
This is a twisted, face-paced mystery written with a delicious irreverence and a smart comic voice....Read more
8 customers mention character development, 8 positive, 0 negative
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting that the antagonists are not entirely evil.
...Great characters (I love his two cops) and a terrific story that pulls you right in and won't let go. Smart, funny, outrageous....Read more
...Well written book with a fully developed storyline. Characters are interesting and realistic. Leaves the reader feeling satisfied and wanting more.Read more
...The characters are vivid and the relationships believable, but his dry wit and talent for word play is what I enjoyed most.Read more
...Read them in order and enjoy the characters and the action.Read more
8 customers mention content, 7 positive, 1 negative
Customers appreciate the content of the book, with one mentioning its quirky violence and another noting the author's knowledge of Chicago.
...Smart, funny, outrageous. Kleinfeld obviously knows Chicago and makes the reader comfortable with the insider insights to the city....Read more
...whose integrity, smarts, and humor keep the reader steeped in the narrative as it unfolds from...Read more
Some Dead Genius has velocity, texture, sophisticated sex, graphic violence and a dark sense of humor--the last a quality not usually associated...Read more
...Lenny Kleinfeld has done a great job of combining blood, deceit, sex, torture, friendship, romance and greed into a darkly comic joy ride....Read more
8 customers mention readability, 8 positive, 0 negative
Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a great summer read that's too good to read too fast.
A great read!Read more
...I enjoyed the sense of humor. Solid read!Read more
This book was a page-turner!...Read more
A great easy summer read.Read more
8 customers mention writing style, 8 positive, 0 negative
Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it masterfully crafted, with one customer noting how vividly the author describes action scenes.
A compelling detective story set in the big city- Chicago. Well written book with a fully developed storyline....Read more
...Fast-paced, beautifully written, and very sexy. You won't be able to put this book down.Read more
Right from the start, I started having fun reading this book. Written in third person, but with a changing unique and clear tone for each character,...Read more
...Yes, the writing is that good. Get this book. Open it and start reading. Be sure to have snacks and drinks within reach. Enjoy.Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • superfish
    5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put it down!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2014
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    OK, I gotta eat something, now. I musta lost 5 pounds reading dis book 'cuz I couldn't put it down long enough ta make myself a meal! And I didn't even have any instant Top Ramen!

    Luckily for us readers, Kleinfeld is some live genius. Like his first detective novel, Shooters and Chasers, this is a real page turner-burner. It's a fast read, mainly because you won't be able to stop turning pages. And as a reader who likes to measure my progress through a book, having 122 chapters, some of which are two pages long, made me feel like a world champ!

    But seriously, the continuing adventures of Detective Bergman and his sidekick Doonie wrap you up and deliver you into an alternative universe that is filled with some of the most interesting characters you will ever encounter (and hopefully never encounter in the real world). This is classic super cop stuff heavily slathered with the cynicism, sarcasm and hilarity that is Kleinfeld's trademark.

    You get to know the main characters because Kleinfeld opens their heads and lets you inside. They become real people, some of whom you really care for. The good guys aren't perfect, but they are lovable. The bad guys are, well, bad - really bad-ass heavies who are perfectly cast for this thriller.

    So how does Kleinfeld know so much about the world of wine (Shooters and Chasers) as well as the art world (this book)? Whatever the reason, these themes carry his plot through marvelous twists and turns, and yes, fasten your seat belt, please. Even in places where there isn't much mystery about what's going to happen next you suddenly realize that you're not breathing, your heart is racing a bit, and you suddenly want to have your back to the wall just in case. Yes, the writing is that good.

    Get this book. Open it and start reading. Be sure to have snacks and drinks within reach. Enjoy.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    3.5 stars

    The writing is mostly crackerjack and very witty. Not much of a "mystery" as the culprit is revealed fairly early. However, the plotlines were presented interestingly, preserving thrills and suspense. I enjoyed the sense of humor. Solid read!
    Helpful
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  • Margot Beth Duxler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intrigue, Belly Laughs, Murder & Mayhem
    Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was a page-turner! The main characters are an unlikely yet perfectly compatable police duo (who first appeared in Kleinfeld's novel, "Shooters & Chasers") whose integrity, smarts, and humor keep the reader steeped in the narrative as it unfolds from start to finish: tracking a serial killer whose victims are famous artists.

    I especially enjoyed that the setting for most of the action is the city of Chicago. Kleinfeld evokes famous locations with detailed descriptions that make them come alive. In fact, Chicago becomes one of the major characters in the story.

    When I finished the book, I couldn't help wanting to know what's next for these two intrepid Chicago cops -- and fortunately, Kleinfeld leaves us with a clue that we may be sharing an adventure with them in the near future.

    I'd recommend this book to anyone who reads smart murder mysteries and likes a good laugh with a good read.

    I'm ready to pre-order the next one!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mary Jo Strusz
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A compelling detective story set in the big city- Chicago. Well written book with a fully developed storyline. Characters are interesting and realistic. Leaves the reader feeling satisfied and wanting more.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Tom123
    5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting !
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2014
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I was captured by this story from the moment it began. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it. I just thoroughly loved the suspense, the humor (finding myself re-reading passages and chuckling) and the just plain great story telling. Loved the pace, how the story was crafted with surprises, it seems, around every turn. Never a dull moment and best of all - so masterfully written. Its creativity is memorable. The fine art; the murders and the money; ruminating with Dorian Gray, and being on the edge of my seat the whole time! I can see the movie in my mind and can only hope this story makes it to the silver screen. I'll be the first in line!! Thank you, Lenny Kleinfeld for introducing me to a crime mystery of 'great art'. Much appreciated.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Shareads
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love "Pulp Fiction," "The Sopranos?" Buy this Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I couldn't stop reading this book. I generally don't find my favorite books are action/violence/man's view and yet.... Wow! Kleinfeld can write! He writes adventure so visually, that I know exactly what the characters see. His bad guys are not all bad, like Tony Soprano. His scene with Dale staring at Albright's Dorian is a full-depth depiction of inner turmoil and depravity mingled with self awareness.

    His description between Detective Bergman and the woman he keeps disappointing made me want to sooth both of them; but each of their individual choices were depicted with the accuracy of what women and men do when duty calls. And I love the author's sense of place, art, wine, and sex and....

    Chicago, The Art Institute, its pols are well, Chicago!

    As soon as I finished it I picked up 'Shooters and Chasers" for a second read-through. Love Kleinfeld's knowledge of wines too! I am sending the set of books as gifts to several people I know and love.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Josef Sperzel
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great story for summer reading
    Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A great easy summer read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lynn Meyer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A thriller with a raunchy sense of humor
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    As he did in his first novel, Kleinfeld creates an apparently realistic world of cops and villains in which each colorful character has a bit of tongue in cheek. We are reunited with Mark and Dooney, the detectives we fell in love with in “Shooters and Chasers,” in a new romp even more intriguing than the first. The icing on the cake is the fun surprise at the end.
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