Hodge surprised me with this book. Not because of the quality of the book (it was great!) but because he took it in directions I didn't expect. It started off as semi-whimsical or more a comedy of errors. Then at some point it became more heartfelt and real. It was no longer about the chaos that was happening but about the people and how they were changing.

Jamey Sheppard is driving from Los Angeles to Arizona to meet up with his fiancee. While stopped for gas, he gets mistaken for someone else by a cop and one thing leads to another and suddenly the cop is dead and Jamey is running for his life. Then just as things settle down a little, Jamey finds himself in another strange situation. I won't say what so the surprise is not ruined but suffice to say he goes through a couple more awkward but logical situations. By the time everything starts tying up and the climax of all the bad stuff comes together, you really feel and care about all the characters. It's more than finding out what happens; it's wanting to see them come out on top. As I said, it was a surprise to me. I thought I knew the general tone of the book after the first fifty pages or so but I didn't. Very highly recommended! ( )