I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A lone detective must contend with his past while searching for a missing woman and facing a city of corruption and serial killers in author Alan McGill’s “Bumper City”.

The Synopsis

In the future, Las Vegas is nearly destroyed. Rebuilt under a dark cloud that blocks all sunlight, Sin City takes on a whole new meaning.

Beneath the neon, The Pagliacci Serial Killers are on the loose and a new drug called “Colors”, infused with nanotechnology, is killing thousands. Violence erupts as the mutant population take to the streets to protest working conditions and the disappearance of their loved ones.

Big Tech, the wealthy elite, and corrupt politicians attempt to cover it up. They can’t allow anything to interfere with the elections, profits, or their plans.

Can hard-nosed detective Alton Cold and his A.I. car Bessimer catch the killers, stop the cabal, and expose the truth? Or will the appearance of a mysterious woman cloud his judgement as the unnatural cloud darkens the sky?

To save the people he cares about, he’ll put everything on the line to confront a darkness far worse than the night.

The Review

This was an incredible book. The author did a great job crafting an engaging narrative that kept the reader invested. The writing style never wavered to the point where I was taken out of the story, and the hook and multi-genre setting will have readers picking up this novel repeatedly.

Detective Rollins was a great character to question loyalties of, as the mystery of who the main “villain” of this story had in their pocket was constantly changing. The killers were terrifying, and the story of Mara and Alton was both romantic and heartbreaking. Penny was a great partner to Alton in his agency, although I would have loved to see more of her story fleshed out and her bond with a certain lieutenant. A future book in this series could shift perspectives to include chapters surrounding Penny and her story. The mysterious ending surrounding Mara also left me wanting more, which I think will work in the author’s favor if they decide to pursue any future novels in this series.

The Verdict

Author Alan McGills’s “Bumper City” is an electric, mysterious, and entertaining must-read sci-fi noir thriller. The action-soaked drama, twists and turns in the narrative, and rich character dynamics helped elevate the explosive finale and open ending, making readers eager for more of this thrilling world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes–such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman and Captain America–stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling. He is a multigenre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon’s Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love–a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.

https://www.alanmcgillbooks.com