Sandman Slim returns to The Underworld in ‘Aloha From Hell’

Author Richard Kadrey returns to his popular and irreverent “Sandman Slim” series with his latest novel, “Aloha From Hell,” and once again he takes his readers on a wild roller coaster ride through the scenic streets of Downtown, aka The Underworld, aka Hell.

Just when James Stark thinks life is calming down and he can take some time off from fighting demons and zombies, well, Hell erupts — literally.

After vanquishing all the zombies from Earth and putting the Golden Vigil out of business, Jim is at loose ends. He keeps his buddy, the head known as Kasabian, happy with beer and tamales and he’s working a bit with Vidoq and Allegra righting the odd wrong here and there.

But nothing ever stays very quiet in Sandman Slim's world, and problems soon begin popping up as his archenemy Mason decides to take over both Lucifer’s job and God’s as well.

When Jim finds out that Mason has kidnapped his deceased love Alice from Heaven and taken her Downtown, he takes on the job of returning to Hell to put things back in order — or as much in order as Hell can be. And if he succeeds, there may be a new job waiting for him.

My oldest son introduced me to the first “Sandman Slim” novel, and at first I thought he was crazy, but as I became absorbed with the creatively snarky story, I was hooked. Kadrey has a wicked sense of humor and it shows in his irreverent writing style.

Kadrey’s work is definitely for mature readers who have a bit of a warped sense of humor and a darkish attitude. His characters are dark, quirky and fabulous, and you soon find yourself rooting for the monster/angel/demon folks. And most of all, you have a great time following the adventures of Sandman Slim.

Having some knowledge of the previous two “Sandman Slim” novels, “Sandman Slim” and “Kill the Dead,” is preferable, but with the back story interspersed through the new tale, newcomers can enjoy the irreverent frolics found in “Aloha From Hell” as well.