Everything I wanted to say about this novel is in my review for Locus, which will come out in the April edition. The TLDR version,* is that if you liked Titanium Noir, the first book in the series,** you’ll enjoy this one. Sleeper Beach is, in fact, the better of the two. Harkaway expands his Universe and adds texture.***

I was struck by how political the novel is. I don’t know the way Harkaway leans, but if I had to gauge his views based on this novel, he’s firmly to the left, not so much a progressive left, (although I’m sure he’s that as well) but more the old-fashioned class consciousness variety where the rich are seen as parasites feeding on the working class. So, you know, Marxism.***** The overt-ness of it all, with one of the key plot points being a union-busting operation that goes horrifically wrong, took me a little by surprise. There are scant few core genre novels that are this politically bolshie. Because of this, the book comes off as a bold and provocative. (Less so if it was published in the 70s).

If you like your noir novels spiced up with giants (one so big she lives in the sea) and class solidarity, you should read this—though maybe start with Titanium Noir.

*Although, please do read the actual review!

**Alternate history noir where the rich people are literal giants.

***You may also be aware that Harkaway published Karla’s Choice, the first Smiley novel since his father’s death last year. ****

****Yep, another gaping hole to be filled.