Fun City Heist
by Michael Kardos

One faded rock star. One last gig. One breathtaking lie. It’s going to be a July Fourth to remember in this breathtaking thriller, packed with astonishing twists—perfect of fans of Lisa Scottoline, Megan Abbott, Jeffery Deaver, and Gregg Hurwitz . . . and everyone who ever wished they were a rockstar.

Mo Melnick used to be a drummer in rock band Sunshine Apocalypse. He used to be someone. These days he rents beach umbrellas on the Jersey Shore.

The last thing he expects is for Johnny Clay, his old bandmate turned enemy, to ask him a favor. Johnny’s dying, and before he passes he wants Sunshine Apocalypse to reunite for one last gig at Fun City, the beachfront amusement park where their musical journey began.

Mo’s in—reluctantly. But then Johnny reveals his real plan: He doesn’t just want to play at Fun City on the fourth of July. He wants to rob it.

The plan is crazy. It has more holes than a golf course. But Mo’s sick of barely keeping his head above water, so he and his gang of middle-aged has-beens dive into what will be the most outrageous heist New Jersey’s ever seen—if, that is, they can pull it off alive . . .

Reviews

“Michael Kardos is a master at ratcheting up the suspense”

Lisa Scottoline on Bluff

“This crime caper is sure to please readers of action and suspense alike”

Library Journal Starred Review of Bluff

“Climaxes with a spin worthy of the most adept con artists”

Booklist on Bluff

“Suspense in its purest form—character-driven, immersive and hopelessly addictive”

Megan Abbott, Edgar Award-winning author of You Will Know Me, on Bluff

“Outstanding . . . Sophisticated characterizations enhance the intricately constructed story line”

Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Before He Finds Her

“Well-crafted . . . with an ending you don’t see coming”

The New York Times on Before He Finds Her

“One of the most innovative and compelling thrillers to come along in recent years. Read the first page and kiss the next 24 hours goodbye”

Jeffery Deaver on Before He Finds Her

“As human as it is suspenseful, as patient as it is thrilling, as genuine as it is surprising”

NYT bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz on Before He Finds Her

“Masterful storytelling . . . Highly recommended”

Kirkus Reviews on Before He Finds Her

“Compelling”

Booklist on Before He Finds Her

Michael Kardos

Michael Kardos is the Pushcart Prize-winning author of three previous novels, most recently Bluff, as well as the story collection One Last Good Time. Originally from the Jersey Shore, he co-directed the creative writing program at Mississippi State University for over a dozen years before moving with his family to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

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Editions

Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483172332nd December 2025144 X 222mm208$29.99
Hardback97814483172332nd December 2025144 X 222mm208£21.99
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