Fun City Heist
by Michael Kardos

A washed-up rockstar gets his old band back together for one final gig . . . and one daring robbery! A brilliantly funny, twisty heist caper from Pushcart Prize-winning author Michael Kardos.

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 . . .

Packed with astonishing twists and laugh-out-loud moments, Michael Kardos’ unique comedic thriller is perfect for fans of Elmore Leonard and Donald Westlake.

Reviews

“Funny and touching . . . Here’s hoping Kardos provides his unlikely hero with a well-deserved encore”

Kirkus Reviews

“With more twists and turns than Fun City’s giant rollercoaster, Kardos’ novel is equal parts wacky and heartwarming”

Booklist

“Kardos renders his washed-up protagonist with tenderness and sympathy, and he orchestrates the tale’s madcap climax with aplomb. Carl Hiaasen fans will eat this up”

Publishers Weekly

“Start to finish, Fun City Heist makes for captivating reading . . . musicians will really feel like this book’s been written for them”

The Clarion-Ledger

“A twisted heist tale that layers nostalgia with heartfelt emotion”

Mystery & Suspense Magazine

“An expertly paced thriller, equal parts thrills, low-key comedy, and well-earned heart. I flew through the pages of this perfect summer read”

Peter Swanson, NYT bestselling author

“A great (and, yes, very fun) heist novel. Thrilling, hilarious, and deeply entertaining”

William Boyle, author of Saint of the Narrows Street

“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

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.In addition to being a writer, Michael is also a drummer. His past includes playing a lot of clubs, sleeping on a lot of sofas—and accruing a lot of musical war stories. But he’s never pulled off a heist (that he’ll admit to).

View author page

Editions

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

Hardback97814483172332nd December 2025222 X 144mm208$29.99
Hardback97814483172332nd December 2025222 X 144mm208£21.99
Ebook97814483172402nd December 2025N/A208£12.99
Ebook97814483172402nd December 2025N/A208£12.99
Paperback978144831881016th June 2026129 X 198mm208$16.99
Paperback978144831881018th June 2026129 X 198mm208£9.99
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