Holy Rollers

Grant and Chase #2

by Rob Byrnes

When Grant Lambert and Chase LaMarca—partners in life and crime—learn that $7 million in not-so-petty cash is hidden in the safe of a rightwing mega-church, they assemble a team of gay and lesbian criminals to infiltrate the church and steal the money. But this Gang That Can’t Do Anything Straight quickly finds its plans complicated by corrupt congressmen (and their gay aides); an “ex-gay” conference; an FBI investigation; the unexpected appearance of a long-lost relative; and—most jarring for these born-and-bred New Yorkers—life in the northern Virginia suburbs. And then there is Dr. Oscar Hurley—founder of the church—and his right-hand man, the Rev. Dennis Merribaugh, who prove themselves every bit as adept as the professionals when it comes to larceny…

Genres: M M Romance

264 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

A 21st century American, gay novelist and blogger, whose fiction focuses primarily on gay men and other sexual minorities. Byrnes's work is often set in New York City.

Reviews

['Nathan Burgoine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I first picked up THE NIGHT WE MET by Rob Byrnes - more years ago than I care to admit - I've known I was about to make a complete fool of myself in public. THE NIGHT WE MET got me thrown out of a pizza joint for laughing too often (and too loud), and thus began my love affair with all books Byrnes.

HOLY ROLLERS is the second book to feature Grant Lambert and Chase LaMarca - partners in crime and life both - con men who come up with foolproof and simple plans to score big, and then start to bump into bigger and better fools. In the first book, STRAIGHT LIES, they decided to blackmail a "brave" gay actor who - it turned out - was actually straight. In HOLY ROLLERS, their target is a crooked - and incredibly wealthy - right-wing mega-church. 7 million dollars in a barely guarded safe? Easy money.

Except, of course, when the caper starts the stumbling blocks start to line themselves up. Soon our con men - and the crew they pull together to make the job work - come across one hitch after another. If it's not an ex-gay conference, it's the suburban homeowners association. But not even a "cleverly" re-written even-more-religious version of "The Sound of Music" is going to stop this gang from making a play for the money.

For fans of this series - and for those who've read and loved all of the Byrnes books - there are cameos aplenty that bring a sense of extra reward for the long-time fan. For those who haven't tried Byrnes before, though I'd suggest you try STRAIGHT LIES first because I'm the sort to read everything in order, you could easily jump in here with HOLY ROLLERS and not be at all lost.

It's fun. It's funny. It's a crime caper as worthy as Westlake or Ocean's 11. Just remember: if you're reading in public, prepare to feel foolish when you burst out laughing. Maybe order the pizza in.

[carelessdestiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the endearing crooks he creates. They steal and cheat all the time but seem to have a kind of "micro-morality" that makes them familiar and charming and very funny.

[Trent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun

[A.M. Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, not a bad book. I think it could've been a little stronger. Didn't see the twists that came at the end, that was nice. Looking back, all the clues were there so things tied up rather nicely. The characters were either likable or not, written in a light and enjoyable way.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely great - I loved it. Very witty and all the characters had real personality.

[J.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful read.

[Elisa Rolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

2012 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)

[Oscar E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was surprisingly a rather fun read. Was very much like reading a comedy movie or stepping into a sitcom set. Good humor, simple writing. Good.

[Changeling72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun - another crazy crime caper from Rob Byrnes. Excellent escapism.