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Fun City Heist
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 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, and, ironically, this crime may provide Mo’s one chance to connect with the daughter he’s never known. 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.
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 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, and, ironically, this crime may provide Mo’s one chance to connect with the daughter he’s never known. 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.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published December 2, 2025
About the author
Michael Kardos
17 books187 followersMichael Kardos is a two-time Pushcart Prize winner and the author of the novels FUN CITY HEIST, BLUFF, BEFORE HE FINDS HER, and THE THREE-DAY AFFAIR, the story collections QUICK CHANGE and ONE LAST GOOD TIME, and the textbook THE ART AND CRAFT OF FICTION: A WRITER'S GUIDE.
Michael grew up on the Jersey Shore, received a degree in music from Princeton University, and played the drums professionally for a number of years before focusing on fiction writing. For 15 years he co-directed the creative writing program at Mississippi State University, where he was awarded the John Grisham Master Teacher award, the university's highest teaching honor. He currently lives with his family in Delaware. www.michaelkardos.com
Michael grew up on the Jersey Shore, received a degree in music from Princeton University, and played the drums professionally for a number of years before focusing on fiction writing. For 15 years he co-directed the creative writing program at Mississippi State University, where he was awarded the John Grisham Master Teacher award, the university's highest teaching honor. He currently lives with his family in Delaware. www.michaelkardos.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 1, 2025
Book Review
Fun City Heist
Michael Kardos
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Ex-drummer and Pushcart Prize–winning author Michael Kardos spins a delightful, fun-filled heist novel laced with heart, nostalgia, and rock and roll. It’s been decades since the Sunshine Apocalypse Band disbanded in a state of defeat—both broken and exhausted.
The drummer, Mo Melnick, has resigned himself to plopping down daily on a beach chair, renting umbrellas and chairs to Jersey Shore visitors. In the offseason, he makes do working for a landscaping company.
Mo formed the band with his childhood best friends—Johnny, Ed, and Ricky. Johnny, the band’s lead singer, suddenly returns from Florida and begs his buddies to reunite for one last gig—where it all started—Fun City, Quartz Beach, New Jersey, on July Fourth, the date of the amusement park’s official closure. Mo thinks this is a terrible idea, until his friend Ed convinces him to reconsider. Ed works at a local bar as a bartender and emcee for the weekly “open mic.” He informs Mo that Johnny is dying of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) at age forty-five and wants to go out honoring his past love.
The group reunites and starts rehearsing their old discography. Unfortunately, Ricky gets in a car accident and breaks his arm, making it impossible to play guitar. In the meantime, Mo incidentally crosses paths on the beach with his estranged daughter, Janice. Janice’s mother, Ivy, was a band groupie who periodically hooked up with Mo, resulting in a pregnancy. She had made it clear she would raise the child on her own. Over the years, Mo saw Ivy and Janice briefly during their annual summer visits to the beach and amusement park—but a lasting relationship never developed.
This summer, Janice comes alone and is staying at a friend’s place. When that arrangement falls through, she approaches Mo about staying “for a while” at his house. Ricky’s dilemma is soon solved when Janice picks up his guitar and, to everyone’s surprise, admirably plays the band’s entire discography—songs she had secretly learned on her own.
Then Johnny reveals his real plan: he’s using the performance as cover for an elaborately planned heist of the park’s cash proceeds from the Fourth of July. He feels he needs a big bankroll to support himself as his disease progresses.
In The Long Shadow, Michael Kardos infuses his deep musical knowledge into a twisted heist tale that layers nostalgia with heartfelt emotion, ratcheting up both suspense and intrigue. The absurdity of the ever-changing plan is mixed with humor and pathos, culminating in a satisfying denouement.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House Publishing for providing me with an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. I sincerely hope that our unlikely hero, Mo Melnick, will make an encore appearance in a sequel.
Published at MysteryAndSuspense.com ....
March 15, 2026
Sunshine Apocalypse reunites for one last gig!!! Also to do a heist…
Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos is about faded rock n roll dreams, summer memories, and making a big score…
The middle aged members of sunshine apocalypse isn’t exactly oceans eleven…but thankfully Fun city in Quartz Beach, New Jersey isn’t exactly a Las Vegas casino…or even Atlantic beach…
Mo is the former drummer in the band…and he’s hesitant…but as he gets more involved and helps navigate the plan…it might not be crazy…
Of course he also has to deal with his long absent daughter being around…and the unusual Jersey folks…
I would have liked more backstory to the failed band and maybe more about the park…just for world building…
Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos is about faded rock n roll dreams, summer memories, and making a big score…
The middle aged members of sunshine apocalypse isn’t exactly oceans eleven…but thankfully Fun city in Quartz Beach, New Jersey isn’t exactly a Las Vegas casino…or even Atlantic beach…
Mo is the former drummer in the band…and he’s hesitant…but as he gets more involved and helps navigate the plan…it might not be crazy…
Of course he also has to deal with his long absent daughter being around…and the unusual Jersey folks…
I would have liked more backstory to the failed band and maybe more about the park…just for world building…
March 4, 2026
What if your last encore… was a crime?
I’m a sucker for a good heist novel. And Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos really delivers.
Mo used to be the drummer in a high school rock band that kind of made it. When the band imploded, so did Mo’s momentum. Years later, he’s coasting. He’s renting beach chairs & umbrellas to tourists, while his drumsticks are long retired. It’s not a bad life. It’s just stalled.
Then his old bandmate Johnny blows back into town with devastating news. Johnny’s been diagnosed with ALS. He has one last wish—to reunite the band for a 4th of July show at Fun City, the boardwalk amusement park where it all began.
And Johnny has another idea. While the band plays their big comeback gig, they’ll rob the park.
What makes this story work isn’t just the caper (though the planning and execution are half the fun). It’s the heart underneath it. Mo’s evolving relationship with his teenage daughter Janice is a tender thread running through the book. As the heist plan ramps up, so does his chance to finally show up for her. That emotional undercurrent gives the story depth.
I really enjoyed the offbeat humor and the brisk pacing. The nostalgia for teenage dreams and boardwalk summers is palpable, but it never gets too syrupy. The characters are a little flawed and messy, but I was rooting for them all the way. Fun City Heist is a summer read with a rebellious streak.
Rock on.
I’m a sucker for a good heist novel. And Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos really delivers.
Mo used to be the drummer in a high school rock band that kind of made it. When the band imploded, so did Mo’s momentum. Years later, he’s coasting. He’s renting beach chairs & umbrellas to tourists, while his drumsticks are long retired. It’s not a bad life. It’s just stalled.
Then his old bandmate Johnny blows back into town with devastating news. Johnny’s been diagnosed with ALS. He has one last wish—to reunite the band for a 4th of July show at Fun City, the boardwalk amusement park where it all began.
And Johnny has another idea. While the band plays their big comeback gig, they’ll rob the park.
What makes this story work isn’t just the caper (though the planning and execution are half the fun). It’s the heart underneath it. Mo’s evolving relationship with his teenage daughter Janice is a tender thread running through the book. As the heist plan ramps up, so does his chance to finally show up for her. That emotional undercurrent gives the story depth.
I really enjoyed the offbeat humor and the brisk pacing. The nostalgia for teenage dreams and boardwalk summers is palpable, but it never gets too syrupy. The characters are a little flawed and messy, but I was rooting for them all the way. Fun City Heist is a summer read with a rebellious streak.
Rock on.
November 9, 2025
Severn House provided an early galley for review.
This is the first book by this author that I have read. The colors of the cover and the description is what drew me into this novel. It sounded like it would be a fun read.
Turns out, it rather was fun. The length of the story works; I did not find it needlessly padded which is always a good sign. The cast of characters kept me interested, and the shifting sands of the plot, while predictable at times, kept things moving forward. I wanted to see if the band was going to succeed in their mission or not.
The ending could have gone a different way and I still would have been happy with it.
This is the first book by this author that I have read. The colors of the cover and the description is what drew me into this novel. It sounded like it would be a fun read.
Turns out, it rather was fun. The length of the story works; I did not find it needlessly padded which is always a good sign. The cast of characters kept me interested, and the shifting sands of the plot, while predictable at times, kept things moving forward. I wanted to see if the band was going to succeed in their mission or not.
The ending could have gone a different way and I still would have been happy with it.
January 16, 2026
📚Fun City Heist
✍🏻Michael Kardos
Blurb:
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 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, and, ironically, this crime may provide Mo’s one chance to connect with the daughter he’s never known. 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.
My Thoughts:
A couple of former rock stars are cruising through life as low level hourly employees in a beach front vacation area when another group member asks them to reunite. He's dying and wants to shine one more time. Fun City is an amusement park reminiscent of past times when families and kids would walk the boardwalk near the ocean, eating junk food and playing games that were surely rigged..Our heroes reunite for one last music performance. After being in a band for 10 or so years, the frontman has returned to the East Coast from Florida, begging the drummer and protagonist to perform one more gig.The gig is a cover for a major robbery that the band’s old singer convinces the other old bandmates to commit.. Overall this was a good book, a bit slow at first but well worth the read.
Thanks NetGalley, Severn House and Author Michael Kardos for the advanced copy of "Fun City Heist" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#SevernHouse
#FunCityHeist
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warning:
✍🏻Michael Kardos
Blurb:
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 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, and, ironically, this crime may provide Mo’s one chance to connect with the daughter he’s never known. 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.
My Thoughts:
A couple of former rock stars are cruising through life as low level hourly employees in a beach front vacation area when another group member asks them to reunite. He's dying and wants to shine one more time. Fun City is an amusement park reminiscent of past times when families and kids would walk the boardwalk near the ocean, eating junk food and playing games that were surely rigged..Our heroes reunite for one last music performance. After being in a band for 10 or so years, the frontman has returned to the East Coast from Florida, begging the drummer and protagonist to perform one more gig.The gig is a cover for a major robbery that the band’s old singer convinces the other old bandmates to commit.. Overall this was a good book, a bit slow at first but well worth the read.
Thanks NetGalley, Severn House and Author Michael Kardos for the advanced copy of "Fun City Heist" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#SevernHouse
#FunCityHeist
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warning:
December 12, 2025
Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos delivers what it promises on the cover. While the Fun City of the title is an ageing New Jersey boardwalk fun fair, this novel is, as advertised, a lot of fun. Kardos understands and uses all of the common tropes of the heist genre but delivers something that has plenty of verve but also has a little bit of heart.
Mo was the drummer in a 1980s band called Sunshine Apocalypse. He now spends his days renting out beach chairs and umbrellas on the Jersey Shore in the shadow of the Fun City Amusement park. When his old lead singer John turns up and talks about getting the band back together for one last gig at Fun City, Mo is at first reluctant. But after connecting with his other two old bandmates who are as keen as Jonny, Mo finds himself drawn in. And when their guitarists Rick injures himself and they find themselves subbing in Mo’s estranged daughter Candice (who ends up living with him when her Jersey accommodation falls through), Mo is in further. And that is before he finds out the Jonny wants to use the gig as a cover to rob the park, an idea he has had since their first ever gig there thirty years before.
That is before a whole slew of complications. Mo finds himself dating a local policewoman, the band are threatened and blackmailed by local thugs and of course, the whole plan is so crazy that it probably won’t work. But all of the band members are desperate, he finds himself connecting with his daughter for the first time and and so Mo finds himself caught in a bind and trying to find a way to make this work.
Fun City Heist is tense, it is funny and it oozes with nostalgia – Mo and Jonny formed the band when they were in high school and it went on to some moderate success. And while this generally follows the heist narrative playbook, Kordas still manages to deliver some unexpected twists which play a little with reader expectations. One word review: fun, as promised.
Mo was the drummer in a 1980s band called Sunshine Apocalypse. He now spends his days renting out beach chairs and umbrellas on the Jersey Shore in the shadow of the Fun City Amusement park. When his old lead singer John turns up and talks about getting the band back together for one last gig at Fun City, Mo is at first reluctant. But after connecting with his other two old bandmates who are as keen as Jonny, Mo finds himself drawn in. And when their guitarists Rick injures himself and they find themselves subbing in Mo’s estranged daughter Candice (who ends up living with him when her Jersey accommodation falls through), Mo is in further. And that is before he finds out the Jonny wants to use the gig as a cover to rob the park, an idea he has had since their first ever gig there thirty years before.
That is before a whole slew of complications. Mo finds himself dating a local policewoman, the band are threatened and blackmailed by local thugs and of course, the whole plan is so crazy that it probably won’t work. But all of the band members are desperate, he finds himself connecting with his daughter for the first time and and so Mo finds himself caught in a bind and trying to find a way to make this work.
Fun City Heist is tense, it is funny and it oozes with nostalgia – Mo and Jonny formed the band when they were in high school and it went on to some moderate success. And while this generally follows the heist narrative playbook, Kordas still manages to deliver some unexpected twists which play a little with reader expectations. One word review: fun, as promised.
December 15, 2025
This is a story about unhappy people living unhappy lives who fall into further unhappy situations throughout the novel. Awhile ago I looked into "what makes something funny." There has actually (or not) been a progression of what is deemed funny. In ancient (or not so ancient) times, people found humor in the misfortune of others (the Superiority theory of humor). Allegedly, society has progressed to the point that funny is supposed to be innocuous incongruity (This theory posits that humor comes from the unexpected or absurd contrasts in situations, catching the audience off guard.). So I'm a bit surprised that so many reviews describe this book as funny. But those reviews also use the word "caper" an awful lot. So either those reviewers were all hypnotized, believers in old timey humor, or, well, they're not legit.
I enjoyed Kardos' writing style and voice. The characters weren't given much depth (the book is only about 200 pages long). The only character I liked was the daughter - interesting that the 17-18 year old is the only one who seems to have her act together. I think the story would have been better served if the caper had been left out, and this was just a story about old bandmates getting together for one last gig. Then time could have been spent expanding the character development and generating some legit emotions. As it was, I didn't really care what happened to anyone (except the daughter). Only about two or three paragraphs were used to describe the performance - a missed opportunity to create some pathos.
I did like the ending, but 10 pages wasn't enough to make me recommend the book to anyone. If you like the band aspect, I recommend Daisy Jones & the Six. If you like the caper aspect, I recommend anything by Hiaasen or Dorsey.
I enjoyed Kardos' writing style and voice. The characters weren't given much depth (the book is only about 200 pages long). The only character I liked was the daughter - interesting that the 17-18 year old is the only one who seems to have her act together. I think the story would have been better served if the caper had been left out, and this was just a story about old bandmates getting together for one last gig. Then time could have been spent expanding the character development and generating some legit emotions. As it was, I didn't really care what happened to anyone (except the daughter). Only about two or three paragraphs were used to describe the performance - a missed opportunity to create some pathos.
I did like the ending, but 10 pages wasn't enough to make me recommend the book to anyone. If you like the band aspect, I recommend Daisy Jones & the Six. If you like the caper aspect, I recommend anything by Hiaasen or Dorsey.
December 5, 2025
Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos is a fun read.
"Mo used to be the drummer in a rock band - Sunshine Apocalypse. They had a nice run with a couple of Top 40 hits but it ended badly like a lot of bands do. Now their former Front Man - Johnny - wants to get everyone together for one last gig. The Fun City amusement is closing at the end of the summer and will be torn down for condos. It was the site of one of their first big gigs. Johnny wants the band to go out with a bang...and he wants to rob it."
Mo is the voice of the story. He's guy that enjoyed his moment as a Rock Star but has settled into a relatively boring existence working for low wages renting chairs and umbrellas on the beach. He has a daughter he's hardly seen who appears and turns out to be quite the musician. You find out she has some other skills too. The interactions they have are nice to see.
One thing I really liked about this story was how immersive it is. When the guys are playing music, it felt like I was in the room. When they're onstage, I could hear the crowds yells and applause. In the middle of the robbery, you feel the tension.
It would be so easy for Kardos to slip into cliches in this story but he mixes it up. The robbery is a surprise. The aftermath is a surprise. And I loved the ending.
This is a relatively short book - 208 pages - and would make a great beach read. Should have been more buzz for this one.
Fun story from Kardos.
"Mo used to be the drummer in a rock band - Sunshine Apocalypse. They had a nice run with a couple of Top 40 hits but it ended badly like a lot of bands do. Now their former Front Man - Johnny - wants to get everyone together for one last gig. The Fun City amusement is closing at the end of the summer and will be torn down for condos. It was the site of one of their first big gigs. Johnny wants the band to go out with a bang...and he wants to rob it."
Mo is the voice of the story. He's guy that enjoyed his moment as a Rock Star but has settled into a relatively boring existence working for low wages renting chairs and umbrellas on the beach. He has a daughter he's hardly seen who appears and turns out to be quite the musician. You find out she has some other skills too. The interactions they have are nice to see.
One thing I really liked about this story was how immersive it is. When the guys are playing music, it felt like I was in the room. When they're onstage, I could hear the crowds yells and applause. In the middle of the robbery, you feel the tension.
It would be so easy for Kardos to slip into cliches in this story but he mixes it up. The robbery is a surprise. The aftermath is a surprise. And I loved the ending.
This is a relatively short book - 208 pages - and would make a great beach read. Should have been more buzz for this one.
Fun story from Kardos.
October 31, 2025
This is another amusing, light, quick read from Michael Kardos. I gave the book the following SCORE:
Setting: Present day, Quartz Beach and Fun City amusement park on the East Coast
Characters: Mo Melnick, musician and beach worker, his daughter, and former members of his band, including the unpredictable lead singer, Johnny Clay
Overview of plot: Sunshine Apocalypse was a band that actually made the charts back in the days. Their lead singer has returned to Quartz Beach with an illness and convinces the boys in the band to perform one last gig on the final day of the Fun City amusement park. The concert will be highlighted by his ludicrous plot to rob Fun City’s overflowing safe on the 4th of July and spread the wealth among band members, all of whom can use the income. Of course, nothing goes as planned with the intervention of bad guys, the arrival of Mo’s daughter with surprising talents, and major flaws in the presumed, complex robbery plan.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras: As a musician, so many of the side stories and life in the side-gig business ring true – many brought back great memories. Kardos deserves a wider readership. His previous stories, including “The Three-Day Affair” and “Bluff” were also surprisingly interesting and enjoyable reads.
Thanx to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
Setting: Present day, Quartz Beach and Fun City amusement park on the East Coast
Characters: Mo Melnick, musician and beach worker, his daughter, and former members of his band, including the unpredictable lead singer, Johnny Clay
Overview of plot: Sunshine Apocalypse was a band that actually made the charts back in the days. Their lead singer has returned to Quartz Beach with an illness and convinces the boys in the band to perform one last gig on the final day of the Fun City amusement park. The concert will be highlighted by his ludicrous plot to rob Fun City’s overflowing safe on the 4th of July and spread the wealth among band members, all of whom can use the income. Of course, nothing goes as planned with the intervention of bad guys, the arrival of Mo’s daughter with surprising talents, and major flaws in the presumed, complex robbery plan.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras: As a musician, so many of the side stories and life in the side-gig business ring true – many brought back great memories. Kardos deserves a wider readership. His previous stories, including “The Three-Day Affair” and “Bluff” were also surprisingly interesting and enjoyable reads.
Thanx to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
December 2, 2025
Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos is just that—an entertaining and literary caper novel. Fun City is an amusement park reminiscent of past times when families and kids would walk the boardwalk near the ocean, eating junk food and playing games that were surely rigged.
Our heroes reunite for one last music performance. After being in a band for 10 or so years, the frontman has returned to the East Coast from Florida, begging the drummer and protagonist to perform one more gig. It takes a little while for the reader to find out precisely what is going on. But when that tidbit is exposed, the reader is in for a wild ride, as if getting on a Ferris wheel and never being able to get off.
Fun City Heist combines superior writing, a familiar yet well-executed plot, crystal-clear character portraits, and memorable dialogue.
Take a visit to an imaginary East Coast boardwalk, smell the cotton candy, and play a few rigged games. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you will run into some of the guys who make Fun City Heist what it is, a fun book, a sad book, but most of all a well-written book that readers will remember.
March 9, 2026
A fun and different premise-an old less than wildly successful band gets together for a final concert, and a heist while they are at it. Three of the four old band members still live in New Jersey, but one fled to Florida. Johnny, the lead singer comes back and wants to play one last gig at the amusement park they started at. Oh, but the way he has ALS. And, by the way, he wants to rob the amusement park. Ed and Ricky jump on board fairly quickly but Mo (the drummer) is more reluctant. And just to throw in another wrinkle, Mo's daughter is visiting from Ohio. He has never really known her as her mom didn't want him to. Turns out she is a great guitar player which is handy since Ricky gets hurt and can't play... Anyway, the book is pretty fun although I am not sure why the blurb on the front of my copy called it a "thriller." It didn't strike me as the type of book that I would consider a thriller, but I enjoyed it.
April 29, 2026
This was just a really good time. Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ebook.
I’m always in for a “band gets back together” story, and pairing that with a heist was such a fun idea—and it works. There’s something inherently satisfying about a group of slightly past-their-prime characters taking one last swing, especially when the plan is messy, a little ridiculous, and probably doomed from the start.
The tone leans light and fast, but there’s enough underneath to keep it from feeling throwaway. Mo’s situation—stuck, broke, trying to figure out what’s left of his life—gives the story a bit of weight without slowing it down. And the dynamics between the bandmates (with all the history and resentment baked in) keep things interesting beyond just the plot mechanics.
Is the plan airtight? Absolutely not. But that’s part of the charm.
This is the kind of book that’s easy to fly through and genuinely entertaining the whole way. Perfect beach read energy.
I’m always in for a “band gets back together” story, and pairing that with a heist was such a fun idea—and it works. There’s something inherently satisfying about a group of slightly past-their-prime characters taking one last swing, especially when the plan is messy, a little ridiculous, and probably doomed from the start.
The tone leans light and fast, but there’s enough underneath to keep it from feeling throwaway. Mo’s situation—stuck, broke, trying to figure out what’s left of his life—gives the story a bit of weight without slowing it down. And the dynamics between the bandmates (with all the history and resentment baked in) keep things interesting beyond just the plot mechanics.
Is the plan airtight? Absolutely not. But that’s part of the charm.
This is the kind of book that’s easy to fly through and genuinely entertaining the whole way. Perfect beach read energy.
December 29, 2025
I randomly picked this up at my library and was intrigued by the premise. Amusement parks, musicians, and a heist in a beach town??? What could go wrong? I started reading it at the library and was hooked. I also liked that its a relatively short read.
I had so much fun with this! I love all the different characters we get, and that the author weaves comedy into this book. As a fellow musician myself, I really appreciated all the nods to music he made. This was overall a decent story about a bunch of musicians who decide to reunite and play in their former band one last time, and also carry out a heist while they're at it. I think my only issue was that this book spends quite a bit of time building up the heist, and also explaining the aftermath. I kind of wish more time was spent on the actual heist.
If you're into music or amusements parks or heists, I'd recommend this one!
I had so much fun with this! I love all the different characters we get, and that the author weaves comedy into this book. As a fellow musician myself, I really appreciated all the nods to music he made. This was overall a decent story about a bunch of musicians who decide to reunite and play in their former band one last time, and also carry out a heist while they're at it. I think my only issue was that this book spends quite a bit of time building up the heist, and also explaining the aftermath. I kind of wish more time was spent on the actual heist.
If you're into music or amusements parks or heists, I'd recommend this one!
May 6, 2026
A nice little read that keeps one’s attention to the end. If you spent timer at the Jersey Shore you need to add this to your reading list
The largest, oldest amusement park in 0cean City NJ is closing its doors and rolling down its grates for good at the end of the season making way for beachfront condos. To celebrate its history a beloved local rock and roll band will reunite and take the stage on July Fourth. But the band has an alternative motive than just getting together to play, Fun City is a cash business and the take is at its highest on the Fourth. The front man for the band has a plan to take the money from the safe.
A simple plan, but like all simple plans things become complicated with changes to floor plans, police suspicions, evil neighbors and lies.
A entertaining story. Worth a look see!
The largest, oldest amusement park in 0cean City NJ is closing its doors and rolling down its grates for good at the end of the season making way for beachfront condos. To celebrate its history a beloved local rock and roll band will reunite and take the stage on July Fourth. But the band has an alternative motive than just getting together to play, Fun City is a cash business and the take is at its highest on the Fourth. The front man for the band has a plan to take the money from the safe.
A simple plan, but like all simple plans things become complicated with changes to floor plans, police suspicions, evil neighbors and lies.
A entertaining story. Worth a look see!
October 8, 2025
Fun City Heist is a fast, clever, and wildly entertaining caper that delivers exactly what the title promises—fun, chaos, and heart. It’s got all the best elements of a heist story: a ragtag crew, razor-sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and that perfect balance of tension and humor.
The pacing is pitch-perfect, moving from setup to showdown with just enough breathing room for character moments that make you actually care who gets away with what. Each member of the crew feels distinct and memorable, their banter alone worth the read.
Smart, stylish, and brimming with personality, Fun City Heist is the kind of story you devour in one sitting and wish you could watch on screen the moment you finish. Fans of Oceans 8, Six of Crows, or Knives Out will love every minute.
The pacing is pitch-perfect, moving from setup to showdown with just enough breathing room for character moments that make you actually care who gets away with what. Each member of the crew feels distinct and memorable, their banter alone worth the read.
Smart, stylish, and brimming with personality, Fun City Heist is the kind of story you devour in one sitting and wish you could watch on screen the moment you finish. Fans of Oceans 8, Six of Crows, or Knives Out will love every minute.
November 18, 2025
A fast paced caper novel with heart. Mo has been bumping along keeping tourists happy at the Jersey Shore so when his old band mate Johnny turns up, well, he's willing to do his part. Johnny has ALS and needs money for treatment, more money than they can make by playing a reunion concert so he's planned to steal it from the Fun City Amusement park. Unfortunately, the guitarist has broken his arm but fortuitously, Mo's daughter, with him he has never had a real relationship knows the band's whole catalog. This is as good in the set up as it is in the execution of the heist (and no spoilers about that). Kardos is a lively storyteller and he's created some very cool characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
November 25, 2025
A couple of former rock stars are cruising through life as low level hourly employees in a beach front vacation area when another group member asks them to reunite. He's dying and wants to shine one more time. But he isn't being totally upfront and supposed hijinks ensue. Well, they were supposed to. But for me, there remained this overlying fog of depression for both the characters and the story. I couldn't get past the reality of the situation. Maybe it was just me? It was a good story and I liked the interaction between Mo and his daughter, but it wasn't the fun read I was hoping for.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
December 2, 2025
FUN CITY HEIST (Michael Kardos) is about a forty-something, aging drummer who gets talked into pulling the old band together for a final gig. However, the gig is a cover for a major robbery that the band’s old singer convinces the other old bandmates to commit. He’s sick and dying, he says, and needs the money for his treatment. What could possibly go wrong in this adorable, action-packed story about camaraderie, aging, and hope? https://newbooksnetwork.com/michael-k...
January 29, 2026
This was a cute, summery, music-filled, shenanigan having heist. Knowing the author, I can’t help but picture him as the protagonist, Mo. The cast of characters was fun, but it did take me a little while to become truly invested. By the time the band got around to the heist, it felt like there were one too many speed bumps, but the heist sequence itself was fun and well paced. I liked the relationship between Mo and Janice and was really pleased that they were at the forefront of the books resolution. I felt like the Vass storyline was tied up a bit too neatly but it was a little silly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2026
A memorable rock concert is the goal of 4th of July! Johnny is dying and his last wish is to play with his band once again at the beachfront amusement park at Fun City. The band hasn't played together for twelve years, and he convinces all the members to practice for one final concert. Mo, the drummer, tells the story in first person. The concert is actually a cover for a burglary, as Johnny despairly needs money. The plot is crazy enough to seem real. What a fun read and a perfect ending!
February 19, 2026
Fun City Heist is the tale of a has-been band getting together for one last gig at an amusement park slated to destroyed. The group is coaxed by together by their singer, who guilts them into agreeing because of a terminal illness. After several practices, he pitches his other motivation of playing this exact gig, which is to rob the amusement park. Through a series of mishaps, Mo's (the drummer) daughter ends up filling in for the guitarist. This, and the inadvertent discovery by the neighbor's unsavory son, creates more tension and need for a smooth plan.
There is a strong ribbon of nostalgia throughout the telling, a lot of regrets and memories, unresolved arguments, all pushing tendrils into the present and future.
This was an enjoyable read, but I would have liked a little more personality given to the other members of the band.
There is a strong ribbon of nostalgia throughout the telling, a lot of regrets and memories, unresolved arguments, all pushing tendrils into the present and future.
This was an enjoyable read, but I would have liked a little more personality given to the other members of the band.
May 22, 2026
I used to live at the Jersey Shore so this book felt like coming home to me. I could smell the saltwater and feel the sand under my feet as I pictured Mo at the beach, renting out beach chairs and umbrellas, debating whether to do one last gig. This book was nostalgic, creative, and funny. I loved getting to know Mo and the band, hoping to pull off their heist and help their friend out. This was well written, building tension, eliciting emotions on cue, and keeping my interest the whole time. This is a great summer read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the review copy.
December 31, 2025
After a splash of fame being in a band with one big hit, Mo simply exists in his small Jersey coastal hometown. Out of the blue, the band's leader suddenly reappears and wants to do a reunion concert. What transpires is a slow reveal of the realities of the concert.
The characters are well developed, but a bit depressing. The book picks up momentum as it progresses, and I loved the ending.
I would definitely read this author again.
The characters are well developed, but a bit depressing. The book picks up momentum as it progresses, and I loved the ending.
I would definitely read this author again.
April 9, 2026
A failed rock band whose drummer now rents umbrellas and chairs at the beach and the lead singer who has a wild idea to make some money. What a wild book! It’s layered with multiple themes, a father-daughter reunion, a one-hit wonder rock band that has to get back together, and a planned heist a an amusement park that’s about to be sol to developers. It’s fun, sober at times, and a bit ludicrous, reminiscent of Hiassen’s characters, but not as crazy and off-the-wall. It’s fun; you’ll enjoy it.
February 7, 2026
Loved this quick read of a ageing, failed musician who gets propositioned for one last concert by his former band mate. All is not as it seems though. I loved the characters. The action was quick paced and enertaining.
March 23, 2026
I really enjoyed the writing of this fun little read. Sometimes I don't care for a book because of the writing style even if the story line is good, but I felt right at home with Mo in Fun City Heist.
March 28, 2026
This was a quick fun read for a book club. It wasn’t necessarily something I would have picked up on my own, but it wasn’t bad. I could not guess the ending, so that kept me reading. Loved the shore setting!
April 28, 2026
Loved this book. Yeah, I grew up in NJ and could smell all of it again while reading this book, but I think anyone who likes quirky characters and a well-written story will enjoy this, too.
Highly recommended and I'll be reading more from this author!
Highly recommended and I'll be reading more from this author!
November 20, 2025
Totally different from what I usually read, but such a fun ride!
December 17, 2025
It’s a fun read with a great protagonist, but the stakes feel pretty lightweight.
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