Under the Table

by Vern Smith

Set during the production of an out-of-control television comedy in 1989 Toronto, UNDER THE TABLE is a snappy heist novel that will keep 'em guessing. Much like the sketch show that it portrays, the novel entertains with dark humor, quirky characters, and celebrity appearances, while poking fun at the absurdity of societal constructs. Quippy and smart, Smith's prose is electric and crackles across the page. Wickedly funny, you'll laugh even though you know you shouldn't.

292 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2021

About the author

Vern Smith’s novel Scratching the Flint was named Best Indie Novel of 2023 by Crime Fiction Lover. He is also author of the novels Under the Table and The Green Ghetto. Winner of the Chinaski Award as editor of the Jacked crime fiction anthology, Smith is a former newspaper reporter, magazine editor, radio host, and political staffer. His novelette, The Gimmick—a finalist for Canada’s highest crime-writing honor, the Arthur Ellis Award—is the title track to his second collection of fiction.

Reviews

[Theodore Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another face-paced crime novel full of flawed, quirky characters from Smith. Like his book Green Ghetto, the setting of this novel is a star too. This one takes place in Toronto, or “Hollywood North”, during the late 80’s after NAFTA. The book is filled with pop culture references and historical tidbits. It’d been years since I’d even thought about Billy Idol! This book hits like a pop punk fist pump.

[Paul Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we have a TV Production vintage Canada style. A world that runs on fraud, booze, kinky sex, tons of drugs and a latent cop. A lot of jokes, delusions of grandeur, guns and blood. Vern Smith knows a lot more than a little bit about film production and cops and robbers and puts it all to gruesome effect in this comedy of errors set in Toronto circa: late 80's.

[Phil Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Read!

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Vern Smith. I enjoyed all of the references to Toronto life in the late 80’s.

Smith’s unique writing style will keep you engaged throughout the novel.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smith is a prolific author. And his newest offering seems as good a place as any to jump into his body of work. After thoroughly enjoying the author's earlier cowboy-crime novel, The Green Ghetto, I picked this one up with high hopes. And it did not disappoint. Although set in a different location and era, it has the same sizzling dialogue and another cast of offbeat characters who inhabit society's fringes as his earlier work. At it's heart, Under the Table is a heist novel, and Smith pulls this one off without a hitch. Highly recommended.

[Joel Nedecky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Table is full of 80s pop culture, with references to brick cellphones, NAFTA, Chris Farley, Madonna, The Blues Brothers, and more. Smith is a master at weaving intricate details into the story that make the characters believable. One goes out for a double-double from Tim Horton’s, while another cranks Billy Idol as he drives too fast. Just small observations about these people that ring true.
The plot involves a crime, but this book is really about the small (and sometimes large) ironies of life. It’s a funnier novel than it gets credit for, but with enough action and violence to keep crime fiction fans satisfied.

[Christine Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast-paced crime tale takes you to a specific time (the late 1980's in all their massive cell phone and pirated cable glory) and a specific place (Canada, in its burgeoning "Hollywood North" era). The prose zips along, and there's plenty of twists at the end that make it a fun, satisfying read!

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got just far enough into Under the Table that I was hooked when I promptly misplaced my copy. I spent the next two weeks wondering how it played out. I'd almost given up on it, but then I found it under the seat in the van and devoured it in the next two days. I found the inside scoop on the Toronto television studio system fascinating. It's a perfect setting for this snappy crime novel by a writer who's become one of my contemporary favorites.

[Philip Moscovitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romp wrapped up in a cash heist set in the world of 1980s Toronto TV production, plus Billy Idol! What's not to like? I read this on a trans-Atlantic flight, and it made the trip a lot more enjoyable.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, enjoyed the eighties references and having been on the fringe of filmmaking, I understood about production companies. But trying to follow the cast of colorful characters and the heist of the cash payroll was somewhat muddled for me. I couldn’t relate or like the characters and the story bounced around with stuff that didn’t further the plot. Sorry it wasn’t for me.

[Matt Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch noir with a bite. The best crime writing is comedic drama in disguise and Smith is a darn master. Late '80s Toronto cast of colorful, clever characters. Snappy prose and well-honed ear for dialog...I first read his latest book Scratching the Flint. Went to the backlist for more and glad I did. His books are social commentary, but done with craft and humor...Wrote to the man and asked for signed copies of both books. He obliged for a fair price. Highly-recommended!

[Andrew Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

First-rate comedic heist noir from Vern Smith. Often flat-out hilarious, with sharp and sometimes profound societal observations, like Smith’s award-winning SCRATCHING THE FLINT. Highly recommended!!

[Exapno Mapcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good caper novel, and this features all of the best attributes. It’s got snappy patter, compelling characters, a vintage feel, and a moody location.

Free review copy.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly wanted to like this story. I loved all the 80’s references! However this just didn’t feel like a cohesive story, there was too much going on that had nothing to do with the story.

[A.B. Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent noir heist romp, with colourful characters and social satire. Plus some great nostalgia for the late 80s.

[Alec Cizak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost didn't read this because of reviews suggesting the plot was "muddled." Those reviewers must not be too bright. I found the plot easy to follow and the book, overall, fantastic.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this heist novel! Set in Canada in the late '80s, it’s superbly plotted and very funny. Excellent work from Vern Smith.