Princess Naughty and the Voodoo Cadillac

by Fred Willard

Bill Schiller, drummed out of the post-Cold War CIA, just needs a little scratch to ease him into retirement on some warm, remote island. He's already got his stool, filthy rich Atlantan Johnny McClendon, who would love nothing better than to prove himself a true patriot. All Schiller needs to do is arrange a couple of simple transfers and blow off a few minor players. But McClendon's chauffeur, Ronnie Gordon, has an enemy, Peanut Willis, whom Gordon ratted out and who subsequently spent several very unpleasant years in prison. If Peanut and his partner in petty crime, Ray Justus, could somehow step between his boss and a pile of money, so much the better. But there's also Dunbarton Oakes, director of the foundation, and there's Plank, Schiller's demented lieutenant. And, of course, there's Princess Naughty. In other words, Fred Willard is back. And the fans who turned his first novel, Down on Ponce, into a noir classic, can get ready to ride with Princess Naughty and the Voodoo Cadillac.

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[ABC Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't have anything fancy to say about this book. It's just a damn good read. It's super funny, modern day noir/pulp fiction. It reads like a great movie with Dennis Hopper or Harvey Keitel. This novel is better than Fred's first. Different by all measures but all around better. For anyone into crime fiction, or novels that take place in Atlanta, I'd highly recommend this book.

[David Gullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willard’s second book is the gloriously titled Princess Naughty and the Voodoo Cadillac. Once again Willard has a misfit crew pitched against a mixed opposition of schemers and highly dangerous operators, this time on the fringes of CIA covert ops. Willard really finds his style with this book, short chapters, quick changes of scene, a book written as if it’s filled with cinematic jump-cuts.
This time also the story as better balanced between the multiple narratives. Once again our crew are spiraling in on the big score, but other sharks patrol these waters too, and some are highly competent.
As the title promises, the book has a dry and cynical humour. 'Down on Ponce' had that too, but here again it’s better developed and better used. Everything is turned up to eleven and Willard is pushing for twelve. The secondary characters are by turns sinister, ludicrous, and deadly; and again there’s that unexpected tenderness in the character’s emotional lives. Well, some of them, most of the others are incapable of that and perhaps that is the point.
Willard’s book are convoluted and intricate but the plots never become confusing. There’s always an ‘X’ on the map that everyone is, by hook or by crook, working their way towards, determines to be the first in, or if not at least the last standing. While there might be no good guys (or gals) there are less worse, and isn’t burning down the really bad guys and getting away with it something we all occasionally dream of?

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure whether it is because they are set in Atlanta or not, but I've thoroughly enjoyed both of Fred Willard's novels. Princess Naughty and the Voodoo Cadillac is a good. It definitely has some noir and pulp elements while being fun. I hope he will write more!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a feel-good gangster story, with a couple of small twists and a smart mouth on it. An easy read, but enjoyable nonetheless. Good black comedy throughout...

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please write more stuff!!

[Jim]

like the language and humor