Mr. Sweetcheeks in Alaska — Robert Kinerk

A crime-comedy called "smart and funny" by Kirkus Reviews and made an Editor's Pick by Publisher's Weekly, Mr. Sweetcheeks in Alaska pits its very nice convicted-killer hero against both the forces for good and the forces for evil in a small, Alaska town, circa 1950. Alan Sweetcheeks puts his trust in a fuddy-duddy benefactor, falls for the district attorney's beautiful receptionist, finds work in a cow-less dairy, and collides headlong with a vice boss wrapped in red-fox furs. He is also gifted with the opportunity to commit the almost perfect crime. A crooked police chief, a slovenly landlady, a Studebaker in desperate need of repairs, and a philosophical short-order cook complicate this felon's fortunes and add to his hilarious adventures. "One delicious romp from beginning to end," reviewer Anne Emerson said of this comic-crime gem.