I really didn't expect to like this as much as I did, but as soon as I (and the book) got into the swing of things, it became a rather funny, off-beat novel about a hostage situation that has a remarkably optimistic outlook. Did I expect the constant looming threat of death, suicide and suicidal ideation? No, I did not, but I could look past that for the most part. There are so many intricate, moving parts. This is a deeply character-led novel that is pacy enough for the action lovers (me, so very much me). Having DNF'd Beartown a long time ago, I now feel slightly more inclined to return to this author's work and see if I enjoy it.