‘Kill Dick’ by Luke Goebel; Red Hen; 280 pages; $26.95
Screenwriter/author Luke Goebel channels Nathanael West’s classic “The Day of the Locust” and Elmore Leonard’s dark humor for “Kill Dick,” his second novel.
As with West’s 1939 book and all of Leonard’s crime fiction, few nice people inhabit “Kill Dick.” But Goebel’s sharp dialogue, razor plotting and fiery sense of Los Angeles elevate his unconventional characters.
The Dick of “Kill Dick” is opioid manufacturer Dick Sickler, an amoral, ruthless man who loves the wealth his trade brings and cares little about anyone else. A lot of people want to kill him. But Goebel keeps Dick in the background. His business moves the plot and is responsible for many deaths, but he is almost a supporting character.
Instead, the focus is on two other characters. There’s 19-year-old Susie Vogelman, who wants to be an artist but is more on her way to being an opioid addict. Since dropping out of NYU, she spends most of her time doing nothing but sleeping in the backyard of the Brentwood estate owned by her father, who is Dick’s attorney. There’s also Peter Holiday, who taught at NYU, where he met Susie before he was fired. Now in L.A., he operates a crumbling rehab that is a scam. But he’s is as bad a criminal as he was a professor.
While set during 2016, with the presidential election looming, none of the characters is particularly interested in politics — but they are affected by politics, as this historic event looms large in the background.
(Red Hen/Courtesy)
A string of murders targeting addicts, a creepy secret society and wealthy families all permeate “Kill Dick.” The characters revolve around a jaded Los Angeles.
Goebel delivers a gritty, highly entertaining novel with “Kill Dick,” which has been named on numerous lists recommending the most anticipated novels of 2026.
As a screenwriter, Goebel co-wrote the films “Eileen,” starring Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie, and “Causeway,” starring Jennifer Lawrence.
Meet the author
Luke B. Goebel will discuss “Kill Dick” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. The event is free, but reservations are requested. Visit booksandbooks.com or call 305-442-4408.
