24 Hours with Gaspar

A futuristic crime thriller set in Jakarta, where a mysterious novelist searches for the story of an old, infamous crime. The heist unearths a series of interlinking conflicts that have haunted Gaspar since childhood, combining noir with a laugh-out-loud detective and surreal science fiction. The book's eclectic blend of allusions and narrative strategies opens new horizons for literary crime fiction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2023
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

A captivating and visionary crime thriller set in the distant future,Indonesia's bustling capital city has been submerged beneath the waves. A mysterious novelist ventures into the remnants of the metropolis in search of the captivating story of an old and infamous crime. His quest leads him through the bustling streets, seeking traces of Gaspar, a private investigator and master criminal who orchestrated a seemingly straightforward heist of a jewelry store. However, as he delves deeper into the heist, he uncovers a web of interconnected conflicts that have haunted Gaspar since his childhood.

In this extraordinary fusion of genres, this book seamlessly blends noir, humor, and elements of surreal science fiction. Its eclectic mix of allusions and narrative techniques expands the boundaries of literary crime fiction, while also offering a fresh and postmodern portrayal of Jakarta. Within the intricate web of roadways and canals, personal vendettas intertwine with political crimes and social injustices. First impressions can be deceptive, meta-literary motorbikes possess their own free will, and a senile witness may hold the key to unraveling the true whodunnit—if there is even a single truth to be found. This is a game of chess, where the traditional rules of movement no longer apply, and Gaspar is determined to emerge victorious.

As he navigates through the labyrinthine streets of Jakarta, the novelist encounters a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. From the enigmatic Gaspar to the enigmatic witness, each character adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding story. The city itself becomes a character in its own right, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and complex social dynamics shaping the events that transpire.

The novel's narrative style is engaging and immersive, drawing the reader into the world of the private investigator and the criminal mastermind. The author's use of language is masterful, with vivid descriptions and clever metaphors that bring the characters and the city to life. The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, "Jakarta Underwater" is a breathtakingly imaginative and captivating crime thriller that takes readers on a journey into the distant future. With its blend of genres, innovative narrative techniques, and vivid portrayal of Jakarta, this novel offers a fresh and exciting perspective on the crime genre. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and thought-provoking story.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803092041