A review by ajnel
The Cleaner by Paul Cleave

dark funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Cleave's  2008 debut novel, "The Cleaner" is a perfect example of an exceptionally well-written  (and dare I say delightful) black comedy, executed essentially by focussing razor-sharp inner-monologue  and dialogue coupled with great timing and pacing.  One can almost not help but  to root for the serial killer,r,  Joe Middleton, to succeed in his elaborate scheme to escape being caught.  

Joe Victim: A Novel (2013) is the second novel in the series