So… this book was a total cover buy. Just look at it! The concept is brilliant and more than a little hilarious - I was totally expecting a funny and lighthearted book. And there were funny moments! But, overall it was actual a rather serious and well put together mystery, with thought provoking commentary on the Fentanyl crisis in North America.

I was also expecting there to be a buddy cop movie vibe, but it didn’t quite go that way either. The story takes place after Obama and Biden leave office, and the friendship has become strained - they haven’t really kept in touch and Biden feels a bit down about it. Shaffer did a fantastic job imagining the relationship between the two men; it felt mostly believable (but with an occasional bit of humour thrown in).

As far as I know, this is a stand-alone story - but I think it would be awesome if this were to become a series. I would definitely read more adventures with Joe and Barry!