A detective that has narcolepsy? And can't tell where his dreams end and reality begind? Yes, please! This was a really good noir story that I was not expecting from Paul Tremblay (I love his horror books!). An interesting read with an unusual concept that I truly enjoyed.

Paul is a master of horror, but his detective books really demonstrate that his mastery applies to everything he writes.

Paul is a master, and this detective book is no exception. No falling asleep while reading this engaging tale!

THE LITTLE SLEEP didn't deliver to me. I wanted to become invested in the story, but just couldn't connect. Though I do have to say that the pace of the writing was good, so I was able to finish the book. It just wasn't for me.

Oh, wow, what an original crime noir from Paul Tremblay. Very reluctant private detective Mark Genevich has a whole lotta trouble keeping awake. Mark's a narcoleptic, brought on from a terrible accident that killed his best friend and injured Mark terribly. A raggedy beard covers his facial scars.
Mark takes on a case that may or may not have dropped into his lap. You see, our hero hallucinates occasionally in between passing out.
Regardless, somebody wants Mark hurt, dead or simply off the map. Whether it's really happening is of deadly consequence.
The Little Sleep is a crazy, trippy journey down the rabbit hole with a seriously messed up protagonist. It’s a helluva fun ride with unexpected twists and turns in every chapter.
Get little sleep while trying to put this nifty noir down.

Mark Genevich is a private investigator with narcolepsy. What a great premise, right? THE LITTLE SLEEP delivers on that premise!

Crime noir, (indicated by that title), with a twist! For once, it's a P.I. who does NOT have a drinking problem. However, the problem he DOES have is narcolepsy and throughout this novel we learn all about it and its effects. Catalepsy which sounds terrifying, is just one of the symptoms:

<b> "a medical condition characterized by a trance or seizure with a loss of sensation and consciousness accompanied by rigidity of the body."</b>

How does a man, dealing with falling asleep, falling into a waking comas, (which is what catalepsy sounds like to me), hypnagogic hallucinations, (more on that later), solve mysteries? You'll have to read this to find out!

Not going to lie, at first Mark Genevich got on my nerves. Why does he call his mom "Ellen? Why is he smoking when he could fall asleep at any moment? As the story progressed though, he grew on me. How could he possibly solve a mystery when he fell asleep WHILE the person hiring him was in his office? How can he solve a mystery when he's not even sure that person existed, (enter the hypnagogic hallucinations, which occur just before he falls asleep)? How can he solve anything when he can't even drive? All of these questions are answered with a great deal of sarcasm and self-deprecation.

What was really surprising though, was Genevich's effectiveness. Despite all of these problems holding him back, it turned out that he had a steely backbone. This man is not going to go down without a fight. (Unless, of course, he falls asleep.)

THE LITTLE SLEEP was quite an entertaining read! Genevich was a unique character with depth, and I'm sure some will come out of this read hating the guy's guts. But I thought he was funny and interesting, and in the end? Much more compelling than the mystery itself. For this reason, I will definitely be moving on the next book in the series: NO SLEEP TILL WONDERLAND. I'm already looking forward to meeting Genevich again in the future.

Recommended!

Available everywhere tomorrow, but you can pre-order here: https://amzn.to/39fD2zZ

*Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*