Double Barrel Bluff: Shake Bouchon #3    by Lou Berney Order:  USA  Can William Morrow, 2024 (2024) Softcover, CD, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Double Barrel Bluff follows Gutshot Straight and Whiplash River as the third in Lou Berney's series starring professional wheel man Charles Samuel 'Shake' Bouchon. He used to work for Armenian mob pakhan Alexandra Ilandryan (his ex-lover) in Los Angeles. In the first episode, he shared an adventure with Gina, who turned out to be the love of his life. Now they're happily married and have settled in Indiana. This third exploit opens near Siem Reap in Cambodia, where a woman is kidnapped. Readers find out that this was Lexy, after her right hand Dikran ('the meanest, dumbest, most brutal thug' ever encountered by Shake), shows up in Indiana to beg for his help in finding Lexy. It's an offer that can't be refused and the dialogue between Shake and Dikran carries the story forward and consistently entertains. They head together to Siem Reap, where the plot is thickened by the arrival of Lexy's ambitious lieutenant. Later, Gina shows up as well and gets in on the action. Luckily, Shake is helped by clairvoyant hippie Mitch, who sees auras. All's well that ends well - after a cliffhanger or two - leaving readers keen for another in this hilarious series. While the mystery and thrills are engaging, it's really all about the banter. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews