Books like This body's not big enough for both of us by Edgar Cantero

A.Z. Kimrean, the bizarre partnership of brother Adrian and sister Zooey who literally share a body, work as private detectives in the murky streets of San Carnal, California. Their latest case sees them plunged into a high‑stakes investigation: a drug cartel boss known only as Lyon has had his sons murdered, and the clues point to a deeper, more dangerous gang war. As A.Z. infiltrates Lyon’s inner circle, they must rescue an undercover cop who has gone too deep, outwit a plucky stowaway, and prevent the conflict from engulfing the entire state. The brothers’ contrasting personalities—Adrian’s cold logic and Zooey’s hedonistic flair—force them to confront their own rivalry while negotiating a world of corrupt officials, cartel bosses, femme fatales and street gangs. The novel blends classic noir detective tropes with genre‑smashing humor, pushing the conventions of action, mystery, and satire. It plays with the absurdity of a single body carrying two pilots, creating a playful yet tense dynamic that keeps readers guessing who will outsmart whom—or die together. Themes of sibling rivalry, identity, revenge, and the nature of justice are explored against California’s underworld backdrop, offering a sharp, irreverent take on the detective genre.

First publish date: 2018