“Spare but potent . . . Ames’s disaffected style infuses the proceedings with a deep sadness that elevates it from bog-standard crime fiction to something headier and more emotionally wounding. This will enchant both the author’s existing fans and thriller readers looking for something off the beaten path.”

– Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A quicksilver family reckoning whose epiphanies arrive in the form of felonies.”

– Kirkus

“Ames seems clearly to enjoy the act of writing, and it shows on every page: a laugh here, a turn of phrase there, an unexpected character revelation over there. His novels are gifts to readers who want a rich and satisfying story.”

– Booklist on Karma Doll

“Ames is an adept purveyor of the very noir, particular scenes of violence. He achieves more in less than 100 pages than most crime novels three times the length do.”

– The Times on You Were Never Really Here

“A striking and powerful noir debut that can be consumed in a single sitting. . . . Ames reveals himself here as a stylish thriller writer.”

– Daily Mail on You Were Never Really Here

“Smart, sharp, and stylish noir for the modern day.”

– Ivy Pochoda on A Man Named Doll

“Ames is a master of blending humor, pathos, and grit.”

– Alex Segura