We can all identify with the troubles that can arise from oversleeping and getting to work late. Such is the start of a very bad day, maybe even his worst ever, for aspiring novelist and Denver taxi drive Brendan Murphy, called Murph by friends and foes alike. Murph is a minimalist with regards to work and most things in life. He works very hard to do as little work as possible. His goal is to earn no more than needed from taxi driving (123 is his favourite cab) so he had more time to watch reruns of Gilligan's Island and write scripts. Consequently, much of his time cabbing is spend in doing arithmetic and calculating his workload so he seldom exceeds more money than what is needed to pay his taxi fees, rent on his small crow's nest apartment and for hamburger which he fries most evenings for his dinner.

This late start to Murph's day means he has to take fares he normally avoids and that adds even more problems to his life. Taken in by a little old lady who makes him wait and wait while she counts out 800 pennies to pay for a fare, Murph leaves in a huff. Then after more fares go from bad to worse, Murph ponders his day. The next day, Murph is definitely determined not to let the little old lady with the penny scam get the best of him. Will he get his due?

DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL is the sixth book in the intriguing Asphalt Warrior series by the late Gary Reilly featuring our feckless hero, Murph. Right from the get go, you are immediately enchanted and held spellbound by Reilly's quirky and delightful sense of humour! Whether read by fans of the series or as a stand-alone book, DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL will hold your attention and Murph is a very likeable character as he struggles with his misadventures.

The author, Gary Reilly, spent considerable time writing and re-writing his stories and the polishing makes this story a real gem! It is sad that his fans can't let him know directly how much they like his stories, but I am sure he knows. Reilly is a writer who has been there, done that and DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL rings out with his authentic voice, humour and insights.

With his strong writing style, Reilly deftly develops his characters, so they just pop into the reader's head as they are so easy to visualize. The situations Murph encounters, both serious and otherwise, are described in such an amusing ways that you have to smile or burst out laughing as you read them. Inspired by some of Reilly's own life experiences, the plot is into woven with and highlights how difficult life can be for those struggling to write or are in the cab driving business. Yet, despite the difficulties, these situations are told in such a totally droll manner, full of delightful quips and quirky insights on life, that one cannot help but see the dark humour that keeps us resilient and carrying on in life.

So, for a great ride, escape to the DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL and get in the cab with Murph!