After finishing the first book in the To Hell and Back series, Damned Busters (review), I eagerly ran out to get the sequel, Costume Not Included. Where the first book dealt with some philosophical issues in addition to some crime fighting, this book does a lot more on the philosophical/religious side with only minor crime fighting. But it handles it in such a fun way that I’m more eager then ever for the grand finale. Let’s see what happened.

When we last left Chesney Ansthruther, he had saved the city, gotten the girl (Melda McCann) and the Reverend Hardacre had written Chesney to be the star of the next great religious re-writing (based on Hardacre’s theory that God created the universe by re-writing the story over and over). But there was one little complication, Chesney didn’t want to be a savior. Chesney agreed that he and Melda would read the Reverend’s new gospel and decide whether or not to accept the burden after that.

But Chesney just wanted his girlfriend, his job and his crimefighting, so they asked their helper demon Xaphan to help them find a savior. They went back and pulled out Jesus. Not the one that sits in Heaven with God, but the one who was the preacher that was written out during a previous rewrite (probably at the Council of Nicaea) and brought him back. Hardacre was thrilled, but a little wary. He loved the general idea, but Hardacre was somewhat worried about Jesus giving all his speeches off the cuff. As it turns out, Hardacre’s plan is not exactly Heavenly supported.

Chesney’s superhero activities have reduced the crime rate so much that there aren’t any good crimes to stop. So he decides to work with Lt. Debney on some cold cases, including a serial killer and a well-placed murder that was covered up by The Twenty (the group of influential citizens who pretty much run the city). This confirms Chesney’s next plan to take out The Twenty. And Jesus has given Chesney a little present, that it takes a while before anyone notices.

Overall, the book was a lot more metaphysical than the first book, but was a fun mix of crime fighting and religion. The religious aspects took a lot bigger stage in this book, but never overwhelmed the story. Lt. Debney played a much bigger part in this story and I foresee Debney and Chesney working together to take out The Twenty in book three (not due out until 2013). I loved this book a little more than the first one. The mixing of pop-culture, religion and humor make it a very fun read. Highly recommended.