A Joke’s a Joke by Jonathan Latimer is a sharp, fast-paced mystery that blends crime, dark humor, and the author’s trademark hard-boiled wit. Known for his offbeat detective fiction and biting dialogue, Latimer delivers a story where laughter and danger go hand in hand—and where a prank can quickly turn deadly serious.

What begins as a seemingly harmless joke—an ill-timed trick, a sarcastic remark, or a practical stunt—sets off a chain of consequences no one anticipates. In Latimer’s world, small indiscretions escalate rapidly, and amusement gives way to suspicion. Before long, what once seemed funny becomes sinister, and the line between playfulness and malice disappears altogether.

As tensions rise and secrets emerge, the characters find themselves trapped in a web of deception, misunderstandings, and hidden motives. Every wisecrack masks unease; every smile may conceal guilt. When violence intrudes, the investigation reveals that someone has taken the joke much too far—and that the truth is anything but amusing.

Told with crisp prose, cynical humor, and clever plotting, A Joke’s a Joke combines classic detective elements with Latimer’s distinctive blend of satire and suspense. Witty, unpredictable, and edged with noir atmosphere, it is a compelling example of Golden Age crime fiction with a darkly comic twist.