“Prohibition. Gangsters. Vampires.” That’s the tagline for this series, which neatly summates what you’re getting into as a reader. Unavoidable is book three of the Saul Imbierowicz series by SFF author team Geoff Habiger and Coy Kissee, a gripping saga all about … well, gangsters and vampires during Prohibition.

Habiger and Kissee are well-known for their genre mashups, this one being a noir period tale with a supernatural foundation. It’s hard not to get sucked into the first book (Unremarkable), which gallops into the second (Untouchable) and crashes into the third.

Unavoidable begins with notorious gangster Al Capone being released from prison, a compelling prelude given the events of the previous book. Saul and Christian are waiting outside the prison, prepping to tail Capone. As they wait, they argue about baseball, which turns nasty and prompts Saul’s mental family to taunt him for being petty. It’s a familiar and comfortable scene for the reader, as the rocky dynamic between the characters is alive and well (even as Christian shows signs of a softening demeanor).

And then Capone gets released. Saul and Christian watch as goons pick up the gangster and drive him away, prompting a distant follow. Capone has a target on his back, because, well, Capone. The car gets ambushed soon after and the scene erupts in a hail of gunfire.

And so sets the tone and pacing for the rest of the book, which I shall keep under wraps to avoid spoilers. Although, I can say that Saul and Christian learn who is behind the attack, a familiar foe that goads readers into wanting more.

As with the previous books, the mental chats between Saul and his family stick out as highlights for me. They offer some well-timed levity, which make the exchanges in real life seem that much more impactful. There are plenty of Easter eggs to find (the pool hall name being a personal favorite). The action is bloody great, the plot-driver is intriguing, and the climactic reveal is very satisfying.

I found the ending to be a grand and gratifying finale. However, I also got hints of a possible continuation. Maybe if I recommend this book hard enough, the authors will grant my wish of a fourth installment (wink wink). In any case, this series is very easy to praise. Readers from all corners will find something to appreciate, from the gritty realness to the mythical flourish. Or to put it another way: “Prohibition. Gangsters. Vampires.”