Are there any books that you’ve read, and like, but when you step back and think about the book you’re surprised you like it?

Lately I’ve read a few books by Charles Willeford (The Shark-Infested Custard, Miami Blues, and New Hope for the Dead). In all of the books, essentially every character is alternately: mean, gross, vile, an actual murderer, an actual sociopath, or utterly unable to see other people as people.

Maybe that’s all to be expected because they’re very dark comedies (90%+ cacao), but I have still ended up surprised after finishing each book that I enjoyed it and would read another.

I’m even unsure about recommending them to friends, at least not without giving a caveat up front.

What about you all?