In the shadowed, neon-lit streets of near-future Oakland, private eye Conrad Metcalf navigates a world as bewildering as it is dangerous. "Gun, with Occasional Music" blends the gritty charm of noir with the speculative wonders of science fiction, introducing readers to a time where evolved animals walk the streets as equals, and the human psyche is numbed by state-sanctioned drugs designed to quell curiosity and dissent. Metcalf finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue that stretches from the plush offices of high society to the dingy backrooms of the criminal underworld, all while being pursued by a kangaroo with a penchant for violence and shadowed by the ever-watchful eyes of the Inquisitor's Office. Jonathan Lethem crafts a mesmerizing tale that questions the very nature of reality and humanity. As Metcalf delves deeper into the murder of a prominent doctor, his investigation pulls him into the orbit of the enigmatic Celeste, blurring the lines between professional duty and personal longing. With each step, Metcalf is drawn into a labyrinth of deceit, facing adversaries that challenge his every notion of justice and morality. "Gun, with Occasional Music" is not just a detective story; it is a journey into a future that mirrors our present in uncanny and unsettling ways, a dazzling mix of suspense, satire, and speculative fiction that enthralls and entertains in equal measure.