I just finished Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. What a great book! It was funny, suspenseful, clever, and well paced. Just perfect.
I had previously read "American Gods" which I liked, but was too dark for me. Anansi Boys is a lighter book, with a touch of Terry Pratchett to it. It is the story of Fat Charlie Nancy, who has been trying to live a quiet life and get beyond the embarrasment of his father.
Well, it turns out his father is not just any guy, but the trickster god of West Africa and the Carribean. Of course it's pretty embarrassing having a Dad who loves to paly practical jokes of everyone, including you! What could be worse, well, I don't want to spoil the story but suffice to say we have a Romance or two, a crime story, and some really really strange old ladies.
I am not sure how Neil conjures the inflections of his characters, but it's fantastic. I totally recommend this book. And, the Kindle version is on sale right now for $3.99. Cheaper than oil free lotions, and lots better entertainment.