The Contortionist’s Handbook is a striking debut novel by Craig Clevenger that delves into the life of a talented young forger named Johnny Dolan Vincent, who uses his skill to continually reinvent himself to avoid capture by law enforcement. Set in 1980s Los Angeles, the narrative unfolds as Johnny undergoes a psychiatric evaluation following a near-fatal overdose. Throughout the assessment, he must craft an elaborate deception to avoid indefinite detention while revealing fragments of his tumultuous past—his fractured family life, descent into criminal underworlds, and his only hope in the form of Molly. As his time runs out and the stakes grow higher, Johnny’s intricate escape plan tests both his wits and resolve. Clevenger masterfully captures the neon-lit boulevards and seedy strip bars of 1980s Los Angeles, creating a darkly hypnotic and original tale that will keep readers engaged until the final page.