Jokers Wild

Jokers Wild is the third volume in the Wild Cards shared universe series edited by George R. R. Martin. Unlike the previous two volumes in the series (Wild Cards and Aces High), this volume uses the format of a mosaic novel, where several writers write individual story lines which were then edited together into one novel length story.

The action of Jokers Wild takes place on September 15, 1986, the fortieth anniversary of the release of Xenovirus Takis-A, the so-called "Wild Card virus". The anniversary of this event is observed as Wild Card Day and celebrated or cursed depending upon each individual victim's reaction to the virus.

This particular Wild Card Day sees the Aces of New York City stalked by the evil Astronomer, whose plans had been defeated in the previous volume. Determined to get revenge on all the Aces who beat him, and Fortunato in particular, he and his minions Demise and Roulette stalk and kill several characters throughout the course of the book.

This book contains the following tropes:

 * Anyone Can Die: Seemingly everyone is at risk.
 * Death by Sex: Roulette.
 * Fetish Fuel Station Attendant: Peregrine. Wings? Check. Former Cheerleader? Check. Superheroine? Check. Smoldering Sexuality? Check.
 * Dropped a Bridge on Him:
 * Evil Plan: The Astronomer tries to pull off one of the 'ultimate revenge' variety.
 * Hidden Depths:
 * Humiliation Conga:
 * Infant Immortality: Averted.
 * Killed Off for Real:
 * Existential treaties can be written on whether this applies to or not.
 * Ms. Fanservice: Peregrine, Wraith and Roulette.
 * Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Fortunato gets one of these.
 * Red Shirt:
 * Shaggy Dog Story:
 * Not exactly.
 * The Starscream:
 * Superpower Lottery: The Astronomer, Fortunato.
 * What the Hell, Hero?: Fortunato gets a couple of these.
 * Specifically, one of his "Geishas" points out they're hookers who sleep with him, and no matter how much he dolls it up, he's no different from any other pimp.