Gone 'Til November

By Wallace Stroby
($24.99, Minotaur Books)


Wallace Stroby is a relatively new author who deserves some attention. His first novel, "The Barbed-Wire Kiss," was a Barry Award finalist lauded as "a scorching first novel." His second, "The Heartbreak Lounge," also garnered generous praise.

The award-winning journalist and former newspaper editor is clearly not riding the jetstream of his first two books in his exacting writing of his latest, "Gone 'Til November." It is pungent and well-characterized.

Full of action, car chases and shootouts, with some sex and a lot of 'gangsta' talk coloring the pages, this book isn't casual. It's a crime novel with a solid plot that Stroby drives through mercilessly.

Florida deputy Sara Cross is one tough lady: when you thwart her, you're more likely to get punched out than slapped. She's also a determined investigator who can't let go of the incident that opens the book. Morgan is in the crime life, a trusted enforcer and messenger with a Beretta. He just needs one last haul so he can retire.

It's not likely that you'll find Wallace Stroby's books at your bookstore, but discover him for yourself before the "lists" do. Keep new fiction alive by supporting good writers.

You can find a copy of this book at your library or your local independent bookstore. Please support them so that they can be there for you the next time you need them. Comments or suggestions are welcome at mary.bookworks@gmail.com.

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