Review of Twerk by Isobel Blackthorn

             Twerk Is Tit-tilatingly good and Ass-toundingly fun.  Like most men, I enjoy having my prurient interests aroused, and this novel did not disappoint.

            I am loath to give away any part of a story’s plot.  Trust me that this is a good one.  It has it all: murder, intrigue, violence and yes, lots of sex.  Ms. Blackthorn writes well and seems a master (mistress? – just trying to keep in the spirit of things) of the slow build.  No premature climax here (sorry, I couldn’t resist).  Most importantly to me, she writes clearly.

            Beyond all that, the novel does something unique; it documents a stripper’s job and what it’s like to live the life. 

            Get this.

Her name Is Mercie by Chris Roy

Each time I thought I had this story figured, I hit another hairpin curve. Do your best to hold on 'cause this is one sick ride - but don't worry - Mercie handles like a bossed up Dodge Challenger. Mister Roy has outdone himself!

Dirtbags by Eryk Pruitt

Some people are just not intended to think for themselves.  Oh, the mischief that ensues when they try.

Eryk Pruitt’s novel Dirtbags is both an experiment in terror and hilarity, made all the more so by the plausibility of the story.  The characters seem more that believable – you’ve met these fuckers – at work, in a bar room, shit – you may be related to some of them.

Do yourself a favor.  Drop everything else and read this book.  You’ll only want to read everything else this guy’s written.  I know I do.

Skull Meat by Tom Leins

Skull Meat is a wild ride – a man on a mission tale that you can’t put down.  I read this in one sitting.

Mister Leins doesn’t go in for over long descriptions.  Instead, he puts you right there with his protagonist with deft touches.

This book is great fun.  Get it!

Where The Sun Shines Out by Kevin Catalano

Where The Sun Shines Out is Kevin Catalano’s debut novel, a story of a child’s abduction, murder and a brother’s survivor guilt.  I won’t give away any more than that.  Trust me, this book satisfies.

Mister Catalano’s writing is expert and lush.  Here, he has given us more than a thriller.  His novel has real depth.

Read this.  I look forward to more from Mister Catalano and you will too.

Down On The Street by Alec Cizak

I’ve read and enjoyed Mister Cizak’s short stories.  His collection Crooked Roads is impressive, and I’ve looked forward to his longer work.  Down On The Street doesn’t disappoint.

Lester Banks is barely breaking even, working long hours driving a cab, abused by his employer, passengers, the world itself.  He’s not enjoying much in his life.

An unlikely hook-up with an attractive neighbor gets Lester thinking about a way out of his rut.  It works, for a while.

Mister Cizak’s writing is lean and to the point.  He gives the reader a story without any fluff or filler.

You can’t go wrong with this guy.

Silent City by Alex Segura

Silent City is the first book in Alex Segura’s Pete Fernandez series, and it’s a fine opener.  Early in the story, Fernandez, a sports writer for the Miami Times, is in a tailspin – missing deadlines, drinking too much, disappointing his friends and himself.  Close to being fired, he’s approached by an acquaintance and asked to locate the man’s missing daughter.

Mister Segura’s writing is lush, but always clear – you feel you are there in the newsroom, the bars, and the streets of Miami as Fernandez alternately stumbles and recovers, trying first to hold onto his life and then to reinvent himself, all while searching for the missing woman.

I look forward to the rest of this series and more from Alex Segura.