Last week I had the privilege of being on a panel at Bouchercon in Toronto. One of the questions was: How do you find new authors to read? I responded that every new short story is an author auditioning to be your latest favorite. And Michael Wiley certainly did a job here. I will definitely try one of his books.
Let's see how he starts:
When Skylar Ricks carjacked Gerald Johannson's Ford Taurus on a February morning in Chicago, climbing into the passenger seat at the corner of Granville and Clark, his hand wrapped neatly around a .44 Smith & Wesson, an unlighted Marlboro between his lips, Gerald said, "Oh, now you're in trouble."
Well, that took an unexpected turn, didn't it? As the story goes on we will learn the reason for Skylar's rash act and a good deal about the personality of Gerald. He is an older man, missing his late lover, and remarkably imperturbable. Even when being carjacked.
Gerald has some definite views on life. Later in the story he offers another character some, well, I won't call it wisdom. Advice.
"When a man cares enough about you to shoot your boyfriend, you owe him kindness."
Somewhat later Gerald is being pursued on the highway by some bad guys. He manages to get behind them and, rather than escaping, he decides to chase them. "To break their spirit."
I don't know what he does to their spirit, but he certainly raises mine considerably. It seems unlikely that there will be more stories about Gerald but I would certainly like to read one.
Haven't read this one yet, but will--and again, great seeing you in Toronto!
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