Each day leading up to the April 16 announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards, and in collaboration with community editors from the award-winning Saint Paul Almanac, we highlight one of the thirty-two finalists. Today we feature 2016 Genre Fiction finalist:
He’s Either Dead or in St. Paul by D.B. Moon
Published by Three Waters Publishing
Category Sponsor: Macalester College
It’s the era of Capone and Dillinger, when gangsters ruled St. Paul. Two thugs, Sly and Eightball, want to move up in the ranks. They betray their boss, form an uneasy alliance, and kidnap a priest, hoping he can decipher a rare document that will lead them to riches beyond their dreams. The mob and a crooked cop are out for blood and will do everything in their power to stop them.
Author Bio:
D.B. Moon, born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, was brought up to appreciate meat raffles and pull tabs, same as any fine St. Paulite worth his salt. Fishing and reading take up a large amount of his free time, mostly because both can be enjoyed with a cold Grain Belt. He lives on a Minnesota lake and tries not to answer his door if at all possible. Moon’s favorite literary genres include hard-boiled, mystery, horror, and comedy—anything with dynamic, engaging characters and a twisted plot. An intelligent woman who can turn a form-fitting cocktail dress into a weapon doesn’t hurt either.
D.B. Moon is on Facebook and Twitter!
An Excerpt from He’s Either Dead or in St. Paul:
“What’s the first thing we do when we kill someone inside the city?” The boss stares at Eightball. Eightball’s silence answered for him. “We dump him along the roadway outside of town like we’re supposed to. You don’t watch him bleed in the middle of a busy sidewalk in broad daylight so everyone can get a real good look at you. Let’s face it, when you’re covered in blood you don’t exactly blend into a crowd…”
Reviews:
“He’s Either Dead or in St. Paul is a thrill ride that brings back the grit and suspense of the hard-boiled crime genre. Slide over, Spillane and Chandler. D.B. Moon is the new mug on the scene—and he’s taking over.”—David Fingerman, author of Silent Kill
“D.B. Moon brings to life the dark underbelly of Prohibition Era St. Paul. He winds you through the adventure with vivid detail. You can see, taste, touch, and smell things you would rather have never come in contact with. Fall into the darkness of those beyond redemption, but look up from the book occasionally to be reminded that there really is good in the world. Moon is able to make you forget that you are you as you slip into his characters’ twisted lives—evil prevails, nothing is what it seems, trust no one, and kill or be killed. This is a gripping tale that will leave you guessing right up to the very end, only to discover all of your guesses were hopelessly wrong.”—Saoirse on Amazon.com
“Moon seamlessly joins two disparate genres–historical thriller and supernatural mystery. His strong narrative voice and constantly surprising plot twists made this entry stand out.”—Minnesota Book Awards preliminary round judge
“Laugh-out loud narrative voice combined with a roaring tour of gangster-era Twin Cities. And a successful blend of historical thriller and allegory. I’m waiting impatiently for the Coen brothers to make this into a movie.”—Minnesota Book Awards preliminary round judge
“Travel back in time with Sly, Eightball and the rest of the cast to explore the seedy parts of the Twin Cities while on a treasure hunt. Connect the dots before it’s too late and brace for impact before crashing into an ending you’ll never see coming.”—Hamline Oracle
Watch:
SELCO librarian Alex Ball reviews He’s Either Dead or in St. Paul.
The evening features a Preface Reception with complimentary passed wine and cash bar, author meet-and-greet, book sales and signing; the Awards Ceremony with live music, celebrity presenters, artisan cheese plates and breads, complimentary wine and lemonade, with emcee Stephanie Curtis of MPR; and the Epilogue After-Party with complimentary champagne, sumptuous desserts, and additional live music. Tickets now on sale, or click here for more information.
Today’s winner: Diane Hite. (We’ll be in touch via email, and arrange getting the book to you!)
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