The Arx by Jay Allan Storey
Ex-Homicide Detective Frank Langer’s life is a mess. A year ago, after a mental breakdown, he was placed on extended medical leave from the squad he was once expected to lead. Six months later his wife left him. Now he spends his days drinking and chain-smoking, and his nights waking up screaming from a horrific…
Ex-Homicide Detective Frank Langer’s life is a mess. A year ago, after a mental breakdown, he was placed on extended medical leave from the squad he was once expected to lead. Six months later his wife left him. Now he spends his days drinking and chain-smoking, and his nights waking up screaming from a horrific recurring nightmare.
The guys at the squad think he’s lost it and will probably never return. So when Frank shows up one day with a wild story about a conspiracy to kidnap and murder babies, they pat him on the back and tell him to go home…
” Great mix of thriller with a little sci-fi.”
Five Star Review on Amazon By Ed E. Morawski
I liked this book, it is an interesting mix of genres: a crime thriller with some science fiction.
First off let me say I’m not a fan of characters like Frank who are sloppy, disgusting drunks (dirty dishes piled in sink, trash and garbage everywhere, etc.). At least this Frank has some excuse because of his precarious mental state. The author does a terrific job of describing Frank’s PTSD. At times I actually felt his anguish and it weighed heavily on me, he has quite a talent in getting the reader emotionally involved. This produced such a strong reaction that I began to feel Frank was beyond pig headed in not seeking professional help and it began to get frustrating. Why doesn’t this guy want to help himself? Then it seems to go on a little too long (for me anyway).
There are some flat out interesting and unexpected twists and turns which I really liked. The Arx kept me turning pages all night. Highly recommended.
About the Author
Born in Victoria, BC, Canada, Jay has traveled the world, passing through many places in the news today, including Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Swat valley in Pakistan. He has worked at an amazing variety of jobs, from cab driver to land surveyor to accordion salesman to software developer.
Jay is the author of two novels, THE ARX, and ELDORADO, a novella, CHOPPER MUSIC, and a number of short stories. A new novel is due late in 2015, and several other projects are in the works. His stories always skirt close to the edge of believability (but hopefully never cross over). He is attracted to characters who are able to break out of their stereotypes (as Jackson Reilly does in CHOPPER MUSIC) and transform themselves.
He loves both reading and writing, both listening to and playing music, and working with animals. He’s crazy for any activity relating to the water, including swimming, surfing, wind-surfing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.