Events
The folks at the Jefferson City Public Library were kind enough to invite me to a book signing. Take a look at the poster they made up for the event. Find me at 108 City Center Drive, Jefferson City, TN. Call 865-475-9094 for more information. See you then.
May 10th, 2011
Good news came in this morning via email. A NEW PROSPECT won 1st place for a mystery at the 2011 Independent Publisher’s Book Awards. So, what does that mean? I get a cash prize, a certificate (suitable for framing) and a gold medal with a red, white and blue ribbon. Other than that, I now have to go around and find every unsold book on a shelf and add a small gold sticker from the IBPA. After May 20th, The 2011 contest results will be published and posted at www.IndieBookAwards.com .
read moreAnother Prospect
Here’s a Mother’s Day gift to anyone who likes the Sam Jenkins stories. It began life as an entry to a theme short story contest. But because I have trouble limiting the number of words I use, it went over the limit. I chose my “time travel” adventure to be a sci-fi / western with a cast of familiar characters. A parallel universe story, perhaps. ————— Katherine and I stood in front of the hottest new attraction in the touristy town of Pigeon Forge. It looked like nothing more than a small...
read moreA NEW PROSPECT receives a 4.5 review from You Gotta Read Reviews
Sam Jenkins has just become a favorite character of mine. I generally have a weakness for cops but Sam is not your ordinary hero. The character development throughout the book was very strong. By the end of the book, I felt as though Sam were a friend of mine. I really wish there had been more scenes with his interaction with his wife. She was one very funny secondary character. Brimming with countless suspects, I was trying to figure out the killer from the very beginning. The plot line was phenomenal and I loved that this story put a spin...
read moreAnother good review for A NEW PROSPECT
…a mysterious, wonderful read. Wayne Zurl has a marvelous imagination and is very creative with details. Leaves you at the end…with a sense of justice, if you believe that some laws should be bent and karma always gets their man. Stacy Eldridge Way2Kool Reviews
read moreA NEW PROSPECT reviewed by Ephraim Rodriguez at Authonomy.com, Harper-Collins’ website
A NEW PROSPECT is a pure breed of its genre – crime fiction. To say that the beginnings, middles and ends are strong and definitive is an understatement. They cut with precision, clear and clean. The voice and style read effortless and consistent. The dialogue accents the style, comes off as natural. Much of the main character’s “way of being”, his relationships, both personal, with the town and in relation to the world of the story are dispensed in sober well-humored bits – Wal-Mart morality, Jimmy...
read moreAbout A NEW PROSPECT, the author, Wayne Zurl, and his main character, Sam Jenkins
Zurl’s spare style quickly captures his hero’s nature, but the characters are also offered in condensed and pithy bites. These descriptions [show] Zurl’s eye for the old style in a modern world. Jenkins retains his hard-nosed, wise-cracking style of detectives such as Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe. [But] like all remarkable characters, this…tough guy has his sentimental side. [Zurl’s] experience helped him master writing in an authentic, laid-back, hard-bitten police procedural style. —US...
read morePraise for A NEW PROSPECT
A New Prospect” by Wayne Zurl is a recommended read for anyone liking mystery stories with excellent characters. Zurl has set this novel in the perfect place, the mountains of Tennessee. Here we find true-to-life characters, an inside look at the ‘good ole’ boys’ network, still active in many rural counties. The plot grabs you from the onset and holds you. I found Zurl’s dialogue to be realistic as was his descriptions. Zurl has created an excellent protagonist, especially for us southerners. A New York detective...
read moreEndorsement for “A New Prospect”
James Gill Retired professor of English Literature University of Tennessee “Your knowledge of police procedure and lingo is clearly superior…” “The plot is well developed and the blocking forces to the investigation are credible.” “I think you have a winner here. You and the chief have a wonderful sense of humor.” William Greenleaf Editor, ghostwriter, and author of nine novels “…this is an hilarious police story and you…bring out the conflicts and the suspense in a compelling captivating way. The characters loom large on the page. Sam...
read moreEndorsement for “By the Horns of A Cow”
Dr. James Hawkins Author of A Common Virtue. (Review on Amazon.com) Wayne Zurl is at it again. One of the most remarkable writers of police adventures on the market today. This book, like all of Zurl’s others, is a blend of police resolve and investigative genius. If you buy any books this year, start with this one—you won’t be disappointed.
read moreCalvin Shepherd’s Bronze Star
Here’s an outtake from A NEW PROSPECT. Pre-publication reviewers seemed to like the scene, but I thought it sent the main story off to the sideline, causing things to slow down. But I’m into recycling. Calvin Shepherd’s Bronze Star. By Wayne Zurl Copyright 2006 An outtake from A NEW PROSPECT. Published January 2011 by Black Rose Writing. (Inspired by an actual incident. North Bellport, Suffolk County, NY, 1974) (Fictional character, former NY detective turned Tennessee police chief, Sam Jenkins narrates the story) We finished at...
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