A NEW PROSPECT reviewed by Ephraim Rodriguez at Authonomy.com, Harper-Collins’ website

Apr 1, 2011 by Etherion

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 Stewart’s gun, the Charlie Chan kiss good-bye, the dog vs the nails, Agatha, annoying flies and gnats.

Despite being dispensed with laid-back ease, the pace is a quick draw and the plot doesn’t step out of sync. The reader has confidence that A NEW PROSPECT is plotted well through and through.

What makes A NEW PROSPECT feel different from other crime fiction is that the main character is domesticated. There are faint traces of Hardboiled Noir fiction mixed with the style and quiet humor of a Western. The title, A NEW PROSPECT, even reads like a Western title.

The best way I can think of to explain its originality is that it has an alarmingly warm welcoming down-to-earth friendly pitch that lends itself to the growing and well retrained sense of impending danger that the genre demands.

I’d say more good things about what I’ve read but I’m afraid I’ll ruin one of the strongest features of the book – it’s humility.

The reveiw is shown at:
http://authonomy.com/books/32632/a-new-prospect/#comment_761679

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About A NEW PROSPECT, the author, Wayne Zurl, and his main character, Sam Jenkins

Apr 1, 2011 by Etherion

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 Reviews

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Praise for A NEW PROSPECT

Apr 1, 2011 by Etherion

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 retires and moves to the country. That in itself paints an interesting picture. However, lessons well learned up north come into play, but disrupt the locals way of life.

Zurl uses each character like an artist uses colors and creates a tense story that will keep the reader reading…that’s the mark of a great novel.

Robert Lee Carey, Jr. Author of GABBY

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Endorsement for “A New Prospect”

Apr 1, 2011 by Etherion

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 [Jenkins] is, no doubt, a memorable character of high integrity and true grit. The reader can easily identify with him and will want to see him…hopefully in a whole series of books. Great job!”

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Endorsement for “By the Horns of A Cow”

Apr 1, 2011 by Etherion

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.

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Cherie Burbach interview

Mar 1, 2011 by Etherion

Wayne’s interview with Cherie Burbach of Working Writer

http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/2011/03/02/interview-wayne-zurl/

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