Acclaimed author Jack Gantos's guide to becoming the best brilliant writer.

Jack Falon had it good: successful business, home on the golf course, Cadillac in the driveway, two well-adjusted kids, and a bombshell of a wife. It unravels quickly when Chicago's first family of crime infiltrates his business looking to launder money through his successful chain of restaurants. When extortion fails to force him from his livelihood, his family is kidnapped, and Jack is forced to endure the consequences of murder, rape, and slavery. He discovers a dark and brutal side of his nature as he searches every corner of the city for his daughter, wife, and son. Along the way, he discovers his brother to be an arch-villain with an illicit organization of his own, a brother he must race to a startling and violent conclusion. Jim Arneberg revives the pulp fiction narratives and the noir atmosphere of the '30s, '40s, and '50s. Lurid and violent. Tough and hard-boiled. Mr. Arneberg offers a wonderful, fast-paced story. The characters ... are compelling. The clear conflict ... kept me turning the pages. The author is particularly skilled at making the reader care what happens. Mr. Arneberg is a master of narrative and dialogue. He has a flair for writing and does so with a natural grace born of the true artist. - Writer's Digest

ARE YOU GETTING PREPARED FOR YOUR EXIT EXAM? Is a book that is written to encourage both students and adults about the necessity of being prepared for the inevitable. No one is exempted from being tested both in the physical and spiritual life. Its the intent of the author/s to focus on both in a personal way of the consequences that one will suffer in both instances if there is a lack of preparation which will ultimately lead to failure. The contents of this book will surely strike a personal cord thats evident in the life of every individual. After reading it you will be obligated to decide for yourself whether you can answer the question affirmatively. The dramatization involves people who are faced with a dilemma in life and each is forced to make a decision that will affect their lives in one way or another. Leon Hardnett graduated from West High school in Jackson, Louisiana, and was blessed with three sons: Theron, Aaron, and Joel. and Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He earned a B.S. degree in Electronics Technology. In January of 1979, he married Anna Williams Hardnett. Leon along with Anna L. Woodard, Professor of English at Southern University and several other members of the drama team at Church Point Ministries, co-authored and portrayed a character in three musical dramas: Who Do I Turn To When Im All Alone?, Its A Summer Thing, and The Black Prodigal Father. Leons first two books of poetry, Treasures from the Source and Gods little children were published in 2001 and 2006 respectively. He received the Shakespeare Award of Excellence as Famous Poet for both 2003 and 2004, and the Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Award from the International Society of Poets in 2004.

Ted is having a rough time. Just before Galaxy Foods grand reopening, Ginger Jessup, the store's glamorous TV promoter, and the old owner's young girlfriend, is found dead in the cereal section. Ted prays the killer is one of the old man's truly obnoxious relatives, but they've all got allibis. As for Ted's own staff, its seems there's murder on the shelf.