Death Of A Writer

Murder mystery, academic foolery, spoof of the publishing world combine in a literary work that blends complex characters and a puzzling plot

From Booker Prize nominee Michael Collins comes "a wonderfully creepy murder mystery" (People), about a novelist whose last hope for fame may be the deepest secret in his past.
 
For E. Robert Pendleton, a professor clinging to tenure and living in the shambles of his once-bright literary career, death seems to be the only remaining option. But his suicide attempt fails, and during his long convalescence, a novel is discovered hidden in his basement: a brilliant, semi-autobiographical story with a gruesome child murder at its core.
 
The publication of Scream causes a storm of publicity and raises questions about its content--in particular, about the uncanny resemblance between Pendleton's fictional crime and a real-life, unresolved local murder. How did Pendleton know the case so well? And why did he bury Scream in his basement? A rare blend of suspense, humor and insight, Death of a Writer is "dark, disturbing and damnably good." (Baltimore Sun).

Michael Collins is the author of six novels and two collections of short stories. His work has garnered numerous awards, including a Pushcart Award for Best American Short Story and The Kerry Ingredients Irish Novel of the Year. His novel The Keepers of Truth was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the IMPAC Award. He lives in Bellingham, Washington.

"A stunning tour de force that does a masterful dance through many genres."--Seattle Post Intelligencer

"Michael Collins tears into literary academe with great comic gusto."--New York Times Book Review

"Death of a Writer is as caustic as it is brilliant."--Washington Post Book World

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Distributor: MPS
Publication Date: 09-04-2007
Pages: 320
Measurements: 8.540in X 5.300in X 0.860in