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His Complicated Past
You Gotta Die Sometime follows a salesman at a convention accused of murder who is now on the run while also being the target for murder. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to tell a story set during the Depression era about a guy struggling, like so many others back then, to find his purpose in the world and keep a roof over his head. He goes to the convention to receive an award and even though the award isn’t much, it gives him a sense of accomplishment and pride. Things turn upside down when his complicated past catches up with him.
Howard is an interesting character that readers are drawn to. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted him to be an Everyman who maneuvers his way through a series of dramatic events, some brought on by man and some by nature. I wanted to stray away from making him all good. In fact, most of his good deeds are fueled by a need to counter bad decisions and make some sort of amends with the world.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
I start every novel organically but start outlining and mapping things out as I get deeper into it. This means going back and forth sometimes, rewriting and editing until it all comes together. The book starts off with him almost getting murdered. When I sat down to write it, like him, I had no idea why or who was trying to kill him.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is a spin-off from my first novel, Machine of War. There was a detective in that book who I really enjoyed, so I’m giving him his own story. The Bum Leg should be available in November.
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Some people shouldn’t die. They’re just no good at it.
On his cross-country journey through depression-era America, Howard Jones faced death more than once. Now, someone is trying to knock off the unassuming door-to-door salesman again. When his would-be assailant is killed, Howard becomes the number one suspect in what was to be his own murder.
On the run, he must unravel the mystery behind the murderous plot. As his world crumbles around him, Howard realizes that discovering the truth, and evading death, will require him to confront his dark and troubled past.
You Gotta Die Sometime
You Gotta Die Sometime by Jay Cameron Parker is a thrilling tale that follows the life of Howard Jones, a Stanley Brush salesman who is framed for murder while attending an award convention. Forced to go on the run, Howard meets a Pullman porter named George, who helps him to unravel the mystery of who might be responsible for the attempt on his life. As Howard shares his life story with George, they journey across the country during the Depression Era, encountering natural disasters and dangerous gangs along the way.
Parker’s expertly crafted narrative starts with a bang, immediately immersing the reader in the action and suspense that keeps them turning pages until the end. The vivid descriptions of the era and the struggles faced by people during the Depression add depth and context to the story, allowing readers to feel like they are transported back in time. One of the book’s strengths is its attention to historical accuracy and detail. Parker’s research is evident in his portrayal of the challenges faced by people during the Great Depression and the realities of life during that time period. Unfortunately, the book follows a specific formula of life attempts, name changes, and natural disasters over and over, making this a slightly predictable read. I would’ve liked to see more variety in the sequence of events to make this a more thrilling read. That aside, the storyline is compelling and engaging.
You Gotta Die Sometime is a well-crafted book that will appeal to fans of hard-boiled mystery. The protagonist’s struggle to find his place in the world after faking his death is a testament to one man’s determination to survive and thrive in a world that is stacked against him. Overall, the book is an engaging and enjoyable read that will leave readers wanting more.
Pages: 370 | ASIN : B0BZ8NB4NG
LITERARY TITAN 