Thin Blue Smoke

by Doug Worgul

FICTION

MACMILLAN NEW WRITING

06/02/09

Not many novels combine epic themes of love, loss, faith and race with the local traditions of the barbecue, but this is a story set in Kansas City, where barbecues matter and La Verne’s ribs are the best in town. His diner is where we meet a colourful cast of characters, including a hard-drinking preacher, a faded singer and an ex-convict or two, who come to eat, drink and talk.

Shot through with tragedy and redemption, this is a juicy novel packed with big themes, bigger characters and generously soused in bourbon, barbecues and the blues.

Kate Thomson, Waterstone's Shrewsbury

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