Southside Hardcover – November 5, 2013

Description

From Publishers Weekly The debut novel from Krikorian, a Los Angeles Times crime reporter, is a grim thriller that brings a sense of bleak reality to the streets of Los Angeles. Michael Lyons is a flamboyant 12-year L.A. Times veteran specializing in gangs and well known for his ability to humanize the most thuggish criminal. When Lyons is shot and wounded in front of his favorite bar in broad daylight, his colleagues eagerly speculate about who is responsible. An outraged husband? A disgruntled gang member? Or Lyons himself, as an elaborate publicity stunt? After recovering, Lyons begins his own investigation, one that takes him through the gritty and melancholy streets of L.A. and through interviews with the grieving parents of murdered or incarcerated young men. Meanwhile, Lyons's assailant targets more victims, setting the whole city on edge. Krikorian's language is stark, graphic, and bitterly humorous, not unlike that of George Pelecanos. Though this book could use some fine-tuning, it moves with speed and purpose. (Nov.) Read more Review "In a place as well traveled by storytellers as Los Angeles, Michael Krikorian blazes a unique path with this powerful first novel. Southside has muscle, insight, and all the right stuff. Krikorian is an exciting new writer who has put all his experience and wisdom to work here."―Michael Connelly, New York Times best-selling author of The Black Box"Streetwise, gritty, and authentic . . . Krikorian takes you on a ride you won't soon forget."―Lee Child, New York Times best-selling author of Never Go Back“The debut novel from Krikorian, a Los Angeles Times crime reporter, is a grim thriller that brings a sense of bleak reality to the streets of Los Angeles. Krikorian’s language is stark, graphic, and bitterly humorous, not unlike that of George Pelecanos...it moves with speed and purpose.”―Publishers Weekly“Former Los Angeles Times reporter Krikorian takes his readers on a quick and dirty ride through some of the most dangerous territory in L.A. in this fast-moving debut crime story of revenge and murder. The author knows his territory and isn't afraid to highlight the terrifying reality of gang life as well as the very human stories at its core, without ever resorting to cliché. His sparse style will appeal to readers who like their crime fiction no-nonsense and full of realistic grit.”―Library Journal"In a sea of crime novels, it's refreshing to find one by someone who clearly knows his territory, and Michael Krikorian is certainly that kind of writer. This story of L.A.'s gang world is gritty and real and utterly compelling. If you like the cut-to-the-bone sense of place that permeates the novels of James Ellroy, George Pelecanos, and Richard Price, then Krikorian's Southside should be high on your reading list."―Michael Koryta, Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner and author of The Prophet Read more See all Editorial Reviews