A Man of Lies

DEBUT Effectively employing his experience working on films like Jack Ryan, Crane gives his ingeniously imaginative debut novel a cinematic sense of pacing, an unforgettable protagonist, and a veritable constellation of intriguing Damon Runyon–esque supporting characters. When their scheme to fleece their boss Enrico Scarpello goes horribly awry, Barrett Rye and his boyfriend Mickey find themselves in a world of trouble. First, Enrico has Mickey killed, and then he makes it clear to Barrett that he is next unless Barrett returns the money they stole. Fortunately, Barrett has a plan. Omaha-based mafioso Henry Holzmann is rumored to have a lucrative deal going down. All Barrett has to do is create enough commotion around the deal, thereby forcing Holzmann to pay Barrett the money he needs to back off. Can he pull it off?