A Grifter’s Song is a Crime Thriller novella series. Sam and Rachel are long time lovers and lifelong grifters. No mark is too big, no scheme too hot. They zigzag across the continent, looking to make the next score and stay ahead of Little Vincent and the Philadelphia mob. From the first book to the last, nothing is sacred. . . except the love they have for each other.
Bottom line: A Grifter’s Song is for you if you get your thrills cheering for heroes who live on the other side of the tracks.
Today’s featured release is not a single book but 35 novellas in a collection called A Grifter’s Song. The collection was conceived and edited by Frank Zafiro with episodes written by Frank and 29 other authors, myself included. I have for you today an excerpt of the 1st book, THE CONCRETE SMILE by Frank Zafiro, the first chapter of the 2nd book PEOPLE LIKE US by J.D. Rhoades, and the 4th chapter of the last book, INTO THE DYING SUN by Frank Zafiro.
Listen here or wherever you get Mysteries to Die For Podcast
Strengths of the series: Zafiro created a world for the grifters with a full backstory that drives Sam and Rachel’s continuous need to move on. They have a few trusted acquaintances, including a computer hacking expert, and too many enemies, thanks to the long arms of the Philadelphi mob.
All novellas are under 30,000 words, or about 100 pages, making them easy reads that fit into a busy lifestyle. Stories have equivalent ratings of PG to R, but most are pretty hard core. Lol, my episode, #30 GOOD FOR IT, was definitely as lighter end.
Each story is a unique blend of Zafiro’s world and the imagination and style of the individual authors. Sam and Rachel remain true to themselves and each other, no matter what situation they are thrown into.
Where the story fell short of ideal: The series concept is well developed and provides a framework that is defined enough to provide continuity but is open enough to give authors room to work. Readers are bound to have favorite stories and stories they like less – I certainly do. If you don’t love one, I encourage you to read on. This is a very satisfying series.
For behind the scenes interviews between Frank and his writers, check out the podcast Wrong Place, Write Crime wherever you get your podcasts.
All books in A Grifter’s Song were released from Down & Out Books and are available from AMAZON and other book retailers.
About Frank Zafiro
Frank writes gritty crime fiction from both sides of the badge. Frank served in the U.S. Army from 1986-91 in military intelligence as a Czechoslovak linguist. In 1993, he became a police officer in Spokane, Washington. During his career, he worked as a patrol officer, corporal, and detective. In 2002, he became a sergeant and entered into leadership roles. He was fortunate enough to command patrol officers, investigators, the K-9 unit, and the SWAT team. He retired from law enforcement in 2013 as a captain in order to write full time and to teach.
TG Wolff 