books



  perfect ghost  

 Teddy, you would have been proud of me.

I left home on my own, and not just to pace up and down Bay State Road like a restless feline, either. I made arrangements online, but I physically climbed into a puke-stinking cab, pinched my nose during the ride to South Station, and raced onboard the 9:50 Acela. I almost bailed at New Haven because I was terrified, because my Old Haven no longer existed, because it sounded so damned hopeful: “Five minutes to New Haven, exit on your right.” I squeezed my eyelids shut and resisted the impulse to flee. Instead, I thought about you. I conjured you. I imagined talking to you, telling you about the strangers on the train

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red underline


  heart of the world  
Cold.
     It was as bitter a January morning as New England could spew. Gray clouds blocked the weak sun like heavy curtains and I smelled snow that had yet to fall, an unseen edge of white in the icy sky. Numb gloved fingers tugged my scarf ... Read more
 

red underline


  deep pockets   I hate running errands. I put them off and put them off, and then one morning the cat's got no food, there are zero stamps on the roll, and I realize I own no underwear minus holes. I understand some people like to shop for clothes, do it for pure pleasure... Read more  

red underline


  big dig   I used to work with Happy Eddie Conklin when I was a cop. He had a gruff voice, a blunt, dogged manner, and while he was "freakin' old enough to be my father," as he reminded me often enough, he never treated me like a child. When he asked me to meet him at Ocean Wealth in Chinatown... Read more  

red underline


  essay   It's true. I confess. There are similarities between the protagonist of the Carlotta Carlyle series and her creator. When asked about them in person, I offer a set response. We wear the same size shoes. We share the same grandmother. If a fan persists, I might comment on height or hair color. ... Read more  

red underline