Book Release May 14th: Local Author, Eyrk Pruitt, Releases the Much Anticipated Blood Red Summer
April 29, 2024
The crime novelist’s latest will be launched at Hillsborough’s Yonder in conversation with Dale Edwards.
On May 14, 2024, Eryk Pruitt’s (Something Bad Wrong, What We Reckon) latest crime novel, Blood Red Summer, will be released and the novelist is hosting a book launch at Yonder in Hillsborough. The author will be in conversation with the News of Orange editor, Dale Edwards, starting at 5:30pm. The two will share a conversation on stage, a reading from the author, and a Q&A with the audience.
Blood Red Summer tells the story of true crime podcaster Jess Keeler who works with a documentary crew in a small town to expose the true story of the 1984 Lake Castor Sniper. The sniper terrorized the historically Black part of the old mill town, claiming five lives with little attention from the press or the police. But when journalist Hal Broadstreet was killed, the community quickly mobilized and arrested a suspect. Forty years later, however, Jess believes they may have arrested the wrong man. As evidence emerges, pointing to a false confession and further horrific crimes from the era, Jess closes in on the truth—and risks landing in the sights of the true sniper.
The Library Journal says, in a starred review, that “the intriguing sequel to Something Bad Wrong utilizes dual timelines and three voices that contrast styles of crime coverage in a Southern noir story of violence, corruption, and racism. For fans of true-crime podcasts or S.A. Cosby.” Cosby, himself, referred to it as “very, very good writing,” while author Ed Kurtz (The Rib from Which I Remake the World) called it “taut, twisty, heartbreaking, and flat-out brilliant.”
Blood Red Summer is published by Thomas & Mercer and will be available at bookstores, online retailers, and wherever you buy books. Notably, Hillsborough’s Purple Crow Books, McIntyre’s in Pittsboro, and The Regulator in Durham share a great relationship with the author. McIntyre’s will be holding a book release on June 15 with Pruitt, SA Cosby, and Rob Hart.
“I’m so excited about this event,” News of Orange editor Dale Edwards said in a Facebook post. “Blood Red Summer is an absolute page-turner. It’s going to be fun and I’m going to be a nervous wreck!”
Yonder: Southern Cocktails and Brew has hosted several literary events in their cocktail lounge, making it a mainstay in North Carolina’s literary scene. It was recently lauded by Our State’s podcast with Wiley Cash for its Noir at the Bar readings which feature eight authors performing slices of their rowdier selections. It’s also hosted several book launches and often features “literary cocktails” on its drink menus, such as Dorothy Parker’s Algonquin, Raymond Chandler’s Champagne Cocktail, and Hemingway’s Daiquiri.
“It’s a natural fit,” says author and Yonder co-owner Eryk Pruitt. “Books and booze go together like Texas and chainsaw massacres.”
WHAT: Book launch for Blood Red Summer by Eryk Pruitt in conversation with Dale Edwards of The News of Orange.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 5:30pm
WHERE: Yonder: Southern Cocktails & Brew at 114 W King St, Hillsborough, NC, 27278 – www.yonderbarnc.com