Meet Robert Arellano, who's got a short story in NJ Noir. He's a Jersey boy, with family rooted deep in Cuba—the celebrated author of Havana Lunar and
other compelling narratives. Havana Lunar, published by Akashic in 2009 was nominated for the Edgar. It's a fascinating, grim story set in post-Soviet Havana when there were no goods to be had and food was scarce. Tim McLoughlin, author of Heart of the Old Country says, " A sad, surreal, beautiful tour of the hell that was Cuba in the aftermat of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The writing is storytelling superb. Havana Lunar is perfect."

Arellano's latest achievement is "Kettle Run" published November 2011 in New Jersey Noir, edited by Joyce Carol Oates. Set in Cherry Hill, it's the dark side of growing up in the Garden State. He's in great company with stories by Bill Pronzini, SJ Rozan, Jonathan Santlofer and others.

Books at Bookwagon New and Used Books on Ashland Street, in Ashland, OR call 541-448-4477.