In 2001, I wrote and self-published a harrowing crime novel called Shelter. This novel is not for everyone, as it is graphically violent and holds nothing back. The following is a slightly re-written version of what appears on the back cover of the book. If you like to read fast-paced crime novels, and don’t mind a resultant nightmare or two, get yourself a copy of this book!
Shelter
Boot nails click on time-worn asphalt
As two men pass beneath the streetlight
It’s dim glow reflects in the eyes of one
The slightest glimmer of hope
And anger
Anger at a world he once thrived in
Before it took all he had worked for
Then tossed him to the curb
Like yesterday’s bread sack
Empty
His companion—not of choice—reeks
Not from lack of soap and water
But from the evil within him
Evil that glows in hate-filled eyes
His soul is black
They move with purposeful strides
Through the chill of the dark night
Slipping through the shadowy light
Of the homeless; edging closer
To victims unknown
Tired of begging, they have found
That to take what they need is the way
To even the score and fill their bellies
Caring not what they leave in their wake
No remorse
A roof above their heads, three squares a day
A warm place to lie down at night
Crime the means to obtain these things
A mother weeps, a father curses
Two young women try to begin anew
Their shattered lives
In time, the victims will heal
Pick up the pieces and go on
But on this night
One of the homeless men will die
The other will live
And he will find… Shelter
Copyright © 2013 C Mashburn
Sharing this on dVerse Poets Pub’s Open Link Night #91 this afternoon.
I also published another crime novel in 2ooo–The Devil’s Dust. It’s a rambunctious, fast moving story about a drug heist that goes terribly–sometimes hilariously–wrong. It’s packed with sex drugs, murder, and general mayhem, and if you want to read a doozy of a page-turner, this is one you need to get. You can even buy autographed copies of both my novels from my friends, Linda & Russ at Texas Trading Post.
Here’s a sample of what you’ll find inside The Devil’s Dust: “I’m telling you, man,” Bill said into the phone, trying to keep his voice low. “I can get at least two kilos, maybe three, tonight. They’ll never miss it. By the time they do, they’ll be so confused they won’t be able to remember how many they had, or how much they’ve sold. I need you to stash it for me.” He paused, listening, then sounding impatient, said, “Just be there, okay?” He glanced toward the kitchen as the whir of the blender stopped and whispered into the phone. “Nine o’clock. Gotta go.” As he was placing the phone receiver into its cradle, he heard a gasp from his left and looked over to see Denise, a pitcher of margaritas in one hand, a stack of plastic cups in the other, staring past him, eyes wide and mouth agape. He turned slowly, ice water running through his veins, and thought surely his life was over as he looked up into Gene’s grinning face.
Susan said
Got to look into these!
charlesmashburn said
Yes, you should!!
jmdh said
sounds very interesting !!
charlesmashburn said
I think they’re VERY interesting! Gitcha some!
Raivenne said
Well that’s an attention getter!
charlesmashburn said
at’s what I’m talkin bout!
brian miller said
oo intriguing promo for your book man…you give us enough to get our minds going and to entice us as well…i rather enjoy a good crime story…
charlesmashburn said
You need to read it Brian!
Raven said
This is so good. This is so awful. This is so awfully good. 😉
charlesmashburn said
It is so “bad”, it’s good!
Raven said
😉 That is right!
charlesmashburn said
🙂
viv blake said
If I were to read this as a book jacket blurb, I would probably put the book down unread. But as a piece of writing in its own right, I would say Bravo.
charlesmashburn said
Well, thank you, Viv!
ayala said
I have to look into them. The poem was a good and interesting.
charlesmashburn said
The books are page-turners! Git ’em!
Todd Alan Kraft said
Well I sat up straight in my chair upon reading the first stanza. Good luck with your novels.
charlesmashburn said
That’s always good when I can make someone sit up and take notice! Thanks!
Heaven (@asweetlust) said
A departure from your usual writing, I didn’t know you dabbled in these themes too Charles ~ Good to know, thanks ~
charlesmashburn said
I don’t go this direction much these days.
Mary said
Interesting poem, Charles; but, unfortunately I am more into writing than reading these days..and I don’t like to be scared.
charlesmashburn said
Oh, I can’t imagine not having time to read. I love to read almost as much as I love to write!
Rowan Taw said
I don’t think I could do one without the other. If I read, I then write, and if I write, I have to read…all one creative circle.
charlesmashburn said
My writing is greatly inspired by my reading!
aka_andrea said
This really sparks the curiosity, I want to know more about these folks!
charlesmashburn said
Shelter is a very interesting story. Lot’s of truth in it.
Bar None Group (@barnonegroup) said
How can you not appreciate a poem for advocacy? Observational, honest, without being preachy. It’s a fine line to walk, Charles. And you have.
Cheers,
Mark Butkus
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Mark! I appreciate the kind words!
Tony Maude said
Well Charles, I sure do love a good crime novel/detective story, and these are intriguing. Sadly, I think the delivery costs to Scotland might prove criminal too.
charlesmashburn said
You might be right, Tony. Thanks!