Closure

by Kyle W. Russell

At 17, Samuel has known only abuse at home and a lack of purpose in the world. When a pretty classmate asks him to kill her groping uncle in exchange for an hour of her affection, he accepts. Clumsy but successful, Samuel emerges feeling empowered. Leaving Tucson for south Phoenix, he develops himself into muscle for hire, dealing out beatings with regularity. He is introduced to Nate, an older businessman who develops and employs professional hitmen. During his training, Samuel meets the beautiful Rica and a brash former SAS commando known as Scrote. Rica is impeccably efficient. Scrote is excessively brutal. Over time, Samuel becomes a blend of the two. Hounded by run-ins with rival hitters, confusion over his growing feelings for Rica, and wondering where he belongs in life, Samuel’s struggles are constant. Through violent events that test his very sanity, Samuel is eventually granted that most elusive of he comes to understand the value of life, and what it means to find closure.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2012

About the author

Born and (mostly) raised in Phoenix, Arizona, I find the heat oppressive in the extreme. Thusly driven indoors, I learned to love the peace and release of writing. I'll go out when I must, or when the opportunity to get in some firearms practice presents itself, but I otherwise prefer my laptop to any Disney rides.

I have been happily married for 20 years and love raising my twins. (and my Rottie pup!)

Closure, my first published novel, and its three attached short stories (Rica, Scrote, and Nate) were written to address the issue of how we become who we are as individuals. Is it Fate or Choice that controls this? Though fairly dark in tone and purpose, the books do what I asked of them.

My upcoming novels are considerably different in theme and tone, and can be previewed on my website.

For me, there is little as satisfying as knocking out a few thousand new words in an afternoon. I love where they take me and who they allow me to be, if only for the moment.