Outro

by Michael J. Vaughn

Karz Bar in Gig Harbor, Washington, is home to the best karaoke singers in the county - and the best hostess, Channy Lebeque, a young transplant from Alaska. But Channy's gracious exterior hides a dark past - a past that might explain her late-night cigar-smoking sessions on the Jerisich Dock. It takes the arrival of Ruby Cohen - a talented singer who pours insults on anyone who gets close - to bring out the truth. On a wild Halloween night, Ruby gets her final comeuppance - a firing squad equipped with raw eggs - and forces Channy to talk about the husband who went to Iraq and never returned.

266 pages, Paperback

First published December 30, 2008

About the author

Michael J. Vaughn is the author of 29 novels, including Punks for the Opera and Mermaids' Tears. He is also a fine arts painter, and drummer/vocalist for San Jose's El Camino Revival Band.

Reviews

[Stephen Clynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outro is a term used in karaoke when the words stop and the music plays on giving the singer the option of walking off stage or waiting by the mike. This novel is about 2 people who meet at a karaoke bar. The central character is Channy, the karaoke jock and she is supported by Ruby who comes along to sing. There are other people involved in this story along the way, which has a happy ending.

Outro is an unusual novel as it does NOT fit into a genre. Michael has written a lovely story that is simply a joy to read. When you go away on holiday, you often befriend strangers, who over time you get to know rather well. Outro is very much like making friends on holiday. Michael is very good at characterization and gradually the people open up to you with their back stories. It is all about people drifting through the karaoke bar and their life experiences.

As the characters give each other more trust you learn about their troubles and how they try to move on. What makes this so enjoyable is the freshness of Michael's writing. You get the impression that you are meeting these people for the first time and are enjoying a holiday with them. Empathy grows strongly and this novel shows the good side to human nature and the value of friendship.

Michael's narrative is very good, so much so that you feel as though you are living with his characters. Outro is a refreshing read that appeals because of it's realism and use of ordinary, non glamourous characters. This girl-next-door style gives this book a credibility that makes it a good read that I will vote 4 stars.

[Author G D Grace]

Another local artist that a friend of mine hipped me to. He's out of San Jose California....

[Diana Rushing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romantic tragedy

This was an interesting read. A little political in views not real blatant. Lots of characters easy to follow each one.