Cripple Creek - Softcover

James Sallis is the author of more than two dozen volumes of fiction, poetry, biography, translation, essays, and criticism. His novels, particularly the Lew Griffin sextet, are among the most highly regarded works of crime fiction published in recent years. He writes a regular column for the Boston Globe's book section. Sallis lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

“The burned-out Memphis cop named Turner who sought refuge from his demons as a rural sheriff's deputy in James Sallis's Cyprus Grove is still a long way from being socialized in Cripple Creek. But he's now admitting visitors to his cabin in the woods, and when a mobster blows in from the city to spring a confederate from the local jail, Turner is mad enough to take his grievance straight back to Memphis. "Figure they can do whatever they want out here on the edge, I'm thinking, "he says, in the spare but eloquent idiom that pegs him--along with this superior series--as a keeper.” ―Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

“A darkly moving mystery that is unlike anything else being written today.” ―Dick Adler, Chicago Tribune

“It's a crime that a writer this good isn't better known.” ―David Montgomery, Chicago Sun Times

“Sallis' lyricism and power trump everything else, including a shock at the end of the book. This is one you absolutely don't want to miss.” ―Les Roberts, Cleveland Plain Dealer *

“Beautifully written...Sallis's working method is to simply let the cameras roll, depicting the lives of Turner, his banjo-picking girlfriend, his eccentric co-workers and Cripple Creek itself. A structural sleight of hand toward the end...is pretty amazing once the reader catches on.” ―Associated Press

“James Sallis weaves another rich tale, with plenty of that fine embroidery that makes his stories such pure reading pleasure. The book is full of asides, observations and reminiscences that celebrate humanity.” ―Charlotte Observer

“A sequel to Sallis' Cypress Grove, it's equally brilliant and poignant.” ―Adam Woog, Seattle Times

“Grade: A...Sallis is an excellent writer who plays the English language like a well-tuned country fiddle.” ―Patti Thorn, Rocky Mountain News