Hard Word Talks to Matthew F. Jones About A SINGLE SHOT

August 29th at 7p, The Hard Word Book Club continues its discussion of hard boiled fiction with one of the hardest. Published in the ’90s, Matthew F. Jones’ A Single Shot was one of the first books in the rural noir movement and its raw power has not faded. We’re honored to have Mr. Jones calling in to discuss it with us.

The story concerns Jon Moon, a hunter going through a rough patch in his life. When poaching a deer, he accidentally shoots a young woman. Next to her body is a letter she wrote describing a guy named Waylon, who doesn’t sound too nice, and a sack full of money. Jon decides to hide the body and take the money.

It proves to be one of many bad decisions he’s forced to make. Soon, he is up against a crooked lawyer (his own), some dark secrets buried in his small town, and Waylon who proves to be as bad as we assumed. Everything closes in on Jon, forcing him to take darker and darker measures.

The book uses a simple set-up to its fullest. Around 250 pages, it gives the reader a tight and tense story, while it looks at the marginalization of the traditional male. It it a skillful merging of plot, premise, mood, and theme.

There is a lot for us to discuss about A Single Shot and Mr. Jones has been looking forward to joining in on the discussion. Come out and join us on the third floor, 7pm on Wednesday, August 29th. The book is 10% off to those who attend.

If you want more insight into the book and the author, check out this interview he did at the Mulholland Books website.

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