The Kortelisy Escape

Buy the Book: Amazon
Published by: Permanent Press
Release Date: November 2018
Pages: 288
ISBN13: 978-1579625429

 
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Overview

Caught in an unjust Three Strikes law that sends him to prison for life, Nate Larson negotiates with prosecutors for an early release in exchange for testifying against his brother in a mob-related trial. As part of the deal, he demands custody of his fourteen-year-old granddaughter, Grace, whom he hardly knows and who’s survived a string of disastrous foster homes.

Nate taught himself stage magic in prison. On his release, he plans a traveling magic show through New England and invites Grace to become his apprentice. The actual plan: to spend a few pleasant months with her then derail his brother’s trial by running alone to Canada.

Unexpectedly, he develops feelings for Grace and a strong desire to disentangle his brother from the mob. Facing death unless he runs and his brother’s destruction if he stays and testifies, Nate must thread a dangerous needle. And Grace, learning to perform stage magic herself, must use it to grow up in a hurry.


Praise

Foreword Reviews 2018 Finalist for General Adult Fiction and Thriller and Suspense Fiction. Read

A "quirkily endearing gem of a crime novel.... Distinctive characters, a tightly woven plot, and polished prose make this a winner."
Publishers Weekly Read

"A master storyteller weaves a tale of love, pain, and sleight of hand.... [A] clever and richly enjoyable novel."
Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Read

"A tender tale of loyalty, gratitude, and the healing power of magical wonder; Rosen’s gifted storytelling will appeal to readers beyond genre boundaries."
Booklist Read

"Some novels are great for escape.... Others are great for puzzle-solving-—solve the mystery at the end. This book is a great one for immersion—-let yourself get involved in the story but leave time to stop and reflect often. It is not about getting to the end, it is about what is contained, even layered inside."
M-U-M, magazine of the Society of American Magicians Read


Read an Excerpt

The first time . . . the first time was when I stole Mrs. Del- Rey’s lipstick.

She and Mr. Del-Rey must have flipped through the availables list like they were buying a used car or a washing machine from a catalogue. As we were driving back to their house, they sat in the front seat discussing my cheek bones, which they thought were well formed, and my hair, which they decided was too straight and in need of curling. I was four. Two weeks later, they were stuffing me into party dresses with crinolines and painting blush on my cheeks. They taught me to use Junior Miss lipstick, how to make that popping sound with my lips as I blotted away the extra on old envelopes. Mrs. Del-Rey even promised I could wear her very own “Fuchsia” by Maybelline on my next birthday.

Read the full excerpt