Abigail in Gangland

Novels require three fundamental elements if they are to be worth the time it takes to read them: Memorable Characters; Unexpected but thoroughly plausible plot twists; and Attention to Detail. "Abigail In Gangland" by Ray Reece complies with each one of these basic requirements of good fiction. Luke thrasher is a working artist who returns home to Fort Wade, Texas after a thirty year career in Manhattan to care for his ailing and senile Aunt Abby. The problem is that Aunt Abby lives in the middle of an Hispanic gang controlled area of the city. Luke inevitable runs afoul of the Latin Blads when he falls in love with the mother of one of the principle gang members. Complicating things further is a multi-million dollar inheritance and a pervasive sense of cultural oppression. As an author, Reece has managed to deftly blend urban mayhem with contemporary social issues. The result is a novel that is highly recommended, highly rewarding reading and a popular addition to any community library collection or personal reading list.

"Abigail in Gangland" is a powerful novel about love and redemption, racial tension and urban blight, Alzheimer's and marijuana. From the first page, I was pulling for Luke, against all odds, and falling in love with dotty old Abigail. Wonderfully strong characters and beautifully written. The road trip to Mexico is one of the funniest scenes I've ever read. I'm waiting for the sequel -- and the movie!

Originally published in Hungary, this third novel by Ray Reece, expat American columnist for the Budapest Sun, is a real corker. Packaged as street lit and described as "neo-beat," it's the story of an aging artist who moves from New York for a gang-ridden Texas town to care for his aunt -- and have a shot at her inheritance. In the end, he rediscovers the value family, his art, and true love. Some loose ends at the end, but that's a lot like life. Surprisingly satisfying.

Ray Reeces novel, Abigail in Gangland,is a page turner. It will draw you in immediately, and keep you engrossed from beginning to end. This tale has so many great characters and the way Mr. Reece weaves them together is extraordinary. This novel is also extremely funny throughout,but it has it's share of uneasy drama, to be sure. The surprise ending is simply a thing of beauty. This is the best story I've read in a long time. Do yourself a favor by picking it up and enjoying a great read too.

The writing style is interesting and the story line is fun. There are periodic forays into serious topics while it remains enjoyable and lively throughout. Highly recommend it for relaxation. I will read this author's other books.