Larry slammed his fist into the palm of his left hand. "I can't take this anymore, Joe. I can't take this constant hat-in-hand jockeying for space on the bookshelves and exposure in the media. How can I continue writing when the people who are selling books don't read? And to make matters worse, these same people keep trying to second-guess the public about what they want to read."

Joe remained calm. "I have an idea that might work."

"Yeah, yeah."

"I mean it."

"Alright. What?" Larry stood up and waited.

"Actually, it's more like a scheme."

"Don't edit your thoughts, Joe. Say it."

Joe crossed the room and closed the office door.

“It starts with your suicide.”

****************** 

False, then lost identity. Betrayal and infidelity. Theft and corruption. Deceit and murder. These are the dark circumstances operating against struggling author Larry Meachum. His only defense is a desperate determination to survive in a world burdened by mystery, suspense, and crime—a world where Death Takes a Byline.

D. S. Lliteras is the author of fourteen books that have received national and international acclaim. His short stories and poetry have appeared in numerous national and international magazines, journals, and anthologies. He lives in Montgomery, Alabama with his wife and author, Kathleen Touchstone.

"Lliteras' genius is wide-ranging. He is not only a unique stylist, but a great storyteller as well."

"Kept me interested till the end . . . I would read a long section of the book, and then put it down for a while. However, it was not before the siren call of curiosity was overwhelming, and I picked it up again for another reading session. It is not a deep mystery, but it is a worthy read." (Five Star Review)

"[A] fine thriller set in the heart of . . . book publishing."

"Deftly crafted with the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that holds the reader's rapt attention from beginning to cliff-hanger ending, Death Takes a Byline is an extraordinarily entertaining and thought-provoking read that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library Contemporary General Fiction collections."

(5-Star Review) "This is yet another work by D.S. Lliteras that provokes a stringent ‘YES!’ from the reader. He sees the world as few are able and shares the meaning of feeling with us. Quite simply, this is a brilliant little novel – one that makes us eager for the next one!"

"Death Takes a Byline plays it for action and arch humor . . . Lliteras is a terrific writer, but he is also a master ironist."

“Death Takes a Byline grabs the reader's attention immediately and you cannot stop reading. I love the way that Lliteras breaks the story down and allows each main person in the story their own section to tell their point of view. And readers are going to be shocked at the craziness of some of the characters . . . but that will not stop you from reading and rooting for Larry!!!”

“I definitely like his [Lliteras'] writing style. His books really make me think. He's definitely an author worth checking out!”