Dietrich Kalteis is an author whose works are marked by a penetrating gaze into human nature and complex interpersonal relationships. His style is both raw and poetic, allowing readers to delve deeply into his stories. Kalteis often explores themes of identity, loss, and the search for meaning in difficult life situations. His internationally recognized works have been translated into several languages, attesting to his ability to connect with a wide audience.
Set against the backdrop of 1920s Prohibition-era Chicago, this tense crime novel immerses readers in a world dominated by mobsters and illicit activities. With a gripping narrative reminiscent of Elmore Leonard and George Pelecanos, it explores the intertwining lives of characters navigating the dangerous underbelly of organized crime. The story promises high stakes, moral dilemmas, and the relentless pursuit of power and survival in a city rife with corruption and violence.
Focusing on the life of Alvin Karpis, a Chicago gangster during the 1930s, the narrative delves into his alliance with the infamous Barker Gang. Together, they embark on a spree of bank robberies, murders, and kidnappings, ultimately becoming America's most wanted criminals. The novel explores themes of crime and survival against the backdrop of a tumultuous era, revealing the darker sides of ambition and loyalty.
Set in 1960s Toronto, Lenny Ovitz is entangled in a web of deceit and crime, working for a gangster while struggling with mounting debts and a troubled marriage. His wife, Paulina, threatens to expose his secrets and demands a divorce, which Lenny fears will ruin him financially. Desperate to resolve his problems, he concocts a dangerous plan to eliminate Paulina. As he navigates the treacherous world of crime and betrayal, Lenny's choices lead to high stakes and moral dilemmas that could cost him everything.
A retired cop named Fitch Henry Haut intervenes when he sees two men abducting a runaway girl. After successfully escaping in his dilapidated Winnebago, he learns about her harrowing situation, prompting a growing bond between them. As they navigate the challenges of evading their pursuers, the story explores themes of courage, redemption, and the unlikely connections formed in desperate circumstances.
Set in the Depression era, the story follows newlyweds Bennie and Stella, whose contrasting personalities—his recklessness and her naivety—lead them to rob a bank in search of a better life. Their impulsive decision quickly spirals out of control, landing them on the FBI's "Most Wanted" list and shattering their dreams of freedom and prosperity.
The story follows Bobbi Ricci as she attempts to escape her dangerous boyfriend, gangster "Maddog" Palmieri, by teaming up with Denny, his resentful ex-driver. Their plan to steal Maddog's money and car spirals into chaos when Maddog hires a ruthless killer, Lee Trane, to track them down. As they flee through northern British Columbia and Alaska, Bobbi and Denny face escalating dangers and misadventures, realizing their lives are at stake. The narrative blends excitement with dark humor, showcasing Kalteis's knack for vivid character portrayals in a gritty setting.
Set during the dust bowl in a Midwestern town, a rainmaker arrives with the hope of ending the devastating drought. However, as the promised rains fail to materialize, conflict brews between the enigmatic stranger and the townspeople. The story explores themes of hope, desperation, and the clash between belief and reality as the community grapples with their expectations and the stranger's true intentions.
In this gripping mystery, two ex-convicts collaborate with a dubious used car dealer to smuggle cars and illicit goods across the New York border. As they navigate the dangerous world of crime, the lengths one man will go to for love reveal the complexities of redemption and morality. Poughkeepsie Shuffle explores the intertwining of relationships and crime, showcasing the characters' struggles and motivations against a backdrop of suspenseful twists.
The story follows Grey Stevens, a successful pot grower in Whistler, who prefers a laid-back lifestyle. His world is turned upside down when he intervenes to save a girl from a gang member's assault. This incident forces him to confront a pivotal choice: to maintain his peaceful existence or to stand up and fight for what he values. The narrative explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the consequences of taking a stand against danger.
Bounty hunter Karl Morgen goes after Miro Knotts on a skipped bond, finding the dope dealer wrapped around an underaged girl at a rave in Seattle. Dragging Miro in the hard way gets Karl’s license revoked, while Miro gets off with a suspended sentence.Finished in Seattle, Karl finds work as a process server in Vancouver. To Karl, it’s the kind of place where people settle things with middle fingers instead of guns, the kind of place a guy could get used to. He meets PJ Addie, the kind of woman he could settle down with.After Miro ducks a drug sweep by escaping north of the border, he decides to come after Karl, blaming him for the mess his life has turned into. Karl puts settling down aside, longing for another crack at the scumbag who had his license revoked. What follows is a ride through Vancouver’s underbelly featuring gangsters and cops and a final confrontation between Karl and Miro that only one will walk away from.