Jim Lively Books

What is it about Charles Pierce that makes people want to kill him? He's retired from his law practice, does pro bono work for non-profits, and has turned all his attention to focus on his art. He even rented a studio, as part of a gallery where exhibitions are well attended and the wine flows freely. So why does a mysterious and hostile young man threaten him, while the woman who tried to poison him last year shows up at an exhibition to purchase one of his abstract paintings? Charles can't seem to avoid associating with criminals. Even Detective Gonzales believes he is somehow involved in a series of local murders because his business cards are found at the scene. No one, least of all Charles, can explain it, but the more he seeks clues and answers, the more he finds the whole situation to be a Surreal Absurdity.

How does a functional alcoholic and possible schizophrenic, who is also a successful attorney for the health insurance industry, handle the demise of a plaintiff due to a technicality that denied him an expensive life-saving procedure? Simple. Charles Pierce retires and books a cruise to escape his meaningless life and personal demons. Little does he know that the dead plaintiff’s widow, armed with poison and intent on revenge, has booked the same cruise.Upon departure, a mysterious woman seduces Charles. She warns him that the unhinged wife of her lover may be onboard, but then she suddenly vanishes. Bewildered, Charles can find no trace of her guest registration. After he investigates the possibility of foul play, Charles contacts the ship’s chief security officer. But the officer is too preoccupied to pay any attention to his findings because someone has stolen a priceless diamond from the ship’s boutique.What else could go wrong?Find out, as you follow the baffling plot twists and unpredictable actions of Charles. Worry about him while he struggles to find answers and avoid getting killed by a growing list of other strange characters, who all exhibit Aberrant Behavior.