Book Review: ‘Dry Heat: A Novel’ By Len Joy

I really liked author Len Joy’s last book Everyone Dies Famous and now he’s back with a new novel Dry Heat, that is equally or even better. It’s an intense character driven plot and Joey the focus character might be one of the best characters all year, that shows how in the blink of an eye someone’s life can change. It’s compelling and you won’t want to put it down. For 18 year old Joey Blade life should be great. He’s the all-american boy next store, a great student, a star running back on the football team and a good son. He has scholarship opportunties from all the Pac-12 schools. Then at the New Year’s Eve bash (and his 18th birthday) he is with his new girlfriend Wendy and her drug dealer TJ. He also sees Mallory, a 15 year old girl he really likes and had sex with. She tells him she’s pregnant and keeping the baby and he doesn’t have to do anything. The bonfire gets out of control and Joey takes off with Wendy, her ex driving his truck and he and TJ in the back. TJ pulls a gun and shoots during a police pursuit and the Joey tries to throw the gun away., TJ flees and Joey is arrested for attempted murder. Wendy and her boyfriend lie and Joey is now up on charges. Joey makes an effort to find TJ and even asks local gang leader Chico to help. It all leads to a trial in real time and Joey’s future is on the line.

You can pick up Dry Heat in stores on Tuesday, March 1st.