The River Sorrow A Novel [Paperback]

In one of the most unique and powerfully realized debut novels of the decade, Craig Holden creates a page-turning drama that is both emotionally shattering and harrowingly plausible.

When a fatally burned victim is brought into the Morgantown General Hospital emergency room, a young doctor's life is changed irrevocably. For Dr. Adrian Lancaster, the arrival of "John Doe" is only the first of a bizarre and bloody series of events that will force him to relive his violent past and put him on the run. On the road and underground, accused and accuser, Lancaster's only hope for survival lies in facing the terrifying truth."A brilliant first novel...The River Sorrowstuns from page one on. This is the first crime novel to capture late-20th century mid-American ennui and loss without whining. This is a book that oozes power." -- James Ellroy, author ofThe Black DahliaandWhite Jazz.

"A one-of-a-kind read... gives an enlightening glimpse into the dramatic nexus of cops, crooks, and science." -- James Grady, author ofSix Days Of The CondorandThunder.

"The River Sorrowis a beauty -- tough, complex, and thoroughly entertaining. It's not just a fine first novel, it's a wonderful book. Like a postmodern Ross MacDonald. I loved it." -- James Crumley, author ofThe Mexican Tree DuckCraig Holdenwas born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Montana with an MFA, and is the author ofThe River Sorrowand The Jazz Bird. He lives in New Mexico.ONE
 
Like some mythical dragon a helicopter screams down out of the night, its spotlights illuminating the white cross on the asphalt landing pad and blinding those on the ground. Dr. Adrian Lancaster and three of his team watch from just inside the end of the enclosed walkway leading out from the ER. The huge machine settles toward the earth, brilliant against the blackness lãN