Bob Wince, an Albuquerque building contractor, sentenced to the New Mexico State Penitentiary for a crime he didn't commit, is mysteriously granted an early release...fed up with accidents, or fate, running his life. Associating himself with the minor crooks and scammers who gather at his father's restaurant, "Dimmie's Half-Off," Wince vows to reestablish his life and exact revenge on those who set him up...That means working the system...

From Albuquerque to Gallup, to the Navajo reservation and beyond, Peck introduces sleazy operators and hustlers in every line of work. It's a rich cast of characters -- Anglos, Hispanics, Native Americans -- who populate New Mexico's tangled subcultures. The priciest turquoise jewelry could have been made last week in Mahmad Khalil's Gallup factory; Maria Morales may be named Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year, but she's still Maria Losinski, Hispanic only through a brief marriage to Ernie Morales.

From the moment you begin Dead Pawn, its mordant humor and crisp language will change the way you see New Mexico, the "Land of Enchantment."

Readers' Comments

...a splendid book...I hope you use the characters in future novels...vividly portrayed...marvelous conversation...especially ethnic...idosyncrasies...a real treat...

S.K. San Francisco

...enjoyed the characters and loved the Indian-New Mexican southwestern post-modern backdrop...a terrific book!

A.B. Tempe AZ

...fast-paced with great dialogue and wonderful...Let's have another!

P.M. Farmington NM