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What would you do if your family was senselessly killed in a drug-related shooting? Follow Larry Ballard, computer programmer turned vigilante as he takes his revenge on St. Louis' drug lords in this suspenseful novel of crime, revenge and misguided justice.

It rises, it falls, it twists and turns. Reading NIGHTSHADE is like riding a roller coaster. You'll find yourself rooting for first one, then another of the three major characters. This is the story of an outraged father, turned killer being pursued by two indomitable hunters.

When a drug war in St. Louis results in the accidental deaths of a young mother and child in a public park, a bereaved husband and father declares his own war on drugs. Larry Ballard, a quiet, unassuming computer programmer, disappears into the city and begins methodically eliminating drug lords, always leaving behind a sprig of nightshade as his calling card.

Two officers of the law hunt Larry. One is John Martin, an obsessive homicide detective who resents Larry's intrusion. The other is Assistant U.S. Attorney General Jason Benzwyk who plans to use Larry in a twisted scheme to reduce the crime rate, and he doesn't care what he has to do to find him.

In his first novel, Brian Lawrence proves himself a powerful writer. His characters are vivid and true to life. NIGHTSHADE is a novel that will stay with you for a long time.

NIGHTSHADE was professionally edited for e-pulp by David Morris of The Write Place.