Writers Read presents bestselling author Goldberg

FALLBROOK – Writers Read at Fallbrook Library will feature bestselling author Tod Goldberg Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6-7:30 p.m., in the library's community room.

Goldberg is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books, including the novels "Gangsterland," a finalist for the Hammett Prize, and its sequel "Gangster Nation," due for release in paperback in time for the reading. He earned an master's degree in creative writing and literature from Bennington College and directs the University of California Riverside's Low Residency Master of Fine Arts Program in creative writing and writing for the performing arts in Palm Desert.

Goldberg's first novel in the series, "Gangsterland," introduces Sal Cupertine, a legendary hitman for the Chicago mafia, known for his ability to get in and out of a crime without a trace – until now. His first-ever mistake forces Sal to botch an assassination. This error puts too much heat on Sal, and he knows this failed job will be his death sentence to the mafia. So, a few surgeries and some intensive training and Sal Cupertine is gone, disappeared into the identity of Rabbi David Cohen. And the wickedly dark and funny story is on.

"Gangster Nation," although enjoyable as a stand-alone book, continues hitman Sal Cupertine's ribald story as he tries to extricate himself from the guise of Vegas Rabbi David Cohen.

Goldberg is also the author of "House of Secrets," published by Grand Central, which he co-wrote with New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer; "Living Dead Girl," published by Soho Press, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize; "Fake, Liar, Cheat," published by Pocket Books/MTV; the popular "Burn Notice" series, including "The Fix," "The End Game," "The Giveaway," "The Reformed" and "The Bad Beat," published by Penguin and two collections of short stories.

The free reading begins with open mic for poetry and prose, followed by the author presentation and discussion. Goldberg's novel will be available for sale and signing.

Fallbrook Library is located at 124 S. Mission Road, between Alvarado and Fig streets.

The subsequent Writers Read will be held Tuesday, Oct. 9, and will highlight national domestic violence awareness month with Yazmin Navarro, Kathy O'Fallon, Penny Perry and reading host Kit-Bacon Gressitt. Visit http://www.ExcuseMeImWriting.com for details.

For more information, contact Kit-Bacon Gressitt at [email protected] or (760) 522-1064.

Submitted by Writers Read.