Local author to speak at Friends of Fallbrook Library event

Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

Award-winning Fallbrook novelist T. Jefferson Parker will discuss his 27th book, "A Thousand Steps," at a special event hosted by Friends of the Fallbrook Library on Saturday, Jan. 22, at Pala Mesa Resort.

The story is a gripping thriller, an incisive coming-of-age story, and a vivid portrait of a turbulent time and place. Parker is a New York Times bestselling author and three-time Edgar Award winner. The book is being released in January and the author will speak and sign copies at the luncheon.

Parker, who turned 68 on Dec. 26, was born in Los Angeles and he has lived his entire life in Southern California. He moved to Fallbrook with his wife and two sons 21 years ago.

"Laguna Beach was getting too crowded, and we wanted something more laid back," Parker said about the move here. "Someone told us about Fallbrook, and we fell in love with this place."

He does his writing in a detached metal building next to his residence.

"I begin my day with a cup of coffee and my dog, taking 75 steps to the office and my computer," he said.

Parker, who said he's owned Labradors most of his life, described his new dog, Gasper, as "a cute little Mexican street dog."

"He's a rescue dog we picked up from Tijuana," the novelist said. "We've had him a year now, and he's the inspiration for my next book, about his life on the streets. I really can't say more about it now."

Parker, who grew up in Orange County began his writing career with The Newport Ensign and the Daily Pilot. He was a reporter for five years, earning several writing awards, but yearned to be a novelist.

"I was inspired in high school, reading Steinbeck and Hemingway," Parker said. "Even then, I thought of being a novelist, and with an English degree from UC Irvine, I was ready."

Parker wrote his first novel, "Laguna Heat" on evenings and weekends while he worked as a reporter. The book was published in 1985 to rave reviews and was made into an HBO movie starring Harry Hamlin, Jason Robards and Rip Torn.

Parker's following novels – all dealing with crime, life and death in sunny Southern California – appeared on many bestseller lists. His writing has been called "potent and irresistible" (Los Angeles Times) and "resonant, literate and powerful" (Kirkus). The New York Times wrote that "T. Jefferson Parker is a powerhouse writer." Writing in the Washington Post about "The Triggerman's Dance," critic Carolyn See called it "a masterpiece."

Parker's "Silent Joe" won the Edgar Award for best mystery in 2001. Three years later, for "California Girl," he won the Edgar for best mystery once again. In 2008, "Skinhead Central" won Parker his third Edgar, this time for best short story.

Parker's last six crime novels, "L.A. Outlaws," "The Renegades," "Iron River," The Border Lords," "The Jaguar," and "The Fabulous and the Dead" all feature Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Charlie Hood, and deal with dangers along the U.S./Mexico border. Lionsgate has bought the rights to bring Charlie Hood to the big screen.

In 2014, moved by the young Marines returning from Afghanistan through Camp Pendleton, Parker wrote "Full Measure." This story, about a young man returning from bloody combat and trying to find his place in a changed America, was called "Compelling" by T.C. Boyle and "A Great American Book" by Luis Alberto Urrea.

"Crazy Blood," a novel set in the high-stakes world of Olympic ski racing, followed in 2016. Parker launched his news series, based on private investigator Roland Ford, in 2017 with "The Room of White Fire. The series is set in North County.

The next Roland Ford novel, "Swift Vengeance," was released in 2018, followed by "The Last Good Guy" and "Then She Vanished" in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Parker's stories usually have one protagonist and occasionally part of the story will be shown from the antagonist's point of view. His stories usually build suspense as the protagonist tries to prevent further crimes. The crimes depicted in the story are usually gruesome acts, which cause much unrest in the town where the story is set. Parker is renowned for using California settings and depicting the effects of crime on a community.

When not working, Parker spends his time with his family, hiking, fishing, beachcombing, and exercising his dogs. He cannot pass by a body of water without wanting to fish it. He also enjoys rock hounding, cycling and being outdoors.

At the Jan. 22 event, doors open at 11:30 a.m., followed by a light lunch at noon. Barnes and Noble will be present to sell the novel for 20% off retail price. The book can also be ordered online in advance.

Questions may be directed to either Nancy Javier at [email protected] or Helen McHargue at [email protected]. Tickets for the event are $35 and are available at the Bottom Shelf bookstore next to the Fallbrook library or online at fallbrooklibraryfriends.org until Jan. 7. Seating is limited.