American Roulette

by Pat LaMarche, Sherry Knowlton, J.M. West, Matthew Best, Phyllis Orenyo, Robert Bradshaw, Andrew Carey, and James Dodds

In American Roulette, an eclectic group of authors collaborated to create a story about eight ordinary people who happen to cross paths at the Liberty Mall food court in Anywhere, USA, on what they all believed would be a typical Friday.

Filled with mounting tension, dread and all-too-familiar anguish, this novel builds to an explosive ending that leaves readers caring about the characters, and wondering: "When might this happen to me or someone I love?"

All author proceeds are being donated to support gun violence prevention and victim/survivor groups.

About the Authors

A concern for the increasing scourge of gun violence in America brought together ten writers to craft American Roulette. Most are award winners. All are standouts in their field. They write for every genre—novels, nonfiction, kids lit, academic and technical publications, journalism—one wrote for broadcast, several have blogs. When this varied group isn’t writing, they are teaching, leading congregations, troubleshooting, reporting the news, running businesses, traveling, and inspiring others to believe in themselves.

Together, the team’s authors — Pat LaMarche, Sherry Knowlton, J.M. West, Matthew Best, Phyllis Orenyo, Robert Bradshaw, Andy Carey, and James Dodds (plus creative consultant Cheryl Dunn Bychek and Cheryl Woodruff Brooks on the intro) — all agreed to create a narrative and donate their time. Their earnings from book sales (digital, print and audio), are being donated to nonprofit organizations that address American gun violence via The Charles Bruce Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.


Notable reviews & endorsements

American Roulette grabs you by both head and heart as it leads you through dark prickly places, then points you toward the light.”

Tim Tigner, bestselling author of The Price of Time

“Politics are inseparable from this narrative, but its emphasis remains on the travesty that is lost life and the need for constructive help rather than simply placing blame on one group. Readers will find a complex, thought-provoking story about humanity and about modern society’s intractable failures rather than a polemic with prescribed solutions. This book embraces everyone, and as such, makes a case for people coming together against gun violence, loneliness, mental illness, and injustices of every kind.”

Independent Book Reviews

“My hope is that, like art so often does, American Roulette will pierce through the rhetoric and preconceived notions surrounding guns and gun violence, to speak directly to your heart and inspire change.”

Kris Brown, President, Brady United

“My hope is that people read this book and put themselves in the shoes of those already affected by gun violence. My hope is that you read this book and work harder to be part of doing something about gun violence, before this story hits closer to home.”

Fred Guttenberg, renowned gun safety advocate


News & Media for American Roulette:

Reading Guide for Book Clubs: Questions to foster thoughtful group discussions

ABC TV WHTM: Students read American Roulette together in class

Mystery & Suspense Magazine: Authors’ Interview

WITF: Rev. Matthew Best on the book's origin story

Bucks County Beacon: Selected excerpts

Penn Live: Guest editorial by Pat LaMarche

ABC27, Good Day PA: Author Spotlight (LaMarche & Knowlton)

Or ask for it at your favorite independent bookseller, including Whistlestop Bookshop in Carlisle, PA