Crime thriller inspired by true event: Jam Run by Russell Brooks- book launch March 31 (Int’l Transgender Day of Visibility)
31 March at 17:00 – 19:00 EDT
Jam Run, Russell Brooks’ fifth edge-of-your-seat thriller, is set in Jamaica and is inspired by a true event that sent shockwaves around the world.
The launch is on March 31 to honour International Transgender Day of Visibility, reflecting one of the themes in the novel.
Press release below, including bio, quotes and links. Review copy of Jam Run available on request. Book launch with readings and Q&A at Jamaica Association of Montreal, hosted by author Nigel Thomas.
For all inquiries, or to interview author Russell Brooks and/or confirm attendance at the launch: Media Contact- Russell Brooks, russell@russellparkway.com, 514 815-0749
Unique Awaited Suspense Thriller Inspired by Shocking Event in Jamaica
Book Launch: Vibrant Book Readings and Q&A
Jam Run, an Eddie Barrow mystery sequel to Chill Run
Compelling crime thriller written by Russell Brooks
Hosted by author Nigel Thomas
Jamaica Association of Montreal, Fri. March 31, 5pm
A Crime Thriller as Spicy as Jamaican Jerk Sauce
Montreal, February 2023 – After touring Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto in 2022, suspense thriller author Russell Brooks returns with Jam Run—his fifth novel. Set in Jamaica, the book targets readers who love an edge-of-your-seat thriller with conspiracies, betrayal, martial arts, sex and revenge. The book launch date ties into the story, honouring International Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31, at the Jamaica Association of Montreal. The book launch is hosted by awarded author Nigel Thomas.
This strong sequel welcomes the return of Eddie Barrow, a Montreal author and amateur sleuth, and his outspoken best friend Corey Stephenson. After witnessing a savage murder while visiting Montego Bay, they both get pulled into searching for the killer. However, they wind up in the crosshairs of ruthless assassins after uncovering evidence of a larger criminal conspiracy.
Brooks’ goal was to create a crime thriller set within Afro-Caribbean culture. “Since the story is set in and around Montego Bay, making it as Jamaican as possible was important. I wanted to tell the story from Eddie Barrow’s point of view. Even though he’s Black, he sticks out like a sore thumb—especially when he has difficulty understanding the Jamaican Patois,” said Brooks. “And like Marvel’s Black Panther, it’s heavily Afrocentric, making it a unique story within its genre.”
What if crying out for help made you a target?
“Victims and witnesses of hate or sex crimes are discouraged from coming forward when social and systemic barriers exist. Unfortunately, this empowers the abusers,” said Brooks. “I’m deeply disturbed that today there is still high social acceptance of the ‘Buggery Law’ and other similar laws in the Caribbean. Targeting a community with laws that discriminate and vilify them negatively impacts society as a whole,” he added. These are some of the many roadblocks Eddie and Corey encounter in Jam Run. As a result, it complicates their attempts to get justice for the victim.
The novel is inspired by an event in Jamaica that sent shockwaves worldwide. “Jam Run is a gripping crime thriller about the ever-present menace and violence the LGBTQ community faces daily,” said Richard Burnett, Fugues Magazine columnist and Montreal journalist.
Brooks’ writing draws readers in with powerful and poetic attention to detail and heart-pounding scenes of devastating hand-to-hand encounters; the fear and fury is projected right in front of readers’ eyes.
Readers comment on JAM RUN
“Jam Run is a bold adrenaline rush that leaves you on the edge of your seat. The consummate page-turner of the year.” Julie Kindle, Key West, FL
“Once again, Brooks has drawn me into his world. A blessing to see the author’s passion for details and character development shine from the first pages.” Antonio Tolliver, Muskegon, MI
“Jam Run instantly captivates you and takes you on a ride across Jamaica. What starts as two friends hanging out soon becomes a mystery, leaving you wanting more. Another must-read by Russell Brooks.” Nate Drysdale—San Antonio, TX
“Jam Run is a fabulous thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat while you read it. I was taken from one extreme to the next, never knowing what would happen next! It left me yearning for more!” Laura Clay—Norman, OK
How visiting Montego Bay impacted Brooks’ novel, Jam Run: russellparkway.com/jamaica-mi-love/
Fun insight to Russell Brooks in this Q&A with Goodreads readers: www.goodreads.com/author/4402264.Russell_Brooks/questions
Russell Brooks is a Canadian author of Barbadian descent. Jam Run is the second book in the Eddie Barrow series and his fifth thriller, along with Pandora’s Succession, Unsavory Delicacies, Chill Run and The Demeter Code. Brooks was once an aspiring sprinter who specialized in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. He represented Canada at the World University Games in 1999 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. He was also on Team Quebec at the Jeux de la Francophonie in 1997 and 2001—both held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and Ottawa, Ontario, respectively. Brooks attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, on a track and field scholarship. He graduated with a degree in Biology and a minor in psychology. He currently lives in Montreal.
Read chapter one of Jam Run at russellparkway.com
Celebrate the launch of the sequel of the Eddie Barrow mystery crime series
Jam Run by Russell Brooks
Readings and Q&A, Friday, March 31, 5 to 7PM
The Jamaica Association of Montreal
4065 Rue Jean-Talon West, Montreal H4P 1W6
For more information about Russell Brooks’ other works, please visit www.russellparkway.com
Meet and chat with Brooks at The Word On The Street book festival in Toronto on May 27 and 28.
Review copies of Jam Run are available on request.
If you would like to interview author Russell Brooks and/or confirm attendance at the launch: Media Contact- Russell Brooks, russell@russellparkway.com.