Up Jumped the Devil

(Paperback)

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A five-year veteran of the Baltimore Herald's police beat, Darryl Billups is one of the paper's top reporters. He earned the distinction the hard way, combining a nose for news, innate writing ability, and the timeless art of persuasion. Never one to shy away from the dangers of the job, he has chronicled the trajectories of some of Baltimore's most compelling-and lethal-characters. So when an anonymous source tips him off to a domestic terrorist plot to bomb the NAACP's national headquarters, Darryl knows this story could be the biggest of his career. But what he soon comes to realize is that though his dogged pursuit of the truth may make his name, it could also cost him his life. Complicating matters is Darryl's deepening affection for Yolanda and Jamal, a young mother and son he has taken under his wing to shield them from domestic abuse. As a veteran journalist, he knows better than to insert himself into a story, but sometimes it just can't be helped. Up Jumped the Devil weaves a thrilling mixture of suspense, romance, and comedy, expertly juggled by a memorable new hero for fans of contemporary detective fiction.

Reviews

Darryl Billups is a news reporter with wit enough to fashion his own escapeand solve a shocking hate crime in the process. David Simon, creator of The Wire With a distinct and soulful voice, Blair Walker has woven an intricate web of drama, conspiracy, and homeboy humor into this gem of a book. Keith T. Clinkscales, President & CEO, Vibe Magazine Fast-pacedIntriguingEntertainingWitty and believableA likeable hero and a deft plot. USA Today HumorExcitementA debut that promises more good things to come. Washington Times Full of raucous good humor, tragedy, suspense, flashy bad guys and flashier ladies and one brave, big-hearted, upstanding larger-than-life hero, Walkers debut mystery makes fine entertainment. Booklist Kudos to Walkerfor creating a character who is realistic and entertainingand who challenges the readers sensibilitiesWalker is very good. Washington Post Book World

Author Bio

The son of two Baltimore public school teachers, Blair S. Walker used to entertain himself in elementary school by writing short stories. The practice was frowned upon by instructors who wanted Walker to pay attention in class rather than secretly heed his muse. After serving in the Army as a Korean linguist, Walker attended the University of Maryland and worked as an intern reporter with the Baltimore Sun. Hired by the Orlando Sentinel after college, Walker was fired after six months by an editor who disparagingly noted that Walker's writing ability was marginal at best! A former financial writer with USA Today, Walker has been an editor with New York Newsday and the Washington Post, and a newsman with the Associated Press. The author of three novels featuring investigative reporter Darryl Billups, Walker holds a University of Maryland J.D. degree and currently lives in South Florida, where he's pursuing a lifelong dream of learning to fly helicopters.