Murder by the Book: Jack Kerley

Julia Ramey July 30, 2009 4:00AM

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"Instead of researching meat products and eyewear and whatnot," writes author Jack Kerley on his blog, referring to his 20 years as an advertising copywriter, "I research serial killers and dysfunctional minds." It's a trade-off not everyone would be willing to make, but it's worked for Kerley, who just published his fifth murder mystery, In the Blood, starring sleuth Carson Ryder. The latest release involves a sinful preacher and a baby abandoned on a boat. (Hmm, that sounds vaguely familiar.) Kerley lives and works in Kentucky, but for the most part his books are only available in the UK and Australia — with the notable exception of Houston's Murder by the Book, which hosts Kerley for today's reading and signing. Kerley's psychological thrillers aren't for the faint of heart; Kirkus called his works the result of a "boundless and truly ghastly imagination." See the man behind the monsters today at 4:30 p.m. 2352 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-524-8597 or visit www.murderbooks.com. Free.
Sat., Aug. 1, 4:30 p.m., 2009