Richard R. Becker wasn’t known to the literary world until two years ago when he released his first book, 50 States, a collection of short stories. It became an Amazon bestseller six months after it was published.
His new debut novel, Third Wheel, is getting even more attention. Since its release in August, the book has broken into the Top 200 in the Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction category several times. It is on track to become a Top 10 bestseller by October.
Third Wheel is a coming-of-age story with a strong thriller backbone. Set in Las Vegas, 1982, it’s the story of a friend group that loses its way when it’s joined by a part-time drug dealer. The drug-dealing teen recruits the group to help him expand his business with a cartel-supplied heroin deal.
The story is narrated by the group’s youngest member, a 14-year-old boy named Brady Wilks. Brady gives the novel its heart as the reader learns about his troubled home life, lack of role models, and futile quest to win over a girl four years older than him. He is a complex and transformative character that readers will not forget.
Reviewers love Third Wheel. “Brilliantly written with a plot that holds the reader’s attention from start to finish, this is a novel readers will not soon forget,” says The US Review of Books. Chicago Review of Books says: “The story was almost flawless … Richard R. Becker is a master storyteller. Five stars!”
New In Books listed Third Wheel as one of five books to read for fans of JD Salinger. Third Wheel conjures up comparisons to both Salinger’s classic The Catcher In The Rye and S.E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders. New In Books put Third Wheel at the top of the list for its poignant introspection and vivid storytelling.
Becker says his protagonist is more likable than Salinger’s Holden Caulfield and less accepted than Hinton’s Ponyboy Curtis. Third Wheel is also grittier than the other books because the stakes are considerably higher.
Emmy-Winning Voice Actor Joins Third Wheel Audiobook
Third Wheel will get another boost soon when it’s released as an audiobook. Becker enlisted Emmy-winning voice actor and journalist Brian Callanan for the job. In addition to being a versatile voice actor with a broad range of character voices, Callanan is a top-tier audiobook producer.
“I’ve listened to Callanan’s narration of the novel several times, and he elevates the it to the next level,” said Becker. “Hearing my book come to life has been an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait until we can share it with people who love audiobooks.”
Becker also tapped Callanan on his first book, 50 States. He chose to work with Callanan because the narration called for hundreds of character voices from all over the United States. Callanan’s read was pitch perfect, helping earn the audiobook a nomination for best audiobook by InD’tale Magazine.
The two talents have a track record for working well together. Becker has a healthy respect for voice actors because he’s directed hundreds of them. Before beginning his literary career, Becker was a journalist and copywriter. His award-winning ads included several radio commercials.
“Advertising is an excellent field in which to learn something about storytelling,” said Becker. “Many advertisements are short, short stories with radio commercials consisting of a mere 60 seconds and television commercials even less at 30 seconds. As stories, they are even shorter when you consider that 10 seconds or so will be dedicated to the product or service in the ad.”
The Third Wheel audiobook is set to hit Audible, Amazon, and iTunes in a few days. In the meantime, Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker is available in print and digital formats everywhere books are sold.
The Third Wheel audiobook is set to hit Audible, Amazon, and iTunes in a few days.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFZGXN5S
In the meantime, Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker is available in print and digital formats everywhere books are sold.
Third Wheel book page: http://www.copywriteink.com/third-wheel-by-richard-r.-becker.html