{"title":"Lanny Larcinese","description":"\u003cp\u003eLanny Larcinese is an engaging author in the realm of \u003cem\u003eGeneral Fiction\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCrime \u0026amp; Thriller\u003c\/em\u003e genres, known for his captivating storytelling and intricate plots. With a keen eye for detail and character development, Larcinese crafts narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats, blending suspense with poignant human experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong his popular works, \u003cstrong\u003eFire in the Belly\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eGet Bek\u003c\/strong\u003e stand out as prime examples of his literary prowess. In \u003cem\u003eFire in the Belly\u003c\/em\u003e, Larcinese explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the inner drive that propels individuals to confront their deepest fears. His ability to fuse psychological depth with gripping suspense makes this novel a must-read for enthusiasts of character-driven stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeanwhile, \u003cstrong\u003eGet Bek\u003c\/strong\u003e offers readers a thrilling dive into the world of crime, where every twist and turn keeps you guessing. Larcinese's sharp narrative style and the ability to seamlessly weave tension with emotion make his explorations of crime and morality both riveting and thought-provoking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLanny Larcinese has carved a niche for himself with his unique ability to blend thrilling plotlines with insightful commentary on human nature. His books are a testament to his skillful storytelling and are sure to appeal to fans of both crime novels and richly layered fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"fire-in-the-belly-by-lanny-larcinese-9781667859491","title":"Fire in the Belly","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eFire in the Belly\u003c\/i\u003e by Lanny Larcinese explores the complex dynamics of a black militant, anarcho-primitivist, racial justice group called Project War. Founded by Jackie War (née John Knight), this group is viewed by some as a movement and by others as a cult. Project War differentiates itself from other black power movements by advocating for the sanctity of all life—meaning all animals, including vermin—and living in 'natural' ways, even eschewing clothing as unnatural.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe group's headquarters, infested with rats and roaches, sits in a solid, middle-class black neighbourhood. Loudspeakers blare the group's manifesto day and night, much to the discontent of surrounding residents. Jackie serves as the group's titular leader, while his operational commander and companion, Lucinda War (née Broadax), manages day-to-day operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe neighbourhood, increasingly frustrated by Project War, voices its concerns through block captain Benjamin \"Jamin\" Baker. These complaints push city authorities, including the License and Inspections (L\u0026amp;I) Department, to take notice. Matters worsen as War's weapon-carrying guards draw the attention of police and media. Back in 1978, a shootout between the cult and police resulted in an officer's death, leading to the imprisonment of five War members and the demolition of its headquarters. Jackie is now campaigning for their release, claiming the officer died from friendly fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy the early 1980s, War has relocated and fortified its new base, intensifying efforts to free the imprisoned members. Jackie exploits the city's racially sensitive stance left over from the '78 incident, even as police and neighbours grow increasingly fed up. Jamin Baker, unsuccessful in negotiating peace with Lucinda War, is further troubled when his adopted niece becomes enamoured with Project War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJamin attempts to address the issue through the system, seeking help from the L\u0026amp;I and district representative Don Slade. Learning the department's limitations, he is drawn into a plan devised by Slade and detective Dave Hemmings. Dave, whose gay lover was killed in the '78 shootout, seeks retribution against Jackie. Despite initial reluctance, Jamin provides intel on the cult's activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAuthorities, though passive, observe as Project War's headquarters is fortified with steel and railroad ties. Jackie becomes more vocal in his demands for the members' release, exacerbating racial tensions and revealing administrative incompetence. The deaths of an Assistant District Attorney, a mob hitman, a drug dealer, and Jamin's niece—combined with War's growing militancy—push police to take decisive action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe confrontation between Project War and Philadelphia police culminates dramatically. Police, led by Commissioner Frank Stenna, employ aggressive tactics reminiscent of the 1978 shootout. When a bomb dropped from a helicopter ignites a fire, the situation spirals out of control, resulting in the deaths of those trapped inside and the destruction of an entire block.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46711434674412,"sku":"9781667859491","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/22812923482781.jpg?v=1754224370"},{"product_id":"get-bek-by-lanny-larcinese-9781667859477","title":"Get Bek","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGet Bek\u003c\/em\u003e tells the story of Max Bek, a 1970s wunderkind and Philadelphia's answer to the nation's better-known gurus and transgressors. Transitioning from the free love and drugs of the sixties to the cusp of the Reagan era's business and New Age values, he epitomises the era's spirit. Intelligent and charismatic, Max envisions himself as a bridge between environmentally conscious youth and the business community eager to connect with his devoted demographic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLinda Record, drawn by Max's allure, leaves Texas to attend Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia, defying her parents' preference for the University of Texas. She moves in with Max soon after meeting him, but despite her benign nature, struggles with his narcissistic eccentricities. Max's peculiar habit of answering the door naked and advocating for an open relationship—complete with jealousy-fuelled outbursts—becomes increasingly troubling for Linda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Linda gathers strength with the support of friends, she resolves to leave Max. However, before she can act on her decision, she mysteriously disappears. Her concerned parents enlist private detective Owen Bridger to investigate her failure to collect a flight ticket to Dallas. Bridger collaborates with Philadelphia homicide detective Michael Haywood, and they quickly suspect Linda has been murdered, with Max as an early suspect. With a search warrant in hand, Linda’s desiccated body is discovered in a trunk in Max's porch closet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing his arrest, Max is shockingly released on a low bail while awaiting trial. As the circumstantial case solidifies into one underpinned by physical evidence, Max jumps bail and flees to Ireland. What follows is a cat-and-mouse chase between Max and his pursuers. Max's intelligence and connections, coupled with his influence over followers fascinated by his parapsychology research, complicate his capture. Declared a murder suspect in the United States, his case transforms into a cause célèbre among French free-thinkers, igniting a clash of public relations and extradition politics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately, Max's defences and political aspirations erode, leading to his extradition from France to face justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47072531874028,"sku":"9781667859477","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/22812783482781.jpg?v=1765116067"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/lanny-larcinese.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}