Carom Shot — J.J. Partridge

The mechanics and geometry of a game of pool is a metaphor for the complexity of an Algy Temple murder mystery. In Carom Shot, the pool playing lawyer for Carter University is faced with a serial rapist on campus, the shenanigans of Providence's mendacious mayor, and the rhetoric of a charismatic African-American minister bringing an already edgy campus to a boil. With the murder of a former student, Algy and psychologist Nadie Winokur find themselves caught in webs of campus politics, jealousy, corruption, and revenge. Like in a game of pool, Algy calls his pocket, aims, and gives it his best shot. Will it be enough to bring justice to the victim?