Gary Phillips, famed crime writer and editor of THE OBAMA INHERITANCE: Fifteen Stories of Conspiracy Noir–will be joined by five contributors to the book for a fun evening of reading, singing and raconteuring at Los Angeles’ Eso Won Books, one of the few remaining African-American bookstores in the country. The event will be held Tuesday, October 24, 7-8:30 pm.

In THE OBAMA INHERITANCE, noir meets diverse voices and transforms the genre into an over-the-top, transcendental psychedelic thriller ride of pulpy goodness, as 15 authors offer their fictional spins on the many conspiracy theories made up about the 44th president.

The book has received incredible critical praise. NPR’s Fresh Air called it “a collection of 15 stories so sly, fresh and Bizarro World witty, they reaffirm the resiliency of the artistic imagination.” Newsweek included it as one of “Top 7 New Books That Will Make You Happy You Can Read!” Booklist raves “Pulp fiction for the post-Obama era.” And Publishers Weekly noted, “Stories are adrift with white supremacists, secret locations, strange conflicts, and subtle aliens. … Truly excellent.”

Editor Gary Phillips is an activist and critically acclaimed author of mystery and graphic novels (Peepland, Violent Spring, and Warlord of Willow Ridge). Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Phillips draws on his experiences from anti-police abuse community organizing and anti-apartheid activism. He was the chair of the Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color committee, and is president of the Private Eye Writers of America.

Phillips will introduce several contributors to the book, including Eric Beetner (Rumrunners), Danny Gardner (A Negro and an Ofay), Desirée Zamorano (Human Cargo), Travis Richardson (Lost in Clover) and Christopher Chambers (Rocket Crockett and the Shanghai She-Devil).

The reading will be followed by an author signing. THE OBAMA INHERITANCE will be available for purchase at the event.

For additional information, contact Eso Won Bookstore at 323-290-1048, or email esowonbooks@yahoo.com.