All
of us are familiar with the time-worn adage "Don't quit your day
job." After reading Ron McLarty's second novel, TRAVELER, one is
tempted to turn that advice on its head and suggest in the
strongest possible terms that McLarty consider quitting his day job
and devote himself completely to writing novels. He is that
good.

While the name may not ring many bells, a glance at McLarty's photo
on the dust jacket of his novel is all that readers will require to
recognize an actor they have seen in numerous dramatic endeavors.
In addition to "Sex and the City," "Spenser for Hire" and "The
Practice," McLarty has appeared frequently on "Law and Order,"
portraying the belligerent Judge William Wright, the bete
noire to prosecutor Sam Waterston. The arrogance of this
character stands in stark contrast to the novelist of TRAVELER, who
has written a heartwarming and thoughtful story that is equal parts
coming-of-age and mystery. While TRAVELER is in many respects a
much different work from McLarty's first novel, THE MEMORY OF
RUNNING, it is equally beguiling and enjoyable.

TRAVELER is the story of Jono Riley, part-time actor and full-time
bartender living in Manhattan and currently dividing his time
between working behind the bar at Lambs and performing in a wildly
unsuccessful one-character play far off Broadway. The novel opens
with Riley receiving a letter from a boyhood friend in Rhode Island
informing him that his childhood girlfriend, Marie D'Agostino, has
passed away. The news of Marie's death stirs various memories for
Riley. Foremost of those recollections is the evening when Marie
was wounded by a seemingly wild gunshot discharged in the old
neighborhood by an unknown shooter.

Marie's passing is the catalyst for a return visit to the old
neighborhood and the friends of Riley's youth. TRAVELER commences
an intriguing journey that mixes remembrances of his younger days
with the unsolved mystery surrounding what was believed to be a
random act of violence, but now appears to be a serial shooting.
Through a series of flashbacks expertly woven into the narrative,
Riley's youth is recreated for the reader. The journey between
youth and middle age introduces readers to many deep and intricate
characters. In addition, they probably will experience the delight
that a great novel can often produce --- the reawakening of a
memory from their own personal earlier life, be it one of sadness
or glee.

There is obviously a little of Ron McLarty in Jono Riley. Rhode
Island is McLarty's home, and acting is his profession. TRAVELER
offers a view of acting and actors that is hopeful and uplifting,
and is shared by its author. THE MEMORY OF RUNNING gathered dust in
a desk drawer until it was discovered by none other than Stephen
King. While TRAVELER may be his second published novel, McLarty has
several previously rejected, unpublished works that are now being
considered by publishers. In addition, he is working on the
screenplay for THE MEMORY OF RUNNING.

TRAVELER is reminiscent of the works of the late author George
Higgins. Real characters confront real-life problems in a
straightforward and honest style that readers will identify with.
Jono Riley is the kind of fellow you would like to join for a beer
and burger; McLarty also seems to be that type of man. Perhaps one
day this opportunity will arise. If it does, we will have two great
novels and countless incredible characters to discuss over our
brews.