Michael Allen Zell, author of a new book titled The Last Shadow, and Danny Cherry Jr., author of The Pike Boys, will discuss their new novels at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

This event is free of charge and open to the public.

The Last Shadow is a New Orleans story of three people, two paths, and one book that guides the way. Julius Mosley must make a choice between old and new ways when Maya Gaines, his prize martial arts student, unknowingly reconnects him with crime boss Vinh Nguyen, who he knows from a past incident that changed both of their lives. New Orleans, from the Riverbend to Versailles, with City Park in the middle, is the perfect tapestry for the tale to journey upon. This marks the beginning of a new series featuring Maya Gaines.

Michael Allen Zell is a New Orleans-based novelist, essayist, and playwright. Zell's work has been published in The Los Angeles Review of Books and elsewhere. Errata, his first novel, was named a 'Top 10 Book of 2012' by The New Orleans Times-Picayune. His first play, What Do You Say To A Shadow?, was named a 'Top 10 Play of the Year' in 2013 by The New Orleans Times-Picayune.

The Pike Brothers - It’s 1920 New Orleans and Jesse Pike is slowly ascending the New Orleans upper-class social scene. He’s the owner of the most popular brothel in the entire city, and rubs shoulders with businessmen, corrupt politicians, and stage stars alike. He’s also the leader of a violent street gang that pulls off the biggest heist of liquor since the beginning of prohibition. Jesse sets up a scheme to sell the booze, and use the profits to help him start a legitimate business. However, several obstacles get in his way.

Danny Cherry Jr. writes political and personal essays, op-eds, novels, narrative nonfiction, and short stories. His story "Brief Life Story of Lila" (published originally by Fiyah Lit Mag) was added to the Locus Magazine recommended reading list for 2023, as well as the Best American Sci-Fi & Fantasy 2023 notable stories list. His non-fiction work has been published in the following: Buzzfeed News, Politico, The Daily Beast, Truly*Adventurous, Transformation Magazine, Ploughshares, & Antigravity Magazine.

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.