About The
Book
“Dirt Road Reckoning” by R.J. Shaw takes readers on a thrilling ride through a seemingly serene Tennessee town where danger lurks beneath the surface. Retired FBI Agent and newly elected Sheriff Gus Wallace anticipated a peaceful life but is thrust into chaos with the brutal murder of a woman on a remote running trail. The murder method eerily matches a series of unsolved killings from the early 2000s, suggesting that the real killer remains at large while an innocent man sits in prison. Wallace’s quest for justice uncovers a conspiracy reaching the highest levels of the FBI, revealing a dark plot that has allowed a serial killer to evade capture for two decades.
As Wallace digs deeper, he faces mounting threats and escalating violence, turning his investigation into a life-or-death struggle. Shaw skillfully weaves a complex, textured plot with twists and turns that keep readers guessing. The richly developed characters add depth to this fast-paced narrative, while Shaw’s signature humor provides a welcome counterbalance to the tension. Praised for its engaging blend of whodunit and thriller elements, “Dirt Road Reckoning” is a compelling tale of corruption, danger, and the relentless pursuit of truth. This book promises to keep you on the edge until the final page.
About The
Author
R.J. Shaw was born in Monroe, Michigan, and raised in the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee. Growing up as the youngest of six children in a family of blue-collar farmers and factory workers, Shaw’s early life was spent raising cattle and hogs for meat and growing tobacco for income. After graduating college, Shaw joined the U.S. Army, where he earned a Master’s Degree and served for ten years. Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished 30-year career as an FBI Special Agent, during which he investigated organized crime, kidnappings, serial killers, financial fraud, and violent drug gangs. Shaw’s exceptional investigative work earned him the Investigator of the Year Award from the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation twice.
In 2023, Shaw published his first book, “Lies People Tell: An FBI Agent’s Toolkit for Catching Liars and Cheats,” which won the Silver Falchion Award for Best Nonfiction Book. Inspired by his extensive career, Shaw’s debut novel delves into the theme of the corrosive effects of unfettered power, set against the backdrop of Claiborne County, Tennessee. Now retired, Shaw lectures at universities on Deceptive Language Analysis and interviewing skills. He continues to pursue his passion for writing, crafting narratives that reflect his rich experiences and profound insights. Shaw resides between Northern Virginia and the mountains of East Tennessee.