Author(s): Joyce Carol Oates

Literary Fiction

From one of the most highly regarded writers of her generation, JACK OF SPADES is a psychologically complex thriller that examines the fine line between genius and madness. Andrew J. Rush has achieved the kind of commercial success most authors only dream about: a top agent, publisher in New York, and twenty-eight mystery novels to his name. He has a loving wife, three grown children, and is well-known in his small New Jersey town for his generosity. But Andrew's hiding a dark secret. Under the psudonym Jack of Spades, he had penned another string of novels - dark, violent, masochistic tales of murder, lust and madness. When a court order arrives accusing him of plagarism, Rush fears his secret may be exposed. Unbidden, in the back of his mind, the Jack of Spades starts plotting his survival.