Elizabeth Gonzalez James Knihy

In this sharp, witty debut, Elizabeth Gonzalez James introduces us to Mona Mireles — observant to a fault, unflinching in her opinions, and uncompromisingly confident in her professional abilities. Mona is a Millennial perfectionist who fails upwards in the midst of the 2008 economic crisis.Despite her potential, and her top- of-her-class college degree, Mona finds herself unemployed, living with her parents, and adrift in life and love. Mona’s the sort who says exactly the right thing at absolutely the wrong moments, seeing the world through a cynic’s eyes. In the financial and social malaise of the early 2000s, Mona walks a knife’s edge as she faces down unemployment, underemployment, the complexities of adult relationships, and the downward spiral of her parents’ shattering marriage. The more Mona craves perfection and order, the more she is forced to see that it is never attainable. Mona’s journey asks the question: When we find what gives our life meaning, will we be ready for it?

Set in the Wild West, the narrative unfolds around Antonio Gonzalez, a formidable bandido driven by a quest for vengeance against the Texas Rangers. Inspired by the author's great-grandfather, this gripping tale intertwines themes of revenge and fate, as Death observes the unfolding drama with keen interest. The story promises a thrilling exploration of justice and the consequences of a relentless pursuit of retribution.