John Shannon

At our October 9, we had the pleasure of a guest author, from John Shannon, author of the Jack Liffey series of mystery novels set in the Los Angeles area. Below is an abstract of an article about John Shannon's work published in the LA Times Calendar in June by Josh Getlin.

John never set out to be a mystery writer, he thought himself more a political activist, which he says has created difficulties in publishing some of his earlier works. He discovered that he could more easily reach an audience about issues he was concerned with by engaging them in the experiences of his alter ego, Jack Liffey. As he explained, there is a close relationship beteen his name, John/Jack and the Irish rivers, the Shannon and the Liffey.

Jack Liffey is a tarnished hero, who despite his blemishes, is a power for good among those who have little power. His avowed goal is to find missing children, as John points out himself after his own experience helping a friend, without much hope in many cases. It is a dificult subject that Jack Liffey seems to throw himself into to expiate some unknown sin.

John Shannon was a most generous guest author who shared with us a bit of his soul and we were all better for it. If you'd like to know more about John, and of course, Jack, visit them both at JACKLIFFEY.COM. Look for Dark Streets, a new Jack Liffey adventure where Jack finds himself a targe of Homeland Security, in stores before year's end.

“When you write about the totality of this city, when you get down to the grit, you’re blown away by the possibilities,” says John Shannon, making himself right at home in a downtown alley. (photo courtesy Genaro Molina / LAT)