Born in Algeria and raised in Hell's Kitchen, Woodstocker Marbrook serves a different flavor of Mafia tale with this literary, introspective portrait of a charismatic hitman. Dubbed "Il Saraceno" for his deadly stealth, narrator Billy Salviati confounds expectations with his complex humanity.

This multifaceted novel by Peekskill author Manichello ranges from the hedonistic excesses of well-heeled American expatriates to a perilous journey through the Swiss Alps. The narrator's rugged mountaineering exploits mirror his self-exploration as he reflects on his tumultuous, addiction-laden past

Performance poet and local recording artist Felice unspools a "fable-noir for a new American century." In vivid, burnished imagery, he follows half-black, half-Cherokee teenager Mary Washington into the violent heart of America. "Raw love, dear boy.  Without it the world dies." Limited, hand-numbered edition.

Wappingers Falls resident Wickers tells the unique story of prosperous Uruguayan immigrants Ursula and Felipe. When supernatural events from their past begin to dismantle their happy life, a Santerian priestess must help the couple to defeat the spirit and reunite.

In 1982, Alberts taught English in Moscow and Leningrad, and fell in love. Her affair with elusive Kolya unfolds as the Soviet Union unravels, changing lives irreparably. In crystalline, detail-rich prose, the Fault Line author evokes a relationship and a nation in flux.

A big-hearted, inspirational book with an unusual pedigree: High Falls resident Trimpe is a former Marvel Comics artist (known for the Incredible Hulk) and ordained deacon who worked with rescuers, bereaved families, and other "real-life angels" in the months after 9/11.