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The Best of Crimes, by K.C. Maher is about risk and love, crisis and change. The novel will challenge most readers‘ preconceptions. Walter Mitchell (the narrator) is a Wall St. risk manager, who risks his freedom to give a neglected girl the attention and guidance she needs.

Walter, a math prodigy, starts working on Wall Street when he’s eighteen years old. He marries his mentor’s assistant, Sterling, and becomes a father before he’s old enough to buy beer. And, he adores his daughter Olivia.

Crisis and Change

Crisis and Change: After 9/11, Walter, who’s lost his one true friend, begins to feel less secure but also more aware. Risk has become inevitable. And soon old and new fears begin begin to haunt him. He wakes each day and staggers through the city as if nothing has changed.

In 2004, a single mother and her little daughter, Amanda, move across the driveway. Amanda and Olivia become best friends. Except the mother is never there. A nanny takes care of Amanda until she starts school. Sterling, who’s already growing restless, warns her young husband: they can do little to help their daughter’s best friend. Sterling believes that alerting social services would make Amanda’s life incomparably worse. Staying aware and helping in small ways–initially these are “The Best of Crimes.”

After the Wall St. crash of 2008 most of Sterling’s friends move away. She feels bored and soon takes up with a contractor, she intends to hire when she’s ready for her “dream house.” Walter warns his wife that their marriage isn’t built for sweeping passion. But is not surprised when she goes to Maine with the contractor in 2014. And takes Olivia with her. This crisis heightens Walter’s feelings even more. The math prodigy can no longer avoid loneliness–and his first real failure.

The Risk Manager Risks All

Walter gets fired by calling attention to the hollow assets the bank is peddling. The same kind of derivatives that led to Wall St.’s 2008 crash. He has enough money to take his time, deciding on a new career. But this leaves him alone at the top of the suburban enclave with loved-starved, thirteen-year-old Amanda.

Walter is the one man Amanda trusts. Rather than turn her away, Walter chooses to give her the attention and guidance she desperately needs. However, Amanda is experimenting with new found powers of attraction. She’s already alluring and fascinating. But towards Walter she often acts deliberately provocative. He sets limits and makes rules to keep their interaction within strict bounds. But occasionally, he suffers appalling if abstract desires. Whereupon he leaves the room and regains his composure. Rather than follow society’s overall dictate–to abandon her immediately and forever.

They Share a Rare Affinity

Walter and Amanda discover that they share a rare affinity. Amanda claims they know what the other feels. At first, Walter who also grew up unloved does not agree. And yet, despite his disturbed sleep and despised moments of desire, he and Amanda share a special rapport. And this, truly shows Walter who he is and what he feels, both good and bad. In the moment and overall. So that, These two lonely souls will transform each other: as Walter breaks out of his emotional shell, Amanda blossoms into adolescence.

The Best of Crimes, A Novel of Risk and Love

They acknowledge their times together are ending. And the specific Best of Crimes amounts to a “magical goodbye.” Ultimately, Walter has always loved Amanda far too much to hurt her.

For a world that has always failed to protect its most vulnerable, The Best of Crimes is a new narrative. Walter proves himself a true hero who is willing to sacrifice his freedom for a girl he loves.

Where to Buy

The Best of Crimes is available online and from local bookstores.

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Best of Crimes Q&A

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