The Tiger

"The Dart League King" is Clemson professor Keith Morris' second novel. He also published a book of short stories.

Sex, drugs and darts. This is the central theme of "The Dart League King," written by Clemson University professor Keith Morris. The novel follows five characters on a rainy Thursday night in Garnet Lake, Idaho. This is no ordinary Thursday night, though; it is the Garnet Lake Dart League championship.

Russell Harmon is team captain of the 321 Club and has been the individual dart league champion for two years running. Russell spends the time before the match balancing his nerves by alternating lines of cocaine in the 321 Club bathroom and beer. He is preparing to defend his title against ex-professional dart player, Brice Habersham. Russell also has to worry about the debt he owes to his old cocaine dealer, Vince Thompson.

Brice Habersham seems to be an average guy, no one more than an owner of a gas station and an ex-professional dart player. No one knows the nightmare of a marriage he's entangled in or his true career as an undercover agent of the DEA. He sure has a surprise in store for Russell Harmon and Vince Thompson tonight. Who knows, maybe he'll surprise the rest of Russell's team tonight too.

Vince Thompson is a dangerous person to cross. Russell Harmon has no idea what he has gotten himself into. Vince wants the money Russell owes him, or he wants Russell's life. On the other hand, it may be fun to take the money and Russell's life. It soon becomes evident Vince has some severe issues mostly caused by a bad relationship with his father.

Tristan Mackey is a talented teammate of Russell Harmon's. He is an attractive college graduate ready for the championship and, along with it, his date with Kelly Ashton - the only person to whom he can confess his frightening secret.

Kelly Ashton is a sensual single mother. She has decided to meet Tristan Mackey at the 321 Club. Only two problems exist here. One is that she will be leaving her two-year-old daughter Hayley with Kelly's drunken mother; the other is that Russell Harmon will be there. The night becomes awkward for her when Tristan, her date, says hardly a word to her, and she ends up sleeping with Russell in the back of his truck mid-championship. The good thing about this night is now Russell knows her secret. The bad part is, now she knows Tristan's.

"The Dart League King" colorfully portrays characters to whom readers can relate. Although author Keith Morris said he does not base characters on people he knows, he does include a few childhood anecdotes that bring the story to life. This novel shows how one small decision about getting into a car can change a person's life.

"The Dart League King" was chosen to be a part of Barnes and Noble's Discover Great New Writers. The book, along with 11 others, is featured in the front of Barnes and Noble stores across the country. The book will be featured for three months and is a perfect stocking stuffer. It does contain some harsh language but is definitely still worth reading. Morris has created a novel that will stick out in readers' minds for years to come.

Article Tools