A new edition of Rick Skwiot’s critically acclaimed novel “Fail: A Carlo Gabriel Mystery” was recently published by Antaeus Books in both paperback and Kindle versions. His new historical novel “The Bootlegger’s Bride” is slated for July 2025 release by Amphorae Publishing Group.
Skwiot is also the author of the Hemingway First Novel Award winner “Death in Mexico,” the Willa Cather Fiction Prize finalist “Sleeping With Pancho Villa,” and “Key West Story,” as well as two memoirs: the highly praised childhood memoir “Christmas at Long Lake,” and “San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Memoir of a Sensual Quest for Spiritual Healing.”
He’s taught creative writing at Washington University in St. Louis and served as the 2004 Distinguished Visiting Writer at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. A veteran journalist, he also works as an editor and feature writer.
“A thoughtfully layered backdrop of Mexican culture…impressively crafted labyrinthine setting…Snappy and often funny dialogue.” –Publishers Weekly
“Life in a Mexican town…laid out beautifully…A skillfully written portrait of an entire community. Highly recommended.” –Library Journal
“This book alone heralds the arrival of a great new writer.” –The Colorado Springs Independent
“Beach-noir…Key West is beautifully captured in all its shallow, hedonistic glory. Skwiot’s ability to reveal it and its citizens in subtle, amusing ways eases the reader into this unique world.” –Kirkus Reviews
“Rick Skwiot works his own magic…As usual, Skwiot’s writing is sure…And his tale has a gritty, blue-collar cachet…This is good reading.” –Kansas City Star
“Skwiot’s vivid descriptions of the physical and emotional landscape…are poignant, entertaining, and instructional.” –Library Journal
“St. Louis noir… The slick prose readily entertains… Well-executed.” –Kirkus Reviews
“The plot is intriguing – dirty dealings at City Hall, corruption in government and a super-smart cop who has gotten on the bad side of the bigwigs… An enjoyable read with such a St. Louis feel.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch