Scranton author features Clarks Summit in novel

Clarks Summit plays an important role in the fourth novel of RJ McDonnell's Rock and Roll Mystery Series. Several important scenes, including the climax, portray the Abingtons in a favorable light.

"The Classic Rockers Reunion with Death" is about the Luna Parkers, a Northeastern Pennsylvania rock band that almost made it to the national scene in the early 1970s. As they prepare for a reunion concert at the Scranton Cultural Center, guitarist Louie Amanesco is murdered, and his ex-wife Rose, a Clarks Summit resident, is a top suspect.

McDonnell is a Scranton resident whose second novel, "Rock and Roll Rip-Off "won 2010 Mystery/Thriller of the Year from Premier Book Awards. The first three novels in his series have ranked in the top five of Amazon Kindle's Top 100 Hard-Boiled Mysteries List. All of his novels are whodunits with a bit of humor.

The public is invited to his book launch party, at Library Express in Scranton's Steamtown Mall Sept. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. Local rock legend Robbie Walsh will provide the entertainment on acoustic guitar.

"Mystery readers love when their protagonists have to overcome significant obstacles. In the new novel, my detective, Jason Duffy, makes a startling discovery as he drives through Chinchilla, that will put him at a huge disadvantage when he confronts the killer in Clarks Summit," said McDonnell.