Manila Dingo, is a Covid-era Film-noir mystery novel in progress. Part query project, part future self-pub release, it’s about family, culture, love, murder, gangsters and drugs. It’s a sea of red herring with colorblind narrators, and it takes a week for them to sort the catch.
In Manila Dingo, Frank investigates Alonzo for his brother’s murder, Alonzo wants Frank’s money, and Angelica shelters the family through a typhoon of bias.
COMING SOON: as a result of query, or online. Subscribe for updates.
Reviews:
Here’s what beta readers are saying:
“A blend of the Great Gadspy and Slumdog Millionaire with a film noir twist, Manila Dingo is a character study of modern day Philippine immigrants and the Americans in their lives. From pimps and prostitutes to affluent old-money socialites, the story explores the role of wealth in relationships and reexamines the concept of ‘family’” – Hayduke Irish, Author.
“It’s edgy, the dialogue crackles, the characters are well-drawn, and the “product” talk is intriguing… I really enjoy being led down the road as a reader – one way – knowing that you’re going to turn it all around somehow – and then I’m going to have to question my own biases and expectations. Great stuff!” – Karen Lehmann, professional editor. http://www.phrasesincorporated.com/
“The ending really got me.” – M.J. Calderone, avid mystery reader.
“A beautiful story.” – Ophelia Abiva, Filipina, mystery reader.
THE INSPIRATION:
“When I had to step over diaper-less babies sleeping on the street to get my McDonalds breakfast in Manila, my world-view changed. I wondered what it could be like if a rich American adopted one of the enterprising beggar kids I encountered. Months of grinding speculation churned him into Alonzo, a POV character in this 82,000 word mystery inspired by a determined boy, and the peculiar significance of chocolate to Filipino culture.” – Buck Dodds.
Contact Buck if you would like to be a beta reader. buck@buckdodds.com