Jim Hogue's RACK is old-fashioned storytelling pulled from today's headlines. The eponymous Rack, smart, tough, funny and literate, finds himself drawn into an elaborate sting operation to catch human traffickers and the greedy politicians abetting them. The ensemble of memorable characters works a step ahead of cartels, bad cops, and heartless politicians. All the while they find time for the pleasures of life: conversation, home cooking and love. Humor, wit and lyricism offset the darkness of the topic, and Hogue treats each individual with human dignity. RACK is an homage and addition to the great sleuthing novels of the past, from Raymond Chandler to Elmore Leonard. Praise for RACK: "My mind is searching for superlatives. I loved this from the FIRST sentence . . . bringing in references to everything from good literature to memorable movies to familiar names in current events, the prose sparkles with gold. It is rich, humorous, highly literate, and red hot contemporary." "It's clear Hogue has crafted a story with purpose and conviction. I think the strong, distinctive voice will resonate with folks who feel frustrated with US government institutions." "I was hooked once pressing go. Quite a journey with twists and turns and guffaws of its own. That was my morning (c)serial!" "Truly delightful. Playful, tinged with subdued carnality, and lighthearted humor, while the subject was on the serious side. I am in awe." "Loved it. I laughed out loud. It's like riding a sled through the woods, down a winding mountain path" "It sizzles." Jim Hogue is a Vermont resident, along with his wife and stepson. He tends his horses, chickens, parakeets and garden. He has written articles about public banking, monetary reform, Vermont history, and bankers' wars for Vermont Independent. His screenplay, Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, has garnered multiple best screenplay awards. His play, The Importance of Being Wilde, has enjoyed four productions. His radio program, "House at Pooh Corner", where he interviewed Daniel Ellsberg and many other whistle-blowers, lasted for 29 years until hecriticized Israel for genocide. He now has a television program by the same name with ORCA Media in Montpelier, VT.