Phillip W. Price's 'Asphalt Blues' Nominated for Literary Titan Book Award

Phillip W. Price's novel 'Asphalt Blues', the fourth installment in his Daniel Byrd series, has been nominated for the Literary Titan Book Award, signaling a growing appreciation for crime fiction grounded in real-world law enforcement experience. The nomination underscores the book's exceptional standards in presenting original content, a hallmark of the Literary Titan recognition.

Released in 2024 by Lanier Press, 'Asphalt Blues' continues the saga of Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agent Daniel Byrd. The novel builds on the events of its predecessor, 'Self Rescue', pitting Byrd and Texas Ranger Clete Petterson against a vengeful Mexican cartel drug lord and a CIA operative. Price's narrative, which has drawn comparisons to 'Breaking Bad' and 'Jack Reacher', promises readers a thrilling exploration of cross-state drug smuggling operations.

Price's nomination is particularly significant given his background as a former GBI Special Agent. His 32-year career in law enforcement, which began in 1974 and culminated in his retirement as a Special Agent in Charge in 2006, lends authenticity to his fiction. This real-world experience translates into narratives that resonate with readers seeking realistic portrayals of law enforcement operations.

The nomination of 'Asphalt Blues' for the Literary Titan Book Award may signal a shift in the literary landscape, with increased recognition for genre fiction that blends entertainment with authentic insights into professional fields. It also highlights the potential for retired professionals to contribute valuable perspectives to creative industries, bridging the gap between factual accuracy and compelling storytelling.

As the Daniel Byrd series gains traction, it could potentially influence public perceptions of law enforcement work and the complexities of interstate crime. Price's success may also inspire other professionals to consider second careers in writing, potentially enriching various genres with specialized knowledge and experiences.

With Price indicating that 'Asphalt Blues' is not the end of the Byrd series, readers and industry observers alike will be watching to see how this nomination impacts the trajectory of both the author's career and the crime fiction genre as a whole. The continued success of such authenticity-driven narratives could lead to a new standard in crime fiction, where realism and thrilling storytelling coexist to educate and entertain readers.