Bootlicker | A Novel by Steve Piacente

In the summer of 1959, two black teens hoping to sneak a beer in the South Carolina woods chance on a lynching led by the local judge. One bolts. The other, Ike Washington, freezes and winds up with a choice: join the man about to die, or begin hustling black support the judge needs to advance in politics. In return, he will enjoy a life of power and comfort. In a year of heightened political sensitivities, Bootlicker goes where C-SPAN is never invited – to back rooms where deals are cut, futures are plotted, and where right and wrong are not so easily defined. Bootlicker is for women intrigued by powerful men, men intrigued by the path to power, and all who thought they understood politics.

Reporter turned speechwriter turned university professor turned federal communications exec turned self-published author, now trying to catch breath ...

My first novel was Bella: A striking widow intent on proving the military lied about her husband’s death lures a Washington journalist into the investigation. Working together, they discover the power of temptation, the futility of revenge, and the consequences of yielding to either. The story is told by hotshot correspondent Dan Patragno. Bootlicker is the prequel. This time, Dan is a rookie reporter assigned to cover what turns out to be a racially charged election with a twist he never could have imagined.