Hollow Out the Dark

by

James Wade

Gritty, genuine, historical crime fiction set in Depression-Era East Texas.

War hero Jess Cole is trying to make ends meet the best he can, including taking on his deceased brother’s widow and daughter and looking out for his best friend who’s gotten crosswise with the local bad guys, the Fenley brothers. Texas Ranger Amon Atkins has brought his small family to the small town of Enoch, Texas, as he investigates a murder tied to the Fenleys. It’s the midst of the Depression and Prohibition is on the outs. Still, times are getting dangerously difficult for everyone. And, when the last avenue of legitimate work, the local mill, closes, the local whiskey, gambling, and enforcement activities may offer the only source of salvation to good men needing to feed their families. 

Hollow Out the Dark by James Wade is a complex and compelling crime fiction novel set during the Depression, near the end of Prohibition, in sparsely populated deep East Texas. With its genuine characters, desperate storylines, and atmospheric setting, readers will feel transported almost 100 years into the past. 

I was immediately absorbed by this story and one of the first aspects that made this happen for me was that every character read like they were a real person, many of whom felt familiar and personally known. Their words, the cadence of the language, the small bits of humor, and the fears all combined to create a feeling that these were genuine people. For the most part these are sturdy people, toughened by life and circumstance. The men are hard, products of short childhoods and early responsibility. You had to be tough to last into adulthood and tougher still to stick around long enough to get old. Or someone really had to be looking out for you. 

The author gives us some truly evil characters, and the good guys are forced to choose between compromising their integrity and ideals or risking everything or everyone they love: impossible situations with impossible choices. But how far will good men go to protect those they love or do what needs doing? And at what cost? 

The action takes place in an atmospheric rural setting and small town in East Texas, small because most of the population is spread out over the surrounding farmed as well as unfarmable land. While everyone knows everyone else and their business, neighbors aren’t right next door, making it the perfect location for bootlegging and other activities that don’t suffer an audience well. The Depression comes alive in this story and just when you think the hard times can’t get any harder, they do. The plot twists were sudden and often shocking. 

I recommend HOLLOW OUT THE DARK for readers of historical crime fiction, especially those who would enjoy an East Texas or Depression Era setting. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.

Porsche afficionados had a rare treat recently when Park Place Porsche Dallas hosted a Porsche Exclusive event featuring artist Costa Christ’s fine art photography printed on vintage Porsche hoods. Costa Christ is a Porsche Dallas client and his magnificent black Porsche 911 Carrera 4S was also on display alongside his art. 

Costa Christ’s artworks included classic and modern Porsches in front of everyday locations such as a convenience store and McDonald’s and In-N-Out Burger restaurants. He also showcased Porsches in front of iconic Dallas landmarks like Campisi’s Restaurant. Guests even had the opportunity to commission custom artwork by Costa Christ with sales benefitting The Children’s Tumor Foundation and Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

The event featured exquisite cuisine and fabulous cocktails from Thompson Dallas Chef Jeramie Robison and his team who created a delicious charcuterie bar with crudites, pickles, olives, shaved broccoli slaw, tabbouleh, grilled garlic-herb pita, lavash, hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki ranch. An ice sculpture seafood display offered poached shrimp and crab claws, with ceviche sauces: remoulade, cocktail sauce and mignonette. On the service drive, guests enjoyed a Yakitori grill cooked up cumin-chile lamb lollipops, Zatar filet tips and Harissa chicken. 

Meanwhile, the dessert station offered an array of sweet delights including Pomelo Rosemary Shortbread Sandwich Cookies, Chocolate Pot de Crème, and Pistachio, Mango and White Chocolate Macaroons. Guests also enjoyed custom Socorro margaritas and sampled Soledad Tequila.

Porsche Dallas gifted each guest with a leather mousepad embossed on-site with the iconic Porsche logo and a swag bag with Porsche and Costa Christ branded items. 

Porsche Dallas is the only Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in North Texas which allows for unlimited personalization options for clients to build a Porsche that is unique to the owner.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

OPEN HOUSE -- SATURDAY 3:00-5:00 AND SUNDAY 2:00 - 4:00

1947 Courtland Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034

This North facing Versailles Custom Home in the gated Kings of Hillswood features a home perfect for entertaining family & friends, near Lake Lewisville Park & a wooded greenbelt, . Upon entering, you'll appreciate architectural details like built-ins, crown moldings, & high ceilings, complemented by large windows. The chef's kitchen is a culinary masterpiece, complete with a center island, lots of custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, & a windowed kitchen enhancing its charm. Additional highlights include a formal dining room, welcoming foyer, home office (this could also be a 2nd bdrm downstairs), game room &home theater. The main floor primary suite offers a sitting area & luxurious ensuite with a separate shower & tub, walk-in closet, separate vanities. Step outside to enjoy the pool, patio with electric screens, outdoor kitchen, fenced large yard, covered pergola, & balcony. 3-car epoxy floor garage&long driveway. Don’t miss out on this exceptional home!

BioNTX is pleased to announce the finalists for the 3rd Annual Tech Transfer Showcase, set for Friday, October 4th, at the 2024 iC³ Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit. The Tech Transfer Showcase shines the spotlight on life science innovation that may be sitting on the shelf and strengthens the development of future leaders and entrepreneurs. This program is designed to assist academic institutions in presenting technologies available for licensing, collaboration and acquisition. 

The goal of the Tech Transfer Showcase is to connect Texas based academic institutions with Texas-based investors and industry executives that can help provide valuable insight into commercial readiness, market fit, business models, strategic partnerships, and commercial viability of all technologies. The 2024 competition was open to all Texas Universities. After submission, a panel of experienced judges reviews each university’s featured technology and selects the top six finalists to advance to the pitch showcase at the BioNTX annual Summit. 

In 2024, BioNTX has seen a 50% increase in applicants for this opportunity. A panel of knowledgeable judges have selected the top six finalists to advance to the pitch event at the iC³ Summit. The 2024 Tech Transfer Showcase finalists are:

• Baylor University

• Rice University

• Texas Tech University

• The University of Texas at Austin

• The University of Texas at Dallas

• The University of Texas Medical Branch

“BioNTX is proud to provide a platform for university faculty and inventors to test their technology and receive expert guidance for commercialization of their innovation,” reports Kathleen Otto, CEO, BioNTX.

Each finalist will collaborate with a Tech Transfer judge to refine their pitch and will present their technology at the iC³ Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit for a chance to win a cash prize.

“The BioNTX Tech Transfer Showcase is a perfect opportunity to get a glimpse into early-stage technologies coming out of the top universities in Texas. As a mentor and judge, it is very rewarding to see the progression and growth of the presenter and their pitches throughout the process.” Chad Ronholdt, Co-founder, CEO of ASC Biosciences and Managing Director of NVB Ventures.

Paul J. Corson, Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer for the University of Texas at Arlington, is the moderator of the Tech Transfer Office Showcase and Pitch Competition at the iC³ Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit on Friday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Corson states, “North Texas is a great place for life science startups, as evidenced by the amazing work I see at UT Arlington every day.” The Tech Transfer winner will be announced after the showcase and pitch competition at the Summit.

To register for the 2024 iC³ Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit, please click here.

An Unexpected Combination of Flavors Crafted for Texas Tastebud Perfection

The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council will debut the NEW Jammin' Bacon Hungr-Buster®, a premium burger set to wow burger lovers with its bold and craveable flavors. Only available at participating DQ restaurants across Texas from September 30 through November 24, this mouthwatering creation is crafted to delight tastebuds.

The Jammin' Bacon Hungr-Buster takes Texas DQ restaurants’ iconic quarter-pound Hungr-Buster® and elevates it with a delectable combination of sweet and zesty flavors. The premium burger boasts a sweet and savory bacon jam, with crispy bacon and onion rings for an extra crunch, topped with a zesty jalapeño ranch to give it a spicy kick, plus a creamy, pepper jack cheese for a smooth finish.

“This is a burger built for Texans who crave bold flavors," said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. "The Jammin' Bacon Hungr-Buster delivers a tantalizing twist with its sweet and savory bacon jam creating a truly unique experience.”

This exceptional burger is set to become a go-to favorite for all burger lovers, combining bold flavors and enticing textures in every bite. Whether a fan of the classic Hungr-Buster or ready to try something new, the Jammin' Bacon Hungr-Buster is sure to satisfy.

Earlier this month, DQ® restaurants in Texas introduced an exclusive signature sauce. The DQ Texas Sauce joined the best cream gravy in the Lone Star state. The DQ Texas Sauce is a savory blend that perfectly complements Texas Country Foods’ fan-favorite steak fingers and chicken strips. The DQ Texas Sauce combines the zesty flavors of honey mustard and BBQ, resulting in a sweet and tangy combination with a delicate smoky undertone.

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about DQ Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas.