I Might Be in Trouble

YA author Aleman (Brighter Than the Sun) makes a memorable move to adult fiction with this zany black comedy that lampoons the publishing industry and New York City’s gay dating scene. Writer David Alvarez suffers a crisis of faith (and budget) when his second novel falls short of expectations. Feeling estranged from his family and the ex-boyfriend he drove away with his workaholism, David loses himself in a cathartic night of partying that culminates in an anonymous Grindr hookup. When he wakes up the next morning, he finds his one-night stand dead. Panicked, he calls his agent and de facto best friend, Stacey, to get him out of trouble—and possibly help him spin the story into his next novel. Aleman’s acid-tongued tale is at its best when it’s going for laughs, whether via Weekend at Bernie’s–style hijinks or slapstick sex scenes. Elsewhere, David’s attempts to connect with his family and reconcile with his ex strive for emotional depth, but serve mostly to dampen the fun. Still, this laugh out loud suspense tale promises good things from Aleman to come. Agent: Peter Knapp, Park & Fine Literary and Media. (Dec.)