The Muse Asylum

What is Horace Jacob Little trying to hide? No one knows much about the great modern author except that he is a complete recluse. In this electrifying debut novel, three recent college graduates are trying to uncover the mysterious writer's real identity: Jake Burnett, a young reporter and fan who wants to make his reputation by unmasking the legend; Andrew Wallace, a psychologically disturbed genius who is convinced that Little is plotting against him; and Lara Knowles, the girl they both love. Their investigation leads them into a twisted game of reflections and reversals in which each seems to be pursuing the other and the truth becomes blurred. As Andrew becomes increasingly distraught and potentially dangerous, the quest for the author threatens to unhinge everyone involved.

"The Muse Asylum is an ingeniously plotted postmodernist mystery that introduces a young writer of exceptional gifts. David Czuchlewski writes with imagination, vision, and style." (Joyce Carol Oates)

"[A] cleverly devised, sharply composed, entertaining and moving first novel. Mr. Czuchlewski deftly creates vivid environments in quick strokes. . . . And, crucially, he peoples these places with affecting characters, who seem to live on even after his tale's last twist has been turned." (The Wall Street Journal)