Dashboard Elvis is Dead: The epic, extraordinary new novel from one of Scotland's most exceptional novelists

In Dashboard Elvis Is Dead, a failed writer connects the murder of an American journalist, a drowned 80s musician, and a Scottish politician's resignation in a heart-wrenching novel about ordinary people living in extraordinary times. Jude Montgomery arrives in Glasgow in 2014, searching for someone who shares a devastating secret from a traumatic night in Phoenix forty years earlier. The novel explores fate, destiny, regret, and absolution, and is a masterclass in transatlantic intertwining storytelling.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Orenda Books

A failed writer weaves together the tragic murders of an American journalist, a drowned 80s musician, and a Scottish politician's resignation in a heart-wrenching novel that explores the lives of ordinary people living in extraordinary times.

"A dazzling, time-hopping patchwork of pop and politics, sewn together with wit and compassion," Kirstin Innes praises this captivating transatlantic extravaganza.

This amiable and ambitious novel is a bustling social tapestry pegged to real-life events in Scotland and the United States. Author David F. Ross' affection for his characters shines through, as he masterfully weaves a complex narrative filled with intricate plotlines and memorable characters. With so much going on, readers are guaranteed a value-for-money experience.

"A mesmerising road trip through the America of Kerouac, Warhol, and Reagan," Stuart Cosgrove describes the book. "Dashboard Elvis may be dead, but this book is full of vibrant, authentic, colourful life."

David F. Ross was shortlisted for the Scottish Fiction Book of the Year in the Scottish Book Awards, showcasing the author's talent and recognition in the literary world.

The story unfolds in Glasgow in 2014, following the failed Scottish independence referendum. Renowned photo-journalist Jude Montgomery arrives in the city, searching for someone. Is it Anna Mason, who will go on to lead the country as First Minister? Or is it Jamie Hewitt, the guitarist from the 80s one-hit wonders, The Hyptones? Or is it Rabbit, Jude's estranged foster sister, now a world-famous artist?

Three seemingly unconnected people share a devastating secret that was forever altered by a traumatic night in Phoenix, forty years earlier. Jude's search takes her back to a school shooting in her Texas hometown and a 1980s road trip across the American West, from San Francisco to New York.

In Glasgow, Jude's quest ends with a final, shocking event that only one person can fully explain. This extraordinary, gritty, and tender novel delves into the depths of human emotions, exploring themes of loss, redemption, and the power of forgiveness.

Through Jude's journey, readers are transported to different eras and locations, immersing themselves in the lives of these characters and their complex relationships. The novel's vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling make it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted tale that blends fiction with real-life events.

In conclusion, "Dashboard Elvis" is a remarkable novel that captivates readers with its intricate plot, memorable characters, and powerful storytelling. Author David F. Ross has masterfully crafted a tale that explores the lives of ordinary people living in extraordinary times, leaving a lasting impact on those who dare to immerse themselves in its pages.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914585401