NFB Publishing and Buffalo-born author Moxie Gardiner announce the release of Black Ice, an intriguing new “retro” fiction novel that bridges the diverse societal and cultural landscapes of Buffalo and New York City in the 1970s and early 1980s.
To celebrate the release, a launch party will take place on July 31 at the Bestcellar Book Bar, 9560 Main St., Clarence, followed by a multi-city regional book-signing tour throughout August and September.
Black Ice is the second book in Gardiner’s “Buffalo Trilogy,” which follows impetuous Cosi McCarthy, a young woman from Buffalo’s working class West Side, who is trying to escape a recent, profound tragedy in her hometown. Seeking a fresh start and a brighter future, Cosi roars into New York City on the back of a motorcycle in 1971, only to quickly find herself on metaphorical “black ice.”
Like its predecessor, Virgin Snow, which offered readers a vivid look at familiar streets, landmarks and the distinct blue-collar grit of Buffalo’s inner city, Black Ice expands its scope to include the glamour — and the mean streets — of the Big Apple.
“Writing these books was a way to honor my roots in Western New York and the state writ large,” says Gardiner. “I wanted to capture the true spirit of Buffalo — its resilience, its beauty and its history — and place it on a grand stage alongside the eternal attractions of New York City.”
Local residents and media are invited to attend the upcoming launch event and summer signing tour:
• BOOK LAUNCH PARTY: Friday, July 31, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bestcellar Book Bar in Clarence. Be among the first to get your copy of Black Ice signed in person by the author. Channel your inner John Travolta or Cyndi Lauper and dress up to win a costume prize!
• AUGUST SIGNINGS:
Aug. 9, at Dog Ears Bookstore & Café, 688 Abbott Road, Buffalo (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Aug. 11, at Literary Arts Center, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua (noon to 1 p.m.)
Aug. 15, at Fitz Books & Waffles, 1462 Main St, Buffalo (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
Aug. 16, at Talking Leaves Books, 951 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo (3 to 4 p.m.)
Aug. 20, at Smith Memorial Library, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua (noon to 1 p.m.)
• SEPTEMBER SIGNINGS:
Sept. 11, at Revolver Records, 810 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo (6 to 9 p.m.)
September (date TBD), Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore, Buffalo State University, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo
Black Ice is published by NFB Publishing of Buffalo and is available for purchase at the above locations as well as other local independent bookstores and online retailers.
Moxie Gardiner is the pen name of a writer, blogger and published author born and raised on the West Side of Buffalo. She now spends her summers on the shores of Lake Erie where she finds inspiration for her Buffalo-based novels. Learn more about her at https://moxiegardiner.com.
