We launched the first novel in Gary Reilly’s unique series about Denver taxi driver Brendan Murphy, a.k.a. “Murph,” in the summer of 2012. We had no idea where this was going—or for how long. Nearly thirty months after The Asphalt Warrior hit the streets, we have reached the sixth novel in the series, Dark Night of the Soul. To date, two of Gary’s books have been named finalists for the Colorado Book Awards and all have landed on the local best-seller list.
We’d like to briefly delay your enjoyment of Murph’s next trek around the colorful streets of Denver and take a moment to offer a heartfelt thanks to many who have helped us along the way.
Due in part to Gary’s growing fan base and also to the fact that Gary had many brothers and sisters, Running Meter Press has received generous gifts to continue the ongoing effort. There is lots of work left. Five more “Murph” novels remain unpublished. Earlier this year, we published the first of Gary Reilly’s accounts of his service during the Vietnam era. The Enlisted Men’s Club introduced us to another memorable Reilly character, Private Palmer, and two more stories remain in that saga. In addition, there are another dozen (or so) titles in a wide variety of genres that Gary Reilly left behind in his steamer trunk. We will be busy for years to come.
Today, there is an ever-expanding team behind Running Meter Press and we need to thank them: Peg Ondrak, Lynn Setzer, Gregg and Jeannie Haycraft, Greg Pulliam, Paula Sandoval, Joanne Krieg, Craig Reilly, Joseph Nigg, Esther Muzzillo, Daniel Reilly, Marilyn Reilly, Judy Waite, Theresa Peterson, Craig Carver, Bob Tucker, Bob Krieger, Tom Geimer, Mike McLanahan, Greg Hill, Dennis Gallagher, Denis Berckefeldt, and Julie Ondrak. And of course in particular we must thank Sherry Peterson, who supported Gary’s writing dream in so many ways for decades. There is also a whole team of people who help with these publications—and whose support is invaluable. These include editor Mira Perrizo, designer Nick Zelinger, artist John Sherffius, e-book specialist Gail Nelson, the fine book publicity team at JKS Communications, and web designer Anita Austin. We must also thank the Tattered Cover staff and our friends at Broadway Book Mall—Ron and Nina Else and Dean Wyant, too—for all their generous and ongoing support.
Gary Reilly’s fans continue to grow. We couldn’t be more thrilled.
As any good asphalt warrior might say, “Onward!”
Mike Keefe and Mark Stevens
Running Meter Press