Phillip W. Price's 'Asphalt Blues' Nominated for Literary Titan Book Award

Phillip W. Price's novel 'Asphalt Blues' has been nominated for the Literary Titan Book Award, marking a significant achievement for the author and his Daniel Byrd series. The nomination underscores the growing appreciation for crime fiction that draws from real-world law enforcement experience, potentially elevating the genre's status in the literary world.

The novel, published by Lanier Press in 2024, is the fourth installment in Price's series following Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agent Daniel Byrd. The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes books that demonstrate exceptional quality in presenting original content, suggesting that 'Asphalt Blues' has made a notable impact on readers and critics alike.

Price, a former GBI Special Agent with over three decades of law enforcement experience, expressed his gratitude for the nomination, emphasizing his commitment to realism in his writing. 'I am very humbled and honored that Asphalt Blues has been nominated for the Literary Titan Book Award,' Price stated. He added that his goal in writing the series is to make the stories 'as realistic as possible' by drawing on his extensive career in law enforcement.

The nomination of 'Asphalt Blues' so soon after its release indicates a rapid recognition of its quality within the publishing industry. This swift acknowledgment could signal a growing trend in the appreciation of crime fiction that blends authentic law enforcement insights with compelling storytelling.

'Asphalt Blues' continues the narrative from the previous book in the series, 'Self Rescue,' pitting protagonist Daniel Byrd and Texas Ranger Clete Petterson against a Mexican cartel drug lord and a CIA operative. The plot, involving a scheme to smuggle methamphetamine across state lines, promises to deliver the kind of high-stakes, realistic scenarios that have become hallmarks of Price's work.

The success of the Daniel Byrd series, with some comparing it to popular franchises like 'Breaking Bad' and describing it as 'Jack Reacher on steroids,' suggests a strong audience appetite for gritty, authentic crime narratives. Price's background lends credibility to his storytelling, potentially setting a new standard for realism in the genre.

As the crime fiction landscape continues to evolve, the recognition of works like 'Asphalt Blues' may encourage more former law enforcement professionals to share their experiences through fiction. This trend could lead to a richer, more nuanced portrayal of law enforcement in literature, offering readers deeper insights into the complexities of criminal investigations and the personal toll on those who pursue justice.

The nomination of 'Asphalt Blues' for the Literary Titan Book Award not only celebrates Price's individual achievement but also highlights the potential for crime fiction to bridge the gap between entertainment and educational insight into the world of law enforcement. As readers increasingly seek out stories that offer both thrills and authenticity, authors like Price are well-positioned to meet this demand, potentially reshaping the crime fiction genre in the process.