Broiler

Gabriela Menchaca works in a local chicken plant along with her boyfriend, Edwin Saucedo. The job is physically demanding and the amount of work she does yields a paltry amount. The couple are barely staying afloat. Edwin’s lack of maturity leads to him losing his job. Upon learning Edwin has lost his job, Gabriela is at her wit’s end. However, Edwin’s next decision will leave her befuddled.

Mimi Jackson is a mother who frets constantly over her infant son, Tuck. She confides her worries in her close circle of female friends because her husband Luke is usually working or emotionally unavailable. While voicing her thoughts, she is unaware that someone has been listening to her catharsis.

Edwin Saucedo’s scheme involves a kidnapping and ransom, but his actions are not well thought out. He underestimates his targets and he underestimates Gabriela’s willingness to go along with his plan.

Eli Cranor (Ozark Dogs) continues to impress as a fiction writer in his latest effort, Broiler. The crime appears simple on its surface, but the actors involved and the ensuing consequences are complex. Cranor possesses an innate talent for creating a riveting crime story with fascinating characters and a rewarding payoff.