Erick S. Gray Nasty Girls

Nasty Girls

Erick S. Gray

St. Martin's, May 2006, $14.95

ISBN: 0312349963

In Queens, New York twentyish Camille, Jade and Shy have always been there for one another since they were teens. They swore they will always be there for one another; protecting each other's back. However, their friendship pledge of loyalty is about to be tested.

Shy's man Roscoe is rising up the illegal drug ladder in the Jamaica projects. He has a posse working for him with his right-hand man being Jade's boyfriend James. Camille thinks both boyfriends are pieces of s**t., but then again she avoids all males in the projects. This particular sale goes wrong with Roscoe ending in prison while James floats free and takes over the lucrative business. Shy is outraged screaming betrayal as this is the second man removed violently from her life while Jade wants to believe her man is innocent. Camille is disgusted with both her "sisters" as she knows their boyfriends are thugs needed to be locked away. So why is she dating ex convict Cream further breaking up the band of sisters.

NASTY GIRLS is an offbeat fascinating urban crime caper that provides a deep look at the impact of illegal drug sales on more than just the players as collateral damage occurs. The gritty story line enables the reader to look deep inside the ensemble cast as perspective rotates between the three female friends. Their insights on the same incident or person are a delightful glimpse at relativity as where your relationship is the key to what you believe. Erick S, Gray provides a powerfully deep character study that escorts the reader on a tour of the mean streets of Jamaica where no one has your back when it counts except with a knife.

Harriet Klausner