Billy Wray

Books

A Thousand Times

Even though he’s hit bottom and begun the long climb out of alcoholism, private detective Charlie Street hasn’t come to terms with the demons who drove him.

Taking up a murder case as a chance for a career-ending score, Charlie links up with Junior, a partner crazier than he is, and Junior’s mom, who was Charlie’s teen-age crush.

Junior’s enthusiasm to solve the murder complicates the case, and Charlie’s weakness for women threaten to destroy the love of the only woman he truly loves.

For an addict, giving up the drug of choice may be just the beginning, and finding true freedom may be more terrifying than giving up the booze.

The Phantom of Penderlea

A young man running from the law accepts the help of a ruthless Hillbilly Mafia boss who traffics in drugs, illegal alcohol, and prostitution. Based on a true story, The Phantom of Penderlea is a crime thriller set in North Carolina. The Phantom of Penderlea is both crime story and love story, as well as an exploration of the costs and difficulties of overcoming addiction.

Belmont Arsenal

For Palmer Overstreet, there’s something odd about a run-of-the-mill armed robbery that he just happened into. For one thing, the robber seems more interested in shooting at Palmer, a bystander, than in emptying the till. But the robber ends up dead on the street, and Palmer is not sure who’s trying to kill him or why. Belmont Arsenal introduces you to a colorful cast of characters connected by family and friendship, as Palmer’s cousin, private detective Johnny Dagistino, tries to crack the mystery of who’d want to kill a nice insurance guy.

Billy Wray

My name is Billy Wray and my aim is to write entertaining stories featuring characters that the reader will not soon forget.

My latest novel, Belmont Arsenal, takes place in a family in the fictional hometown of protagonist Johnny Dagistino.

In my first novel, A Thousand Times, I look at the pain, denial, selfishness, and self-centeredness of recovering alcoholic, private detective Charlie Street as he searches for the killer of prominent farmer and politician, William McIver. By watching Charlie’s climb out of the dark hole he lives in, I hope we can see the dysfunction in all of us.

My second novel, The Phantom of Penderlea, has been called “a masterpiece” by one critic, and many critics have said the book is hard to put down. One critic said the imagery in the action scenes make the reading seem like looking at a movie. The idea for the novel is based on a true conspiracy. I really enjoyed writing this story, and I think the reader will enjoy reading it, too.

I was born in Cedar Creek Township, North Carolina, in 1933. I’ve been a salesman, a policeman, and a retail store owner for more than 30 years. I live with my wife, Shelley, in Hoke County, North Carolina.