Carleton College Grad’s Book Up for Award

For the second time in three years, a book from Carleton College grad and author Brian Freeman is up for an award from the International Thriller Writers.

Freeman’s seventh novel, Spilled Blood, has been named one of five finalists for Best Hardcover Novel in the International Thriller Writers’ 2013 Thriller Awards. 

“Very cool,” Freeman told Patch.

In 2011, his book The Burying Place was also named a finalist for the award.

Related: Woodbury Author Up For International Book Award

In an April 2012 interview with Patch, Freeman, who lives in Woodbury, called Spilled Blood “possibly my favorite book.” In a departure from his earlier works, it does not feature the character Jonathan Stride.

The novel is set in rural southwestern Minnesota, where two towns are feuding over a chemical manufacturer. Against that backdrop comes a game of Russian roulette that leaves one girl dead, another who runs away, and a third in jail on murder charges.

That third girl’s father, Chris Hawk, comes to town from the Twin Cities to defend her and find out what happened, while at the same time trying to mend relationships in his life.

A native of Chicago, Freeman has lived in Woodbury for nearly 30 years. He has previously notched other honors—including the Macavity Award for his first novel—and was also nominated for the Edgar Award.

The other finalists for the 2013 Thriller Awards in the Best Hardcover category are:

• Sean Chercover – The Trinity Game
• Lisa Gardner – Catch Me
• Gregg Hurwitz – The Survivor
• William Landay – Defending Jacob