Loss Fuels a Life
by S. James Wegg

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Loss is a fact of life for everyone, but when the loss is unexpected and experienced far too soon, lives can be turned upside down—especially if important truths were close to the surface but never shared. S. James Wegg’s Loss Fuels a Life explores the theme of loss through an intense, suspenseful plot that combines a murder mystery with erotic drama and psychological reflection against a backdrop of classical music, professional rivalry, and interpersonal relationships. Ivan Dorn is a thirtysomething freelance arts writer who travels the world, reviewing and interviewing a variety of artistic productions and personalities. Returning home to Toronto from an Asian assignment, his world collapses when he discovers his best friend, Rye, brutally murdered. Immediately, Ivan sets out on a quest to track down and punish the killer—regardless of the personal cost to him. But the closer Ivan gets to meting out justice, the closer he gets to unmasking himself. He is not the man he thought he was, and it takes Rye’s sudden death to cause the critic to finally confront himself. Interspersed throughout the narrative are concert reviews, the filming of erotic scenes, and amateur sleuthing, all woven together to create a tale that twists and turns down unexpected paths. Loss Fuels a Life is a provocative and emotionally charged novel intended for mature readers, offering an unflinching exploration of passion, grief, and self-discovery.

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S. James Wegg has an MFA from Carnegie Mellon University and has been the managing editor of the James Wegg Review since 2001 (https://www.jamesweggreview.org). His other published works include JWR: The First Lustrum (2005) and If Anyone Knows (2016), along with numerous short stories and reviews. He’s a composer, conductor, and clarinetist, who has also written and produced arts-related television programs. Wegg lives in St. Catharines, Ontario, where he enjoys reading, cooking, and going for long walks.

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Contributors

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S. James Wegg