Author:Jon Hotten
The Years of the Locust is a true story of intrigue, paranoia, murder and money set in the shimmering cities of America's South in the 1990s. It's the story of two men who never should have met, and when they did, one killed the other. There are walk-on parts for Don King, George Foreman, the FBI and a fallen NFL hero, yet it's the two central characters - sociopathic door-to-door-sales-king-turned-boxing-promoter Rick 'Elvis' Parker and his loyal, naive and ultimately incorruptible fighter Tim Anderson - that make this story extraordinary and unforgettable.
It would be impossible to invent a man like Rick Parker, a freakishly fat ginger-haired giant who modelled his personal style on Elvis Presley and wanted to become the next Don King. Don himself told Rick how to do it - find a white man who could become the heavyweight champion of the world. Then Rick met Tim Anderson, a handsome, funny former baseball pro - was he the fighter to take Parker all the way? Rick left a trail of fixed fights and violent mayhem all across the South, but his dream stayed out of reach. By the end of his reign of terror Tim would be broke, poisoned and facing the hardest choice of all. And now Tim is doing life without parole in a state prison, and Rick - well, Rick's dead.
By juxtaposing the lives of these two extraordinary men, The Years of the Locust turns a remarkable, riotous true-crime story into a profound examination of chance, choices and remorse - one that's scary, sad and blackly, bleakly funny.
The Years of the Locust is criminally good...Jon Hotten charts the corruption and shattered lives this low-rent Machiavelli left in his wake in this gripping look at the dark heart of the noble art
—— MetroHotten tells a terrific story, a real-life tale that will appeal to anyone who enjoys the darkly comic Florida-based thrillers of Carl Hiaasan
—— Daily TelegraphA brilliant feat of research and reportage
—— Independent on SundayThe Years of the Locust stands in the tradition of great boxing writing
—— Soctland on SundayMarcotti has an unrivalled network of contacts, and writes with authority and style... an intriguing portrait
—— Liam Doyle , The BooksellerInformative, entertaining
—— When Saturday ComesExtremely detailed, well-researched, informative and entertaining
—— Steve Amoia , soccerlens.comMotty, like Pele and Madonna, needs no other form of identification.
—— Alan FraserThe FA Cup final without Motty is almost unthinkable. Because, like the competition itself, Motty is a hopeless romantic.
—— Graham Wray , PeopleThis is a man in love with his calling.
—— Jim White , Daily TelegraphMotty is, in the words of the old cliché, a legend in his own lifetime. He has brought knowledge of and passion for football direct into the homes of millions - he is a national institution, recognised and loved. He is also a thoroughly decent bloke.
—— Tony BlairJohn Motson has for many years been the undisputed true voice of English football.
—— Sir Bobby RobsonThere is no doubting Motty is a footie hero ... this will be an ideal stocking-filler for dads at Christmas
—— News of the WorldLike Cheryl Cole and Lincolnshire sausages, John Motson is a national treasure to be cherished. From his verbal scraps with Brian Clough to the traumatic Hillsborough tragedy, his autobiography reveals the man behind the microphone.
—— Sport MagazineJohn Motson is an institution and his commentaries on Match of the Day are part of the fabric of football. The BBC legend has been behind the microphone for 40 years, covering just about every big match going.
—— MetroBright and breezy ... it reflects on a lifetime watching football matches big and small and of bumping into all the heroes of the game
—— Sunday ExpressStrangely compelling memoir by one of the best-known sports commentators of his generation. If you cannot remember what colour shirts Newcastle United wore in 1972 when they were drummed out of the FA Cup by Hereford ... this is the book for you
—— Financial Times 'Books of the Year'Motty's knowledge and passion for football are unrivalled as he shares his story for the first time with humour and honesty.
—— Oxford TimesFilled with a multitude of detail about Motson's background and the sporting times he lived through ...Motson is one of the most intelligent and accomplished commentators in history, a voice that has conveyed the best (and worst, depending on your allegiance) moments in the recent past of the game. His book offers a fascinating look at what goes on behind the scenes of football broadcasting, as well as a trip down memory lane for many supporters. A must-read for any football fan.
—— Sunday Business PostThe voice of the sheepskinned sage and cult hero John Motson will doubtless be heard at the 2010 tournament, and he reminisces on his career to date in the amusing Motty: Forty Years in the Commentary Box
—— Independent on Sunday 'Books of the Year'
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