Columbia author Wilmot B. Irvin, whose first novel, “Jacks Passage,” was set in a sleepy mountain town bearing a distinct resemblance to Saluda, has just released a new novel published by Red Letter Press entitled “Merrimans Second Chance.”
Irvin will have a book signing this Saturday morning, October 31, at Paces Store in Saluda, beginning at 10:30 a.m. His new book will also be available soon at the Book Shelf in Tryon.
This one is Irvins first about lawyers, judges and the art of lawyering. His protagonist, John Merriman, is a crusty old trial lawyer who makes a career of skating across the ethical boundaries drawn by his profession.
His nemesis, the self-righteous county solicitor Malcolm T. Prescott, makes life difficult for Merriman until the tables are turned and Prescott finds himself in the seat of the accused.
Merrimans plain-speaking wife May and their omniscient terrier Leland, tough cop Detective Lieutenant Michael OShea Barrow, and unexpected health problems all play a role in Merrimans redemption, but the serendipitous second chance to become a good and honest lawyer is the key to the transformation that takes place in Merrimans life.
Irvin practices law in Columbia, S.C. For many years he and his wife lived on a farm in rural Lower Richland, where they reared a son and two daughters, seven dogs, four cats, two goats, countless pigs, dozens of hens and roosters, and five horses.
Irving and his wife bought a house in Saluda seven years ago, and hope one day to spend most of their time there.