The murder of a young woman triggers a series of events that pit a philosophical assassin, a charismatic detective, and the heir of a vicious mob family against each other. The second edition of Bruce Crown's debut novel, Chronic Passions is a narrative about the lovelorn Clark desperately trying to keep the past at bay, and the witty Niccolo investigating the disappearance of his childhood sweetheart. The novel bends the simple question of right and wrong by turning rich philosophical ideas into pragmatic actions in the modern world. A master of similes and allegories, Crown presents the plot outside our traditional concept of time and builds a narrative that inquires about what it means to love a woman or fight for justice. From the First Edition: CHRONIC PASSIONS is not a fool's errand post-modern liberal or conservative social critique. It is not a Disney fairy-tale meant to pervert ideals of good and evil, right and wrong, love, and hate. It is not an emotional roller-coaster, it is an emotional submarine meant to submerge you to the darkest recesses of your mind. It is not a universal bestseller nor has it been translated into 3 trillion languages like other books you're used to picking up at the store or on Amazon. The author is not a reporter, he is not an actor and not a politician, he doesn't need your respect or recognition. He has not won any awards and has no distinctions bestowed upon him by your "intellectuals," and "sages." He tells you this story reluctantly, hoping that you'll understand its overtures but knowing that you probably won't since it's not a movie about young promiscuous women, rich powerful men, wizards or vampires and other surreal garbage you usually enjoy. It's not meant to be read cuddled in a snuggie-blanket on your iPad with hot cocoa on a snowy Christmas Eve. It was written in darkness with a glass full of Springbank and tears, and that is how it should be read."