Introduction

Richard R. Becker is the author of the recently released coming-of-age thriller Third Wheel. It’s the story of a boy trying to navigate life and an improbable romantic interest in the dusty suburban outskirts of an infamous 24-hour desert town better known as Las Vegas.

There’s plenty to keep underdog Brady Wilks from a happy ending. There are backstabbing friends, gun-slinging drug cartels, ominous mobsters, and a resentful mother. Set in 1982, there is also an emphasis on the music that defined the era.

Songs That Make The Book

Becker is subtle about using the 1980s as a backdrop, sprinkling in references to further define some characters. Anytime Brady’s nemesis Alex enters the picture, he hits us with Ozzy Osbourne and Iron Maiden. When a parent drops by to bust up a party, he’s still wearing a Kings Road disco shirt. And when Brady’s too-old-for-him love interest peruses his room, she pokes fun that his cassette collection includes something from Barry Manilow. She makes the awkward moment complete by singing the title to Manilow’s “Copacabana.”

 The Novel’s Hidden Playlist

 There are many more songs that make Third Wheel interesting, including the main character’s defacto theme song, “Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who. Third Wheel’s chapter titles hint at a hidden playlist, and the author was willing to give up the first three.

Chapter 2 is titled “Born Wild,” directly referencing “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf. Chapter 3 is “School’s Out,” which gives the chapter an Alice Cooper twist. Chapter 4 is “Old Friends,” a one-off call out of “Friends” by Feather. All 24 chapters hint at songs from the 1970s and 1980s.

 Becker Loves His Books Too

 Reviewers Are Excited About Third Wheel

 Somehow, Becker weaves all these tidbits into a compelling story that reviewers and readers love. Although published by a small press, Third Wheel picked up ten 5-star reviews in the first two weeks of its release, won its first literary award, and is on track to sell hundreds of books by the end of September.

 Reader Views calls it “A sobering coming-of-age thriller that follows a root-worthy underdog. Emotionally driven and raw.” The Independent Book Review says it’s “a remarkable debut, the harsh realism of Third Wheel packs a punch. Its deep insight into the human condition resonates long after impact.”

Readers Love The Friendship Theme

Becker says he is grateful Third Wheel is doing so well. He attributes some of its success to his novel’s universal theme of belonging. It’s relevant today because Americans spend less time with friends and more time alone than they used to. It also doesn’t hurt that Becker writes about that theme on top of a thrill ride when Brady’s friend group decides to buy heroin from a drug cartel connection. You can find Third Wheel anywhere books are sold or on Amazon.

Read “Third Wheel” and learn more about the author on the book’s official page.

Get your copy of “Third Wheel” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFZGXN5S