The Check Out Scores Big For Steve Ember and Richard A Lester

WASHINGTON - Jan. 20, 2015 - PRLog -- Murder, greed, revenge, and groceries. It’s an unusual combination, though it seems to be one resonating with readers and listeners, alike. Richard A Lester’s debut novel, The Check Out (220pp,tpb, $12.99) is receiving critical notice in both paperback and audio format. The book follows an ensemble of characters in their exploits at a failing grocery store. Mired in their own dismal circumstances, the employees decide, independently of each other, to heist $10,000 prize money from the store on the same night.

Voice actor Steve Ember received recognition at the Television, Internet, and Video Association during the Awards Gala at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. for his recording of the audio version of The Check Out.  “It’s always a heady experience to hear one's name announced and to walk up to be presented a Peer Award,” Ember muses about the ceremony this past November.

Ember began his career as a radio and television host, and eventually moved into international broadcasting. His recent retirement has allowed him more time to focus on voice acting, a process he finds both formidable and rewarding. “The characters in ‘The Check Out’," Ember explains,  “provided enjoyable challenges to paint each one in terms of attitude, life history, motivation (some of it deeply warm and human, some, deliciously seedy!).”

The novel also earned a coveted nomination for a 2014 Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Award. The prestigious award is selected through a voting process open only to actual employees in self-owned bookstores.  Past nominees include Wiley Cash, John Hart, and Kathryn Stockett.

The Check Out is available through all major booksellers in paperback. It is also available through all major online retailers in e-book format.  Audio versions are available through Audible.com and Amazon.com.

ISBN: 1626208239

To place orders for the book, contact:

Ingram Content Group Inc.

1 Ingram Blvd.

La Vergne, TN 37086

inquiry@ingramcontent.com

phone  615.793.5000

To arrange a book signing or interview, contact Richard A Lester at mail@richardalester.com

For more information about Steve Ember, contact him at steve@steveember.com