44°
Ryan, of New Milford, has been teaching seniors in his English literature class at Hackensack High School about "Dante’s Inferno" for nearly 20 years.
Those discussions spawned what has become his “City Series.”
“I had this idea that it would be a wonderful thing to have a fast-paced, funny, modern story that everyone can enjoy -- and find out it actually has literature all hidden in it,” Ryan said.
The series features two New York City detectives and their journey to find peace in life -- all while going through hell.
“I am a transplanted Bronx guy," Ryan said, "so there is a lot about New York City I do hold dear.”
"City of Woe" — the first book in the series — was published in 2011. "City of Sin" followed in 2013.
This week, "City of Pain" was published.
Ryan is offering free copies of "City of Sin" and "Genius High" in honor of his twin boys' 20th birthday through Sun., Oct. 25. "City of Woe" and "City of Pain" are at reduced prices of $2.99 on Amazon.
Meanwhile, Ryan is at work on the fourth series offering: "City of Love."
“The books are essentially a modern retelling of Dante’s Inferno,” Ryan said. “No one needs to know about Dante to enjoy the books.”
A former journalist, Ryan found teaching will reporting on drug abuse in the late 1980s and early 1990s (SEE: New Milford Teachers' Novel Satirizes Readiness Testing).
“You will see a lot of New York City in these books," he said, "but there still will be danger, thrills and sarcastic jokes.”
CLICK HERE to buy the books.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bergenfield and receive free news updates.
