Bethel's Byrd's Books uncovers most spectacular bank robbery in American history on July 9

Named one of their "Summer Reads" by the New York Times, Connecticut author Peter Houlahan's new book, Norco ’80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History brings to life the story of how five heavily armed young men, led by an apocalyptic born-again Christian, attempted a bank robbery that turned into one of the most violent criminal events in U.S. history, forever changing the face of American law enforcement. On Tuesday, July 9th, 7:00pm to 8:30pm, Bethel's Byrd's Books, invites you to join Peter Houlahan at their popular independent bookshop as he discusses and signs his new - and first - book, called "one of the best true crime accounts ever written" by the author of Gangsterland, Tod Goldberg.  

The event is free and open to all. To save a spot or pre-order a book, go to https://conta.cc/2x0dzGI  Byrd's Books is located at 178 Greenwood Avenue, adjacent to The Toy Room and the nearby landmarked Opera House, across the street from the Bethel Public Library.

“On May 9, 1980, what usually happens only in action-thriller movies came to life in Orange Country, California. I don’t usually read true crime," writes Shannon Aiden of the Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, MI, "but Houlahan’s writing pulled me in. While reading this meticulously researched and documented account, I could almost smell the gunpowder, hear the cacophony of gunfire making my ears ring, and see the dust clear as the largest crime scene in American history came into view. Documented here is how an attempted bank robbery and its subsequent trial would forever change a town, its people, and law enforcement nationwide. The crime and court case may have been an unbelievable firestorm catastrophe, but this book is pitch-perfect.” Alice Hutchinson, owner of Byrd's Books, concurs, "Norco '80 is a must. Peter's first book is a chilling and exceptional read."

Peter Houlahan holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. In his career as an emergency medical technician, he has contributed to a number of articles related to his profession, including the impact of PTSD on first responders. A native Southern Californian, Houlahan now lives in Fairfield County, CT. To find out more about the author, visit, www.peterhoulahan.com/  

Byrd's Books is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00am to 6:00pm, Sundays 12:00 noon to 4:00pm. On-street parking lines Greenwood Avenue, and municipal parking is available at the Bethel Public Library across the street and at the "Old Train Station" which is where Broken Symmetry now resides. There are private lots nearby as well. For more information, go to byrdsbooks.com or call (203) 730 BYRD (2973).