The Exit Man

Book excerpt: Suicide should come with a warning label: "Do not try this alone." If you truly need out and want the job done right, you should consider using an outside expert. Like Eli. Eli Edelmann never intended on making a living through mercy killing. After reluctantly taking over his family's party supply store following his father's death, he is approached by a terminally ill family friend who's had enough. The friend, a retired policeman, has an intricate plan involving something Eli has ready access to - helium. Eli is initially shocked and repulsed by the proposal, but soon begins to soften his stance and, after much deliberation, eventually agrees to lend a hand. It was supposed to be a one-time thing. How could Eli have known euthanasia was his true calling? And how long can he keep his daring underground "exit" operation going before the police or his volatile new girlfriend get wise?