Author and UNC-Charlotte professor Aaron Gwyn's short story collection Dog On The Cross -- released back in 2004 -- tied together eight short stories set in an Oklahoma town's fundamental Christian/Pentecostal church community. Reminiscent of writing done by Flannery O'Connor, the collection by Gwyn was a good read, and it was even nominated for the New York Public Library's Young Lions Fiction Award. His newest release (out on April 13), The World Beneath, is a novel bent on suspense, as a boy goes missing and a strange hole appears in the yard of a man's home. Aren't you curious what it's all about? The World Beneath will be available for purchase and Gwyn will sign copies at Park Road Books on April 16. Free. 7 p.m. Park Road Books, 4139 Park Rd. 704-525-9239. www.parkroadbooks.com.