Book Release of The Dirt-Brown Derby

October 5, 2006 (Press Release) -- THE DIRT-BROWN DERBY is the first novel in a series of four featuring PI Frank Johnson hired by a wealthy lady on a horse estate to track down her daughter’s murderer. Local law enforcement has attributed her daughter’s death to a tragic riding accident. Of course, Mary Taliaferro, the mother, is in sharp disagreement. Reluctantly, Johnson drives up to her rural town of Kaiser, Virginia (a fictitious place) near Middleburg to accept the case. He’s broke and the money she’s offered him is much too good to pass on.

The novel takes place over a week in mid-April 2000. On the second day, Johnson’s work is further complicated by the additional murder of the wealthy lady’s horse trainer. Johnson now has to contend with two deaths. He also has to tangle with many locals including the sheriff, the horse farm security guard, and several toughs. He befriends Thornbird, a young, green, but eager Deputy Sheriff. Their unlikely alliance will have to suffice in making any progress to solve the case.

While in Kaiser, Johnson bumps into Sheila Hamilton, an old love interest that rekindles romance. Again, there are problems due to his ambivalent feelings toward her. For a time, their previous partnership as private investigators seems to succeed. The case takes several twists including a hairy trip to Jetsam Racetrack in West Virginia. Then betrayal and jealousy very nearly get Johnson killed.

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"A great protagonist, a suspenseful story, a wonderful sense of place. It's all here."
-Steve Hamilton, USA Today bestselling author of PI Alex McNight mysteries
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"There's a new thoroughbred in the noir world of private
investigators. A terrifically enjoyable read."
-Linda Fairstein, New York Times bestselling author of the
Alexandra Cooper mysteries
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"The Dirt-Brown Derby is tough, snappy, and fascinating."
-John Lutz, USA Today bestselling author of SWF Seeks Same and Fear the Night.
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"The Dirt-Brown Derby is a solid, fast-paced read."
-Barbara D'Amato, author of Cat Marsala mysteries
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"The Dirt-Brown Derby is hard, fast, and unsentimental. PI Frank Johnson is a guy you want on your side."
-Bill Crider, author of Sheriff Dan Rhodes mysteries
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"This noir thriller has fast-paced scenes and crackling dialogue."
-Ed Dee author of Detective Anthony Ryan and Joe Gregory mysteries
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"A fun read that informs as well as entertains."
-Charlies Stella, author of Shakedown and Cheapskates
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"Ed Lynskey's distinctive voice brings the locale to life."
-Charles Ardai, author of Little Girl Lost