In a city of fast cars and movie stars, these folks are crazy about cacti. Until a killer joins the club . . . Joe Portugal likes people. But he likes plants better. That's why the former theater actor turned small-time L.A. commercial star is a prominent member of the Culver City Cactus Club. Unfortunately, so is a killer. The club's president is dead--a poison succulent lodged into her mouth. With a father who knows a thing or two about murder, and police breathing down his neck, Joe can recognize a jam when he sees one. But when he begins searching through a colorful cast of plant lovers, plant dealers, and even international plant smugglers, he doesn't find the answers he needs. Meanwhile, the killer has struck again, working his way through the Cactus Club with a garden variety motive--and a very green thumb--for murder. . . . Includes The Joe Portugal Guide to Botanical Nomenclature

Nature. Nurture. Murder. L.A. actor Joe Portugal just wants to keep the mealybugs off his cacti, give a little boost to his love life, and maybe make a few commercials along the way. And with a small acting role nailed down, Joe has every reason to mind his own business. But he doesn't. That's because a man who loved orchids has been found dead. And so has a woman who asked for Joe's help. Never one to walk away from a challenge, Joe is plunging into a world unlike any he's seen before--the frenetic, highly competitive world of the orchid enthusiast. And suddenly Joe Portugal--actor, cactus lover, reluctant sleuth--is discovering that solving murder cases among the flora, fauna, and fanatics who thrive in L.A. isn't just a hobby, it's his true calling...especially since a killer has already come calling on him.... Includes The Joe Portugal Guide to Orchids.

“The stories are fast with page-turning addictiveness, filled with gems of street-smart dialogue…Noir collections don’t get much better than this.”—New York Journal of Books This volume includes the two underground cult-classic novels By the Balls and Five Shots and a Funeral, along with two brand-new short stories, a new introduction, and over a dozen short essays by industry luminaries. The tales follow the exploits of Ben Drake, a detective with a passion for small cigars and big fights, a love of Old Grand-Dad, and a weakness for women in trouble. North of Las Vegas in the fictional town of Testacy City, Drake sniffs out killers, thieves, kidnappers, cock fighters, double crossers, crooked cops, and numbers runners—all culminating in the bizarre murder of Gentleman Joe Biggs, a well-loved local bowling hero. And as he continues to crack clues in the case, Drake is drawn deeper into a citywide criminal conspiracy. “Readers who enjoy their hard-boiled detective fiction seasoned with self-referential humor will welcome this collection, which includes two new short stories…The title work, a novel first published in 1998, is the highpoint, as a murder in a bowling alley claims the life of Gentleman Joe Biggs, the city’s leading bowler. Along the way to a crafty solution, the authors wink at the readers—a light touch that leavens a grim fictional universe.”—Publishers Weekly “With their tongues well placed in their pulpy cheeks, these stories could be read as fairly faithful homages to the classic mystery noirs of the 1930s (and '40s, and '50s) as well as wickedly playful satires...A definitive package of noir throwbacks that will tickle your fancy if you're a fan of Hammett, Spillane and Chandler.”—Shelf Awareness

Winner, 2016 the Belmont Book Award, Sponsored by the International Country Music Conference For more than forty years, Guy Clark wrote and recorded unforgettable songs. His lyrics and melodies paint indelible portraits of the people, places, and experiences that shaped him. He has served as model, mentor, supporter, and friend to at least two generations of the world’s most talented and influential singer-songwriters. In songs like “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” L.A. Freeway,” “She Ain’t Going Nowhere,” and “Texas 1947,” Clark’s poetic mastery has given voice to a vision of life, love, and trouble that has resonated not only with fans of Americana music, but also with the prominent artists—including Johnny Cash, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Jeff Walker, and others—who have recorded and performed Clark’s music. Now, in Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark, writer, producer, and music industry insider Tamara Saviano chronicles the story of this legendary artist from her unique vantage point as his former publicist and producer of the Grammy-nominated album This One’s for Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark. Part memoir, part biography, Saviano’s skillfully constructed narrative weaves together the extraordinary songs, larger-than-life characters, previously untold stories, and riveting emotions that make up the life of this modern-day poet and troubadour.

Cactus View Book Club is set in an active adult community in beautiful Surprise, Arizona. After a new member joins the ladies' book club, members soon become entangled in a murder investigation that continues to escalate. As the bodies pile up in this gripping novel, Detectives Baxter and Begay are charged with unraveling the secrets and mysteries hidden within the club. Multiple deaths and suspects emerge as club members create a web of lies and betrayals. With its intriguing plot, secrets, hidden agendas, action, and desert setting, Cactus View Book Club (Murder in Surprise) will keep readers engaged to the end. Excerpt: After the club members had finished discussing John Grisham's novel "The Reckoning," the conversation drifted into the happenings of their personal lives and the surrounding community. The Cactus View Book Club was as much about socializing as it was about books. Several members refilled wine glasses and sampled the snacks from the kitchen counter. Katy Cullen drifted over to the newest member, Emily Settlemire. "Judy is having a tough time," Katy whispered. "You mean about the affair?" asked Emily. "Yes." "That's sad. Judy is such a beautiful woman, and she seems nice enough." "I've met her husband, and he comes across as a jackass if you ask me." "Judy said they were trying to work things out," Emily reminded her. "She tries to hide it, but I believe he is having another affair." "Has Judy told you that?" asked Emily. "You can see the signs. Judy has gotten more sullen over the last couple of weeks. She mentioned something about him not being able to control himself." "Well, there's a simple fix to that. She should kick his ass out." "Judy won't do that," insisted Katy. "Why not?" "She needs the money. She was a stay-at-home mom for most of their marriage. When she finally found a job, it was in retail. I believe she worked at Kohl's." "And her husband is a surgeon," replied Emily. "They must have a lot of money. She is entitled to at least half of it." "Well, Judy worries he would fight her and tie up the money for years. She's also afraid he would get the main house in Washington because that's where his primary practice is. That would leave her the house in Cactus View. She's not sure she would enjoy living here full time." "If Judy needs advice on getting out of an awful marriage, send her to me," said Emily. "What can you do?" asked Katy. Before Emily could answer, Linda Riggs walked over. "We are delighted to have you in our club, Emily." This is Mark Beckner's fifth book in a line of thrilling murder dramas. Previous titles are Behind the Lies; Death From Desire; Naked Evidence; and Silent Waters.