Former LAPD detective Mike Travis returns in a novel of sex, drugs, rock and roll—and murder—from the award-winning author of Roadhouse Blues.
The mystery has fascinated the music industry since 1977—the year when some tapes went missing from the Stone Blossoms’ final recording session for one of the most anticipated rock albums of all time. The band’s charismatic leader committed suicide on the same day.
Retired cop Mike Travis learns about the puzzling history in the worst way possible. After sailing from Catalina to his family’s old beach house in Kona, Hawaii, he discovers there’s been a bloodbath. Five victims have been murdered, including his childhood friend’s wife and a former Stone Blossoms guitarist, Danny Webb. And when his friend is suspected of going on a jealous rampage, it’s up to Travis to prove his innocence.
Turns out Webb was involved in a multi-million-dollar deal—providing he could produce the lost tapes. Travis knows just how toxic greed can be, but even he’s not prepared for the violence to come . . . and just how close to home it will hit.
“A fast-paced look at the dark side of music and greed. I couldn’t put it down.” —Brad Freeman, K-Hawaii Radio
“The climax is fast-paced, just how a detective needs to work when he finally puts it all together.” —Rapport magazine
Baron Birtcher spent a number of years as a professional musician, and founded an independent record label and management company. His first two novels, Roadhouse Blues and Ruby Tuesday, are Los Angeles Times and Independent Mystery Booksellers Association bestsellers. Birtcher has been nominated for a number of literary awards, including the Nero Award for his novel Hard Latitudes, the Claymore Award for his novel Rain Dogs, and the Left Coast Crime “Lefty” Award for his novel Angels Fall. He was the 2016 Silver Falchion Award winner for his novel Hard Latitudes and the 2018 Winner of the Killer Nashville Reader’s Choice Award for his novel South California Purples.
Birtcher currently divides his time between Portland, Oregon, and Kona, Hawaii.