Author Description

Venice Beach, California has a varied and unique history. Its Boardwalk is known throughout the world as a permanent freak show, attracting more visitors each year than Disneyland. In its day, it has been home to such personalities as Charlie Chaplin, Jack Kerouac, and Dennis Hopper. Now, Venice Beach is the stomping grounds of Skids Poppe, ex-motorcycle gang member turned well-respected journalist. Way too early on a Saturday morning, Skids is woken by a phone call from a friend, Bernie, who is on the run from the police. The charge? Murder. While trying to get his friend off the hook, Skids will travel through all the storied neighborhoods of Southern California, from Venice to Santa Monica and even Beverly Hills. Part of the trail leads to Las Vegas, where Skids has family. Add into this mix a demolitions expert sidekick named Guantanamo Bey and the dead guy's ex-girlfriend, called August Everywhere, and you'll begin to see Skids may be in a bit over his head. But that won't stop him. Unless the bad guys kill him first... "When I was much younger and less wise, I had the great fortune to work at the same Moto mag as Mr. Poppe and survived the experience. He's a truly unique character with a truly unique voice and I am a changed man today because of our time together... Not sure if I'm better or worse for the experience, but undeniably altered. He sees things through different lenses than the vast majority, and you will be glad you took the time to peruse these pages and get a glimpse through his sunglasses."- Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, co-creator of Disney's "Phineas and Ferb" "Greenspon has written a love letter to Venice Beach, virtually turning the California enclave into a character in this motorcycle-fueled caper. Along the way, he treats readers to amusing quips, a road trip to Vegas, and a truly terrifying specialty cocktail. Fans of Donald Westlake and Janet Evanovich will feel at home in Poppe Culture." - Mindy Klasky, USA Today Bestselling auth