The Secret Sign of the Lizard People - Softcover

Buckley, Kevin E

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1525559621 ISBN 13: 9781525559624

Publisher: FriesenPress, 2020

Synopsis

The mystery kicks off with the mainstay of L.A. noir: a corpse of a would-be starlet. An aspiring model is murdered, and two of the LAPD's finest homicide detectives, Jerry 'Leafy' Green and Bill 'Beefy' Goodness, are on the case. The clues lead them through the best and worst of California, from drought-dried sewers to posh country clubs. They quickly come to the realization that the model's death is only the tip of an insidious iceberg. The closer they draw to solving the case, the closer they are to unmasking the greatest conspiracy in human history. In the aggravating heat of a Los Angeles summer, Leafy and Beefy disagree about everything except the importance of fighting for justice. And regardless of whatever else can be said about them, they prove to be devoted and logical professionals.
As the case progresses, they enlist the help of a Jesus-lookalike ufologist, a streetwise Goth graffiti artist, a world-renowned geneticist and a fire-and-brimstone inner-city reverend.
Not every foul thing that transpires in LA can be blamed on the Santa Ana winds. Something beyond the usual "California crazy" is afoot, and Beefy and Leafy need to figure it out before it's too late.

About this title

About the Author

Born in the United Kingdom but happily dwelling across the pond, Kevin E. Buckley has travelled far and wide seeking new experiences and delving into interesting cultures. His travels ultimately led him to the pristine wilderness of the Great White North, the perfect setting for him to freely express his creativity. When not putting pencil to paper, Kevin is a business owner and musician and has played lead guitar with various rock and blues acts in both the Old World and the New. Choreographically challenged from an early age, he has fought hard to overcome a seriously debilitating dancing disability. On the plus side, he is now widely recognized as a fully-fledged, genetically certified non reptoid.

From the Back Cover

When partners in crime-reduction Jerry "Leafy" Green and Bill "Beefy" Goodness - two of the LAPD's most skilled homicide detectives - investigate the bizarre killing of a fashion model at the Hollywood Sign it soon becomes clear that this murder is part of a much larger conspiracy that threatens not only the people of America, but the entire population of the planet. As the case progresses, they recruit the help of a Jesus-lookalike ufologist, a streetwise Goth graffiti artist, a world-renowned geneticist, a super-nerd cyber investigator, and a fire-and-brimstone inner city reverend. The detectives and their motley crew of improvised freedom fighters must work quickly to take down the tainted global elite and avert the merciless enslavement of humanity that looms large on the horizon....

From the Inside Flap

What inspired you to write the book? There are many reasons for taking on the responsibility of writing a book. For me, three simultaneous-- yet seemingly unrelated -- occurrences converged to inspire me to create this book. Firstly, the alarming resurgence of global right-wing populism to a level not seen since before the Second World War. (There is a conspiracy here, folks, but it's definitely not a theory.) Secondly, the immense power and wealth wielded by the giant corporations and their cynical denial of the on-going industrial-scale destruction of our planet's flora and fauna despite an overabundance of scientific evidence to the contrary. And lastly, but by no means leastly, the huge popularity of the UFO counter-culture and the resultant conspiracy theories that now resonate throughout our literature and social media. The absolute evil of the first two and the arguably harmless absurdity of the last proved such an irresistibly interesting combination, that I had no choice but to tie these themes together and The Secret Sign of the Lizard People came into being.
What was your process of writing the book? The book was written between 4:00 and 6:00AM in longhand before I went to work, often by the light of a low-burning wood stove. I would jot down any inspirational ideas during the day and type up the hand written notes whenever I had a chance.
Why should people read your book? Aha! The $64,000.00 question! Primarily for entertainment and a good laugh. But read between the lines and you will understand why I inserted the James Joyce quotation at the beginning of the book: "In risu veritas".
What is so special about your story? One point that strikes me as unique is the oftentimes stark contrast between the seriousness of the narrative and the absurdity of the dialogue. This was an intentional desire on my part to provide entertainment and also an informed -- and sometimes dark -- commentary on the world in which we live.
Who is your ideal reader? Preferably somebody who is empathetic to the human condition, who doesn't necessarily accept the status quo, has a well-rounded sense of humour and is a free thinker.
How did you celebrate finishing writing your book? I wish I could say that I went on a world cruise with champagne served morning, noon and night . . . but as I recall, I breathed a giant sigh of relief and purchased some Chinese take-out food for myself and my wife.
Who is your favourite character in the book? That would probably be Detective Jerome Green, otherwise known as 'Leafy' to his intimate friends and colleagues. No doubt about it, Leafy is a flawed persona, some might even say irritating, but he has a somewhat oddball sense of humour and when it comes down to the crunch, his heart is in the right place.
If your book would be made into a movie - what actor would you want to play your main character and why? There are two main characters in the book, one black and one white: Beefy and Leafy. Faizon Love would work well for Beefy, because he physically fits the bill and I admire his acting. Adrien Brody reminds me of my mental picture of Leafy and I regard him as a very talented actor.
What is your favourite book? '1984' by George Orwell
What author do you look up to? Kurt Vonnegut. He lets it all hang out, no holds barred.
What would you do if your book became an international bestseller? I'd go on a world cruise with champagne served morning, noon and night! And Chinese food served between drinks!
Anything you want to share with my readers? Thank you all very much for reading to the end of this article. Cheers!

Edition details

• Publisher: FriesenPress
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1525559621
• ISBN 13: 9781525559624
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192