OUT NOW: Barker returns in 'Monterey Pulp'

'Monterey Pulp' by
Patrick Whitehurst, the second
of the Barker Mysteries.
Barker, the homeless detective of ‘Monterey Noir,’ returns in ‘Monterey Pulp.’

Following hot on the heels of his rescue of Carmel's mayor from the ship Wicked Joe in “Monterey Noir,” Barker once again finds himself in a hot mess of danger and intrigue. Seeking escape from his newfound popularity, the handsome man with no memory of his past, travels deep into the Carmel Highlands - only to find adventure has followed him there.
From an encounter with the disturbing Easter Bunny Man at Pacific Grove's famous Lover's Point to a diabolical plot by the homeless denizens of Deadrent Kingdom, trouble is never very far from Barker and his collection of loyal canines.



Check out the sneak peak below. Click here to order your copy of ‘Monterey Pulp’ for the Amazon Kindle.

CHAPTER 1 TERROR IN THE HIGHLANDS
In the dream, Chuck found himself floating alone on a giant block of ice.  The waters around him bubbled and spit, melting the ice more and more, for a volcanic eruption beneath him continued to spew its molten contents despite his desperate prayers that it would end.  He clawed his way atop the ice block's pinnacle, hoping a passing ship would spy his plight and come to his aid.  He was, after all, a greatly respected member of the Peninsula, editor of one of the most widely-read weekly newspapers in town, and carried with him more money than any respectable reward-seeker would want or need.  His gratitude would more than fatten their wallets, if only they'd save him!  The ice block continued to melt.
Sleeping at the edge of his tent, Chuck Potachi squirmed and writhed in silent terror.  Had he woken at that moment, the middle-aged editor would have realized how the ice block and volcanic turmoil mirrored, in a way, his tumultuous real life.  Chuck kept dreaming, however, finding himself closer and closer to the terrifying, boiling sea atop his ever-thinning chunk of ice.  The campsite remained silent as the grave.
* * * *
A week ago, Barker set off for the peace and solitude offered by the Carmel Highlands and its wealthy supply of nature.  Wild boars scurried about in the dead of night, as did the deer, raccoons and skunks.  Their footsteps and chattering mouths served to remind him of their dominion over the region while he dozed under his fort of old tree branches and dead leaves. 
During the daylight hours he watched the comings and goings of squirrels as they frolicked and scampered about near his campsite.  Closing his eyes to the birds singing in the trees above him, Barker allowed their symphonies to lull him into oblivion.He napped under the sun, added twigs and leaves to his small fort, and ran aimlessly through the forest with his five dogs, who accompanied him on his journey.  When food became necessary, Barker set out on the hunt with his pack.  Laying in wait long enough usually afforded the muscular man one kind of meal or another.  Often, he'd settle for the many wild berries that grew in the Carmel Highlands.  'Monterey Noir' by Patrick
Whitehurst. The first of
Barker Mysteries.
The dogs, ranging from Zero the tiny white Shih-Tzu, to the large Rottweiler named Dangler, fended for themselves if Barker's choices for the evening's repast fell short of their desires.  They were as at home in the forest as Barker himself, running like deer alongside their human companion when the whim struck them.  They would often journey through the dense forest, leaping over boulders and chasing down crows, until exhaustion forced them to rest.
His arrival on this particular camping expedition stemmed from his involvement in a kidnapping over a week ago.  Due to his association with a friend who'd been shot, and Barker's subsequent rescue of the mayor of Carmel, he became a local celebrity.Barker, not one to appreciate public scrutiny, opted to leave the city until the appreciation for his efforts faded.  He knew that it was only a matter of time before the media and those who pay attention to it forgot his deeds and turned their interests elsewhere.  He'd return to Monterey then.
As a homeless man, Barker felt it odd to be the center of so much attention.  He preferred to dwell in obscurity.  His dogs, he knew, preferred their free-roaming lifestyle as well, and did not wish to be hampered down by too much attention.
Monterey Pulp is published by Deerstalker Editions. Visit Patrick Whitehurst’s Amazon.com author page here.