The Cactus Club Killings

Joe Portugal Mystery #1

by Nathan Walpow

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

Genres: Mystery

280 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 11, 1999

About the author

Nathan Walpow's most recent work recounts the exploits of Logan, who tracks down those who prey on women and children and sees that they pay the price. The novellas Logan’s Young Guns and Logan Shoots First, currently available as e-books, will soon be joined by a third in a trade paper volume from Down & Out Books.

Nathan’s Joe Portugal mystery series consists of four novels, with a fifth and final one in the works. His short fiction includes “Push Comes to Shove,” selected for the Best American Mystery Stories series, and “A Good Day’s Work,” optioned for a movie.

Nathan is a member of Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, past president of the Southern California MWA chapter, and a five-time Jeopardy! champion. His website is at www.walpow.com.

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you ever thought growing succulents was safe... slightly silly, but enjoyable.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but it was just meh. It had an interesting premise, but the characters never really hooked me. I'm not sure if this being a purse book impacted that, as I was not constantly reading it. Joe was a bit boring; he wanted to be slutty but never fully committed. He wanted to figure out who killed Brenda and Dick, and succeeded in that, but the hi-jinks along the way were more tired than funny or frightening. I will not be continuing with this series.

[Tony Rampling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this author because Lee Child recommended him highly. Easy to see why!!
It is more playful than I expected, kind of Carl Hiaasen, Elmore Leonard,Ace Atkins feel to it!!
Again I read every book in the series and was happy with them all!!

[M.Holzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty rough. Was hoping for nerdy and campy, but there was too much in the way of unnecessary sexualization and MR fantasy weirdness (such a shame good guys always finish last.. or do they?). also! Typos! A lot of typos. Made me wish I was getting paid to proofread.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the story and the characters refreshing and fun. Joe Portugal, an actor by trade and a botanist by inclination. He is the secretary of a group called the Culvert City Cactus Club because he has a fondness for succulents. He has the misfortune to find the body of the President of the club killed in mysterious circumstances and becomes the chief suspect for a variety of reasons. After another member of the club joins the ranks of the departed Joe and friend Gina take up sleuthing to save his skin.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When two members of a cactus club are killed, both of them officers, Joe Portugal is convinced he is the next victim. He and his friend Gina search for the killer and discover something about themselves and their relationship.

[joe keeton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorny

Again greed shows it's ugly head, but by being persistent and finding himself in several sticky situations or boy Joe is pointed in the right direction by his knowledge of cacti.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read!

[Iain McGregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable caper although a tad light on humour and suspense but just about good enough to make me consider reading another Nathan Walpow at some point in the future

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, local for LA, and a good whodunnit.