Austin Blues - Hardcover

by Gary A. Keith (Author)

"Keith writes with wit and insight about his city. The novel's rollicking mystery showcases Austin in all its musical, political, and offbeat glory."

- James Wade, author of Hollow out the Dark and Beasts of the Earth and River, Sing Out

What could blow the dome off the Texas Capitol and the roof off the LBJ State Office Building? What could transport you to the heyday of live music in Austin's clubs?

Austin: a city rich with music. A power city driven by law, politics, high-tech, and higher education.

Sandy Eden, a Vietnam survivor turned charismatic barrister, has a taste for bourbon, blues, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Yet he often wonders-for what? The answer is his elixir: live music in Austin, where he and his love, Bev, follow the soulful bass lines of his longtime friend Dude from one club to another. But whiskey and blues can't satisfy his deeper urge to give bullies their due-an itch born in the chaos of war and sharpened by his legal battles.

No longer relying on fists, choppers, or machine guns, Sandy uses his brash charm and courtroom prowess to prove that life is worth the fight. When a whistleblower client hands him the perfect case against arrogant and corrupt state officials, Sandy is plunged into a battle that awakens his war flashbacks and emotional outbursts. With the help of Bev, Dude, and a state agency insider, Sandy navigates scandal after scandal, blowing up the Texas political world and restoring his crown-one win at a time.

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"Keith's boisterous, rollicking story starts with a bang and never really slows down ... The descriptions of the Austin of yore, with its myriad musicians and nightspots, feel earthy and real, striking a strong note of authenticity ... A scrappy, exciting, liquor-fueled journey through Austin, Texas." - Kirkus Reviews

""Fresh, exciting, and musical-Austin Blues is a great time in Old Austin. Follow along with a group of Austinites as they fight to protect their city from corruption in a truly engaging novel." - Independent Book Review

"Austin Blues is a compelling read for anyone captivated by the power of music to define a time, a place, and a community. I read this book from cover to cover because I couldn't put it down. It is a heartfelt ode to Austin, its music, and its enduring impact on those who call it home." - Readers' Favorite