The Books
Mueller’s Marbles
In the 1930s, famous glassblower Ernst Mueller perfected a secret technique to create a set of the most valuable marbles in the world. But as time rolled on and the dark clouds of world events prevailed, Ernst Mueller sadly lost his marbles. Flash forward to today. Meet FBI Agent Dana Dillion O'Toole, DD to her friends. DD loves rock and roll, fast cars and catching bad guys. But catching a good guy to love, just isn't working for DD. She's too quirky, and maybe too suspicious. One thing for sure, Agent O'Toole is one fiery, go-getter when it comes to solving a case. Problem is, DD runs too hot and fast which causes a few headaches for her nervous boss. It's time for Agent O'Toole to chill and take a break. So, DD gets assigned to an irrelevant, go-nowhere case. Her boss is convinced Agent O'Toole will stay out of controversy and off the media radar. A frustrated and unhappy DD takes the case only to find herself free falling into a dark rabbit hole filled with zany, crazy people who are all in search of Mueller's Marbles.
Tierra Del Puma Series
-
I. Legend of Tierra del Puma
Jake Cahill is a pilot for the Los Angeles Police Department who has become restless and bored with flying over the City. He’s torn between duty with the LAPD and a strange beckoning to return home and run his late parent’s ranch, Tierra Del Puma, Land of the Cougar. But decisions come hard, and the dangers of the job continue. Jake’s life suddenly takes a strange spin when, by a series of odd coincidences and a chance encounter, he meets a woman named Valerie Paige, who unknowingly possesses an ancient secret of Tierra del Puma. However, powerful people seek ownership of the legacy mountain ranch, and they plan to get it by any means necessary. As Valerie and Jake’s lives cross paths, they both become ensnared in a deadly confrontation that will test their bravery and will to survive. Dangerous events unfold as Valerie discovers a 175-year-old promise and the obligation that comes with it.
-
II. Tear Drop Pass
The Legend of Tierra del Puma continues… Valerie and Jake Cahill have finally made it to the solitude of Tierra del Puma, Jake’s family legacy ranch. His days as an LAPD pilot have come to an end, and together the couple have left the dangers and drama of LA behind, or so they thought. A violent storm rages over the Sierras. Something is ejected from the tempest brew of angry clouds and plummets into the ranch backcountry. Unbeknownst to the Cahills, a clandestine search is underway to locate whatever fell from the furious sky. Meanwhile, a new arrival at the ranch carries a secret. It is a secret that will place the young wrangler and the Cahills on a collision course with those that will stop at nothing to recover what lies buried in the snowy depths of Tear Drop Pass. Events quickly unfold into a vicious, rapid-fire confrontation pitting Jake and Valerie against forces that reach far beyond the Sierra Nevada. Yet, in the midst of chaos, a longstanding legend remains—the namesake of the ranch. The elusive guardian may again be called upon to prove that the land will always be “La Tierra del Puma.”
-
III. Whispering Winds
Why would an inexperienced young woman go for a solo hike in the High Sierra a year ago, and never return? That is the question Jake Cahill must answer. The former police aviator, owner of the Tierra del Puma ranch, teams up with former FBI agent Mark Kincaid to search for the girl, or her body. As the two men uncover the circuitous route taken by their subject, industrial espionage and international intrigue intrude on the search. All the while, Valerie Cahill senses her connection to the enigmatic ranch has changed. As events collide into a swirl of danger and revelations, Tierra del Puma, the land of the cougar, will be threatened with a maelstrom of destruction that may forever change futures and legends.
-
IV. Sierra Traveler
Former police aviator, Jake Cahill, and family are happily ensconced on his late parent’s legacy Sierra ranch, Tierra del Puma, Land of the Cougar. Life bustles for Jake, Valerie, and daughter Sarah. But then a private investigator arrives at the ranch seeking to rent a secluded cabin and making a request. She asks Jake’s friend, retired FBI agent Mark Kincaid, to assist her with a small innocuous case she has pending. Suddenly, Mark finds himself treading ever so lightly through a series of events that swirl around an influential pastor and his ministry. Suspicions abound as to what hides beneath that spiritual umbrella. Jake unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in the mystery when he discovers something decidedly unusual that lies over the fence line of Tierra del Puma. Vague and twisting clues ultimately lead to a confrontation where confessions can be deadly. Meanwhile, Valerie must reconcile a new reality and the weight of a decision to tell her family.
And, within the Sierra breeze, The Legend of Tierra del Puma will reveal itself to a stranger who must fulfill an obligation that could make the difference between life and death.
Sierra Traveler Trailer
What People Are Saying
“After reading the first book Tierra del Puma, I anxiously awaited the next installment. The books never disappointed. The stories are interesting with great characters and plots. I love the setting also. Having it be centered around my home area was wonderful. I know I would have enjoyed them just the same, because the locations were well described. The books are able to stand alone. I feel the characters are well outlined, and enough history is given to pick up the story line. If asked, I would recommend reading them in order. Thank you for bringing Jake and Valerie into my life. I enjoyed every minute of my time with them!”
— Susan A.
“This was a nice, casual read and I especially enjoyed Mr. Lawin's writing style. Being a product of LA myself, I was able to appreciate the aerial details of the city that could only come from an LAPD aviator. The book makes me want to head north, past the Little Truckee River in search of Tierra Del Puma.”
— Doc Hark (Amazon Reviewer)
“Author Rick Lawin is a master of his craft. His latest effort - Whispering Winds - is a terrific yarn. Great character development. Interesting story and subplots. Exceptionally well written. A page turner that's hard to put down once you start. All of Mr. Lawin's books cry out for being made into movies. They are that good. Buy this book! You won't be disappointed.”
— SoCalScott (Amazon Reviewer)
“This book has it all! Mystery, intrigue, good guy vs. bad guy, and wonderfully detailed rich characters. Mr. Lawin's writing has a way of bringing you close to the characters and locations. There are sub-plots and they all beautifully weave together in an exciting climax. Excellent read!”
— Hiker Girl (Amazon Reviewer)
“I really don’t read that often. I started this book and read a few chapters and set it down for a while. I had an opportunity to pick it back up and I didn’t stop reading until it was done! The writing keeps you engaged in the book and is told in a wonderful way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and will recommend it to others.”
— Chris (Amazon Reviewer)