Alien Quartet

About the Book

These four Albert Samson short stories are linked by one unusual client. The first story, “Who I Am,” begins when LeBron James climbs Albert’s stairs. He wants Samson to investigate a burglary at his Indianapolis home. This is not an everyday event for this PI: having a new client. Who I Am won the Shamus Award for best PI Story of 2011. In “Good Intentions,” a genuinely well-meaning man has been beaten so badly he needs hospital treatment. But he insists that he doesn’t want police to become involved. “Extra Fries” opens when a man has been caught cheating by his wife. Unusually, it’s the cheater who is the detective’s client, not the wife. Extra Fries was nominated for the Shamus of 2013. “A Question of Fathers” sees Albert search for a man due to inherit millions of dollars. The investigation helps him find a new level of understanding with his daughter, his mother, and himself. But what about his father?

About the Author

Michael Z. Lewin grew up in Indianapolis though he hasn’t lived there since graduating from high school in 1960. He’s made his home in England since 1971, currently in central Bath – an outrageously beautiful little city. He became a full time writer in 1969. His first mystery novel appeared in 1971 and he has written more than twenty books as well as short stories, and plays for radio and the stage. His novels and stories have won a number of prizes. His daughter, Liz, and son, Roger, grew up in England and thrive in diverse areas of the arts. Their father is enormously proud of them both. His granddaughter, Aimee, is currently a physics undergrad (but sings and plays the guitar) and his grandson, Simon, is in secondary school and is, currently, an expert on the London underground and covers his ears when his dad plays the piano. Their grandfather is enormously proud of them both too. Mike’s sister, Julie Lewin, is a renowned animal advocate who lives in Connecticut and has written a brilliant book about how to change laws. Their mother, Iris Francis, became a social worker in middle age after a long history of social activism. She and her family sprang from Indiana. Their father, Leonard C. Lewin, finally became a writer in middle age and was author of the internationally successful social satire, Report From Iron Mountain. He was born in New York to parents from Iowa and Ukraine. As well as writing, Mike gardens on his patio, sings in a community choir, and tries to keep ambulatory. There is more information about Samson, other characters and even the author on www.MichaelZLewin.com.