Pit: A Leo Van Cleef Novel(1 A Leo Van Cleef Novel)

Canine homicide is not the best way to kick off the New Year for Los Angeles Homicide Detective Leo "Lee" Van Cleef, especially after the recent loss of his own 18 year old German Shepherd named Bogart. But when Van Cleef is called out to investigate the mauling of a Hollywood actress in Malibu, duty calls and the motive initially points to her husband, a prominent, philandering Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon living beyond his means. His new partner Dennis Overstreet is certain it's Murder for Hire. Van Cleef isn't so sure. To make matters worse, the killer beast he is tracking from the shores of Point Dume leads him to the underground world that the FBI warns him to stay out of. As the case unravels and the body count rises, Van Cleef also discovers an unusual link to a retired LAPD detective friend and his family pit bull. As he tries to link both cases, what he discovers will lead him from the pit of his stomach and his own animal instinct to the pit of hell.

About the Author :
Michael P. Naughton was born in Detroit. He is a mystery and satire writer who writes in the style of Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiaasen, Richard Stark, and Donald E. Westlake. He is also a professional musician/songwriter, director, and screenwriter, and he is the lead vocalist and guitarist in the alternative rock group '92 in the Shade. His first mystery novel, Deathryde: Rebel Without a Corpse (Gilded Hearse Press), was written in the hip, offbeat style of Carl Hiaasen, Gregory Mcdonald (Fletch), and Elmore Leonard. Michael had previously worked for Borders for many years, and then he went on to publish actor Michael Madsen's poetry and photography under 13 Hands Publications. He's also been a judge for the IBPA's (Independent Book Publishers Association) Benjamin Franklin Awards which honor the best in independent publishing. Michael P. Naughton is a former columnist and contributor to The Beverly Hills Times Magazine. He lives in Los Angeles. Donna Novak is a SAG-AFTRA actress, director, musician/songwriter, and upcoming author of her first children's book, poetry book, and western novel. She is also a member of the alternative rock band '92 in the Shade. Donna was an editor of four of Michael Madsen's poetry books, including The Complete Poetic Works of Michael Madsen, Vol. I: 1995-2005, Signs of Life, American Badass, and Expecting Rain, and was the editor of two of Michael P. Naughton's novels, Deathryde: Rebel Without a Corpse, and his newest novel, Pit.