About the Author...
Paul Martin is a former book and magazine editor with the National Geographic Society. His writing assignments have taken him to Cuba, Jamaica, England, India, Vietnam, and many other destinations. In the course of his travels, he has walked the Great Wall of China, explored the tombs and temples of ancient Egypt, and run the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in a wooden dory. The author of twelve books of fiction and nonfiction, he has also edited or contributed to more than a dozen other books on history, culture, and science. A Mensan, amateur luthier, and onetime vineyard owner and winemaker, Paul lives near Washington, D.C. |
About the Books... The Music and Murder series Killin' Floor Blues (2020) Dance of the Millions (2021) Summer of Love (2022) News and Reviews...
For Summer of Love "Summer of Love follows two brothers, Jack and Bobby Doyle, through the terrifying and wondrous heart of the '60s—one in the darkness of Vietnam and the other in the orange sunshine of the Haight-Ashbury, a tale stitched deeply into the historical background. Martin takes you there and he gets it right." —Joel Selvin, bestselling author and longtime San Francisco Chronicle music critic "A deeply immersing, character-rich plot.... With the skill of an expert storyteller and a special talent for bringing different pieces together to form a harmonious story, Paul Martin weaves together a spine-chilling and intense search for a killer, the brutal scenes of war, the thrilling and sensational moods of romance, and a relaxed and artsy atmosphere." (5 Stars) —San Francisco Book Review "Murder, music, and a tour of '67 San Francisco power this literary mystery.... Martin exhibits a mastery of the city, from the level of the street as well as the cultural significance of its music and art.... The sense of a world spinning out of control pervades the novel.... Readers will not guess the jolting resolution.... A fascinating biography of a particular time and a particular place." —Publishers Weekly "This riveting page-turner set against the colorful backdrop of San Francisco in 1967 instantly absorbs the reader with its beautifully worded descriptions and vivid characterizations.... The author is expert at weaving fiction and reality so tightly they nearly become one." —Lida Sideris, author of the Southern California Mysteries For Killin' Floor Blues “This rich, atmospheric thriller follows musicologist detectives into the heart of the blues on the trail of a murderer…. The real joy here comes from Martin’s pitch-perfect evocation of African-American communities and the voices of their residents…. The music jumps off the page…. Characters also come alive in the scenes….” —Publishers Weekly “A tale of murder, mystery, mayhem, and music that both entertains and educates…. Martin captures the atmosphere of the period perfectly, and the dialogue rings just as true…. Killin’ Floor Blues makes for an intriguing and enlightening read from start to finish.” —San Francisco Book Review (4.5 Stars) “A revelation. Brings the early blues greats and their times to life. I can’t wait to read Martin’s next book!” —Jeffrey Meyerriecks, renowned classical and jazz guitarist “Paul Martin knows his stuff. This is a fascinating tale of music and race during the Great Depression. There’s a lot of great history of Blues packed into this murder mystery.” —Kelly Oliver, bestselling author of the Fiona Figg Mysteries “Martin’s knowledge of and admiration for the talented, mostly self-taught musicians earning a few dollars against great odds shows through…. An honest page-turner.” —Historical Novels Review For Dance of the Millions “Gripping from the start…. The human drama taking place…proves heartrending and thought-provoking. A fantastic read all around.” (5 Stars) --San Francisco Book Review “Martin navigates thought-provoking themes of racism, political corruption, wealth inequality, and more…. His clear passion for the era and its music pulses through the book…. A striking work of historical fiction and political drama with a murder mystery tying it together.” --Publishers Weekly “The Cuba of legend before Castro re-emerges in all its glamour, seediness and danger. A classic recreation.” —James Conaway, author of the NYT Best Seller Napa: The Story of an American Eden “An astonishing read reminiscent of Erik Larson’s work. This sweeping story invites us to experience Cuba in all its lush splendor and corruption during the sugar boom of 1920. A thoughtful and timely novel full of period-perfect details.” —Tina deBellegarde, Agatha-nominated author of Winter Witness, a Batavia-on-Hudson Mystery “A spellbinding tale of greed, murder, love and loyalty…. It brings Cuba…to life through the fate and shifting fortunes of three friends…. A meticulously researched, engrossing read.” —Mally Becker, author of The Turncoat’s Widow: A Revolutionary War Mystery |
Connect With Paul