Nash, Rambler

Nash Hansen, fresh out of journalism school in Chicago, has an internship on the San Bernardino Ledger, a chance to show his stuff. He packs his bags, gets on the road, immediately sees a burning Harley, stops and picks up the biker. They're not on the road ten seconds when the bike blows and now Nash has a new best friend, future roommate and comrade at arms, the chain smoking Homer.In Berdo they stop at a Denny's where Nash meets waitress Wendy, who becomes his latest flame. Wendy turns the boys onto an apartment in her building. Nash shows up at work, meets Lydia, his Broom Hilda of a boss who wants him to do fluff pieces. Nash stumbles onto the story of a lifetime and talks veteran reporter Curt Escobar into helping him with it . It seems Nazi-like right-wingers have bought a drive-in movie and are doing something sinister and secret underground. However the front man for the sinister, secret show is wealthy and influential and he gets Nash fired.Homer joins the Hells Angels and gets a lot of new friends. The Nazis kidnap Escobar and are coming after Nash and Wendy. However Homer and the Angels may have something to say about that.And there is more in the same vein in this gripping story by first-timer Frank Sennett. This is just the kind of book to wile away a weekend with or to read when you're supposed to be doing something else, because I can guarantee you this story is way more fun that just about anything else you could be doing. I loved it.Review Submitted by Captain Osborne

Sennet's first novel has all the indications of sequels to come and readers should be glad of that.Nash Rambler, the protagonist in this page turner of a book, may be a "cub" reporter, but he makes up for inexperience with determination and the courage to trust his intuition. Nash is not intimidated by authority but he also demonstrates an endearing humility and oppeness. He is the kind of guy you will instantly like and root for.The author, an accomplished journalist, molds his writing style to perfectly reflect the protagonist's character. He walks the knife's edge between hard boiled mystery and light humor and never once gets cut.This is a refreshing entry into a genre that too often presents similar characters following well worn plot lines. Bravo! And let's have the next Nash Rambler story soon.

Northwestern University journalist major Nashua Hansen obtains an internship at the San Bernardino Ledger. At the beginning of his drive west at the Evanston on ramp, he provides a ride to biker Homer, whose bike went up in flames. In San Bernardino, Nash meets waitress Wendy at a Denny's. They go to a drive in movie where Nash happens upon his first story, a bear trap near the concession stand ripping into the foot of a teenage patron.Nash sells a follow-up on the posh new drive-in theatres, but angers his editor Lydia Sorenson when he does. Nash visits the Star Time Theater when the manager Mr. Snipes assaults him breaking his wrist. Later, he interviews business mogul Evan Carr, who owns these drive-ins. As he digs deeper, Nash finds himself in trouble with his boss, the police, and a survivalist cult that reaches into the highest levels of the state government all who want him silent and residing in Illinois.NASH, RAMBLER is an exciting investigative tale that reads somewhat like an amateur sleuth story because the hero is a rookie still learning his trade outside the classroom. The story line emphasizes the craziness of Southern California through the myopic eyes of a beleaguered Midwesterner. Elmore Leonard fans need to make room for another wacky book similar in many ways to Get Shorty.Harriet Klausner