Mike Poppe

Biography

I was born in Rector, Arkansas, a small farming based town in Northeast Arkansas. Later, my parents moved to St. Louis in search of better economic opportunity. At age 16, disallusioned and bored with the “One Size Fits All” educational system, I dropped out in the 10th grade.
Just as soon as I turned 17, I joined the Marine Corps. The education the Corps provided, wasn't always polite and pleasant, but it most certainly was not boring. My four year enlistment included one year in South Vietnam. 7 November, 1965 to 6 November, 1966. At the end of my enlistment, having attained the rank of Sgt E-5, I returned to civilian life.
After nine months as an Industrial Engineering Clerk, I took advantage of an opportunity to move into transportation. For the next 34 years, I was a dispatcher and driver supervisor in the Trucking Industry.
In 2011, the rise in popularity of E-books caught my attention. A life long avid reader, I'd always believed I could write a book, but didn't know how to go about getting it published. The birth of E-Books changed all that. In the fall of 2011, fulfilling a life long dream, I published my first book, The Sparrows Whisper.
Today, my wife, Mary Katherine, and I, live in a small rural town in Southwestern Illinois. With the encouragement of family and friends, I've published a total of 13 novels. The split between my books has been divided pretty evenly between Mysteries and Westerns. Work on number 14, is under way.
For all those that have taken the time to read my books, I appreciate your interest very much.

Smashwords Interview

What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle Paperwhite. I have a Samsung tab3 8 inch tablet that I love, but for simply reading, nothing I've run across can match the Kindle Paperwhite. It's very easy on the eyes, and can be read easily in the brightest sunlight or, (speaking from experience), during a power outage at night.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I've been an avid reader all my life. Many times over the years, I've felt that I could write a novel, but had neither the time, or any idea of how to successfully publish a book. After retirement, the popularity of the E-book came along. Suddenly, publishing a novel was within the reach of everyone, and with the time to devote to writing, I took the plunge. Thirteen novels later, I continue to be as motivated as I was from the beginning.
Read more of this interview.

Books

West of Abilene
Price: $3.00 USD. Words: 76,800. Language: English. Published: July 7, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Adventure » Action
While Gill McCain is out working the cattle, his father hires a drifting cowhand, Chad Randle, to help around the ranch. When Mr. McCain and Randle have an argument, Randle kills Gill's father in cold blood, then takes off for parts unknown. Desperate to bring Chad Randle to justice, no matter what it takes, Gill sets out on a path that will take him on a dange
In and Around The Vicinity of Danang, 1965/1966
Price: $3.00 USD. Words: 40,640. Language: English. Published: December 11, 2019 . Categories: Nonfiction » History » War
In And Around The Vicinity of Danang, 1965/1966, is a history of my experiences during my year in South Vietnam. It's written both as a personal history, but also to shed some light on what life in Vietnam was like for men and women who were not regular combat troops.
Remembrance And Regret
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 51,360. Language: English. Published: February 1, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Western
In Deadwood, Lordsburg, and a host of other towns, Fargo Stone had sought to escape bad memories, but his past had refused to be discarded. Stopping at an unfamiliar ranch hoping to trade work for a meal, Fargo finds himself in the middle of a ranch war that he will not be able to ignore. A woman's life, and ranch, may well depend on his skill with a gun, and experience as a lawman.
The King of Diamonds
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 32,560. Language: English. Published: September 7, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General
A 19 year old girl is found dead just outside her apartment building. The next day her killer publicly taunts the police force, promises that more young women will die, and dares them to stop him. Despite the efforts of Detectives Tess Madigan and Donovan Mathews another innocent girl turns up dead with the same serial killer earmarks. She will be followed by another. How many more will die?
Showdown At Silver Tip
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 62,570. Language: English. Published: June 15, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Mystery & detective » General
Sheriff Silas Boyd pursues two kidnappers of a young woman into the mountains of Wyoming, hoping to free her before she meets an ugly fate. Returning to town, Silas is faced with two missions. Find out who paid to have Callie kidnapped, and to summon the courage to face perhaps the deadliest gunman on the frontier. A man who once before left him at death's door with two bullets in his chest.
Lost Highway
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 84,600. Language: English. Published: March 12, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Hard-Boiled
Detective Diablos partner Ray, is killed by mistake. He then learns that Delgado, the city's biggest drug lord, intends to have him killed, or charged as a dirty cop. Beautiful Dixie, Diablos lover, as well as owner of the Lost Highway, and Lara, a young sexy redhead, ignore danger, as they refuse to desert the man they love. Lost Highway is tale of fast action, murder, love, and revenge.
Seeking Delia
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 41,890. Language: English. Published: September 10, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Adventure » Action
When Delia Parker and her three brothers left Kansas, it was the beginning of a career of crime all along the frontier. As their reputation grew, just the mention of the Parker gang became reason enough to send wives and daughters into hiding. When they kidnap Clay Kilgore's cousin Reba they stir the wrath of a man unlike any they have met before. There will be no mercy on this trail for anyone.
Never Safe
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 116,390. Language: English. Published: July 30, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Hard-Boiled, Fiction » Adventure » Action
In book 2 of the Stryker Series, A team of politicians backed by Chicago's most powerful crime family, set out to steal millions from the taxpayers. When sexy Sara O'Shea, Stryker's deadly firebrand assistant, starts nosing into their affairs, the order goes out: Kill Stryker! When Stryker is ambushed, it sets off a cross country adventure filled with death, violence, sex, and intrigue.
Stryker
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 107,010. Language: English. Published: September 30, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Hard-Boiled, Fiction » Adventure » Action
This author's best crime novel to date. Disgusted with our self serving politicians, Stryker decides someone must take a stand. The corruption must be fixed by someone who will not be bought. Together, he and his assistant, sexy, wild, and tough, Sara O'Shea, set out to to clean up the mess, no matter what it takes. Even if it means doing it one dead body at a time.
McKay's Promise
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 39,420. Language: English. Published: May 30, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action, Fiction » Adventure » Men’s adventure
Morgan McKay rides on an impossible rescue mission. He has agreed to try to rescue a young Arapaho girl kidnapped by the Ute tribe. The Arapaho were badly decimated by a fast moving disease, and can't do it themselves. When he tries to refuse the job, Grey Wolf informs him that if he doesn't bring the girl back, the white woman the Arapaho are holding prisoner, will be burned at the stake.
We, The Wicked
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 100,210. Language: English. Published: January 20, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Hard-Boiled, Fiction » Adventure » Action
Come join Mickey Brennan on his most dangerous adventure yet. Hired to find a missing girl, Mickey finds himself the target of a hit put out by the crime boss in Phoenix. As this case expands halfway across the country, Mickey finds himself tested in a case where morality and murder, virtue and vengeance, and trust and betrayal, have become brother and sister instead of being opposites.
Jump For Jump
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 16,780. Language: English. Published: November 18, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Social Issues / Bullying, Fiction » Children’s books » Social Issues / Values & Virtues
13 year old Lane Gatlin is the smallest boy in his class. For years, the kids have teased him without mercy about his size. His father hurt his back and can't work. Lane has to carry the workload on the ranch. More importantly, the only chance they have of saving the ranch, is if Lane can win the bull riding championship. Unfortunately, he's never ridden a bull before.
Onward West
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 74,480. Language: English. Published: October 1, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action, Fiction » Adventure » Men’s adventure
19 year old Emmett Boone has spent the last 2 years hunting down and killing 4 of the 7 men who killed his parents. Now scouting for a wagon train on the Oregon trail, he's heading for a showdown with the last 3 killers. For the first time in 2 years, he has something to live forother than revenge, Shannon O'Bannon, the only girl he's ever loved.. If he's not careful, it could get him killed.
One Bullet
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 75,440. Language: English. Published: August 7, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
St. Louis is plagued by a serial killer. Detectives Ross and Cafferty are assigned the job of catching the serial killer. What they don't know, is there may be more than just one, and it's possible they are working independently of each other. If these people are not stopped, nobody is safe. Not even the cops. The action is fast, and intrigue abounds, as the story rushes to a powerful ending.
Half Past Murder
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 59,620. Language: English. Published: May 5, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General, Fiction » Adventure » Travel
Mickey Brennan returns in the third of his series. Mickey, trying to shake off guilt for his secretary's death, signs on to protect a client from perhaps the best hired killer in the world. Mickey will travel to Colorado, Switzerland, and Austria, hoping to lure the assassin into a trap. The question is, will Mickey be the trapper or falling into Shakespeare's trap?
If By Chance
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 69,680. Language: English. Published: February 19, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » Western & American frontier, Fiction » Adventure » Action
The Eaton Clan Saga continues. Vol. 3 of the Eaton story has Chance Eaton gone to rescue his sister Dakota from ranchers who are accusing her of rustling their cattle, and are threatening to burn her out, or to hang her for cattle theft. Her husband has been murdered, and only her brother Chance, and his skill with a six gun, stand in the way of her meeting the same fate.
Brennan's Way
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 74,920. Language: English. Published: December 30, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General, Fiction » Romance » Action/adventure
When Brennan's sister is almost killed by, a professional killer, the police are unable to do anything for lack of evidence. Private Investigator Mickey Brennan decides to throw away the rule book. Up against the professional hitman and his thugs, Mickey is forced to use all his skills just to stay alive. The action is fast paced, deadly, as danger doesn't always come from the usual sources.
Scarlett Women
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 58,370. Language: American English. Published: August 30, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
Scarlett Stone, the hottest female singer in country music, is murdered in her home. Veteran singer, Darlene Thomas is seen running out of the house with the murder weapon, and blood on her clothes. She's given life in prison, and her daughter hires P.I. Mickey Brennan to clear her mom. Darlene says she has been framed, if so it's the best frame Mickey has seen. It could get him killed.
Dear Benjamin
Price: $2.00 USD. Words: 39,390. Language: English. Published: July 25, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Romance » Western
At 13, Benjamin finds that before she died, his mother left him a box of letters, written when he was a small child. It was her hope that these letters would give him a better understanding of not only her life, but more importantly, the truth behind the unmarked grave on the west fence, that she had always refused to talk about. Come join Ben, and take the journey, as he reads her letters.
Shakespeare, Mark Twain, and Me
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 53,010. Language: American English. Published: June 22, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General, Fiction » Adventure » Travel
Spencer Blackfeather and his wife were ambushed at their home. Since it will be months before he's back on his feet, Spencer turns to an old Marine Corps buddy from days past, Security expert Lane Tanner, to bring the assassins to justice using any method necessary, even if it's not legal. If you like a fast moving mystery, with plenty of intrigue, this should be your ticket.
And Then Came Murder
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 70,750. Language: English. Published: March 12, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Hard-Boiled, Fiction » Mystery & detective » General
Police Lt. Ryan McDonnell is jolted one day when he gets word that Tim Harding, who saved his life in Vietnam 20 years earlier, has been murdered in Wyoming. The local cops have no clues or suspects. Ryan goes there to conduct his own investigation, bringing attempts on his own life. He's also surprised to find romance that he didn't expect. The trick is, can he stay alive?
Return To Ballyickeen
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 60,420. Language: English. Published: August 7, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action, Fiction » Adventure » Men’s adventure
Revised Edition. Sean Eaton is forced to leave his family in Colorado to sail to Ireland, where he intends to exact revenge on an Irish Earl who had his cousin murdered. Among the dangers he will face there, are the Earl's arme Leaving an old friend to guard his family in Colorado, Sean sails to Ireland to exact revenge, facing danger from the Earl's men, and a beautiful redhead
Retribution Unlimited
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 71,350. Language: English. Published: March 12, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
(5.00 from 1 review)
Who knows what the consequences of a seemingly insignificant act might turn out to be? Who is to know what would have happened if Holly Watson had not decided to have her second cup of coffee on the front porch that morning? How was she to know that an escaped murderer had spotted her, and was already sneaking into her house? What would the cost of that second cup of coffee turn out to be?
The Marshal and The Madam
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 54,590. Language: English. Published: January 4, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Adventure » Action
Rio Henry, town Marshal and Connie Donovan, town Madam, have both traveled long and difficult roads on their way to Hidden Creek. Despite the boundaries between their occupations, there is a mutual attraction. With a gang set on killing the Marshal, will the Marshal and the Madam ever have a chance to explore a future together?
Follow The Sun
Price: $2.25 USD. Words: 66,140. Language: English. Published: November 28, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Western, Fiction » Adventure » General
In the early1800s, Sean Eaton is forced to flee Ireland. Arriving in Boston with nothing but the clothes on his back, he is forced into servitude. Escaping, Sean heads west in search of freedom, and falls in love with a Mohegan girl. Together they follow the sun in search of a place where they can raise their family in freedom and offer their children a better future.
The Sparrows Whisper
Price: $1.50 USD. Words: 46,840. Language: English. Published: September 16, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General
In 1953, John David Shannon returned to his home town after the Korean War, to search for answers to his future. John is stunned when he finds himself appointed Chief of police. Stunned turns to confusion when he discovers the Mayor does not want a three year old murder investigated. He will also find that there are people who will kill to keep the secrets behind this 3 year old murder buried.

Mike Poppe's tag cloud

action    adventure    arapaho    assassin    assassination    austria    bill hickock    black hills    blackfoot    blond bimbo    blonde big breasts    brunette    bull riding    cathouse    cattle drive    cheyenne    china beach    colorado    cop    country music    cowboy    crime    criminal    crooks    danang    detective    detectivemurdermurder action adventure suspense thriller mysteryserial killer    district attorney    dogpatch    eaton    estes park    freedom hill    frontier    frontiersman    girl abducted    grand ole opry    gunfight    gunfighter    hill 327    historical fiction    history    hot    intrigue and seduction    ireland    irish    kidnap    kidnapped    kidnapped and forced sex    killer    lakota    las vegas    lawman    madam    marine    marine corps    marines    mohegan    mountain man    murder    murder adventure    murder and kidnap    murder and romance    music    mystery    mystery action    nashville    nashville country music romance    native american    okinawa    opry    oregon trail    pawnee    pawnee indians    phoenix    political crimes    politics    politics and corruption    ranching    red beach    redhead    redhead vs brunette    reporter    rescue    revenge    rocky mountanis    romance    rural    serial killer    sex    sexy    sheriff    shotgun    st louis    stagecoach    switzerland    travel    travel abroad travel adventure    usmc    vietnam    violence and sex    wagon train    west    western    western action    western adventure    western american history    western cowboy    western ebook    western expansion    western frontier fiction    westward migration    wrangler    wyoming    wyoming cattle barons