High Desert

MUSCLE-CAR WESTERN SHORT READ. A reluctant hero only wants to tinker in his desert junk yard, fish for wrecks on the highway and forget his family legacy. A rotten Sheriff, fate and a vault of organized crime loot have another idea. From PEOPLE MAKING DANGER (Vol. 1), a multi-genre collection of fun three-act stories. "High Desert by Adam Fike is a gritty, cinematic slice of crime fiction that perfectly captures the raw, unpredictable energy of the American West. Adam Fike doesn't just tell a story about a botched heist and the violent, eccentric characters surrounding it, he creates a living, breathing desert landscape where danger lurks behind every gas station, junkyard, and stretch of empty highway. The atmosphere is heavy with heat, dust, and tension, giving the story a visual quality that feels ready-made for the screen. What makes this tale so compelling is the cast of flawed but unforgettable characters. From Hanner, the hardened junkyard owner with his own rules of survival, to small-time hustlers, con men, and corrupt lawmen, every interaction is laced with suspicion, wit, and the constant threat of betrayal. The dialogue is sharp and often darkly humorous, while the pacing keeps the narrative moving with the same relentlessness as a car engine roaring across desert roads. Overall, High Desert is a meditation on survival, morality, and the blurred lines between law, outlaw, and everything in between. It's grim, fast-paced, and at times unexpectedly funny, making it a standout entry in the People Making Danger collection." - The Reading Bud Multi-genre stories full of suspense, surprises and dark humor. Neighbors grow together with the help of their friendly, local serial killer. A small town confuses an Army training exercise with an alien invasion (based on a true story). Robbing a remote bank full of mob money goes very wrong and then gets worse. A violinist plays so magically they thought he was pure evil. And a dead convict returns to his dusty hometown on the day his criminal career began.The complete collection PEOPLE MAKING DANGER (in ebook & paperback) includes all this, plus VALLEY FOOTBALL & THE TROP!