Johnny Shaw
4 SeriesJohnny Shaw is an American author known for his crime fiction series featuring Jimmy Veeder, set in the Calexico-Mexicali region where he was born and raised. He holds an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA, and his screenplays have been optioned, sold, and produced. Shaw has also taught writing both online and in person. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, artist Roxanne Patruznick.
In "Big Maria" by Johnny Shaw, three unlikely companions—Harry, a disabled alcoholic; Frank, an elderly cancer patient; and Ricky, a young man in a tough spot—embark on a perilous quest to find a century-old stash of gold hidden in Arizona's Chocolate Mountains. Their journey leads them to the Big Maria Mine, now part of a massive military artillery range. As they navigate the dangers of the minefield, they face opposition from a meth-dealing biker, an AWOL soldier, and the looming threat of live bombs from the U.S. Army. Amidst these challenges, the trio's pursuit of the gold represents their last hope for a fresh start.
