The Man Who Knew Dick Bong

Set in 1950s Los Angeles, this mystery follows private investigator Eddie Church, who reluctantly takes on what appears to be a routine divorce case. His assignment is simple: collect alimony and back child support from Korean War veteran Frank Barris, then deliver the money to Frank’s wife, Louise, and her airplane-loving young son. But when Frank’s check bounces, the job quickly becomes more complicated—and dangerous—than Eddie expected. Louise is not the only person searching for Frank, and the case reaches beyond a dispute between former spouses.

As Eddie digs deeper, he is drawn into a web of deception and dark secrets beneath the polished surface of Hollywood. The central question is why so many people are pursuing Frank, and what he is concealing. With its hard-boiled private investigator and escalating danger, the story evokes the atmosphere of classic Los Angeles detective fiction while following Eddie through a case that turns deadly.