Patrick Baird
I am the author of the Beatnik Spy series, featuring the adventures of Gunner Quinn, a jazz musician, smuggler, and sometime CIA operative. The series is set in the 1950s in exotic locations such as Mexico, South America, pre-Castro Cuba, Paris, and Rome. I have also published The Nowhere Navy, a military science fiction novel.
The Red Jade Door
Mexico City, 1954. Gunner Quinn's life is a blur of tequila, jazz, and fleeting romances, until a single misstep plunges him into a dangerous world of espionage. Blackmailed by the CIA, Gunner embarks on a perilous journey through an uncharted jungle in search of a long-forgotten Mayan temple. Little does he know that his quest will awaken an ancient evil that threatens to unleash chaos upon the world. As Gunner races against time, he becomes entangled with a captivating government agent, whose true intentions remain a tantalizing secret. Together, they must confront the malevolent forces that stalk them under the cover of moonrise, their survival dependent on closing the door to unspeakable horrors. The Red Jade Door is a gripping blend of history, mystery, and heart-stopping thrills that will leave readers breathless for more.
Treasure of the Damned
In the vibrant and intoxicating city of Paris, Gunner, a suave and hedonistic member of the European jet set, embarks on a perilous journey that plunges him into a world of danger and intrigue. When he impulsively pilfers a stone adorned with cryptic hieroglyphics from a mysterious trader, little does he know that his reckless act will set off a cataclysmic chain of events, placing him back on the CIA payroll.
Haunted by the secrets veiled within the ancient stone, Gunner delves into a relentless pursuit to unravel the enigma surrounding a priceless artifact dating back to the Spanish Inquisition. As he unearths fragments of the artifact's history, Gunner unwittingly places himself in the crosshairs of a nefarious network of criminals, cunning spies, relentless law enforcement, and even the far-reaching grasp of the Vatican itself.
In this gripping tale of suspense, ancient legacies collide with contemporary malevolence, weaving a tapestry of perilous intrigue that will keep readers turning the pages until the heart-stopping finale. The question remains: what will Gunner uncover, and at what cost? The fate of The Treasure of the Damned hangs in the balance, waiting to be unveiled to those who dare to unlock its devastating secrets.
The Nowhere Navy
In the distant reaches of colonized space, decorated officer Frank Ortega embarks on his final assignment aboard the aging Navy corvette, the ISS Persistent. Far from the war front against the enigmatic Enhancers, this vessel serves as the last line of defense in a forgotten solar system.
With a crew comprised of fleet rejects and green recruits, life aboard the Persistent is slack and undisciplined. Days pass lazily, devoid of purpose, until a shocking transmission pierces the desolate void. The harrowing news arrives: the majority of the fleet has been annihilated in a cataclysmic battle.
Suddenly thrust into the forefront of an impending invasion they are ill-equipped to face, the crew of the Persistent must summon their inner strength and rally against impossible odds. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, bonds are forged and tested, revealing the true nature of each individual on board. Frank Ortega, a seasoned warrior, becomes an unexpected leader, guiding his motley crew towards resilience and unity. Together, they navigate treacherous space, defying fate and seeking a glimmer of hope in the face of certain doom.