If Michael E. Benson's first novel, Openers, reads more like a true crime story than a work of fiction it is because much of what he has written actually happened.  Michael has taken events from his own forty-year career in law enforcement and those of his many colleagues and has woven them seamlessly together to create this intense novel.  

Michael writes from experience.  In his own career he conducted investigations at four different levels: federal, state, local and private.  Along the way, he earned a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts degree in American History.  He recently retired from teaching Criminal Justice at Longview Community College where both police officers and pre-service law enforcement students benefited from his expertise in criminal investigations.   Until recently, Michael was also a partner in an antique store known as Log Cabin Antiques.   He is an able restorer of antiques and has an affinity with all things made of wood.  

Michael, with his wife Barbara and his dog Danny Boy, spend the summer months at home in Lone Jack, Missouri.  In the winter he may be found in Harlingen, Texas, fishing the waters of the Laguna Madre.  

He's done it again.  Michael E. Benson once again opens the case files and introduces us to more of the darkness, the determination and the desperation of Frank Petrovic's mysteries.  Can money make racism acceptable?  Can power point the finger at the wrong man?  Is saving face more important than saving a young girl's life?  Frank thinks the answer to all three is a resounding no, and he's going to prove it. 

Alvarado's Woman is available is almost every digital format here.  $1.39  It is available at Amazon here. 

If you're on the mailing list, check your inbox for a twenty five percent discount.

"Your 1st book was wonderful"

 T. Taylor

"This was a riveting true-crime drama at its best."

Bonnie T Goard

"...accurately paced - fast moving action melded with slow, meticulous investigation. Openers shows the reality of police work."

Morebooksplease  




What do you say about Openers?

Francis Anton Petrovic, from Openers, has been interviewed here.  Check it out.

Happy Anniversary to Michael E Benson and his treasure and inspiration, Mrs. B.  Wow!  The traditional gift for thirty nine years is lace.  So, on behalf of Inknbeans Press and everyone here at the Hill of Beans, here is some St. Catherine's Lace.

Available May 5th.  Read it with a friend.  Or a big dog. 


He kills for the pleasure, the power, the pain.  They have to find him before he kills again.  Based on actual events, it's even more frightening because it's true. 

Written by former police investigator and instructor, Michael E. Benson, it's a look at the successes and failures of Homicide Divisions everywhere. 




On sale now Here  ($1.99) and  here    ($14.95)