No Place to Go

Cy Butt was a real historical figure of the mid twentieth century--the quintessential professional student who actually attended the University in Madison for decades on a family inheritance. At the same time he was a legendary whiskey drinker, practical joker, and lawyer who did at one time work for the Wisconsin Attorney General. This book twists the dial one notch forward and makes Cy a sleuth and secret state investigator of cult murderers and thieves operating in Wisconsin in 1953. While a work of fiction, it does absorb elements of reality from such personalities as Ed Gein and such actual crimes as the Evelyn Hartley kidnapping in La Crosse. It is set in the Driftless Area of Western Wisconsin, including scenes in Madison, La Crosse and the Kickapoo Valley. There is also a touch of science fiction with visitations from other worlds. Cy is joined by a colorful group of supporting characters including a gun crazy homicide cop from Madison named Monroe P. Hammersley, Dr. Alterweise, mysterious scholar and mystic who lives in a back alley apartment near the campus, and the evil Master who never seems to age. Use of profanity is kept to a minimum and there is no sex at all, except a handshake. For readers-there will be exposure to different realities, be warned.