Daddy loved country music. Probably why he tagged me with the name Ferlin Husky to go with the last name, Lewis. Never thought too much about it, though. I was a tough kid. Always won my fights despite being shorter than most kids in my grade. That’s ‘cause Daddy taught me how to fight. Kneein’ and scratchin’ is allowed. Also ’cause I had two of the meanest brothers you’d never want to meet. Just to get a meal, I had to out-grab at least one a those two, an’ they had me by at least twenty pounds apiece.
After me, I guess the second-toughest fella I ever met was Mike Shepherd, the PI. He nailed me for a seven-year stretch in the federal pen. Then that SOB had the nerve to come after me again once I got out. I warned him to stay away. Even grabbed that pretty little gal of his, but he wouldn’t stop. And when I began gittin’ rid of his neighbors it sorta ticked him off. I gotta admit it; he’s one tough bird. I outsmarted him so far, though, and I can keep up the pressure as long as he wants. I’m not goin’ back to prison. No way.
One thing in his favor, that favorite restaurant of his sure does serve up some great grub. I snuck in and sat right close to him and ate dinner. He had no clue. My disguises are scary good. I’m a trained survivalist you know. Got my secret hideout and lots of weapons. He comes my way, you can slap a tombstone on his grave.
And I made the Ten Most Wanted from the Feds, thanks to him. I’m kind of famous. Well, even so, I got one thing to say. Just nobody git in my way. Nobody.
Ferlin
Author’s note: Catch up with Mike Shepherd as he and Ferlin chase each other around Chicago and the suburbs.
SHEPHERD’S PIE
Series: A Mike Shepherd PI Mystery, Book 1
Genre: Private Investigator Mystery
Release: October 2026
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
Mike Shepherd—self-proclaimed Chicago’s number one private detective—never expects his next case to blow past him on the freeway. But when fugitive Ferlin Husky Lewis speeds into view, Mike sees more than a criminal… he sees a payday he desperately needs.
The pursuit costs him everything: his only decent suit, a crucial date with Diana, and any chance of keeping this case under control. Because Lewis isn’t just running—he’s leaving a trail of bodies behind him.
As the killer stays one step ahead of both Mike and the police, the case turns brutally personal. With Diana now in the crosshairs, Mike is pushed beyond his limits, forced into a relentless game of cat and mouse where losing isn’t just failure—it’s fatal.
Meet the author
J.D. Webb, an award-winning author of seven novels, an anthology and many short stories, served in the Air Force in Viet Nam and the Philippines as a Chinese linguist, a corporate transportation manager, then shoe repair and sales shop owner, before becoming a full-time author. In 2023 Webb was honored to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Midwest Writers Workshop. A recent move relocated him to Gallatin, TN where he is currently learning to speak Southern. Connect with J.D. at www.jdwebb.com.