Paddy Pest, the ubiquitous Aussie gumshoe, is immersed in a world full of beautiful women, conniving conspirators, and covert agents. Never without his Beretta or fold-up boomerang, Paddy is always prepared-a good thing, since he is about to take a ride on the wild side with his entourage of female associates. Stormy Weathers, Paddy's girlfriend and wing person, is known for her flaming red hair, nice legs, and her ability to hold her own in a fight. Pest surrounds himself with girls with guns and they mean business. Ariadne Vasilis has long black hair, a brutal arm-chop, and a fierce loyalty to her country, as does the delightful French gendarme Yvette Baguette. She wouldn't be seen dead without her Paris fashion labels. From a salacious situation in Salem to a conundrum in Kentucky! There's murder in Melbourne and mystery in Moscow, and Paddy's people are playing for keeps. Paddy's People is a collection of short stories laced with treachery, mayhem, and mischievous behavior that encompass some of Paddy's worldwide adventures and acknowledge those men and women who have been inspired by his exploits.
About the Author: Gerry Burke was educated at Xavier College, one of Australia's most prominent Jesuit colleges. On leaving school, he commenced a part-time accountancy course, while employed by an international mining company. It was a career commitment that lasted for twelve years, partly spent in New Guinea. Dramatically, he then switched careers, and joined an advertising agency in Melbourne, as a copywriter.
Gerry's career in advertising took him to Britain, America, Hong Kong, Singapore and a number of Australian cities. He was employed by some of the world's largest ad agencies and when he stepped away from the corporate giants, he was ready to operate his own agency on his own terms. His company, GerryCo, provided advertising, marketing, film and video production to local and overseas clients.
In parallel with these activities, Gerry always maintained an on-going interest in the thoroughbred horseracing industry as an owner and breeder and, today, continues this love affair, which has outlasted his dedication and devotion to the world of advertising. With friends, he has raced over twenty thoroughbreds.
The author's humorous stories and commentary were first made available for general consumption in 2009, with the release of his first book, From Beer to Paternity. Paddy's People is his sixth volume. Pest Takes a Chance was a finalist in the USA Best Books Awards in 2011 and Pest on the Run received a similar accolade in 2012.
Gerry is single and lives in Melbourne-twice voted the world's most livable city.
