Gary Keith's brilliant debut novel, Austin Blues, mirrors the best and the worst of Austin, Texas. The best is its live music scene in a plethora of venues, UT campus life, incredible food, and quirky individuals. The worst is the deeply corrupted, powerful State government, whose tentacles reach into every facet of life in the Lone Star State. Although this story is set mostly in the 1970s-90s, recent headlines highlight that Texas politics and politicians are dirtier than ever.

Many readers will identify with the main character, Sandy Eden, who returns from Vietnam badly wounded and angry. Using the GI Bill, he entered college in Texas at the same time as the Days of Rage hit Chicago & Harvard, the invasion & bombings of Cambodia & Laos, demonstrations & riots, and Kent State. Throughout the political turmoil, music reigned supreme. It was a reflection of who we were. It was our lifeblood. After graduation, Sandy decides to go to law school at UT Austin. "It was those old fights with bullies, it was the firefights in 'Nam, it was the vomit of news of the day-the war blood, riots, Nixon and his thugs." And it's in Austin where he makes his lifelong friendships, finds his soulmate, and earns a legal reputation taking the hard cases, including taking on corrupt politicians.

If you've ever lived in Austin, this novel will feel like an old friend. If you are a diehard music fan, you'll love the references to the musicians and clubs who made blues and rock great. If you are a legal eagle, you'll get a thrill from Sandy's big whistleblower case. If you love novels where you wish the characters lived next door to you, you'll love this one. This is an impressive debut novel from an author who clearly hears the beating heart of Austin. As Sandy said, "Litlle did I know that Austin would suck me into the world of live music." I highly recommend this one...it's a wild ride.