The Distance - Billy Nichols Series Author:Eddie Muller It's 1948, an era when newspapermen were stars - and San Francisco sportswriter Billy Nichols is no exception. Known as Mr. Boxing throughout the city, he is the West Coast's answer to Damon Runyon, an insider's insider who plucks and polishes his pearl-like stories from the nonstop hustle of the city's nightclubs, gambling dens, and ringside se... more »ats. Nichols is right where he wants to be, until he stumbles onto a shocking crime scene. Heavyweight boxer Hack Escalante has killed his manager, and for reasons he doesn't understand himself, Billy makes a spur-of-the-moment decision to protect the prizefighter. Soon Billy's in too deep, caught in a conspiracy of desire, deceit, and betrayal, and he sets off a chain of events whose consequences may cost him his beloved career - and his life. Winner of the Shamus Award for Best First Novel, this hard-boiled thriller is given a gritty authenticity by author Eddie Muller's knowledge of boxing and film noir.« less