The Shaking Reeds - Paperback

by John Pedersen (Author)

When Soren Rauhe accidentally dumps his coffee in the lap of Jenny Farrar his life of vintage motorbikes, NorCal surf and Irish tunes gets seriously complicated. Thrown together by Jenny's impending eviction and harassment by her crooked boss, Jarno, they quickly forge a surprisingly tight bond. Jenny and Soren stick together despite her skeptical introduction to late night tune sessions and old-guy motorcycle pals. While Jenny's boss is desperately trying to locate her to retrieve evidence implicating him in a massive forgery scam, she and Soren slink between his house in the Outer Richmond and his North Beach motorcycle shop trying to remain incognito. An unexplained attack on Soren's assistant, the ex-Russian rocket engineer, leaves loads of unanswered questions while his childhood friends rally around with questionable success. A chance retelling of an old story involving a mystical accordion with reeds of magical Chinese sword steel further complicates his life. Action, tunes, clues and hints drag Soren and Jenny all over San Francisco and its outlying districts. After Jenny disappears Soren fears the worst and pursues all avenues until they are finally reunited in a ground-shaking conclusion.

Author Biography

JOHN PEDERSEN was born and raised on the Hudson River near Albany in historic Upstate New York. His grandfather was a fiddler and banjo player who, along with numerous other musical relatives, steered him down the path of folk music. He spent several years in Toronto doing stringed instrument repairs and winning the affection of his wife Judy. In the mid 70's they moved to San Anselmo, California, in Marin County, where they went to work at Amazing Grace Music store. They eventually bought it and continue to operate it. John's abilities as a Master Luthier have earned him a wide following among players from all over the country. He is an avid motorcyclist and has owned and rebuilt many bikes, as well as being a founding member of the Roadoilers Vintage Motorcycle Club. John's surfing reputation was made on large boards and small waves and his accordion playing career is rightfully non-existent. He plays fiddle and banjo with his band, handily also called The Roadoilers. John is thrilled that his friends and family have given him enough story material to write novels. He is also the author of the novel "Scroll and Curl