Mad Men of the Mountains

'The mountains have a habit of bringing out the best in people, despite the hardships that rain, hail and snow often throw in. In fact, it's only after a bit of adversity comes along that a person's true character comes to the fore. Those with a love for the hills take these things on the chin and just get on with enjoying it.'   Once described as 'Barry Crump meets Fred Dagg', 'Big Al' Lester is the modern-day master of the hunting genre.   Mad Men of the Mountains - Al's seventh collection of yarns - is another rollicking ride through New Zealand's wild outdoors, a countryside he so obviously loves. Armed with his rucksack, a rifle and a keen sense of humour, Al and his mates encounter all manner of beasts that got in the way and many a curly situation to test their mettle. Plenty of off-the-wall adventure for the hunting mad and hard case! Also available as an eBook

Al Lester was born in Nelson, the second youngest of four children. As a young man, he played rugby, golf, softball and basketball, all at representative level. He even clocked up 125 skydives before moving on to his adult life. After eight years in banking, Al jumped ship and, in 1985, joined the New Zealand Police. At a solid 6'4", perhaps he was better suited to the latter role. He was drawn to the investigation side of policing and spent 28 years working in the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) as a detective and detective sergeant. Al handed in his handcuffs at age 55, while still in possession of his sense of humour and most of his marbles. Al is also the author of nine books of hunting yarns and is still an avid hunter with a love of the mountains and a liking for a cold beer. He lives in Christchurch.