Burl Barer

Man Overboard: The Counterfeit Resurrection of Phil Champagne Burl Barer

Publisher Marketing: Book Synopsis: A mind boggling blend of fraud, deception, trickery, lies and fine-prime-rib, MAN OVERBOARD was nominated BEST TRUE CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR by the World Mystery Convention, and universally praised as the most laugh-filled book in the genre's history. 1982: Oregon businessman Phil Champagne died in a tragic boating accident off Lopez Island, Washington. He was survived by one ex-wife, four adult children, an octogenarian mother, and two despondent brothers. Phil didn't know he was dead until he read it in the newspaper. All things considered, it took it rather well. 1992: Washington State restaurateur, Harold Stegeman, famous for his thick juicy steaks, is arrested by the United States Secret Service for printing counterfeit hundred dollar bills in a tiny Idaho shed. In addition to the bogus bills, Stegeman has a fraudulently obtained United States passport, a fabricated Cayman Islands driver's license, and Phil Champagne's fingerprints. "Phil Champagne is the last of the great gentleman crooks. I really liked the guy."- Special Agent Lyle Workman, US Secret Service (ret.) "Crisp as a freshly printed C-note. Exceptionally clever and vastly entertaining!"-Lee Goldberg, author, screenwriter and television producer. "Barer does it again! A deft and dazzling display of solid research and rapier wit-a must for all true crime aficionados."-Gary C. King, author of To Die For. "True crime at its best. ... Barer has undeniable talent, pizzaz and imagination!"-Jack Olsen, bestselling author and award-winning journalist. Contributor Bio:  Barer, Burl Barer is an Edgar Award winner, and two-time Anthony Award nominee, born and raised in Walla Walla, Washington.