David M. Perkins, a Texas native, has released “Cleanin’ Up,” his debut crime novel set in North Texas. The story follows Charlie Tabor, a trusted family friend tasked with finding a young woman who has vanished from her family’s ranch. What begins as a contained search quickly expands into something larger, shaped by money, influence, and the relationships between people who know the land and each other. As the search unfolds, it becomes clear that what is missing is not only a person, but also the assumption that events can be handled quietly and without consequence.
Set in a pre-smartphone era, “Cleanin’ Up” is grounded in a specific time and place, where decisions are made face-to-face and information is not easily controlled or contained. The absence of modern technology places greater weight on personal judgment, local knowledge, and the limits of what can be known in real time. This approach allows the story to unfold through direct interaction rather than remote coordination.
Rather than focusing on procedural elements, the novel emphasizes character, loyalty, and the dynamics between individuals under pressure. The North Texas setting — its geography, culture, and social structure — plays an active role in how the story unfolds, shaping both the choices available to the characters and the consequences of those choices.
The book was recently featured in a full-page article in The Azle News, highlighting its regional roots and long development. Early reader response has been positive, with reviews noting the strength of the characters and the pacing of the story.
Perkins, an Azle native now based in Los Angeles, spent over three decades in film and television post-production. A member of the Writers Guild of America, he has also written under contract for Columbia Pictures Television.
“Cleanin’ Up” is available in multiple formats, including Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, paperback, hardcover, and a deluxe dust-jacket hardcover edition. It can be purchased through Amazon and the author’s website, where readers can find additional details and a preview of the novel.
Full details, a preview, and purchase options can be found at
David M. Perkins
david@davidmperkins.com
10945 Nestle Avenue
Los Angeles
CA
91326
United States
