Randy Cade
My Biography
I’m a California Lifer for better or worse. I graduated from UC Berkeley in ’72 and became a textbook acquisitions editor for a publishing arm of Prentice Hall throughout the 70’s. I moved to Orange County CA in the 1980’s and became a pioneer in the upstart personal computer and printer industry. After working for Atari, I was recruited by Epson America and was eventually made Their VP of Sales and Marketing. Since then, I’ve traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe and often use real places as settings for scenes in my novels. I’m retired in Southern California and writing Crime Fiction and Western novels with a sense of humor. My first novel will be published by Two Gun Publishing late in 2026.
“If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.” – Elmore Leonard
If you like the writings of Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiassen, George V. Higgins, Bud Shulberg, Dan Jenkins, Damon Runyon David Milch and John D. MacDonald, you’ll probably like what I write. That’s why when I write I try not to take myself, or life, too seriously.
My stories have an element of realism and a smattering of raw dialogue, violence and the surprise plot twists that have traditionally inhabited the pages of crime fiction. I try to write the way people really talk when they are among friends. And enemies.
Butterflies Love Blood
Two entomologists are kidnapped by a demented US Army general and forced to create the ultimate biological weapon;
gene splicing to make “Butterfly Mosquitos”, insects that can carry a deadly toxin which kills on contact.
Horror in a pretty package. I’m not saying they are doing this. I’m saying I think they would if they could.
Butterflies Love Blood Screenplay
Currently in the hands of a major movie director, this screen version has LOTS of exciting additions. The story is longer, more terrifying yet funnier, and more graphic. It’s like comparing today’s action films to a delicate Rom-Com.
Books
Butterflies Love Blood: Horror in a Pretty Package
Two entomologists are kidnapped by a demented general and forced to create the ultimate biological weapon. Horror in a pretty package. I’m not saying they are doing this. I’m saying I think they would if they could.
THUGSTORE
“Your One-Stop Chicago Crime Center”
Fire Sale: They made a killing in Real Estate
Crime, divorce, violence, gutterpunks, murder and multi-million-dollar real estate. Sounds like a party doesn’t it?.
Die Clean
“Dress for Success Kill for Money”
“Get into the mind of an assassin. Then get out.”
Call Me Harry
While in a West Texas prison for murder Harry Parnes had an opportunity to think. For 14 years. He hadn’t been as successful as a criminal. He resolved to live a better and more successful life. What better way than to rob a bank on impulse the day you get out?
Butterflies Love Blood Screenplay
This screenplay is currently in the hands of a major movie director. It is an expanded version of the novel.
The Day the Government Banned Bacon: “The Last Straw Before Violent Revolution”
A political satire short story imagining nationwide unrest following a Presidential executive order outlawing bacon in the name of public health and environmental responsibility.
Stages of the Con
When you’ve been in prison for murder for 14 years, the logical thing to do the day you get out is to rob a bank. Follow that up by running for Mayor of the city and the cartel you just robbed.
Low and Slow: Sweet and Savory Murder at the BBQ Cookoff
Murder at the Barbeque cookoff. No one can identify the ingredient in the secret sauce.
Stay Dead
Assassins Eugene Crandall and Chester are hired by King Hong to make a delivery to a Chinese Godfather. As you might have guessed, this doesn’t go well.
Short Friction
A collection of Short Stories, some taken from the pages of other long works by Randy Cade. Consider this a sample, only you don’t need to use a cup.
Brains of a Chicken
“I Ate one, now I am one”
A fantasy about a newsman doing a story on industrial chicken farming; and putting too much of himself into it. For all you animal rights fans out there (of which I am one)
Paaah: Sex Crimes & Murder
What’s for dessert? Paaah! (From the Harry Parnes Book Stages of the Con, but stands on its own)
The Kill Gene
Not everybody has The Kill Gene, but beware; those who have it, are prone to use it. A young man makes his bones on the streets of Chicago.
Coming Soon
At the Request of James Dougle
James Dougle is a black man accused of murdering Round Hill Arkansas’ most prominent citizen in 1884. After a rowdy show trial held in the local saloon with famous hanging Judge Isaac C. Parker presiding, Dougle quips “For all you know about holdin’ a fair trial Judge Parker, why in hell don’t you just crucify me?” Be careful what you wish for James Dougle. Will there be justice in Round Hill?
This novel is currently unavailable but is scheduled for publication by Two Gun Publishing in book form later in 2026.
