Richard La Plante's thrillers, "Mantis, Leopard, Steroid Blues," and" Mindkill," are compelling reading for those who love fast-paced films like the "Lethal Weapon" series. La Plante is also the author of two nonfiction books about motorcycles and the love a man can have for a machine, "Hog Fever "and" Detours," A native of the Philadelphia area, Richard La Plante lives with his family on Long Island in New York.