It Gives You Strength

On a rescue mission to the distant planet Earth in 1926, an alien scientist, Tashan Zho,  is transported into the dying body of bootlegger Ryan Costello. Upon his death, Costello’s body is reanimated by the alien, and endowed with supernatural powers. Unfortunately, the body is so damaged from years of alcohol abuse that the alien’s memory and his vital files are corrupted. All that remains of his mission plan is one phrase: “Find the one called Mike Kelly.” Complicating matters, the alien soon discovers that Kelly is the leader of a criminal gang of World War veterans, who are battling mobster Jack “Legs” Diamond for control of the lucrative Canada/New York rum-running market. Upon recognizing Costello's enhanced abilities and physical strength, Kelly forces the alien into the mob. Since Kelly is his only chance of discovering and completing his mission, the alien agrees.  Costello soon learns his crucial task - to free an alien child from the infamous Craig Colony before his home world dispatches its  “rescue armada.” A force so massive that its mere entry into the Earth’s atmosphere would devastate the planet.   

The story, a mashup of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, is set in upstate New York during prohibition. The fictional characters interact with actual historical figures, including mobster Jack “Legs” Diamond, heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey, and World War heroine Edith Cavell.  

It is New York, 1926.  An alien visits the primitive planet Earth only to be trapped in the middle of a gang war for the NY/Canada rum-running market. “Star-man meets Boardwalk Empire”

"...as exciting as an old-time thriller, with gun-wielding big shots, intense rivalries, and the perfect wildcard character.”
    — Independent Book Review

    “A rip-roaring blend of space opera, history, and fantasy, this is entertainment at it’s best....A must-read!

       —The Prairies Book Reviews

    “It’s been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.  It’s a well written sci-fi fantasy with perfect pacing.”

       —Emerald Book Reviews

    “Historical and sports fiction readers will fly through this book...”

        —Independent Book Review