To Swallow the Earth: A Western Thriller

•2016 International Book Award
•Literary Classics Seal of Approval
•2016 Laramie Award Finalist
What if you returned from a journey and your family was gone? What if someone else was living in your home, running what you used to manage—and trying to kill you? You’ll love this story for the genuine conflict (and mistakes) a person lives with when they don’t have all the facts.

Wade Forester must stay in the shadows or be shot. His father has disappeared, and his sister won’t speak. Beautiful Patricia Laughlin is running the show. Few people gain her approval, though powerful landowner Bridger Calhoun has high hopes. Each in his/her corner; Wade must decide whether to risk his life for Patricia, Bridger must win Patricia’s heart, and Patricia must choose which killer to trust with her life.

Survival/suspense set in the historic Nevada silver rush; the writing comes from intimate knowledge of the territory. Having lived off the land, Wilcox depended on his wit, grit, and strength (and his animals) for survival, just as his characters do. Wilcox and Beckstrand weave authentic detail and care for the country and its creatures into an adventure that will make your heart pound and fill your lungs with the rarefied air of the old Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Stand alone with bonus short story. Family friendly (ages 14 & up); 54,000 words, 200 pages, 5.25”x8” paperback; Latino protagonist, American Indian man, woman. Simultaneously published as A Sky So Big (New Adult mystery romance/YA western novel), also a clean audiobook and ebook—soon a graphic novel. Written by award-winning author Ransom Wilcox (Horse & Dog Adventures in Early California) and media professor Karl Beckstrand (The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living—see 60+ multicultural stories—click Karl Beckstrand above). Premio Publishing (Worldwide rights © 2015) PremioBooks, Audible, Baker & Taylor, Brodart, Follett, Gardner’s, Herzberg/Perma-bound, and libraries. LCCN: 2015937400, FIC002000, FIC030000, FIC033000, FIC056000, FIC059000, FIC027270, FIC022070, FIC027230, FIC027110, JUV001010, JUV002000, JUV028000, JUV029000, Audio ASIN: B07VGP9DC6, ISBN: 978-0692407974, ebook ISBN: 978-1311882387