Sunday, July 21, 2013

Mystery of the Month: A Ton of Gold



A Ton of Gold
A contemporary mystery/suspense novel 

Can long forgotten, old folk tales affect the lives of people today? In A Ton of Gold, one certainly affected young, brilliant Crystal Moore.  Two people are killed, others threatened, a house burned and an office fire-bombed – all because of an old folk tale, greed and ignorance.

On top of that, the man who nearly destroyed Crystal emotionally is coming back.  This time he can destroy her career.  She’ll need all the help she can get from a former bull rider, her streetwise housemate and her feisty 76 year-old grandmother.

A Ton of Gold
By James R. Callan
From Oak Tree Press, Feb. 2013

On Amazon, in paperback, at:  http://amzn.to/UQrqsZ 

Or the Kindle edition at:  http://amzn.to/12PeHJb     

Or from Oak Tree Press at:  http://bit.ly/WJXcWl 


James R. Callan


After a successful career in mathematics and computer science, receiving grants from the National Science Foundation and NASA, and being listed in Who’s Who in Computer Science and Two Thousand Notable Americans, James R. Callan turned to his first love—writing.  He wrote a monthly column for a national magazine for two years, and published several non-fiction books.  He now concentrates on his favorite genre, mysteries, with his fourth book released in February, 2013.


Website:          www.jamesrcallan.com

Blog site:         www.jamesrcallan.com/blog

Book website: www.atonofgold.com


27 comments:

  1. Jim,
    I loved "A Ton of Gold." Talk about an intriguing way of combining history and mystery! You hooked me from the first page and didn't let me go until the end.

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    1. Thanks, Patricia. I'm glad the book kept you interested. There really is such a fold tale in Texas lore. And when I get back to Texas, I might just drain my lake and take a look.

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  2. Where does the novel take place? Love the cover, but it doesn't look like an area I associate with bull riders, having lived in TX for many years.

    Plot sounds great!

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    1. Part of the novel is set in Dallas, but a lot of it is set in east Texas. The cover picture actually came from our property in east Texas, and I convinced the publisher it was the right one to use. I'm happy you liked the cover. We went through several renditions before this one came out.
      The bull rider was raised in Mesquite, a suburb of Dallas and noted for its rodeos. Actually, even in east Texas, they have rodeos each year which are a big deal to the small towns holding them. But, Mark (the bull rider in the book) came from Mesquite and learned the trade there.
      Thanks for your comment. What part of Texas do you live in?

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    2. We're in TN now, but were in Dallas for 20 years. I've been to the Mesquite Rodeo, too. We've also lived near Wichita Falls, Austin, and Waco.

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    3. You really should try east Texas sometime. Lots of nice forests, lakes. We'd welcome you.

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    4. I took a trip to Jefferson and Cado Lake. Very pretty country.

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    5. That's somewhat near to my neck of the woods. I love it there. Of course, I spend a lot of time in Puerto Vallarta also. Very different. But I love them both.

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  3. Jim - I enjoyed reading "A Ton of Gold." You have a nice touch. What's coming next?

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    1. I'm polishing up a sequel to Cleansed by Fire right now. But I have a sequel to A Ton of Gold almost complete. So, I should have both out in 2014 - if someone on the publisher side agrees. Thanks for your comment and I'm most happy you liked A Ton of Gold.

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  4. Wow! Your novel sounds very interesting, and now on my TBR list. Much success, James!

    Madeline

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    1. Thanks, Madeline. Be sure and let me know what you think after you read it.

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  5. CONGRATS JIM! This was a very good read. Well written and exciting. I've been recommending the book to anyone who listens!

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    1. Thanks for the comment, Chris. And a great big Texas Thanks for recommending it.

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  6. I'm trying to catch up on my TBR pile, and I can't wait to get to this one!
    Marja McGraw

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    1. I can't wait either. Because I want to hear what you think of it when you finish it, Marja. Thanks for the comment.

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  7. I like the comment on the front of the cover. It pulls the potential reader/purchaser into the book and makes them want more. Congrats. Hope you pull off the sequel. I'm juggling three books now, editing and rewrite. When does it ever end? I guess when it's in print! LOL. Luck,

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    1. But by the time it's in print, you are in the middle of another book. So the beat goes on. But I can't imagine what I'd be doing if I weren't writing - something. Thanks for the comment.

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  8. You may get two of these. I thought I wrote a comment, but now it doesn't seem to be here. Anyway, what I said was, by the time the book is in print, you're in the middle of the next book, so the beat goes on. But, I love it and can't imagine what I'd do if I weren't writing - something. Thanks for the comment, Elaine.

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  9. I haven't read this one yet. But it's definitely on my list, Jim.

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  10. Thanks, John. Be sure and let me know what you think of it after you finish.

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  11. The review neglects to mention how hilarious the book is :)

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    1. Thank you very much. So glad you mentioned that. I also think there are some really good laughs in the book. But then, I'm hardly a fair judge.

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  12. Jim's a great writer, but I haven't read this one yet. On my to-be-read list. :) Hilarious and suspenseful? Right up my alley! Looking forward to it.

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    1. Hi, Caroline, and thank for the comment - and putting Gold on your TBR list. After you read it, do let me know if I delivered on both the humor and the suspense.

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  13. Hey, Jim! I have to put your book on my "To Be Read" list--you must know how much I love mysteries, right??

    And humor??? Oh yes--love that as well. Congrats and happy marketing! Aloha! --Cheryl

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  14. Thanks, Cheryl. We all love mysteries - and we can all use some humor, probably every day. Be sure and let me know how you liked the book when you finish. And if I managed to get you to laugh.

    Thanks for the comment.

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