Books from Hill Country Press
Stoney Creek Publishing’s exclusive online imprint
The Bugbear Hunter
Or the Seduction and Redemption of Congressman David Crockett
Step into the rich tapestry of early 19th-century America in this masterfully woven tale that stretches from the rugged frontier to the bustling political corridors of Washington City, where legends are born, alliances are forged, and reputations teeter on the edge of ruin.
At the heart of this historical novel is Congressman David Crockett—a larger-than-life figure caught between his humble origins and the seductive allure of power. Through vivid prose and sharp dialogue, Daivd Barnett Goldman paints a portrait of Crockett as both a folk hero and a flawed man navigating the treacherous waters of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal. From his rollicking speeches that charm crowds to his private struggles with debt and moral compromise, Crockett emerges as a complex character emblematic of an era defined by expansion and political upheaval.
The novel’s supporting cast is equally compelling: Dr. William A. Caruthers, a physician grappling with his own demons, provides a poignant counterpoint to Crockett’s bravado; Ivy Green, a spirited actress whose entanglements blur the lines between artifice and authenticity; and R.C. Crabtree, a tavern keeper whose observations on politics and human nature add depth to the narrative. Together, their stories intertwine against the backdrop of Andrew Jackson’s presidency, the contentious debates over the National Bank, and the stark divide between wealthy elites and struggling pioneers.
Goldman’s meticulous attention to historical detail immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and social dynamics of early America—from smoky taverns and theatrical stages to the hallowed halls of Congress. Yet, The Bugbear Hunter is more than just historical fiction; it’s a meditation on identity, integrity, and the price of fame in a rapidly changing world.
The Bugbear Hunter is both an entertaining adventure and a thought-provoking exploration of America’s past. Prepare to be captivated by this unforgettable journey through history, humor, and humanity.
Ghostly Bugles: A Novel of the Alamo
Do the souls of the dead reach out from beyond the grave? Do echoes of the past resound through the ages? Are such insights a privilege or a curse? An old man grapples with these questions and his own mortality as he re-examines one of the most famous battles in history - the Alamo. The 1836 siege and battle as well as current efforts to restore Alamo Plaza to hallowed ground and create a world-class attraction unfold as the old man tries to make sense of his memories, dreams, and perceived outreach by the dead whose souls cry out to him for inclusion and recognition. Beyond the myth and the legend are their stories as well as his own. Ghostly Bugles is a fictional re-creation of the Alamo story, rich in historical detail with a unique paranormal element. The narrative combines elements of the traditional storyline with contemporary efforts to "Re-imagine the Alamo". The dual timelines balance our understanding of this world- renowned event and provide new perspective and appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of everyone involved - Texian and Tejano defenders, and Mexican soldiers.
Llano Estacado
On the lawless plains of the Texas Panhandle …
Jacob Harker, a homesteader consumed by grief after Comanches murder his family, embarks on a relentless quest for retribution across the unforgiving prairie, risking his life, his soul, and his very humanity.
The enigmatic Comanche leader, White Knife, is haunted by his own tragedy — the murder of his wife and unborn child at the hands of white soldiers—and torn between tradition and the encroaching tide of change.
As Jacob and White Knife’s paths converge, both men must confront the cost of vengeance and the possibility of redemption.
Rich in historical detail and unflinching in its depiction of violence and loss, Llano Estacado is also a story of hope, compassion, healing, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Acclaimed author Max L. Knight weaves a vivid meditation on justice, forgiveness, and the meaning of home in a land where every horizon promises danger and possibility.
Timberline, U.S.A.
High-Country Encounters from California to Maine
Discover the Soul of America's High Country
What calls us to climb beyond the last stunted pine, into the realm where only the hardiest plants survive, and the air grows thin? In this captivating exploration of America's four great mountain ranges, veteran journalist Donald Mace Williams seeks answers in the windswept heights above timberline.
From the granite spires of California's Sierra Nevada to the storm-battered peaks of New Hampshire's White Mountains, Williams takes readers on an unforgettable trek through landscapes that have tested climbers, inspired writers, and claimed lives for centuries. Along the way, he encounters remarkable characters: an 80-year-old logger who still hikes every weekend, a ski bum living his dream above 10,000 feet, survivors of deadly storms, and scientists studying the thin air that both exhilarates and endangers.
Williams writes with the eye of a journalist and the soul of a mountaineer, capturing both the technical realities and transcendent beauty of America's high country.
He doesn't just describe the majesty of these places—he investigates what draws millions of Americans to seek renewal in landscapes that can kill the unprepared. Through vivid storytelling that combines natural history, human drama, and personal reflection, Timberline, U.S.A. reveals why these harsh, beautiful places remain essential to the American spirit.
This book will make you want to lace up your boots and head for the hills—while understanding exactly why that urge runs so deep.
Four Ranges. Countless Adventures. One Irresistible Question: Why Do We Climb?