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.
George P. Mitchell
Mitchell will forever be known as “the father of fracking,” but he didn’t invent the drilling process; he perfected it and made it profitable, one of many varied ventures he pursued for years.
Long before his company ever fracked a well, he pioneered sustainable development by creating The Woodlands, near Houston, one of the first and most successful master-planned communities. Its focus on environmental protection and livability redefined the American suburb. This apparent contradiction between his energy interests and environmental pursuits, which his son Todd dubbed “the Mitchell Paradox”, was just one of many that defined Mitchell’s life.
Grinders
Mike Capps and Chuck Hartenstein tell the stories of players who took the hard knocks road, spending their careers bouncing between the show and obscurity, never quite achieving their dreams, all for a chance to play the game they love.
Drowning in Oil
"Drowning in Oil, by award-winning business writer Loren Steffy - considered by many to be the writer with the best access to the story - is an unprecedented and gripping narrative of this catastrophe and how BP’s winner-take-all business culture made it all but inevitable. Through never-before-published interviews with BP executives and employees, environmental experts, and oil industry insiders, Steffy takes us behind the scenes of 100 years of BP corporate history."
DeConstructed
Illegal immigration is among the most challenging and divisive issues facing America. With few changes in immigration laws since 1986, the undocumented population has swelled to an estimated 11 million.
Deconstructed unravels these economic issues and their human toll through the eyes of Houston businessman Stan Marek, who’s watched the immigration crisis unfold over 40 years. A descendant of Czech immigrants himself, Marek runs one of the largest specialty subcontracting firms in the U.S. He has seen construction work devolve from offering middle-class careers to trapping illegal immigrants in the shadows of the economy— paid in cash, without overtime or access to health care. Marek sees a burgeoning crisis for his industry, the national economy and the undocumented immigrants themselves - a crisis he has vowed to prevent.
In Deconstructed, award-winning business journalist Loren Steffy traces Marek’s own family history, intertwined with changes in immigration law for more than a century. Steffy examines the economic forces driving illegal immigration and outlines solutions that could enhance our economy, the construction business, and the lives of immigrants.