My new novel, "Billy Goat's Curse" is out. The following is a short synopsis of the novel.
The Chicago Cubs haven't been to a World Series since 1945. Some say it's because of the "Billy Goat's Curse". And, the only way to break the curse is to have a descendant of Andy Frain apologize to Murphy the Goat. The problem is Murphy has been dead for a very long time.
However, in the spirit of fair play, Murphy "the goat", armed with the gift of speech, is sent to Earth to make amends in lifting the curse. In exchange for ending the curse, Murphy wants an apology for being thrown out of Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series.
In need of Earthly assistance, Murphy is brought to the Billy Goat's Tavern in Chicago where he meets and eventually enlists the aid of a very reluctant and cantankerous individual named Roger Talbert. They eventually work out their differences and unite to end the curse in this delightful tale.
* "Billy Goat's Curse" is selling for $12.95 through VirtualBookWorm, as well as other on-line sites, and can be purchased from various book stores in your area. The book is oversized - 5.5 x 8.5 inches in size.
Small excerpt- "Billy Goat's Curse"
- Copyrighted Material -
“How did Murphy get into my apartment and into my
tub? Ugh!”
.“Well, as to his getting in our apartment it’s simple
enough to explain. I let him in. As for climbing into the
tub only he knows for sure.” Roger grinned.
“Now, that’s not funny. You better start explaining,
right here and now.”
“Darling, it’s too early in the morning for
explanations.”
“And, what, it’s better to let my imagination run wild
all day? What’s he doing here?”
“I sort of got stuck with him…just before closing
someone dropped him off and skedaddled…I think it was
the old man.”
“Couldn’t you’ve dropped him off at a pound or
something?”
“I tried…I tried, but when I understood what would
happen if no one claimed him…so, I brought him home.”
“Let me get this straight, you were more concerned
for a goat then what I might think, or say about him being
here?” Upset, Helen sadly turned away. “Well, I guess
I’ve always known how this marriage stands.”
“Oh, Darling…”
As Helen headed for the closet, her eyes began to
well up with tears. Passing Murphy she didn’t hesitate in
giving a passing jab. “Murphy, huh…what are you Irish?”
“No, Greek,” replied Murphy.
Only Roger was aware that Murphy had spoken and
he stared at him in disbelief.
“Very funny…”
“I didn’t say that…Murphy did.”
Putting her coat on, Helen didn’t know how to
respond to a joke that she considered ill-timed. At other
times she might have laughed, but right at that moment
she felt that her world was crashing down on her, and all
their---her dreams were turning to dust. “I have never
been so afraid in my life…frightened might be a better
word, frightened for you.” Helen didn’t say another word as she sadly left the apartment.
“Take good care of our Vets, now!” Roger called out,
even though Helen had gone and the door had been closed
behind her. “I can’t tell if she was mad or sad,” he told
Murphy.
“Maybe a little bit of both,” replied Murphy, who
was now standing on the couch.
“Now, wait one dog-gone minute…get down from
there,” he said pulling Murphy down from the couch. “Let
me get three things perfectly clear with you. One, couches
are for humans. So stay off the couch. Two, I do not take
kindly to criticism of any kind, or suggestions that I do
not ask for.”
“And, three?” Murphy asked, being a wise guy.
“You spoke,” Roger snapped.
“What a revelation,” replied Murphy.
“I’m from Texas…and, in Texas, goats do not talk to
people. Do you understand me?”
“But, we’re in Chicago…does that edict of yours go
for the general proximity of Texas, or the entire world?”
With her forehead pressed against the apartment’s
door, Helen sobbed. She’d been standing in the hallway
since she walked out the door. She heard every word that
Roger and Murphy said to each other. “He’s holding a
two-way conversation with himself…what’s next?” Helen
turned and began to run down the hallway.
Back in the apartment, Roger had sunk into deep
thought.
Murphy bleated as if to gain his attention.
Roger wanting only silence had become tyrannical in
his attitude toward Murphy. “Did you say something?”
“No…”
“That goes for mumbling as well…there will be no
mumbling.”
“What a grouch,” said Murphy in disbelief.
“I heard that.”
“What about breathing…you didn’t mention anything
about breathing?”
“Don’t tempt fate dog meat.”
- Copyrighted Material -
On this site:
You will find the first three chapters of Reign of Valor and most of an interview I did for Televu Mag.
In the future I plan on displaying the beginning of chapter four of "Reign of Valor". But, that's in the near future.
Also, I'll post the entire interview with Televu Mag. Part Five of the seven part interview has been added (9/20) to the site.
The softcover version of "Reign of Valor" is still for sale for $20 through Trafford Publishing, and various other on-line web sites. Frankly, if you want to read the entire story and save some money you can also download the entire novel from ebookmall.com for $9.99. Sorry, about the commercial. Of course, you don't have to ever buy anything I've written. Just tell me what you think of what you've read on my site.
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