Reviews for A Ton of Gold

Cliff Hanger

From the git-go, this story grabs your attention and hangs on to it through to the very end. I love books that I can't put down, and A Ton of Gold is that kind of book! Callan weaves a mystery from the past into an exciting present day story, complete with intriguing and feisty characters. Don't miss this great book!

S. Sehon, big-time reader

Well, "Ton" finally made it to the top of the stack and I finished it it two sessons. I got hooked and stayed up late last night - couldn't sleep until it was done.

DAC Crossley, author of historical novels, including Return of the Texas Ranger.

This was well-written & edited, with no flubs to distract from reading. I enjoyed the characters and the story is as convoluted as real life. It is on my "read it again" list now, and not that many books make it to that list.

Nicolina

Callan has a real winner in A Ton of Gold! I couldn't put the book down once I started.

It's just the type of book I enjoy-- great characters, backstory, multiple plot lines, and many twists and turns along the way. I can't wait to read more about Crystal's adventures! More please :)

Rebecca S. in California

This is the second book by James Callan that I've read and I enjoyed every minute of it. The suspense kept me wanting to turn the pages and his characters made me laugh out loud. Eula Moore is a feisty East Texas grandmother with the kind of guts and common sense that are not so common anymore. I loved it when she was "on stage." Her friend, Melva, played a perfect counterpart. The main character, Crystal, and her roommate, Brandi, were also well-balanced and provided many a chuckle, especially toward the end. Altogether a fun read. Thanks to the author!

M. Hamilton "snowgal" (Katy, TX)

Prepare to follow an intriguing path of deceit, deception and destruction when you read this gripping novel by James R. Callan. Your heart will go out to Crystal Moore, who must not only combat attacks on her only living relative, but must also figure out who her enemies are. And, at the heart of her struggle, there is the lure of a ton of gold.

Callan draws genuine, sympathetic characters that pull you into the lives of Crystal, her family and friends, even the villains. The author is a man to watch when he picks up his pen and writes fascinating mysteries.

Jory Sherman, author of The Baron Decision

Jim Callan is a master at understanding human conflict and the raw emotions that can strengthen or destroy a life. In A Ton of Gold, he magically weaves a story in the midst of folk tales and murder that are haunting, mysterious, and guaranteed to remain with you long after the final page is read. His characters are both real and mesmerizing.

Caleb Pirtle III, Editorial Director, Gallivant Press

Mix Intelligent Retrieval Systems with a 178-year-old tale about a missing wagonload of gold and you get everyone's attention. What if the information retrieved is true? People are willing to kill to find out.

A TON OF GOLD features believable characters in their everyday struggles of life. I particularly liked Eula Moore, a feisty 76-year-old lady who lives on her own and would give Dirty Harry a run for his money. "What I got here is a shotgun loaded with double ought shot... at this range, double ought will blow a hole in you the size of a soup bowl. And I can shoot the eye out of a skunk at fifty yards."

James R. Callan has blended science and legend and come up with a fast-paced mystery that keeps one guessing until the end. A good read, but contains some strong language.

Brends Norris, author of A WOMAN LIKE ME.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great mystery and characters Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book. Good mystery and I really liked the characters. Loved "Nana". A pioneer who wasn't to be intimidated. Crystal finally regained her confidence and set the record straight. The computer info added to the story. It all tied together well. I would recommend the book to all mystery lovers.

Momma Peggy

5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend it. Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
"A Ton of Gold" by James R. Callan hooked me on the first page of the Prologue and kept me eagerly turning the pages through the last word of the Epilogue. The plot was beyond intriguing and the characters were so well developed that I felt as if I knew them by the time I finished reading the book.
Without giving away the story because you'll want to experience it for yourself, I will only say that it was a great read and I highly recommend it.

Patricia Gligor

Having read several Callan books, I was waiting for another mind bending yarn. It does not disappoint. Lots of twists and turns make this a fun ride, with a bit of Texas history to boot. I feel a sequel coming!

Suzfred, an avid reader

A Great Mystery with history.
It's always fun to be led through the twists and turns of a good mystery, but I like it even more when an author weaves the tale around an historical event but brings it into modern times. That's exactly what Callan does here. Legends hold that promise of truth buried within, and it's fun to believe that these events might actually have happened, and that the author's imaginings might actually happen, as well. And let's face it--who doesn't love buried treasure?

This story is intricate but still credible, and the characters struck me as real people. I felt like I could sit down and talk to them (although I might leave a couple of those nasty villains off my dinner party guest list). I liked Eula, especially, as a contemporary Texas heroine. You almost wouldn't believe her--except most of us have known a Eula at some time or another.

I have to give kudos to the author for giving the reader a glimpse at a real episode of Texas history, but then skillfully taking over to build his own story. If you're looking for a good mystery with a dash of history, A Ton of Gold is a great read.

Diane Bailey, author of over 30 published books

I love a good mystery as much as anyone...and this one got me on the first paragraph. Of the prologue, I mean. That's where the mystery begins. Way back in East Texas, in 1834. So I think I'm going to be reading a fast moving historical adventure. But instead, moving on to the first chapter, all of a sudden I'm in 2012. That was fast! And instead of cowboys and Indians, I'm reading about a young woman in a very bad mood. . . . By the end of the first chapter, she learns that her beloved grandmother is in the hospital. She's in the hospital because, in her grandmother's opinion, some redneck tried to kill her. Run her off the road. OK. Now I'm hooked. The author delivers...on several levels... we've got a wagon load of gold, murderous crooks, an intriguing new business on the verge of success, and maybe even a romance. In this readers opinion, A Ton of Gold is indeed a fast moving read... intriguing and entertaining.

By Ginnie Siena Bivona , Format:Kindle Edition

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