This is Part 2 in This Week in the Flathead’s two-part series featuring recently published books written either by regional authors or that take place in, or are about, Montana. The Daily Inter Lake recognizes the importance of supporting our local authors, whether published through traditional publishers or self-published.

Also worth noting is the result of Montana Public Radio’s 2019 Great Montana Read competition. Volunteer judges compiled a list of the Top 20 works of Montana nonfiction and decided the top three were, from third to first place, “Indian Creek Chronicles” by Pete Fromm, “This House of Sky” by Ivan Doig — and topping the booklist was “Breaking Clean” by Judy Blunt. In her 2002 memoir and literary debut, Blunt, who now lives in Missoula, tells of the hardships and life-changing decisions she had to make while growing up on a ranch and raising a family in a small town near Malta.

‘Shadows’

Montana native and Whitefish resident Kristen Proby recently self-published this paranormal romance set in the mystical city of New Orleans … Everything changes the day Cassian Winslow joins the main character’s ghost walking tour and knocks her world off its axis with his green eyes. An unspeakable evil is loose in New Orleans, taking young women and leaving a bloodbath in his wake.

About the author

Since Proby’s first self-publishing experience in 2012, she has published over 40 novels, sold over 3 million books and appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers Lists.

She also just launched a publishing company, Lady Boss Press, giving other authors the opportunity to write fanfiction set in the universe she created in her Boudreaux Series.

‘Trail Tales’

“Trail Tales” is a composition of entertaining stories experienced while Cowdrick was traveling the backcountry. He documents unique encounters with trail hikers, backcountry equestrians, mountain climbers, mulepackers and fire tower lookouts. His short stories extend from Alaska to Peru and along many of the long-distance hiking trails in the United States. Cowdrick’s tales include stories from his hikes in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, including a chapter about Prairie Reef.

‘Eden Mine: A Novel’

In his forthcoming book, Hulse, award-winning author of “Black River,” examines the aftershocks of an act of domestic terrorism rooted in a small Montana town on the brink of abandonment, as it tears apart a family, tests the faith of a pastor and the loyalty of a sister, and mines the deep rifts that come when the reach of government clashes with individual freedom.

A timely story of the anger and disaffection tearing apart many communities in America, Hulse’s “Eden Mine” is also a beautiful novel of the West, of a deep love for the land, of faith in the face of evil, and of the terrible choices we make for the ones we love.

About the author

Hulse’s debut novel “Black River” was a PEN/Hemingway Award for First Fiction finalist, an Amazon Best Book of the Month, and ALA Notable Book and ABA Indies Introduce title and winner of the Reading the West Book Award. An avid horsewoman, she has lived throughout the American West.

‘Leaves on Frozen Ground’

A boy who loves nature and baseball takes his dog into the wilderness, two parents blame themselves for the tragedy that unfolds, and a marriage is tested by grief.

“Although set in northern Wisconsin, on the edge of the vast Northwoods, “Leaves on Frozen Ground” might as well be about Bozeman, wrote Mike England in his review of Carty’s debut novel. “Extreme weather, summer tourists and expensive second homes, the wilderness whispering its secrets from the dark timber near town — all these elements ground the reader in familiar terrain. “Dave Carty, a longtime resident of Bozeman, crafts a compelling tale of love and loss … a profound, poetic, and unforgettable novel. Leaves on Frozen Ground is the work of a fine writer and keen observer of the human condition.”

About the author

David Edward Carty studied journalism at the University of Colorado, but left two semesters prior to receiving his degree. After nearly a decade of working at mostly low-level, blue collar jobs, he returned to writing and commenced a 30-year career as a freelancer. “Leaves On Frozen Ground” is his first published novel. He has 25 years of writing experience and over 900 published articles – mostly features for national magazines.

Carty’s feature writing covers a wide range of topics, from the Navy’s Blue Angels, race car driving, barbershop quartets, swing dancing, cattle branding, and the World Series of Poker, to a sizeable array of stories about dogs.

‘Binary Star’

Paris 1920 – Recent college graduate Mary Paxton visits Paris with her family. In the glamorous city she finds herself falling for Andrei, an exiled Russian noble.

New York 1928 – Young Alexandra, the spirited daughter of Mary and Andrei, lives in upstate New York with her loving family. Surrounded by culture, she grows up a beautiful and talented young woman.

England 1930 – Young Alfred grows up under the watchful eye of his grandfather. Forgoing university for his patriotic duty, he serves as a technician in the Air Ministry. Seriously injured, he is cared for by the beautiful singing nurse, Alexandra.

This warm, family epic follows two generations as they travel from France, America, Canada and England. Like two stars revolving around each other, these couples always find a way to guide each other. Filled with poetry, romance and family, “Binary Star” will refresh your faith in love and the human spirit.

About the author

William Comstock has worked on various engineering and research projects connected to the Cold War. He worked on electronic intelligence for the CIA and NSA and did experimental and theoretical work in sonar for the Navy. He lives in Missoula.

Available online at www.bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com.

‘Dubbie and the Dragon’

Centenarian Kenneth K. Kelly, originally from Billings, tells the story of a young boy whose quick thinking saves his village from a dragon in his new children’s book.

Kelly, who now resides in Austin, Minnesota, served in the Army during World War II, then worked on the railroad for 25 years. He has been writing for 66 years, and he loves to write poetry, children’s stories, and about his life experiences.

Available online at www.bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com.

‘Murder on Skis’

Readers in Montana who love murder mysteries, those who relish carving turns on skis or a snowboard, or folks who live for the social activities after a day on the slopes, will enjoy this thrilling new fiction, set in Montana and written by former television anchor Phil Bayly.

Bayly said he began writing the novel while he was watching the sunrise at a ski area in Montana, more than 20 years ago. The story is told through the eyes of JC Snow, a journalist who also manages to squeeze in his hobby of ski racing. Bayly was a self-proclaimed “mediocre ski racer” for 30 years.

“Murder on Skis” is set in southern Montana where a TV reporter investigates a strange sequence of lives lost in the resort community.

About the author

Bayly was an anchor and reporter in television and radio news for more than 40 years in Colorado, Wyoming, Pennsylvania and New York. He covered everything from forest fires and presidential primaries to murders and the 9/11 terror attacks at Ground Zero, as well as some World Cup ski racing.

The book is available at Murderonskis.com, at independent bookstores and Amazon.com.

‘Stressed to the Breaking Point’

Author Bob Fink shares his own personal story of his battle with obsessive compulsive disorder and how, with great faith, he overcame his mental illness. His book is geared to all who are experiencing anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or feel they are losing control of their life. After hospitalization and with help from his family, church, therapy and God’s intervention, Fink hopes his experience and story will guide others out of darkness.

About the author

Bob Fink of Kalispell has been in the landscaping and nursery business for over 40 years, establishing highly successful companies in Michigan, Alaska and Montana.

He resides in Kalispell.