Ancient ruins. Haunted memories. A ruthless predator. Can Maggie survive the ghosts of her past – and the monster hiding in plain sight?
When she returns to her job as a National Park Ranger at “The Castle”—an ancient Native American pueblo carved into an Arizona cliff—Maggie hopes the comfort of familiar ground will help her heal. Battling trauma and the grief of unimaginable loss, Maggie’s days are carefully measured, her life held together by the thinnest of threads.
But strange things are happening at the park. A mysterious child appears and vanishes without a trace. And a predator watches her every move, planning his attack.
With the help of friends, fellow survivors, and the land itself, Maggie begins to reclaim her strength. But the danger is closer than she knows, and soon Maggie will have to face a deadly threat… and her deepest fears.
Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.
Praise for The Castle
“A deftly written and riveting read from cover to cover, “The Castle” effectively showcases author Anne Montgomery’s genuine mastery of the Romantic Suspense genre.” – Midwest Book Review
“A slow burn thriller, mixed in with a touch of mystical realism…A true five-star experience!” – Sara Steven Chick Lit Central
“A beautifully considered, sumptuous novel from a skilled storyteller.” – SaraRose Auburn Writing & Reviews
“This is a novel about good rage, about channeling the injustices of the world around us and fighting to do some good with both words and deeds. Lucky for readers, it was penned by a maestra like Anne Montgomery, so that we got a tense, powerful novel in the bargain too.” – Jennifer deBie-Rosie Amber Book Reviews
“Ms. Montgomery manipulates uncomfortable subjects and dark suspense into a gripping tale with hints of romance and humor carefully guiding readers on an informative journey of survival and self-discovery.“ Tonya Mathenia InD’tale Magazine
“Soul-stirring. A brilliant book…Truly a masterpiece.” – Anu Menon Thought is Free Book Blog
“I was gripped from start to end.” – Katherine Hayward Pérez Just Katherine Blog
“Ms. Montgomery has an almost magical talent to draw the reader into the worlds she creates through her words. Her characters are interesting, vulnerable and strong. While describing the locations in which her books are set, she weaves history with vivid images, immersing the reader in a hard-to-put-down story full of history, beauty and mystery.” – Margaret Millmore Author
A Light in the Desert traces the story of a lonely pregnant teenager, a Vietnam veteran and former Special Forces sniper who, as he descends into the throes of mental illness, latches onto the girl, and a group of Pentecostal zealots – the Children of Light – who have been waiting over thirty years in the Arizona desert for Armageddon. The Amtrak Sunset Limited, a passenger train en route to Los Angeles, is derailed in their midst’s, a deadly act of sabotage. Their lives are thrown into turmoil when local and state police, FBI investigators, and a horde of reporters make camp by the twisted wreckage of the Sunset Limited. As the search for the saboteurs continues, the authorities find more questions than answers. The girl mysteriously vanishes, the assassin struggles to maintain his sanity, and a child is about to be born in the wilderness.
“Clever, compelling, readable and realistic. Ms. Montgomery wove the most compelling cast of characters into a fictionalized account of what might have happened. I was fascinated. No one knows the truth, but this author took a leap that resulted in one of my favorite recent books.” – Vine Voice
“This is a very emotional tale that explores a variety of social issues ranging from mental illness to child abuse. It is very well done, well developed characters and scenery as well as a fast moving plot.” – Margaret Millmore Author
“An engaging and thought-provoking read.” – Lynda Dickson Books Direct
“This is an engaging book with a story that builds slowly, answering some questions along the way, and ending in a denouement full of tension and drama. A very good read.” – Stuart Aken Author
“A Light in the Desert is a great read. If you’re looking for a great story about human nature, pick A Light in the Desert up today.” – Rabid Readers Reviews
Ancient ruins. Haunted memories. A ruthless predator. Can Maggie survive the ghosts of her past – and the monster hiding in plain sight?
When she returns to her job as a National Park Ranger at “The Castle”—a Native American pueblo carved into an Arizona cliff—Maggie hopes the comfort of familiar ground will help her heal. Battling trauma and the grief of unimaginable loss, Maggie’s days are carefully measured, her life held together by the thinnest of threads.
But strange things are happening at the park. A mysterious child appears and vanishes without a trace. And a predator watches her every move, planning his attack.
With the help of friends, fellow survivors, and the land itself, Maggie begins to reclaim her strength. But the danger is closer than she knows, and soon Maggie will have to face a deadly threat… and her deepest fears.
Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.
Praise for The Castle
“A deftly written and riveting read from cover to cover, “The Castle” effectively showcases author Anne Montgomery’s genuine mastery of the Romantic Suspense genre.” – Midwest Book Review
“A slow burn thriller, mixed in with a touch of mystical realism…A true five-star experience!” – Sara Steven Chick Lit Central
“A beautifully considered, sumptuous novel from a skilled storyteller.” – SaraRose Auburn Writing & Reviews
“This is a novel about good rage, about channeling the injustices of the world around us and fighting to do some good with both words and deeds. Lucky for readers, it was penned by a maestra like Anne Montgomery, so that we got a tense, powerful novel in the bargain too.” – Jennifer deBie-Rosie Amber Book Reviews
“Ms. Montgomery manipulates uncomfortable subjects and dark suspense into a gripping tale with hints of romance and humor carefully guiding readers on an informative journey of survival and self-discovery.“ Tonya Mathenia InD’tale Magazine
“Soul-stirring. A brilliant book…Truly a masterpiece.” – Anu Menon Thought is Free Book Blog
“I was gripped from start to end.” – Katherine Hayward Pérez Just Katherine Blog
“Ms. Montgomery has an almost magical talent to draw the reader into the worlds she creates through her words. Her characters are interesting, vulnerable and strong. While describing the locations in which her books are set, she weaves history with vivid images, immersing the reader in a hard-to-put-down story full of history, beauty and mystery.” – Margaret Millmore Author
“What a brilliant book! I couldn’t put this novel down…It is a solid five-star read. An unputdownable accounting of innocence, greed, the horrors of war, and the selfishness and criminal behaviors of some who seek to profit off the misfortunes of others. Your Forgotten Sons should be a must-read for all lovers of fiction, especially WWII fiction. The tale was educational, provocative, enlightening, and so well done. I hope Anne Montgomery writes another tale such as this. Her books have found a place on my bookshelves.” – Virginia Dill Book Sirens
Inspired by a true story
Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to a Graves Registration Company, where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?
“Spectacular! One of the most personal books about WWII history that I’ve ever read…The characters in this book are so well crafted that the reader feels like they know them…My only regret is that it ended.” 5 Stars – Deacon Tom F, former USAF Lt Col., Amazon
“Although a defty crafted work of original fiction, “Your Forgotten Sons” by Anne Montgomery is inspired by a true story. An original and inherently interesting read from start to finish, “Your Forgotten Sons” will prove to be an immediate and enduringly appreciated pick.” – Midwest Book Review
“Your Forgotten Sons” by Anne Montgomery is a historical fiction novel that intricately explores the emotional turmoil of war, immersing readers in its richly crafted world and leaving a lasting impact with its nuanced characters and poignant storytelling.” – Chrysalis Brew Project
“This was a quick, riveting read that really challenged me to think differently about our servicemen and women, especially those who take on the jobs that don’t get heroically depicted in the media or news…I really highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a different take on American history. I left it with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes.” – Bekah C NetGalley
“The story of Bud is tragic and evokes strong emotions, a sense of having lost a buddy in arms, a brother you knew and loved…The conclusion may not be what the reader expects, however, and the reveal is shocking. War is hell. 5 stars.” – Virginia Williams Rosepoint Publishing
“Certainly Montgomery’s best book yet. Should be required reading for West Point Cadets and ROTC students, but more importantly mandatory reading for those of us that are casual observers of conflict. The book shifted my paradigm about the personal cost of war, and especially what it takes to clean up after a battle. Montgomery continues to be an outstanding story teller!” – Bill Clarkson Goodreads Reviewer
“This is the truth. It’s gritty and painful and bittersweet – and true. When you think you’ve read every perspective of WWII, along comes Bud to break your heart.” – Bridgett Siter Former Military Reporter
“Anne Montgomery writes a strong story and I was hooked from the first page. It had a great concept and I enjoyed that this was inspired by a true story…It was written perfectly and I was invested in the story. Anne Montgomery has a great writing style and left me wanting to read more.” – Kathryn McLeer NetGalley
I didn’t set out to write about children, but after becoming a teacher and foster mom, kids kept finding their way into my stories.
I didn’t know any children until I was in my late 40s. I was only around kids when I officiated amateur sports, but as soon as those games ended, I went home. What children did off the fields where I blew whistles and called balls and strikes was completely out of my purview.
When you consider that I also never had any biological children and came from a small family devoid of any regular kid contact, you can see why I never gave much thought to children. I don’t know if I blocked young people out of my mind once I realized I would never produce any of my own, but I might have. And yet, today, as an author, the plight of children often takes center stage in my novels.
I walked into my first classroom as a teacher in 1999. A mid-life career change following my years as a sports reporter propelled me into a Title I high school in Phoenix, where the vast majority of students lived in poverty and were often afflicted with the privations inherent in a world where there is not enough food, where drugs and alcohol run rampant, and where children are sometimes left adrift without caring adults to guide them.
I did not notice right away that children kept appearing in my books. It could have happened after a 15-year-old boy called me from a group foster-care facility and told me he was hungry. Or the day I chastised a student for being repeatedly late to class, only to discover he was homeless. Or when I faced a group of kids in a support group, where discussing incarcerated parents, bullying, and parental neglect would become the norm.
Whatever the catalyst, young people and their ability to adapt and thrive in severe situations have become integral to the stories I write. My first novel, A Light in the Desert, recounts in part the life of a lonely pregnant teenager, one with a facial deformity that has made her the subject of ridicule. And yet Kelly shows grace and grit when faced with challenges and possesses an understanding of human nature that sometimes surpasses the adults around her. In The Scent of Rain a 16-year-old-girl struggles under the strictures of an abusive religious cult, while a young boy, born with mental and physical limitations, proves he has valuable skills in my historical fiction novel Wolf Catcher.
I would spend twenty years teaching, a time when a couple of thousand students came through my classroom doors. And, by a quirky twist, that classroom made me a parent. The 15-year-old boy who was hungry came to live with me. Today, he and three other young people, though they are now grown, still look at me as Mom. I even have an eight-year-old grandson. So, writing about children seems natural now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards: Bronze Medal Winner for Fiction: West-Mountain Region
Contemporary Fiction/Young Adult Fiction
Amphorae Publishing Group
Rose Madsen dreams of becoming a science teacher and will do anything to keep from being married off to one of the men in her Fundamentalist Mormon (FLDS) community, including enduring her mother’s brutal beatings. Adan Reyes dreams of better days with his mother when he escapes the foster care system in Phoenix. When their fates become intertwined, Rose and Adan escape into the mountains, only to be hunted like animals. After they are discovered, they must decide if everyone they meet is determined to keep them locked in lives of abuse, or if some adults are worthy of their trust?
“A deftly crafted and compelling read from cover to cover.” – Midwest Book Review
“Essential reading for both young adults and adults alike. There is literally nothing else I can say, except buy this book.” – Childishly Passionate Reviews
“A heartrending, heart-wrenching fictional narrative … Even in the midst of tribulations, The Scent of Rain celebrates the resilience and persistence of the human spirit.” – The Haunted Reading Room
“The characters in ‘The Scent of Rain’ added to an already amazing storyline.” – YABOOKSCENTRAL
“I loved ‘The Scent of Rain’. It is very apparent that Montgomery did extensive amounts of research … I absolutely think everyone should read it.” – The Book Return
“Whew. What a whirlwind. The story had been building and building and it all came to a tumbling end.”- Hasty Book List
In 1939, a tomb is uncovered in Northern Arizona—its occupant lavishly adorned, its contents baffling, and its implications far-reaching. Buried nearly 900 years earlier, the man dubbed The Magician possessed features unlike those of the Indigenous people who interred him. The Hopi workers who helped excavate the grave recognized the signs. This was no ordinary man.
Decades later, investigative reporter Kate Butler stumbles upon evidence that could rewrite history. Her search for the truth leads her into the world of black-market antiquities, where stolen artifacts—and secrets—carry a deadly price. As Kate follows the clues back to the 11th century, she uncovers the parallel story of Kaya, a healer in a high desert village recovering from volcanic devastation. When a mysterious blue-eyed stranger arrives with a massive white wolf, Kaya must decide whether he is a blessing or a warning.
Blending mystery, archaeology, and historical fiction, Wolf Catcher explores how far we’ll go for truth—and how little time changes the human heart.
Discover the mystery. Uncover the past. Read Wolf Catcher today.
Excerpt
1098 A.D.
The azure sky revealed no signs of the violence that had changed the world. Only a pine-scented breeze pressed through a gnarled stand of junipers that stretched along the wash. He closed his eyes and remembered the ragged band of refugees, the lingering sulfur smell of them, and the story they told. The ground, they said, had heaved and broken open, a fissure splitting the earth in a roar of steam and brilliant flames that shot straight into the high desert night sky. The horizon burned with a rainbow of fire—not just orange and yellow, but greens and blues—the heavens saturated with blazing pillars. Red clouds rose up, then settled upon the earth, building the mountain. Thick clods of burning stone burst forth, raining on the terrified people who had tried to save the sacred corn. Tongues of flame battled with lightning strikes that zigzagged across the sky, and streams of orange liquid ran in burning rivers, devouring everything they touched. Had the villagers not moved a good distance away earlier, they would certainly have been consumed by the creature living beneath the earth, angry perhaps that the People had been behaving badly.
A brightly colored blue jay squawked and alighted onto a twisted branch above him. The bird jerked its head, glaring with an obsidian eye. The man smiled at the creature, then turned his thoughts back to the volcano where his father had instructed him to go—the place he was to make the offering. He glanced at the western sky. The journey from his village had been a difficult and lonely trek.
An animal’s howl reverberated off the stone slab on which he sat and melted away grisly visions of his village and the people he had left behind.
He howled back, the sound indistinguishable from that of the animal. Moments later, a huge snow-colored kwewu bounded up the boulders to his side. The beast raised her snout and sniffed the air.
The man pointed to the northwest where he hoped to find the Volcano God’s home. “We will go that way, early in the morning.” He scratched the animal between the ears.
A short time later, he spread his bedroll in a shallow cave fronted by a dry wash and a small, twisted pinyon. He placed the bundle of carved sticks to his left and the shiny stone blade to his right. Clutching the leather bundle he wore on a thong around his neck, he silently renewed his promise to complete his quest and then prayed to the dead for their help.
When he finished, he stretched out in the soft sand, closed his eyes, and reached one last time for the blade. The kwewu turned in three circles before dropping down at his side.
The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.
In 1939, archaeologists uncovered a 900-year-old tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by hundreds of extraordinary funerary objects, including wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man was a magician.
Sixty-five years later, investigative reporter Kate Butler discovers evidence that The Magician looked notably different from those who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archaeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.
Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.
Praise for Wolf Catcher
“Blending archaeology and Native American mythology, “Wolf Catcher” by novelist Anne Montgomery is an original, exceptionally well written, and compelling work of historical fiction…” – Midwest Book Review
“The author’s ability to interweave the past and the present was masterful. The characters were complex and interesting, especially with the underlying theme of rethinking the history of worldly human migration … A real page turner and I am wondering when the movie is going to be made!” – Alicia Williams Goodreads
“The story is very well-paced, reaching a page-turning, action-packed climax to the end. This story has all the elements of a great suspense drama centered around a historical mystery.” – Heidi Slowinski Author
“I was deeply and thoroughly embroiled in this imaginative novel… (that) melds seamlessly much of fact with fiction. Totally recommended! “ – V. Williams Vine Voice
“What a journey! What a story! A truly epic tale that grabs you by a throat and moves your soul. Highly recommend for the readers of all age groups.” – Marina Sardarova Author
“Boy, didn’t this one grip me quickly and keep me glued to the pages! Loved the cliff-hanging chapter endings. Well researched, well-plotted and paced…Trust me, you’ll love it. Totally recommended and out now!” – Rosepoint Publishing
“Once again the author has created a beautiful story with a powerful message. She took a piece of history and brought it to life. I just can’t say enough good things about Wolf Catcher.” – Megan Salcido Wildwood Reads
Young people are turning away from books and movies at an alarming rate.
As a former film reviewer for a small newspaper—one of the best gigs ever—a recent post caught my eye. It seems that many young film students are having trouble…sitting through a movie. Professors reported that when students were asked to watch a film with their phones turned off roughly 50% were unlikely to comply. And when assigned to view a movie on their own less than 50% started watching the film and only about 20% completed the task.
The reasons are what you might expect. Young people focusing on the fast pace of Tik-Tok, Instagram Reels, and non-stop action in video games have apparently lost the ability to pay attention to long-format entertainment.
As a lover of film, I’m saddened. As an author of novels, I see where my vocation is headed. If young people can’t bring themselves to watch a 90-minute film, what are the chances of them reading an average-length novel which runs about 325 pages?
A quick search revealed my concerns were not unfounded. Studies show that many young people skim reading material, hurriedly moving through the verbiage as if the words themselves are somehow toxic. They find no joy in immersing themselves in lush or terrifying settings, different time periods, or the process of discovery: Where is the plot going? What is the protagonist’s motive? How will the characters survive?
Readers who have found themselves unable to put down a book, absorbed in the pages of a novel, eager to get to the climax of the plot, know the joy of a good story. Now, I’m wondering if this simple delight might be one we’ll have to explain to the generations to come, young people who will squint at us without understanding.
A 2024 study showed that just 14% of 13-year-olds read for pleasure every day. That’s down 10% from a decade ago. And in 2022, just 11% of high school seniors read at least six books for fun the previous year. So, it’s easy to see that if these trends continue those of us who ply our trade spinning stories are in for a difficult time.
I suppose it’s good news that young people are still reading, though their tastes have turned to graphic novels and native-digital content, which is defined as “material created specifically for digital platforms and consumed by audiences who have grown up in the age of technology. It is designed to be interactive, shareable, and often blends seamlessly with organic social media or web content. Such content is typically consumed rapidly, prioritizing visuals over text.”
So the problem remains. Long-form story telling is losing its appeal, whether it’s film or the written word. To my fellow authors, here’s hoping at some point the pendulum swings back and we might someday find young people happily nestled in the corner of a couch entranced by a story once more.
Ancient ruins. Haunted memories. A ruthless predator. Can Maggie survive the ghosts of her past – and the monster hiding in plain sight?
When she returns to her job as a National Park Ranger at “The Castle”—a centuried-old Native American pueblo carved into an Arizona cliff—Maggie hopes the comfort of familiar ground will help her heal. Battling trauma and the grief of unimaginable loss, Maggie’s days are carefully measured, her life held together by the thinnest of threads.
But strange things are happening at the park. A mysterious child appears and vanishes without a trace. And a predator watches her every move, planning his attack.
With the help of friends, fellow survivors, and the land itself, Maggie begins to reclaim her strength. But the danger is closer than she knows, and soon Maggie will have to face a deadly threat… and her deepest fears.
Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.
“A deftly written and riveting read from cover to cover, “The Castle” effectively showcases author Anne Montgomery’s genuine mastery of the Romantic Suspense genre.” – Midwest Book Review
“A slow burn thriller, mixed in with a touch of mystical realism…A true five-star experience!” – Sara Steven Chick Lit Central
“A beautifully considered, sumptuous novel from a skilled storyteller.” – SaraRose Auburn Writing & Reviews
“This is a novel about good rage, about channeling the injustices of the world around us and fighting to do some good with both words and deeds. Lucky for readers, it was penned by a maestra like Anne Montgomery, so that we got a tense, powerful novel in the bargain too.” – Jennifer deBie-Rosie Amber Book Reviews
“Ms. Montgomery manipulates uncomfortable subjects and dark suspense into a gripping tale with hints of romance and humor carefully guiding readers on an informative journey of survival and self-discovery.“ Tonya Mathenia InD’tale Magazine
“Soul-stirring. A brilliant book…Truly a masterpiece.” – Anu Menon Thought is Free Book Blog
“I was gripped from start to end.” – Katherine Hayward Pérez Just Katherine Blog
“Ms. Montgomery has an almost magical talent to draw the reader into the worlds she creates through her words. Her characters are interesting, vulnerable and strong. While describing the locations in which her books are set, she weaves history with vivid images, immersing the reader in a hard-to-put-down story full of history, beauty and mystery.” – Margaret Millmore Author
These are my books, my words, that’s why I get to call myself an author.
Most authors will tell you that we get offers every day from people who say they want to help us promote our brand or get published. I’m pretty used to these emails and just delete them, but I got one recently that made me pause. Here’s the first line: “What if you could become a published author without typing a single word?”
The sender explained that I could just “relax and chat” and through “transcription magic” a manuscript would be born. Then the “team” would proofread and edit the work, provide a “beautiful cover” and post the book on “Amazon and other major book retailers in as little as 2-3 weeks.” I’m going to guess here that this is simply a scam, meant to separate unsuspecting people from their money, but let’s assume it’s legitimate.
The whole idea was addressed to “’wannabe’ authors who have the knowledge but not the time, (to make) this is a dream come true.” Just for clarification, I checked the definition of wannabe, which is a person who tries to be like someone else or to fit in with a particular group of people. Note that the word generally carries a negative connotation, so perhaps those behind the email could do a better job of chosing their words, which, ironically, would pretty much be the definition of writing.
That said, I’m afraid that solicitations like this might actually appeal to certain people, which makes me want to scream. Still, I sense that some will fall for it and then go out and proudly claim to be authors, which is offensive to those of us who have immersed ourselves in the difficult world of publishing.
I have been writing books and painstakingly worked to get them out in the world for over 30 years, and it has been a long, difficult journey. Let’s just say that despite having written six traditionally published novels—which means a publisher has paid the bills—I must still depend on a pension and Social Security to keep a roof over my head, because since the advent of Amazon, making a living as an author has become increasingly difficult. The message? Please don’t quit your day job.
Be assured that if you let a company like the one above produce your book or you feed your information into AI, that “brilliant” memoir about your family will, in all likelihood, not sell more than 100 copies. And since you would most likely have to pay to publish your book, you will lose money in the long run.
Note that there are exceptions to not writing a book yourself, like those in the non-fiction world who can and do use ghost writers. I have no problem with that. But in the world of fiction and narrative nonfiction—think memoirs—I believe it’s the author’s duty to do their own writing if they want to proudly wear that author cap.
What offends me most is the idea that one might become an author “without typing a single word”, because there’s no point in being an author if you don’t enjoy the process. While you might disagree, the definition of author is quite clear: a writer of a book, article, or report. So if you’re not a writer you’re not an author. And I would greatly appreciate it if you would refrain from calling yourself one if you can’t do the work.
Ancient ruins. Haunted memories. A ruthless predator. Can Maggie survive the ghosts of her past – and the monster hiding in plain sight?
When she returns to her job as a National Park Ranger at “The Castle”—a centuried-old Native American pueblo carved into an Arizona cliff—Maggie hopes the comfort of familiar ground will help her heal. Battling trauma and the grief of unimaginable loss, Maggie’s days are carefully measured, her life held together by the thinnest of threads.
But strange things are happening at the park. A mysterious child appears and vanishes without a trace. And a predator watches her every move, planning his attack.
With the help of friends, fellow survivors, and the land itself, Maggie begins to reclaim her strength. But the danger is closer than she knows, and soon Maggie will have to face a deadly threat… and her deepest fears.
Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.
“A deftly written and riveting read from cover to cover, “The Castle” effectively showcases author Anne Montgomery’s genuine mastery of the Romantic Suspense genre.” – Midwest Book Review
“A slow burn thriller, mixed in with a touch of mystical realism…A true five-star experience!” – Sara Steven Chick Lit Central
“A beautifully considered, sumptuous novel from a skilled storyteller.” – SaraRose Auburn Writing & Reviews
“This is a novel about good rage, about channeling the injustices of the world around us and fighting to do some good with both words and deeds. Lucky for readers, it was penned by a maestra like Anne Montgomery, so that we got a tense, powerful novel in the bargain too.” – Jennifer deBie-Rosie Amber Book Reviews
“Ms. Montgomery manipulates uncomfortable subjects and dark suspense into a gripping tale with hints of romance and humor carefully guiding readers on an informative journey of survival and self-discovery.“ Tonya Mathenia InD’tale Magazine
“Soul-stirring. A brilliant book…Truly a masterpiece.” – Anu Menon Thought is Free Book Blog
“I was gripped from start to end.” – Katherine Hayward Pérez Just Katherine Blog
“Ms. Montgomery has an almost magical talent to draw the reader into the worlds she creates through her words. Her characters are interesting, vulnerable and strong. While describing the locations in which her books are set, she weaves history with vivid images, immersing the reader in a hard-to-put-down story full of history, beauty and mystery.” – Margaret Millmore Author
Writing can be glorious. However, the business aspect of being an author, not so much. Here are some things to think about.
I’ve been writing books for over 30 years. Today, I have six traditionally published novels, which means a publisher paid the bills for editing, proofreading, internal design, cover art, and, on occasion, advertising
However, authors must participate in marketing and promotional campaigns, including creating websites, attending book signings, eliciting reviews, writing blogs, appearing on podcasts, and coordinating media appearances, on top of having a robust social-media footprint. The manuscript writing required of an author pales in comparison to the public relations aspect of the job.
That said, I’d like to address some traps some of my peers stumble into. First, let’s look at those moments when authors scream “Best Seller!”, in an effort to get their book to pop on posts or when courting reviewers.
It used to be that a best seller was a book that racked up a lot of sales during a specific time frame and appeared on one or more of several well-known lists published by the New York Times,U.S.A. Today, or Publishers Weekly, for example. Of course, today there are many more outlets that issue such lists, like Amazon which defines a best seller as a book that appears in the top 100 in a specific genre category. If one’s book is so honored, the author can certainly lay claim to that accomplishment. However, all too often, the source of the “best seller” accolade remains a mystery. Is it a New York Times best seller? Is it a bestseller in your home town of 600 people? Is it a best seller because it sold more copies than any other book you wrote? Or is it a best seller because the author felt the need to gin up attention?
I mention this because I am a big believer in truth in advertising. If you can’t say exactly where your book was a best seller and why, it’s simply disingenuous to use the phrase in marketing.
Then there are reviews. I’ve seen posts that boast glorious verbiage: “Fantastic!” “I loved it!” 5 Stars! “A real page turner!” Then the source is revealed as “Amazon Reviewer.” I’m not saying the reviews aren’t real, but without a name, website, or media outlet, the reviewer could be the author’s mom or no one at all.
And speaking of reviews, it is never okay to ask friends and family members to review your book. I mean, geez, they love you, yes? Understandably, they would never admit your book is really bad, so any reviews from them would be disingenuous at best. Also, don’t say to a fellow author, “I’ll review your book, if you review mine.” That reeks of quid pro quo and is just plain awkward. And never be tempted to purchase fake reviews. Remember, Amazon and other media outlets have their own fake-review police, and you never want to find yourself squaring off with them. Yes, finding strangers who will take the time to read and review your book is a difficult and sometimes disappointing task, however there is no way around it.
I realize a lot of people have an idealistic and rather romanticized version of what being an author means. I’m just saying writing is like any other business where there are responsibilities and rules that need to be respected.
Wolf Catcher
Anne Montgomery
Historical Fiction
In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.
Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.
When I was asked by Arizona Highways Magazine to write an article about the man they call The Magician, I didn’t understand that I might be trampling on Native American religious beliefs.(Illustration by Brad Holland)
I’m not a religious person, so I have, in the past, missed signs that had spiritual implications. For example, when I was researching my novel Wolf Catcher—which was just rereleased by Next Chapter Publishing—I didn’t understand how offensive some of my requests were.
I was hired to write a magazine article about the man they call The Magician. His fabulous, nine-hundred-year-old tomb had been uncovered by archaeologists in 1939, beneath a pueblo on a lonely hillside about ten miles from Flagstaff, Arizona. Back in those days, exhuming indigenous burial grounds was an acceptable practice, which now seems absurd. Logically speaking, there’s not much difference between rifling through the belongings of ancient mummies and digging up one’s modern-day grandmother. Imagine collecting jewelry from grandma’s body and selling her precious possessions on eBay.
As a kid, I sometimes visited the Museum of Natural History in New York, where burial offerings from around the world were often on exhibit. However, while trying to determine who The Magician might have been, I discovered just how offensive it is to put human remains and funerary objects on display. My first hint was a letter my editor at the magazine received when I ignorantly requested a DNA test on The Magician. My reasoning seemed sound. The Magician was described by those who found him as being physically different from the people who buried him in several ways. He was particularly tall for his time and did not resemble the Native Americans who populated the region. He was said to have some Caucasian facial features, so my first thought was how did a man who may have had some European ancestry make it to what would become the American Southwest almost one-thousand years ago.
My request for scientific analysis was met with a hard no from the Hopi tribal authorities. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 stipulates that all remains and funerary objects must be treated with respect and dignity and that the destruction of any portion of a body—even something as seemingly insignificant as a tooth for a DNA sample—is unacceptable and illegal.
At that point, I was so focused on getting my story done, I didn’t understand why my request for scientific testing was such a big deal. Then, when I arrived to interview an archaeologist I’d worked with previously, I was shocked when he didn’t appear. It would be another archaeologist who would gently explain the problem. These scientists are bound by their relationships with Native American tribes. If they want to dig on tribal or even public land, they must get permission. If they don’t follow the rules, they will be shut out, which would hurt their reputations and limit their ability to work. My investigation posed a threat to the man’s career, a risk he wasn’t willing to take.
While researching the story, I picked up a number of pottery shards. My logic was simple. I was on public land, so clearly I had committed no crime. But again, I was wrong. Those beautiful pieces of ancient fired clay, many so bright and vibrant they looked as if they’d been painted yesterday, should never have been taken from their resting places, because once you’ve removed an artifact from its setting, you’ve destroyed its sense of time and place—it’s historical significance—something you can never get back.
After finishing Wolf Catcher, I found myself staring at those thousand-year-old bits of pottery and couldn’t pretend I hadn’t done something wrong. I spoke about my feelings with a friend who was a nondenominational pastor. She quickly responded that I should put the pieces back where I found them.
She and I traveled to Ridge Ruin where I gently returned the shards to the hillside. We stood on the rocky ground under which the pueblo that housed The Magician’s body lay hidden, having long ago been backfilled to protect it from looters. I stared at the spot where the man had been buried with such reverence all those years ago. My friend asked me to apologize for my mistake, which I did.
As I said earlier, I’m not a religious person, and yet, as we left that windswept hillside that held the remains of Ridge Ruin in its belly, I felt better. And I promised myself I would not make the same mistakes again.
If you’d like to learn more about my quest to understand who The Magician might have been and what his world was like, read my novel Wolf Catcher.
The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.
In 1939, archaeologists uncovered a 900-year-old tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by hundreds of extraordinary funerary objects, including wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man was a magician.
Sixty-five years later, investigative reporter Kate Butler discovers evidence that The Magician looked notably different from those who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archaeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.
Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.
Praise for Wolf Catcher
“Blending archaeology and Native American mythology, “Wolf Catcher” by novelist Anne Montgomery is an original, exceptionally well written, and compelling work of historical fiction…” – Midwest Book Review
“The author’s ability to interweave the past and the present was masterful. The characters were complex and interesting, especially with the underlying theme of rethinking the history of worldly human migration … A real page turner and I am wondering when the movie is going to be made!” – Alicia Williams Goodreads
“The story is very well-paced, reaching a page-turning, action-packed climax to the end. This story has all the elements of a great suspense drama centered around a historical mystery.” – Heidi Slowinski Author
“I was deeply and thoroughly embroiled in this imaginative novel… (that) melds seamlessly much of fact with fiction. Totally recommended! “ – V. Williams Vine Voice
“What a journey! What a story! A truly epic tale that grabs you by a throat and moves your soul. Highly recommend for the readers of all age groups.” – Marina Sardarova Author
“Boy, didn’t this one grip me quickly and keep me glued to the pages! Loved the cliff-hanging chapter endings. Well researched, well-plotted and paced…Trust me, you’ll love it. Totally recommended and out now!” – Rosepoint Publishing
“Once again the author has created a beautiful story with a powerful message. She took a piece of history and brought it to life. I just can’t say enough good things about Wolf Catcher.” – Megan Salcido Wildwood Reads
Anne Montgomery’s novels can be found wherever books are sold.
Author Anne Montgomery 