Based on both Napoleonic history and the history of upstate New York, "Napoleon's Gold" exudes a deep reverence for the Saint Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands that comes from personal knowledge, leaving the reader wanting to explore both the region and the deeper mysteries of their own experience.
SUMMARY: After experiencing the harrowing events of 9/11, historian Tom Flanagan returns to his family's cottage on the Saint Lawrence River to gain some closure to the accidental death of his parents and brother and to find some meaning to the upheaval of his life. His return is both highly doubted and eagerly anticipated by the River Rat Reporters, a motley yet intriguing group of his father's former colleagues, summer neighbors, family members and drinking buddies. Together, along with Tom's former love and fellow historian Mindy McDonnell, the group seeks to complete his father's personal quest: the location of Napoleon's gold, one of the great legends of the Thousand Islands. But others also seek the gold for their own personal gain, and wage a battle against the group to control its reputed power. Through their personal tales of their involvement with his father's research, the River Rat Reporters each bring Tom one more piece of the puzzle to unlocking both the mystery of Napoleon's gold and the accidental deaths of his family. Once again, Thomas Pullyblank has delivered a tale full of history, wonder and spiritual healing that illustrates how our lives are intricately intertwined and elaborately decorated with poignant moments of intimacy, betrayal, collaboration and revelation. Based on both Napoleonic history and the history of upstate New York, "Napoleon's Gold" continues the story of Tom Flanagan, first begun in "Cornflower's Ghost". Pullyblank's novel exudes a deep reverence for the Saint Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands that comes from personal knowledge, leaving the reader wanting to explore both the region and the deeper mysteries of their own experience. AUTHOR BIO: Thomas Pullyblank was born and raised in rural upstate New York. Having earned degrees in history at the University at Albany and a Master of Divinity degree from the Boston University School of Theology, Pullyblank now teaches history at the SUNY College at Oneonta and serves as a United Methodist pastor near Cooperstown, New York. He lives on a small working farm with his wife and son. This is his second novel. He is currently working on another upstate New York his