Gehenna

By Patrick A Sims

Gehenna is a gripping supernatural thriller set in the desolate remnants of a mining town steeped in mystery, danger, and the echoes of a tragic past. The story follows Holton "Holt" Locke, a skilled reclamations specialist, who is drawn into the enigmatic town of Gehenna, West Virginia, and attempting to uncover the legendary Confederate gold. What begins as a professional pursuit for riches quickly spirals into a surreal and dangerous journey as Holt discovers that the town harbors secrets far older and darker than he imagined. Once a thriving mining settlement, Gehenna's history is marred by tragedy--a catastrophic underground explosion and fire that claimed dozens of lives and continues to burn over a century later. Now home to a dwindling population of quirky, mysterious residents, the town feels like a ghost of its former self. Upon his arrival, Holt encounters Sheriff Poe, a towering and enigmatic figure whose stern warnings and imposing presence have him as both protector and gatekeeper of the town's secrets. As Holt delves deeper into Gehenna's past, he discovers relics with divine significance, including fragments of an ancient sword. In a world where the line between myth and reality blurs, he must navigate a web of cryptic townsfolk, including a mysterious innkeeper named Dawn, whose tragic losses hint at a life beyond understanding, and Cable, a young outlaw whose motives remain shrouded in ambiguity. The stakes are raised as Holt learns of an ancient pact tied to the Confederate gold, secret artifacts like Gabriel's Horn--a mythical instrument capable of triggering the apocalypse--and the sinister machinations of powerful entities both mortal and divine. The town's connection to historical figures, such as General John C. Breckinridge and Ulysses S. Grant, weaves a narrative that blends history with an eerie, supernatural twist. Told through Holt's sardonic and sharp-witted perspective, Gehenna is a tale of survival, discovery, and the pursuit of truth amidst mounting threats. The novel's richly described setting captures the haunting beauty of West Virginia's landscape, while its characters bring to life the themes of redemption, legacy, and the eternal battle between light and darkness. In a town where every choice could mean life or death, Holt must decide how far he's willing to go to uncover the truth and what he's willing to sacrifice to escape Gehenna's clutches. With elements of dark humor, nail-biting tension, and a richly layered plot, Gehenna is a must-read for fans of supernatural mysteries, historical thrillers, and character-driven adventures. Prepare to be drawn into a world where the past refuses to stay buried, and every shadow hides a secret waiting to be unearthed.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DV95J21L
• ISBN13: 9798308520641
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 373 Pages
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"