The Stone Sanctum: Saga in the High Sierra

By Thomas Cosgrove

The Sierra's eastern escarpment looms over Owens Valley, home to Jake McCann, patron of the mountain range and its defender against the slow but inexorable contagion of civilization. McCann is a respected scholar and mountaineer who lives as a recluse in an abandoned ranch house, where back-packers, would-be climbers and naturalists seek him out. Although 70 years old, the barrel-chested McCann remains a vigorous and powerful man and his many efforts to protect the mountains have made him a legend to locals. When word gets out of a planned highway that would slice through the pristine heart of the Sierras, it surprises no one that Jake decides to stop the project, regardless of the consequences. Unable to generate enthusiasm for taking on the powerful Sacramento politicians and wealthy corporations, Jake resorts to guerrilla warfare, enlisting the help of his long-time friend, Storm Eagle, and his Paiute relatives. In a desperate attempt to slow progress on this devastating construction project, Jake and Storm Eagle must make impressive use of their skills as mountaineers and marksmen, as well as their physical prowess, when they find themselves up against hired killers and, in the final showdown, a contingent of the California National Guard. McCann is further assisted by a former investigative reporter and a cantankerous but sympathetic local judge. Also in Jake's camp are a host of fiercely committed environmental activists, including young Janis Parker of the Sierra Coalition, who share his devotion to the Owens Valley. Maggie Ryan, Jake's oldest friend and owner of the Big Pine Cafe, serves as Jake's sounding board and advisor. Gil Spencer, who recently retired from the law profession, is at the ready with a makeshift shingle dangling from a cottonwood tree. The local characters evince a philosophy of spirituality and harmony with nature that is reminiscent of Tony Hillerman's southwestern thrillers.Praise from Kirkus Indie Reviews: "A grizzled mountaineer and his friends take extreme measures to prevent a shady road-building project...Like its protagonist, the book is at its best in the untamed woods and mountains of the High Sierra, a setting that springs to life here." To read the full review, visit http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/indie/thomas-h-cosgrove/stone-sanctum/#review

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1460930940
• ISBN13: 9781460930946
• Release Date: August 2011
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 374 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.3"