My Books
Wild Wicked Woman
The Life of a Gold Rush Courtesan
ASIN B08G34L28Z
Some Gold Rush era women of easy virtue were famous for their opulent mansions, their lavish parties, and their distinguished clientele. Miss Ida was famous, too—but not for her youth and beauty, or her wanton ways. This woman of pleasure was notorious because she was a bit too handy with knives and guns. Nonfiction, a tale filled with as many wicked transgressions, memorable characters, and shocking outcomes as any novelist might invent. After all, well-behaved women rarely make history.
Rise, Ruin & Restoration - A History of Sutter's Fort
ISBN-978-1-941713709
​
One man’s dream of empire. Sutter’s Fort, the only inland-valley trading post and relief station in the path of the overland immigration of the 1840s decade, was a planned destination—the end of the California Trail for settlers in covered wagons. A productive, flourishing enterprise…until a fevered lust for gold destroyed the dream, and dismantled the structure itself. Nonfiction. Read more…
Disaster & Triumph: Sacramento Women, Gold Rush Through the Civil War
ISBN-978-1-467906289
​
A thoroughly engaging account of the pioneer women who made a prominent California Gold Rush town their home. Finalist in Historical Non-Fiction, 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Recommended for women’s studies. Read more…
Before the Gold Rush: The Sinclairs of Rancho del Paso 1840-1849
ISBN-978-1-542983167
​
John and Mary Sinclair are the most important pioneer couple in the Sacramento Valley during the 1840s decade; a couple whose lives intertwined with many of California’s legendary trailblazers. Yet the Sinclairs themselves are the least known among myriad famous names—until now. 2018 Next Generation Indie Awards Finalist, Historical Nonfiction. Read more …
Sacramento Chronicles - A Golden Past
ISBN-978-1-609495794
​
An engrossing overview of Sacramento’s vibrant past and present, from pioneer John Sutter’s landing in 1839 to the mid-20th century. Easy to read, and filled with facts that might surprise you. Read more …
The Stagecoach in Northern California: Rough Rides, Gold Camps & Daring Drivers
ISBN-978-1-626192546
​
A factual account of California’s stagecoach era, when daring stage drivers navigated treacherous terrain, desperado highwaymen lay in wait around the bend, and the beautiful, superbly-crafted Concord coach was the envy of every stageline proprietor who couldn’t afford one. Read more…