No Time to Read? Get Western Thrills on Audio

MIDVALE, Utah - Nov. 1, 2019 - PRLog -- What if you came home after a journey and your family was missing? What if someone else was living in your house, running what you used to manage — and trying to kill you? So begins the thriller "To Swallow the Earth," which won an International Book Award for western novel.

"It's really my grandfather's story," says co-author Karl Beckstrand of the fast-paced adventure book, now audiobook. "My grandfather grew up ranching and exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains on horseback a hundred years ago. He used that setting for his western book — set in the Nevada silver rush," Beckstrand said.

The book has been available in paperback for a couple of years. Now people with no time to read can listen to the audiobook as they drive or commute. Others may want the e-book on their phone.

After his grandfather passed away in 1992, Beckstrand inherited the manuscript. "My task was to tighten his story and develop the characters while preserving the action, suspense and earthy vernacular." Narrator Jack Crenshaw deftly brings the magnetic characters to life in the audio version.

Beckstrand, who grew up in San Jose, California, has won other literary awards, but this one is special. "It kind of validates my grandfather's vision — gives him a nod — even beyond the grave." The thriller also was named a finalist for the Laramie Award and garnered Literary Classics' seal of approval.

"It's getting great online reviews," Beckstrand said. "The main character is an outcast, half-Mexican, raised by American Indians. But he's fearless and loyal to his friends and family." In addition to a tough, dark hero, there's a gutsy heroine — a woman who is unintimidated in the worst kinds of opposition. Beckstrand's stories usually have characters of color and surprises at the end.

Bestselling author Beckstrand heads Premio Publishing & Gozo Books, which produces multicultural children's books and e-books for educators, libraries and families. His 25 kid's books, e-books and audiobook may be found at http://PremioBooks.com, Amazon Audible, Apple iBooks and via major booksellers and distributors. See the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CzbQKuLVr8