The Limestone Hermit

by Ross Carson

Ralph Bean was born into tough circumstances losing his father to Viet Nam before he was even born. Dealing with a less than loving stepfather, he grows up as an isolated loner on a remote farm. With few options after high school, Ralph follows in his father’s footsteps and enlists in the Marine Corps. The tough upbringing helps to hone the skills necessary to excel as a Marine Corps scout sniper. When his operation in the Middle East is compromised, Ralph Bean ceases to exist and is given a new identity by the CIA. Now Jim Stalker, he builds his dream home in an abandoned limestone quarry with the help of some appropriated wealth courtesy of the Hussein brothers. Jim inadvertently meets a more recent war widow with a young son, and helps her to overcome the demons of grief and addiction. The two become inseparable soul mates and live a quiet self-sufficient prepper lifestyle with their dog Kevlar. Surviving in their limestone bunker after the balloon unexpectedly goes up, they anxiously await word that their only son has survived. Their son and his fiancé manage to make their way home in a rather daring manner where the four of them engage a band of escaped convicts in order to preserve their quiet existence.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2023

Reviews

[Gerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Story

I thought this story was well written and interesting. I thought the author knew his stuff about preparedness. My only complaints was the bit of political and religious rants that often make their way into this genre of books. The MC felt conservative Christians were picked n and labeled by “liberals.” To me, Christians are Christians and those that label themselves as conservative often embody the antitheses of true Christianity. They are often full of hate and divisiveness and preach against anyone who looks or believes differently. I didn’t hear any of the main characters even seem unhappy about all of the death and killing folks caused none any angst. I also didn’t like the typical GOP rhetoric against President Obama. Had he left the right wing drivel out, I would have given the book 5 stars because, despite everything working out perfectly and having millions of dollars, the book was entertaining and thought out.

[Kenneth R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

I found the writing overly optimistic in places. The pacing was also uneven, with some parts being needlessly slow and detailed, while other parts were overly compressed.
This was my first prepper novel and I can't say I'm a fan. While I finished it,I don't see myself reading another.

[Linda Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

You ruined a book with you right wing bull5hit!

I read a little over 20% of it, but couldn't handle any more of the right wing stuff. Why do you put that crap in a book; alienating over 65% of Americans. No one cares if you claim to be Christian. NO ONE is interested in you whining about your imaginary slights.

[Bonnie munn asido · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish the survival was longer and a few more survivors could participate!

Very good read. Loved the dogs and characters. Interesting story!
It needed more of the survival to equal the building they survived in.
Really wanted more story!

[SC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

I really enjoy the main characters, all of them. It’s an enjoyable read. Not quite believable but fun. Hated that Cali after fighting so hard for sobriety had a drink at the end. That’s not how it words

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peppers book

Heavy on guns and ammo information but the beginning starts with a good story line. Seemed to accentuate the solitary lifestyle with few relationships which I thought was kind of sad. Very structured lifestyle which kept his family alive.

[john owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story very much. Good characters. The only bad was this one is rife with grammar and punctuation errors, even a few words misspelled. If that doesn't bother you, read away!

[Earlleen Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read.

Very original story line. I rea!ly enjoyed it. It was full of information. Loved the characters and how the story ends.

[Pamela Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

Enjoyed this book very much. The author did a good job with this story. I would definitely recommend this book.

[IMHO · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECOMMENDED