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A Hole in the Ground Owned by a Liar
Lee, a high school shop teacher in Evergreen, Colorado, managed to survive his messy divorce only to hurtle into what some might call a full-on midlife crisis. Looking for a way to spend his weekends and the now painfully long summer vacation, Lee buys a gold mine off the internet-a real, honest-to-God mine, complete with tall tales of riches, a history of disappointment, and a couple of Pakistani-by-the-way-of-Jackson-Hole prospectors willing to kill for its contents.
With the frequently unwanted help of a band of locals, Lee becomes a weekend warrior, attempting to work the mine and keep himself distracted from his other midlife disturbances. There are the Pakistanis, of course, along with his mercurial brother Grant, just released from prison, who is trying in his typically perilous way to pull Lee from his midlife funk. There is his ex-wife Lorraine and her slick boyfriend, Stan Beachum, and the lovely yet mysterious Rayna, the first woman Lee's wanted to date since his divorce.
In Daniel Pyne's sharp, fun, and raucous style, A Hole in the Ground Owned by a Liar is part mystery and part gold-infused tall tale with a cast of refreshingly quirky characters and one highly unexpected payout.
With the frequently unwanted help of a band of locals, Lee becomes a weekend warrior, attempting to work the mine and keep himself distracted from his other midlife disturbances. There are the Pakistanis, of course, along with his mercurial brother Grant, just released from prison, who is trying in his typically perilous way to pull Lee from his midlife funk. There is his ex-wife Lorraine and her slick boyfriend, Stan Beachum, and the lovely yet mysterious Rayna, the first woman Lee's wanted to date since his divorce.
In Daniel Pyne's sharp, fun, and raucous style, A Hole in the Ground Owned by a Liar is part mystery and part gold-infused tall tale with a cast of refreshingly quirky characters and one highly unexpected payout.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2012
28 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Pyne
12 books94 followersDaniel Pyne wanders restlessly between prose fiction and screenwriting. He is the author of Twentynine Palms A Hole in the Ground Owned by a Liar, Fifty Mice, Catalina Eddy, and his latest work, Water Memory, debuting February 1, 2021. Among Pyne's film credits are Backstabbing For Beginners, the remake of The Manchurian Candidate, Pacific Heights, Any Given Sunday and Fracture. Pyne's television work spans from the seminal hipster cop show Miami Vice to Amazon TV's longest running drama, Bosch. Pyne has a BA from Stanford University, where he toiled in economics but studied writing under Stegner fellows Chuck Kinder and John L‟heureux; he has an MFA from UCLA's Graduate School of Film, where he taught a seminar in screenwriting for a couple of decades. Born in Chicago, raised in Colorado, Pyne lives in Los Angeles and Santa Fe with his wife, rescue dog Luna, and an extremely sullen box turtle his grown children left in their wake.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 3, 2014
I frequently set my sights on a book based on a great title, but this time I was disappointed.
The book started out with a roar and lots of promise as high school teacher, Lee Garrison, buys a gold mine off of eBay. Before he knows it, he's saddled with unwanted partners and undesired prospective buyers. To make things worse, his just-sprung-from-prison brother, who's stolen every woman Lee has ever wanted, is in town stirring up trouble.
What they all don't get is that finding gold was never really the point. Lee's looking for something deeper...
...and he remembered when he and Grant and his parents would come to past Fourth of July barbecues with his mom's deviled eggs and his dad's brown Sherman cigarettes, and the softball game, and the flashlight tag, and the air thick with pollen, and the burned hot dogs, and the sickly-sweet tropical fruit drink from a rented fast food franchise dispenser, and the
Eskimo Pies, and the girls, and the girls Grant claimed he felt up behind the storm shelter at the tenth tee, and the hush of the conifers, and the innocence, the certainty that life would unfold, that all mysteries would be revealed, and the future was scary in a good way, infinite, impossible, unknowable like all those stars and all those lights that had always been there and would always be there, promising, and your parents didn't die, and your marriage lasted, and your brother never went to jail, and what you found in the darkness of a forgotten mine shaft would be priceless and inextractable,and never negotiable because the magic of the dusk, and the dreams and the skyrockets mattered.
Whew! Lovely, huh? I found this touching because I spend far too much time thinking back on beautiful, impossibly perfect summer evenings, my parents, hell, my GRANDPARENTS, still alive, playing horseshoes on the freshly mowed and fragrant grass. I think if the author had stayed with this stream of consciousness, purely emotional writing, I would have enjoyed the book much more, but he was obviously going for quirky, and that's a treacherous line to walk. In this case, quirky slips over into cutesy.
Take the boys, Lee and Grant Garrison. Bet you'd never guess their parents were Civil War reenactors. Or Lee's romance with the local general store proprietress. They meet cute, and because they are apparently the only man and woman of a particular age living in the town, this is incentive enough to fall madly and deeply in love, forever and ever. If this were written by a woman, and included a bit of shoe shopping, it would certainly be considered chick-lit.
So, uneasy mix of genres? Too cute? Characters I never really cared about?
You got me! Whatever it was, I thought this was a well-written, but lifeless read.
The book started out with a roar and lots of promise as high school teacher, Lee Garrison, buys a gold mine off of eBay. Before he knows it, he's saddled with unwanted partners and undesired prospective buyers. To make things worse, his just-sprung-from-prison brother, who's stolen every woman Lee has ever wanted, is in town stirring up trouble.
What they all don't get is that finding gold was never really the point. Lee's looking for something deeper...
...and he remembered when he and Grant and his parents would come to past Fourth of July barbecues with his mom's deviled eggs and his dad's brown Sherman cigarettes, and the softball game, and the flashlight tag, and the air thick with pollen, and the burned hot dogs, and the sickly-sweet tropical fruit drink from a rented fast food franchise dispenser, and the
Eskimo Pies, and the girls, and the girls Grant claimed he felt up behind the storm shelter at the tenth tee, and the hush of the conifers, and the innocence, the certainty that life would unfold, that all mysteries would be revealed, and the future was scary in a good way, infinite, impossible, unknowable like all those stars and all those lights that had always been there and would always be there, promising, and your parents didn't die, and your marriage lasted, and your brother never went to jail, and what you found in the darkness of a forgotten mine shaft would be priceless and inextractable,and never negotiable because the magic of the dusk, and the dreams and the skyrockets mattered.
Whew! Lovely, huh? I found this touching because I spend far too much time thinking back on beautiful, impossibly perfect summer evenings, my parents, hell, my GRANDPARENTS, still alive, playing horseshoes on the freshly mowed and fragrant grass. I think if the author had stayed with this stream of consciousness, purely emotional writing, I would have enjoyed the book much more, but he was obviously going for quirky, and that's a treacherous line to walk. In this case, quirky slips over into cutesy.
Take the boys, Lee and Grant Garrison. Bet you'd never guess their parents were Civil War reenactors. Or Lee's romance with the local general store proprietress. They meet cute, and because they are apparently the only man and woman of a particular age living in the town, this is incentive enough to fall madly and deeply in love, forever and ever. If this were written by a woman, and included a bit of shoe shopping, it would certainly be considered chick-lit.
So, uneasy mix of genres? Too cute? Characters I never really cared about?
You got me! Whatever it was, I thought this was a well-written, but lifeless read.
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March 20, 2012It didn’t surprise me at all when I found out that Daniel Pyne, author of “A Hole in the Ground Owned by a Liar” is a screenwriter by trade; his dialogue is terrific. So it the whole thing really—the characters delightful and entertaining and the plot—a recently-divorced man buys a gold mine—definitely a no-dull-moments kind of affair. I hope that Pyne, who’s also the executive producer of Fox’s “Alcatraz” likes being a novelist because I want him to write another one!
April 13, 2012
A Hole in the Ground Owned by a Liar
Author: Daniel Pyne
Lee Garrison is bored and needs a definite diversion in life. Teaching is his primary career but some excitement and fun at his age would really get his motor running and engine restarted. Lee decides to do something many do and that is see what is out there on EBay. But, most buy jewelry, bid on various items, IPODS, phones and more but Lee is different. He decided to buy something everyone would love to have if it really was real, yielded the profits you might want. No, you won’t guess what it is so I will have to tell you: A GOLD MINE! Yes, you read it right. This man decided to find his new found adventure and fun in searching for the one thing everyone wants GOLD! But, there is much more as we meet Lee, understand his frustrations in life and what he needs to do to find the one purchase he made that he cannot seem to locate even with the map that supposedly gives him the location. So, teaching is not what he finds fulfilling although some do as I did. The mine has a dual fold purpose. Lee’s brother was just released from prison and hopefully this venture will increase his earning capabilities and keep him out of jail. Where would you find this outstanding acquisition: Colorado. But, would you buy it without seeing it first and finding out if there really is gold? Lee did! So, the author begins with his brother’s release from jail and the waitress he meets and wants to snag for his own purposes. Then we meet Rayna who Lee seems drawn to from the start and who helps him with his cuts and bruises when he falls into a deep hole. Finally, she explains to him where he can find the real map, the updated information and this is where the hilarity begins when we meet the clerk who is supposed to just give him the information but instead drives him to where he thinks the mine is and what happens requires another bottle of mercurochrome. But, before he moves on the author provides the reader with lots of history about the mining industry and how one goes about finding a mine.
So, what do you do when you buy a gold mine and reopen it? Of course you start looking for the gold! But, Lee is not haphazard about what he does and wants to make sure the location is safe, but his new and unwanted partner Doug plunges in headfirst hoping to find the mother lode but what happens next is hysterical as the mayor of the town Barbara O’Brien in need of their help. Explaining to this Mayor that he opened up the mine blew out the opening and that Doug almost drowned did not temper her mood or her responses.
Reconnecting with his brother would prove interesting as they discuss the mine, the other members of their team and their roles in possibly wanting a piece of the action or shall we say the gold. But, there is much more as the man who Grant attacked and crippled is protesting his release in a letter, the Mayor of the town wants in on the deal and Doug needs to come up for air before the oxygen level in the air goes and so does he. Each time they brought something out of the mine or work was started or completed Doug gave a dissertation on its origin, use and method of employment definitely irritating more than just Grant and Lee. Stating that he is a shareholder and gets 10 percent of any output much to the chagrin of Grant. Then Lee hooks up with Grant’s ex-wife Lorraine and the man who sold Lee the mine winds up dead and the investigation leads right to his front door. The characters are definitely unique, not your usual group that blend together. Each character having his or her own agenda in life and each wanting a piece of the gold that has yet to be found. The Mayor who seems quite bent on getting things done her way and the other three just fumbling around in the mine hoping to strike it rich while each seems to be having their own brand of mid-life crisis or adventure. Rayna seems attracted to him and his brother Grant is really not so bad when you get it know him. Lee is after something but is it really the mine or something to make him feel fulfilled in life?
The man who sold him the mine winds up dead and the truth about him comes out as one police officer questions Grant without Lee’s knowledge. But, Lee did not want his fun spoiled so Lee never learned about the detective that came to question him. He did not even tell him that the man was dead or how it happened. Fate takes a nasty hand and offers are made to buy the mine and when he refuses things happen to change his mind. His house is burned down the players get too greedy and things get more than out of hand. But, what does happen and if there really is gold you won’t know until the last chapter and until you read the book for yourself. A Hole In the Ground Owned by A Liar : Just who the liar is and who owns what and the end result I won’t tell you because then I would have to lie because I would never give away the secret and reveal the ending. Where does everyone wind up and what happens to Lee, Grant and the motley crew? Find out when you learn the true meaning of treasure and gold. With the book replete in the history of mining, and quirky characters that will keep you guessing and two Pakistani twins, several corrupt businessmen, one ex-wife, one brother and many others you won’t believe the ending. Friendships and loyalties tested and one author, Daniel Pyne who created this face paced thought provoking book: Just how far will you go when things get dull and you need a mid-life diversion.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Author: Daniel Pyne
Lee Garrison is bored and needs a definite diversion in life. Teaching is his primary career but some excitement and fun at his age would really get his motor running and engine restarted. Lee decides to do something many do and that is see what is out there on EBay. But, most buy jewelry, bid on various items, IPODS, phones and more but Lee is different. He decided to buy something everyone would love to have if it really was real, yielded the profits you might want. No, you won’t guess what it is so I will have to tell you: A GOLD MINE! Yes, you read it right. This man decided to find his new found adventure and fun in searching for the one thing everyone wants GOLD! But, there is much more as we meet Lee, understand his frustrations in life and what he needs to do to find the one purchase he made that he cannot seem to locate even with the map that supposedly gives him the location. So, teaching is not what he finds fulfilling although some do as I did. The mine has a dual fold purpose. Lee’s brother was just released from prison and hopefully this venture will increase his earning capabilities and keep him out of jail. Where would you find this outstanding acquisition: Colorado. But, would you buy it without seeing it first and finding out if there really is gold? Lee did! So, the author begins with his brother’s release from jail and the waitress he meets and wants to snag for his own purposes. Then we meet Rayna who Lee seems drawn to from the start and who helps him with his cuts and bruises when he falls into a deep hole. Finally, she explains to him where he can find the real map, the updated information and this is where the hilarity begins when we meet the clerk who is supposed to just give him the information but instead drives him to where he thinks the mine is and what happens requires another bottle of mercurochrome. But, before he moves on the author provides the reader with lots of history about the mining industry and how one goes about finding a mine.
So, what do you do when you buy a gold mine and reopen it? Of course you start looking for the gold! But, Lee is not haphazard about what he does and wants to make sure the location is safe, but his new and unwanted partner Doug plunges in headfirst hoping to find the mother lode but what happens next is hysterical as the mayor of the town Barbara O’Brien in need of their help. Explaining to this Mayor that he opened up the mine blew out the opening and that Doug almost drowned did not temper her mood or her responses.
Reconnecting with his brother would prove interesting as they discuss the mine, the other members of their team and their roles in possibly wanting a piece of the action or shall we say the gold. But, there is much more as the man who Grant attacked and crippled is protesting his release in a letter, the Mayor of the town wants in on the deal and Doug needs to come up for air before the oxygen level in the air goes and so does he. Each time they brought something out of the mine or work was started or completed Doug gave a dissertation on its origin, use and method of employment definitely irritating more than just Grant and Lee. Stating that he is a shareholder and gets 10 percent of any output much to the chagrin of Grant. Then Lee hooks up with Grant’s ex-wife Lorraine and the man who sold Lee the mine winds up dead and the investigation leads right to his front door. The characters are definitely unique, not your usual group that blend together. Each character having his or her own agenda in life and each wanting a piece of the gold that has yet to be found. The Mayor who seems quite bent on getting things done her way and the other three just fumbling around in the mine hoping to strike it rich while each seems to be having their own brand of mid-life crisis or adventure. Rayna seems attracted to him and his brother Grant is really not so bad when you get it know him. Lee is after something but is it really the mine or something to make him feel fulfilled in life?
The man who sold him the mine winds up dead and the truth about him comes out as one police officer questions Grant without Lee’s knowledge. But, Lee did not want his fun spoiled so Lee never learned about the detective that came to question him. He did not even tell him that the man was dead or how it happened. Fate takes a nasty hand and offers are made to buy the mine and when he refuses things happen to change his mind. His house is burned down the players get too greedy and things get more than out of hand. But, what does happen and if there really is gold you won’t know until the last chapter and until you read the book for yourself. A Hole In the Ground Owned by A Liar : Just who the liar is and who owns what and the end result I won’t tell you because then I would have to lie because I would never give away the secret and reveal the ending. Where does everyone wind up and what happens to Lee, Grant and the motley crew? Find out when you learn the true meaning of treasure and gold. With the book replete in the history of mining, and quirky characters that will keep you guessing and two Pakistani twins, several corrupt businessmen, one ex-wife, one brother and many others you won’t believe the ending. Friendships and loyalties tested and one author, Daniel Pyne who created this face paced thought provoking book: Just how far will you go when things get dull and you need a mid-life diversion.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
June 9, 2023
I struggled through a softbound that I picked up at the library after being intrigued by the brief description on the cover. I ended up skimming the last few chapters to learn the resolution of the plot, so I suppose I can't rate it as totally bad. . .
May 5, 2019
Funny & well written
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Rarely do books match their descriptions but this one does. I laughed a lot. Highly recommend
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Rarely do books match their descriptions but this one does. I laughed a lot. Highly recommend
February 18, 2021
Not too good
Too much inane dialog. Boring at times, other times ridiculous. I've read other Daniel Pyne novels that were much better. This was disappointing.
Too much inane dialog. Boring at times, other times ridiculous. I've read other Daniel Pyne novels that were much better. This was disappointing.
May 19, 2012
This is a quirky novel that has excellent pacing and dialogue. It's no surprise that the author, Daniel Pyne, is a screen writer. This was a very quick read for me and I loved it.
Lee is a hapless guy who lives in the town in which he grew up, and is now newly divorced and teaching physics and wood shop at the local high school. His brother, Grant, shows up after getting released from prison for beating up the current husband of Lee's ex-wife. The two brothers have a long history of trust breaking events, and once Lee has purchased this gold mine on Ebay, the two team up to mine for gold. There are some unsavory characters and a surprise ending. There was a scene at the end that involved some physics that made no sense to me, but that didn't matter. The key to this novel is the author's note at the end. Don't go there until you are done with this clever novel. It all makes sense in the end.
This novel is the most clever book i have read in some time. Funny, poignant, fast paced.
Lee is a hapless guy who lives in the town in which he grew up, and is now newly divorced and teaching physics and wood shop at the local high school. His brother, Grant, shows up after getting released from prison for beating up the current husband of Lee's ex-wife. The two brothers have a long history of trust breaking events, and once Lee has purchased this gold mine on Ebay, the two team up to mine for gold. There are some unsavory characters and a surprise ending. There was a scene at the end that involved some physics that made no sense to me, but that didn't matter. The key to this novel is the author's note at the end. Don't go there until you are done with this clever novel. It all makes sense in the end.
This novel is the most clever book i have read in some time. Funny, poignant, fast paced.
June 26, 2012
Hilarious and fast-paced, this novel tells the story of high school teacher, Lee Garrison, who, after his divorce, feels compelled to buy a gold mine on Ebay. As he becomes a weekend warrior, searching for his mine, he is helped by a single and lovely store-owner and two other townsfolk. Getting reacquainted with his newly-sprung-from-prison brother has been fraught with old jealousies. When a notorious pair of brothers come sniffing around to buy his mine, things turn dangerous. But Lee has new friends around him to protect him....or does he? Snappy dialogue and comedic characters were the deciding factors in my rating--good stuff!
April 28, 2012
Book Giveaway & Review: When I was approached about reading and reviewing A Hole in the Ground Owned by a Liar by Daniel Pyne, it sounded like the kind of dark comedy I like. I knew about Daniel Pyne’s work on The Manchurian Candidate, Any Given Sunday, Miami Vice, and Alcatraz, but didn’t realize he was the author of the noir novel, Twentynine Palms. If you like dark, twisty comedies filled with quirky characters then read on. Read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=3732
August 7, 2012
A very entertaining book on love, loss, betrayal and mining. I loved it, especially the ending. The writing is fast-paced and entertaining. This is one of those books where the hero makes you cringe at what a loser he is (a bit like the guy in "The Shipping News") but he surprises you in the end by coming out on top.
May 4, 2012
review coming soon
May 19, 2012
Simply not my form of humor.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews