Moonshineland: A tale of haunted Appalachia

by Ryan Michael Hines

When Armandine, a young reporter for a small mountain town newspaper, discovers the lost edition of a rare book, she unearths the truth about a Prohibition-era manhunt undertaken by author and adventurer Horace Kephart. He and his friend, a Cherokee war hero known by the nickname Catch, are recruited by a strange US Marshal known only as The Snake Stick Man to track down notorious moonshiner Buck Ruff. But instead of tracking a human criminal, the men discover they are on the trail of an ancient Evil, the Wolf Man of Appalachia, and that they, the hunters, have become the hunted.
Inspired by Horace Kephart’s true account of prohibition-era murder, moonshine, and mountain mayhem, MOONSHINELAND is the story of two friends’ journey into the Appalachian wilderness, their battles with supernatural cryptids, murderous lumberjacks, and perhaps even the Devil himself.

149 pages, Paperback

Published October 16, 2023

About the author

Ryan Michael Hines is a novelist, podcaster, and screenwriter based in Los Angeles, CA, who loves the Southland sun but misses the beauty and mystery of the Appalachian Mountains every day.

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Horice and Catch go and search of the Demon dog of the Appalachian mountains they get assistance from the Snake Stick man when they first set out Horace doesn’t believe this dog is made of demon but after a gun fight a little magic in becoming the dogs prey what else can he think? I know this is a simplified summary of the story but there is way more to this weird historical detail than what I thought like finding out what’s important when it’s almost too late and like the snake stick man himself said it doesn’t matter whether you believe in him or whether you’re a skeptic if it’s real it’ll be real regardless. You’ll have to read this awesome story to know what I’m saying this is a great book with magic demons and yes the devil makes an appearance is super awesome read and something I have come to depend on with the world castle publishing and their books. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DJ Azul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narration really draws you into the setting, the time period, and the supernatural vibes. Even though this had the sense of spooky dread throughout, the characters' internal thought processes had a hint of innocence which I deeply appreciated as that's how even the most hardened of people wrote in their letters and diary entries.

Everything from the descriptions (gargoyle-esque snake on the staff, anyone?) to the multiple twists leading up to the climax had me in suspense. Real Lonesome Dove era McMurtry meets the dark forest side of Flannery O'Connor. Great October read!!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifying and gripping. I felt like I was sitting around a crackling campfire listening to an old Appalachian mountain tale - I got hair-raising chills when the man with the serpent staff joined the hunt! The magical realism elements were woven in expertly, making it seem like the creature might actually exist somewhere out there. Overall, it was superbly written and a thrilling ride from start to finish!

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriquing characters, great storytelling that draws you in. Weaving historic mythology with the paranormal/thriller genre made it even more fantastic. I hope there is going to be a sequel because it left me wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.