Jawbone Holler

by Mace Thornton

Perry Adams has hit rock bottom, fed by the demons of too much alcohol and not enough patience. Hard knocks are driving his decision to skedaddle. Perry is the bane of his Indiana hometown and his only choice is to pack a saddlebag. The great-great-grandson of a pirate, Perry desires a fresh start far from the clutches of his abusive father. He steals his father’s mule and trades his bottle of rum for adventure and freedom along a soulful trek of exploration and growth that takes him to the promised land of Kansas Territory. While his quest for self, serenity, and redemption is inspiring, his perils and adventures do not cease after reaching the region known as Bleeding Kansas.

Arriving in the new land as an unprepared squatter during a ruthless winter, Perry discovers life in the unfamiliar territory is cruel. Even before the war, beatings, pillage, lynchings, and murder stalk the region as brutal lines are drawn between those supporting and opposing slavery. Perry’s dream of establishing a farm, finding love, and starting a family is beset by dramatic hurdles and soul-wrenching decisions at every turn.

As he struggles to carve a successful farm out of the wilderness, he grows through relationships with the local constable, a pair of freed slaves, a bartending couple, a shopkeeper, and a “genie.” He meets the love of his life, an angelic but mysterious young schoolteacher who also plays piano at the bar. Surviving the war and winning her heart become his obsessions.

Genres: Historical Fiction

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2024

About the author

Mace Thornton is a published author, a strategic communications specialist and a former journalist. A native of Troy, Kansas, he grew up on a small farm in the Missouri River Hills of northeast Kansas. With a degree in journalism from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., among his passions are writing, sports, and the people of agriculture. His award-winning journalism and commentaries have been published across the nation. His career took him far away from his home state for more than three decades, but he now lives a little closer, in the St. Louis area with his wife, Denise, and their spirited rescue pup, Anna Mae. In addition to writing, he is a partner at Stratovation Group, a research, marketing, and communications firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The soul of his first novel, Jawbone Holler, is drawn from the hills where he was raised and the stories that echo through the people who embrace them. His follow-up, The Ghosts of Gumbo Flats, continues the story from Jawbone Holler, but can also be read as a stand-alone novel. Mace also co-authored a novel, West Bottoms, set in the hustle and bustle of Depression Era Kansas City. The Thorntons have three adult children scattered to the corners of our great nation: Trace (and Amy) in Virginia, Troy (and Katrina) in Washington state, and Taylor (and Shawn) in Georgia. They also have one granddaughter, Grace.

Reviews

[Mace Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUTHOR'S DESCRIPTION: Perry Adams has hit rock bottom. Hard knocks are driving his decision to skedaddle. Perry is the bane of his Indiana hometown and his only choice is to pack a saddlebag. The great-great-grandson of a pirate, Perry desires a fresh start far from the clutches of his abusive father. He steals his father’s mule and trades his bottle of rum for adventure and freedom along a soulful trek of exploration and growth that takes him to the promised land of Kansas Territory. While his quest for self, serenity, and redemption is inspiring, his perils and adventures do not cease after reaching the region known as Bleeding Kansas.

Arriving in the new land as an unprepared squatter during a ruthless winter, Perry discovers life in the unfamiliar territory is cruel. Even before the war, beatings, pillage, lynchings, and murder stalk the region as brutal lines are drawn between those supporting and opposing slavery. Perry’s dream of establishing a farm, finding love, and starting a family is beset by dramatic hurdles and soul-wrenching decisions at every turn.

Perry is renowned among the folks who live in the nearby abolitionist stronghold, but they also cower from him. As he struggles to carve a successful farm out of the wilderness, he grows through relationships with the local constable, a pair of freed slaves, a bartending couple, a shopkeeper and a gentleman “genie.” He meets the love of his life, an angelic but mysterious young schoolteacher who, solely for the love of music, plays piano at the bar. Winning her heart becomes his obsession as he confronts challenges around every corner.

[Geoff Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Mace Thornton's "Jawbone Holler." It was a perfect beach read - although I finished it in a day and a half. Character and plot development were both great, but his use of period-specific dialect and dialogue revealed a superior understanding of the language of the times. Mace's apparent love and deep understanding of the setting and historical facts added to the book's depth. It's a great first book and I hope there are more to follow.

[Kevin Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who isn't typically drawn to reading, I found "Jawbone Holler" by Mace Thornton surprisingly captivating. This historical fiction novel transported me to a turbulent time in Missouri's history, filled with tension and the harsh realities of America's past, particularly concerning slavery.

The main character, Perry, stands out as a compelling figure. Thornton's portrayal of Perry's journey from a checkered past to a position of respect is both inspiring and thought-provoking. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that not only entertains but also sheds light on the complexities of human nature and the impact of historical events.

One of the strengths of the book is its vivid depiction of the social and political climate in Missouri during this dark period. The tension and uncertainty of the era are palpable, making the historical context feel immediate and real.

Overall, "Jawbone Holler" is a well-written novel that offers more than just a story; it provides a window into a challenging and often overlooked part of American history. It's a book that leaves a lasting impression, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction or seeking a deeper understanding of this era.

[Chris Chinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! This book does a great job of exploring the history of Missouri and Kansas during the civil war era. The relationships, friendships and raw emotions of the era take you back to the harsh realities of the civil war. The friendship between Perry, Gabe and Marcus will warm your heart and leave you wanting to know more about their lives. The author does a great job of showing the harsh realities of farming that still hold true today. This book was a great read and I didn't want to put it down. I hope there is a sequel with a family reunion for Moses and Gabe!

[Kristin Harner, · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Jawbone Holler. I did not want to put it down, and I looked forward with great anticipation to reading it. Mace captivates your attention and ignites your imagination. He brings the value of relationships to the forefront and shares the harsh realities of the Civil War era and farming in Kansas and Missouri. Mace's fondness of Kansas history and U.S. farmers and ranchers shine through. I would love to see a sequel!

[Mike Matson]

Mace Thornton’s muscular debut combines gritty authenticity with masterful storytelling and rockets you back in time to the opening of the American frontier with all its promise – and danger. Thornton’s Perry Adams is a dreamer and doesn’t think of himself as a pioneer, but that is precisely his evolution in Jawbone Holler.

-- Mike Matson, columnist and author of Courtesy Boy

[John Schlageck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mace Thornton spins a fine yarn complete with an authentic cast of frontier settlers and renegade outlaws who exhibit the grit and gumption necessary to bring this tale to life. Set in the day when Kansas Territory sought to find its true identity, “Jawbone Holler” heralds the next celebrated historical fiction novel. John Schlageck, Kansas columnist

[Glenn Ninemire]

Pretty good book written by my college Freshman roommate

[Linda Himmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Well written characters who were relatable, some I hated, most were lovable. Filled with history and the hardships of life in Kansas before and during the Civil War. I was brought to tears multiple times. Looking forward to the next book Mace!

[Carley Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jawbone Holler was a fun historical fiction novel to read. With many life lessons woven into the great adventures of Perry Adams, I found myself engulfed in this story and not wanting to put my kindle down!

[Scotliteboost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jawbone Holler is a powerful and deeply human story about survival, redemption, and the search for belonging. Perry Adams is not your typical hero he’s raw, flawed, and burdened by his past, but that’s exactly what makes his journey so compelling. From the moment he steals his father’s mule and heads west, I felt pulled into his struggle for freedom and purpose. What makes this novel stand out is its vivid historical backdrop. The Kansas Territory is portrayed with grit and authenticity harsh winters, ruthless conflicts, and the looming shadow of slavery. It’s not just a setting, but a living, breathing character that tests Perry at every turn. The tension between survival and morality is captured brilliantly, making the story as thought-provoking as it is adventurous. The cast of supporting characters adds even more richness to the tale freed slaves, a sharp-witted constable, a bartending couple, and of course the mysterious schoolteacher who captures Perry’s heart. Each relationship challenges him, shaping his growth from a broken wanderer into a man determined to create a life worth living. This is more than just a historical adventure it’s a soulful trek of self-discovery and resilience. The prose is lyrical yet grounded, painting both the brutality and beauty of frontier life. I found myself reflecting on how the choices we make in the face of hardship define who we become. I highly recommend Jawbone Holler to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with heart, depth, and unforgettable characters. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after the last page.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jawbone Holler was a very surprising book for me, I found myself slowly drawn more and more into the character of Perry. First, when he leaves his place from his father and only takes a few items his mule, also a spyglass from his granddads. Here begins his journey to Kanas the people he meets along the way and the different stories he hears. All along you see that he is not that tender young buck that some people take him for he has learned to see the signs of men coming up on him so he gets the jump. He still has many miles and when he finally arrives and begins to get settled that first winter is more than he can take and though he makes it he also makes sure he has something left of his mule you did not but saved him. You then begin to meet the different people in town and he finally meets a woman but when he wants to talk to her she has left, she does come back later and slowly he begins to speak to her. Then the war breaks out and by then he has already made friends with the freed slave and his son so he does not rush off until later. By the time you are getting to the end you don’t want the story to end you want to continue to see what will happen with Perry and the others. I found this to be a wonderful book and very much worth the read.

[J.C. Shepard · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the hardscrabble frontier of 1857 Indiana to Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War, first-time author Mace Thornton tells the coming-of-age story of young farmer, Perry Adams, and the Western Frontier. While the names and dates are changed for historical fiction, the tale is as old as history and as new as tomorrow's headlines. Life is hard--we deal with hardship and persevere, or we don't and perish. Thornton sets his timeless characters in a nation growing up and coming to terms with being true to ourselves and greater ideals, all with a pithy sense of humor and good will.

Myself, I prefer the Louis L'Amour tradition of setting historical fiction in historical locations and true-life events. This story summarizes those settings, though without detriment to the telling.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jawbone Holler is a fresh look at the life of an early settler along the Missouri River. The main character grows through personal struggle, while dealing with issues of the era.

The author uses a distinctive style and vernacular that transports you in time.

You will find yourself flying through this book to determine the ending. There is a clear end to this story, but this reader is hoping for a sequel!

-Laura

[Tracy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Jawbone Holler and learning so much more about that time period in Kansas history. It's a story of love, friendship, family, struggle and redemption. Mace's deep respect for Kansas history and U.S. farmers and ranchers shines through. I see a sequel in the making...I'd love to continue the story of Moses and Gab, and the rest of the Jawbone Holler family.

[Tim Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and so will everyone who likes historical fiction, especially history from the western and civil war era in the US. The book reminds me of the author Charles Portis who wrote True Grit and other classics. It tells a good story with memorable characters who act and speak in the language of the time. Great read!

[Dave Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Interesting read from start to finish. The book really keeps you guessing and gives you the feel that you are living during the time period. I can’t wait for another book to come out from this author.
David Hill

[Jarvis Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perry’s story feels raw, messy, and real. Watching him stumble, grow, and fight for a better life pulled me in more than I expected. A tough but meaningful read.

[Bob Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great yarn! At first I thought it was a fun romance but the second half of the story brought on some serious thought about human relationships and the responsibilities of deep friendship. A believable story with the setting of Missouri/Kansas border during Civil war times. Looking forward to the next book.