Someplace North, Someplace Wild

by Gary Brumbelow

Deception, blackmail, and an innocent man framed for a murder. Can the real killer be found in time? The trap is closing fast!

Twenty-two-year-old Cody Brandon’s journey from Texas to British Columbia has turned into a nightmare.
After he snags a mountain ranch job ... and gets smitten with a beautiful schoolteacher ... and faces down an attacking grizzly with a rock, Cody’s at the top of the world.
But bad news finds him. He’s wanted for murder, and the feds are coming.
Julie Stewart, meanwhile, striving in her first semester as teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in a neighboring mountain village, gets a shock. This cowboy is stealing her heart.
They share a love for adventure, the mountain wilderness, and a common faith, but will they have opportunity to share a future?

416 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

After serving as a missionary and then a local-church pastor, Gary Brumbelow is adding a third career as a writer. His first novel, published by Elk Lake, is set to release August 1.

Someplace North, Someplace Wild is the story of a young cowboy seeking his fortune in the mountain meadow country of British Columbia, Canada. When he's framed for murder he has two weeks to find the killer or lose his wilderness ranch dream forever.

Gary's readers embrace traditional values like the fear of God, the image of God in man, the inestimable value of a single human life, the power of marriage, the value of family, the role of the church, the blessing of public and private virtue, personal responsibility, a strong work ethic, freedom, the rule of law, the rights enshrined in our constitution, the knowledge of God, reverence for the Bible, and the confession of Christ in the public square.

Reviews

[J.E. Grace]

Someplace North, Someplace Wild has vivid descriptions that transport you to the world of ranching in a raw and wild country. Fresh out of college with a degree and determined to live his dream, Cody gets a work permit to British Columbia and leaves his Texas home, but things don't go as planned. A good deed turns into a nightmare.

The characters of Cody and Julie held my attention from the beginning and soon revealed their many layers. The impending suspense gripped my heart and had me turning the pages as I wondered what would come next.

An easy-to-read story filled with Biblical values found me rooting for Cody. The budding romance between Cody and Julie was sweet and inspirational. I loved the story and look forward to reading book 2.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Ryan P Hoffman]

Someplace North, Someplace Wild by Gary Brumbelow
Gary Brumbelow's novel, Someplace North, Someplace Wild, is a compelling blend of wilderness adventure, gripping suspense, and a heartfelt Christian romance. It introduces readers to Cody Brandon, a young Texan rancher who travels to the rugged British Columbia wilderness to pursue his dream of owning his own ranch, a goal tied to a significant family inheritance.
The story quickly plunges Cody into a high-stakes scenario. An act of kindness during his journey north leaves his fingerprints at what becomes a murder scene in Idaho. Just as he successfully snags a job on a mountain ranch and begins to fall for Julie Stewart, the local schoolteacher, the bad news arrives: he's the prime suspect and the federal authorities are closing in.
Someplace North, Someplace Wild is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy Western or wilderness-based thrillers with a strong element of suspense and a faith-based message. It's the first in the "Mountain Ranch Adventures" series, promising more excitement from Cody's life in the wilderness. If you like a story that will keep you guessing while rooting for an innocent man in an unforgiving landscape, this book is highly recommended.

[RANI VALE]

I went into Someplace North, Someplace Wild expecting a simple adventure story, and ended up completely pulled into Cody Brandon’s world.
Gary Brumbelow does such a great job making everything feel real: from Cody’s hopeful journey out of Texas to the raw, breathtaking wilderness of British Columbia. I felt every high, landing the ranch job, falling for Julie, standing his ground against a grizzly, and every crushing low when his life suddenly spirals into accusation and fear.
What really got me was the emotional heart of the story. Cody and Julie’s connection feels genuine, built on shared faith, adventure, and quiet moments that made me root hard for them. The suspense kept me turning pages, but it was the hope threaded through the danger that stayed with me.
This book blends wilderness adventure, romance, and a fast, moving mystery in a way that feels grounded and heartfelt. I finished it feeling like I’d taken the journey myself, and honestly wished it hadn’t ended. Highly recommended for anyone who loves rugged settings, strong characters, and a story with soul.

[Katherine Harrison]

This story pulls you in from the first page. Cody’s journey from adventure to life-altering danger is filled with tension, mystery, and unexpected twists. The high-country setting is vivid, the stakes are real, and the growing connection between Cody and Julie adds warmth and hope to the suspense.

A compelling blend of wilderness danger, romance, and faith that keeps you turning the pages.

[Shari L. Klasna]

Beautiful and descriptive language

Very real people. Captivating descriptions of surroundings. Believable characters and the
emotions of day to day living. In depth language evoked similar emotions in myself...some painful. Ready for more like this.

[Elizabeth]

a Wild West suspense romance

I didn’t want to put this down. The fast moving story line, the change from suspense to romance, from wild wilderness scenes with fierce animal tales and a growing faith in God makes for a compelling read. Enjoy it!