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Devil's Thumb
Autumn, 1925 and residents of the Black Hills mining town of Keystone, South Dakota are excitedly awaiting the start of nearby Mount Rushmore, one of the most ambitious carving projects the world has ever known.
But two vicious murders, the discovery of a Bootleg whisky operation linked to Chicago mobster Al Capone, and the kidnapping of Hot Springs Star reporter Minnie Thompson are threatening to derail famed sculptor Gutzon Borglum’s epic plans. Enlisting the help of fearless biplane pilot Kallie Sinclair and a host of Keystone volunteers, including Ben Black Elk—one day to be known as “The Fifth Face on Mount Rushmore” —U.S. Marshal Al Twocrow finds himself on a collision course with the outlaws and a monumental showdown at the place the locals call, “The Devil’s Thumb.”
“I had a wonderful time reading this book. Jorgensen does a masterful job of weaving together a great story rich in detail and historical context.” —Carolyn Amiet, author, journalist and professor
“A very enjoyable read; well-written, well-researched, a great cast of characters and an intriguing plot. I particularly enjoyed the background pertaining to Mt. Rushmore.” —Dave Sorenson, Truman, MN teacher, author and historian
But two vicious murders, the discovery of a Bootleg whisky operation linked to Chicago mobster Al Capone, and the kidnapping of Hot Springs Star reporter Minnie Thompson are threatening to derail famed sculptor Gutzon Borglum’s epic plans. Enlisting the help of fearless biplane pilot Kallie Sinclair and a host of Keystone volunteers, including Ben Black Elk—one day to be known as “The Fifth Face on Mount Rushmore” —U.S. Marshal Al Twocrow finds himself on a collision course with the outlaws and a monumental showdown at the place the locals call, “The Devil’s Thumb.”
“I had a wonderful time reading this book. Jorgensen does a masterful job of weaving together a great story rich in detail and historical context.” —Carolyn Amiet, author, journalist and professor
“A very enjoyable read; well-written, well-researched, a great cast of characters and an intriguing plot. I particularly enjoyed the background pertaining to Mt. Rushmore.” —Dave Sorenson, Truman, MN teacher, author and historian
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2025
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Dan Jorgensen
17 books12 followersA Minnesota native (born in St. Mary's Hospital, owned by the Mayo Clinic), he grew up in rural South Dakota and attended a one-room country school. He was the first member of his family to attend college, where he majored in journalism. Since then, he's gone back for a master's degree in journalism and public relations, taken courses in creative writing, and had a long career as a writer, editor, educator and p.r. specialist. He resides in Colorado.
In addition to writing hundreds of news, sports and feature stories, both as a journalist and in public relations, he's authored 10 books – including the multiple award-winning novels "And The Wind Whispered" and "Rainbow Rock," and his newest, "Devil's Thumb" (March 2025). All three are historical mystery-thrillers set in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
He's taught journalism and public relations at the collegiate level and continues to do talks about "The Writing Life" and “Storytelling – From Journalism to Creative Writing.” When not writing, he enjoys all sports and has coached girls sports. He also loves community theater and has acted in more than 30 plays and musicals. He and his wife have two grown daughters, two amazing sons-in-law, and four terrific grandsons.
In addition to writing hundreds of news, sports and feature stories, both as a journalist and in public relations, he's authored 10 books – including the multiple award-winning novels "And The Wind Whispered" and "Rainbow Rock," and his newest, "Devil's Thumb" (March 2025). All three are historical mystery-thrillers set in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
He's taught journalism and public relations at the collegiate level and continues to do talks about "The Writing Life" and “Storytelling – From Journalism to Creative Writing.” When not writing, he enjoys all sports and has coached girls sports. He also loves community theater and has acted in more than 30 plays and musicals. He and his wife have two grown daughters, two amazing sons-in-law, and four terrific grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 6, 2025
I always learn so much from Dan's books even with them being fictional. A big take away from this one was the history of the mountain we now call Mount Rushmore. I did not know that it was once a sacred place for the Lakota tribe and that they called it the Six Grandfathers. I now have more books on my TBR so I can learn more about this famous mountains early history.
September 11, 2025
In the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, where the grandeur of Mount Rushmore is about to take shape, a different kind of history is being written in Autumn, 1925. This is the setting for a thrilling mystery that combines real historical events with a pulse-pounding fictional plot.
The story drops us into the bustling mining town of Keystone, buzzing with excitement over the start of Gutzon Borglum’s epic carving project. But the mood quickly sours with two vicious murders, leading U.S. Marshal Al Twocrow down a dangerous path. The discovery of a bootleg whisky operation tied to none other than Al Capone himself adds a layer of big-city crime to the rugged frontier setting, creating a compelling mix of historical fact and fictional intrigue.
Marshal Twocrow is an excellent protagonist, driven to solve the crimes while navigating the chaos threatening to engulf the community. He's not alone in his pursuit; the cast of supporting characters is just as captivating. Fearless biplane pilot Kallie Sinclair adds a touch of high-flying action and a dash of 1920s adventure, while the inclusion of real-life figure Ben Black Elk provides a welcome historical grounding.
The mystery deepens with the kidnapping of reporter Minnie Thompson, raising the stakes and sending Twocrow and his allies on a collision course with the outlaws. The narrative builds to an explosive climax at a place locals call “The Devil’s Thumb,” promising a truly monumental showdown.
This novel is a fantastic read for anyone who loves historical mysteries with a Western flair. It’s a captivating blend of murder, bootlegging, and high-stakes suspense, all set against the backdrop of one of America’s most iconic landmarks. With its memorable characters and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, this book is a can't-miss for fans of the genre.
The story drops us into the bustling mining town of Keystone, buzzing with excitement over the start of Gutzon Borglum’s epic carving project. But the mood quickly sours with two vicious murders, leading U.S. Marshal Al Twocrow down a dangerous path. The discovery of a bootleg whisky operation tied to none other than Al Capone himself adds a layer of big-city crime to the rugged frontier setting, creating a compelling mix of historical fact and fictional intrigue.
Marshal Twocrow is an excellent protagonist, driven to solve the crimes while navigating the chaos threatening to engulf the community. He's not alone in his pursuit; the cast of supporting characters is just as captivating. Fearless biplane pilot Kallie Sinclair adds a touch of high-flying action and a dash of 1920s adventure, while the inclusion of real-life figure Ben Black Elk provides a welcome historical grounding.
The mystery deepens with the kidnapping of reporter Minnie Thompson, raising the stakes and sending Twocrow and his allies on a collision course with the outlaws. The narrative builds to an explosive climax at a place locals call “The Devil’s Thumb,” promising a truly monumental showdown.
This novel is a fantastic read for anyone who loves historical mysteries with a Western flair. It’s a captivating blend of murder, bootlegging, and high-stakes suspense, all set against the backdrop of one of America’s most iconic landmarks. With its memorable characters and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, this book is a can't-miss for fans of the genre.
August 17, 2025
8.75 - 9.0
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews