Devil's Thumb

by Dan Jorgensen

Autumn, 1925 and the Black Hills mining town of Keystone, South Dakota is 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 sets out to solve the crimes, save his friend Minnie and help keep Borglum’s mountain carving on track.

Twocrow and his friends are on a collision course with the outlaws to solve the crimes, bring Minnie home and ensure that the first ever carving of an entire mountaintop stays on track in a monumental showdown at the place they call “Devil’s Thumb.”

Paperback

Published March 6, 2025

About the author

A 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.