What do you think?
Rate this book
Mitch Mayhew Stories #2
Diamonds in Denver: A Mitch Mayhew Story
He flew the mail, fought the war… and found himself neck-deep in a million-dollar mess.
When pilot Mitch Mayhew takes a job ferrying a mysterious woman out of the Rockies, he doesn’t expect bullets, betrayal, or a diamond necklace worth more than his soul. But in the glittering speakeasies and back alleys of 1920s Denver, every gem casts a long shadow... and someone will kill to own it.
Now Mitch is out of cash, out of luck, and running on fumes. With gangsters on his trail, a beautiful liar in his arms, and a storm closing in, he’s got one last chance to fly straight—or crash and burn for good.
High adventure. Hard punches. Hot lead.
Terrance Layhew brings back the crackling spirit of pulp magazine heroes in this breakneck tale of sky chases, stolen jewels, and the woman who just might ruin everything.
If you love Indiana Jones, The Rocketeer, or the hardboiled pulp of Hammett and Chandler, buckle up for Diamonds in Denver... where the only thing rarer than a perfect diamond… is a clean getaway.
PRAISE FOR MITCH “For fans of pulp adventure, golden-age cinema, or just a good old-fashioned thrill ride through the clouds, Unwanted Passenger is absolutely worth the ticket.” - Gene Koon, author of Another Try
“An instant pulp classic.” - Charles Millhouse, author of The Adventures of Captain Hawklin series
“Cary Grant class meets Top Gun thrills in this ageless adventure that will keep you hanging on like a biplane wing walker.” Jeff Circle from The Writer’s Dossier
"With pilot Mitch Mayhew, author Terrance Layhew has created a throwback to an era where adventure does not come at the expense of style—this is pure pulp, properly done." - Brian Townsley, author of Outlaw Ballads, and Executive Editor for Starlite Pulp
“With the thrilling aeronautic adventures of G-8 and his Battle Aces combined with the steely determination of Doc Savage, and the intrigue of the best adventure writing of Clive Cussler, Terrance Layhew’s “Unwanted Passenger” has thrown us back to the golden age of pulp adventure writing while simultaneously opening the vistas of a whole new age of adventure writing to come. Fun, thrilling and bold, “Unwanted Passenger” is an inventive and adventurous gem for any lover of the pulp novels of yore.” - TD Severin, award winning author of Deadly Vision
"A cracking good adventure yarn in the classic pulp mode." - Bob Deis, Editor of the Men's Adventure Library book series and Men's Adventure Quarterly
“Sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride. Mitch Mayhew is the hero we need. This is a must read!” - TG Brown, award winning author of Jericho Burning
When pilot Mitch Mayhew takes a job ferrying a mysterious woman out of the Rockies, he doesn’t expect bullets, betrayal, or a diamond necklace worth more than his soul. But in the glittering speakeasies and back alleys of 1920s Denver, every gem casts a long shadow... and someone will kill to own it.
Now Mitch is out of cash, out of luck, and running on fumes. With gangsters on his trail, a beautiful liar in his arms, and a storm closing in, he’s got one last chance to fly straight—or crash and burn for good.
High adventure. Hard punches. Hot lead.
Terrance Layhew brings back the crackling spirit of pulp magazine heroes in this breakneck tale of sky chases, stolen jewels, and the woman who just might ruin everything.
If you love Indiana Jones, The Rocketeer, or the hardboiled pulp of Hammett and Chandler, buckle up for Diamonds in Denver... where the only thing rarer than a perfect diamond… is a clean getaway.
PRAISE FOR MITCH “For fans of pulp adventure, golden-age cinema, or just a good old-fashioned thrill ride through the clouds, Unwanted Passenger is absolutely worth the ticket.” - Gene Koon, author of Another Try
“An instant pulp classic.” - Charles Millhouse, author of The Adventures of Captain Hawklin series
“Cary Grant class meets Top Gun thrills in this ageless adventure that will keep you hanging on like a biplane wing walker.” Jeff Circle from The Writer’s Dossier
"With pilot Mitch Mayhew, author Terrance Layhew has created a throwback to an era where adventure does not come at the expense of style—this is pure pulp, properly done." - Brian Townsley, author of Outlaw Ballads, and Executive Editor for Starlite Pulp
“With the thrilling aeronautic adventures of G-8 and his Battle Aces combined with the steely determination of Doc Savage, and the intrigue of the best adventure writing of Clive Cussler, Terrance Layhew’s “Unwanted Passenger” has thrown us back to the golden age of pulp adventure writing while simultaneously opening the vistas of a whole new age of adventure writing to come. Fun, thrilling and bold, “Unwanted Passenger” is an inventive and adventurous gem for any lover of the pulp novels of yore.” - TD Severin, award winning author of Deadly Vision
"A cracking good adventure yarn in the classic pulp mode." - Bob Deis, Editor of the Men's Adventure Library book series and Men's Adventure Quarterly
“Sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride. Mitch Mayhew is the hero we need. This is a must read!” - TG Brown, award winning author of Jericho Burning
93 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
2 people are currently reading
About the author
Terrance Layhew
10 books62 followersTerrance Layhew is one part Indiana Jones, one part James Bond and a dash of Shakespeare. He's an author and part time swashbuckler who hosts Suit Up! With Terrance Layhew Podcast.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 13, 2025
Former Great War pilot Mitch Mayhew's adventures continue in this direct sequel to Unwanted Passenger: A Mitch Mayhew Story. His unwanted passenger from book one has a diamond necklace she wants to sell, worth nearly one million dollars. That's a lot of dough for the 1920s and it's no surprise that its mere possession paints a target on her back. For Mitch, the sale of the necklace represents freedom - getting out of debt and allowing for a prosperous future.
Of course, unloading the necklace in the city of Denver proves easier said than done, especially when a thief makes off with the goods. Plenty of fisticuffs, perilous chases, and dangerous dames populate this potboiler. I'm looking forward to more adventures from this author.
Of course, unloading the necklace in the city of Denver proves easier said than done, especially when a thief makes off with the goods. Plenty of fisticuffs, perilous chases, and dangerous dames populate this potboiler. I'm looking forward to more adventures from this author.
October 29, 2025
This second novella by Terrance Layhew featuring his World War I veteran pilot Mitch Mayhew is another cracking good adventure yarn in the classic pulp mode. I look forward to reading more. 5 stars!
January 17, 2026
Picking up right after the events of Unwanted Passenger this is an adventure worth taking. Mitch Mayhew is a mix of Cliff Secord and Indiana Jones. The characters, setting and action all top notch. This series is a must-read. Terrance Layhew is an author to look out for.
December 21, 2025
Absolutely loved this next Mayhew story. If you enjoyed Unwanted Passenger, I promise you'll enjoy Diamonds in Denver. In my top favorite reads, Mayhew is an awesome character, and I can't wait to continue Mayhew stories. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews