The Drift

by Bert Entwistle

The Drift blends a tale of Cripple Creek, Colorado mining history with a thrilling contemporary story of the search for the head of a powerful crime organization and a 500 year-old family treasure legend. When a chance encounter with a small-time crook begins to expose a giant criminal enterprise, Federal agent, Jack Bannister, and his team start to unravel the mystery one layer at a time. the chase is on through miles of ancient, abandoned gold mines and through the history of the Cripple Creek mining district.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2012

About the author

Freelance photographer, journalist, author.

Published more than 400 articles for many magazines.

Authored four novels and one novella:

3) Mysteries
1) Historical fiction
1) Western

Lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado for 42 years

Married, 2 sons, 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild

Reviews

[Jill Rey]

Past and present collide in this history of Colorado’s mining industry. Led by Jack Bannister, this series kick-off promises to offer a rich, action packed, and thrilling ride. Presenting a rag-tag team of professionals, Jack Bannister seeks to uncover the mysteries of the drifts in this aptly named first novel, “The Drift.”
As a child, I was obsessed with rocks. Rocks at museums, in the yard, sold at stores, it didn’t matter, I loved them all. I also love Colorado, the skiing, hiking, being outdoors, the views, there is so much to enjoy in Colorado. “The Drift” seamlessly combines these two adorations into a treasure hunting, mine exploring, water polluting, thrilling and suspenseful read.
The acknowledgements pages of “The Drift” indicates this is the author’s first novel. This surprised me, as the book read like that of a seasoned writer. This story’s lead, Jack Bannister, is the perfect hero to carry a series of books. Bannister offers action, a rag-tag team at his disposal, and a countryside of rock, mystery, and bad guys waiting to be taken down.
“The Drift” captivates readers as it toggles between two storylines. Present day, Jack Bannister seeks to uncover a case of polluted water in Cripple Creek, CO. Given the miles and miles of unexplored drifts between the mines, this threatens to be an impossible task. Putting together a team of locals, experts, and his proven trusted associates, Jack sets out to solve the case.
The second timeline is woven against Jack’s love interest who curates the local museum. After receiving a trunk of letters full of correspondence from a Russian immigrant settling in Cripple Creek, Jack’s experience in Russian is sought to translate the history. These letters transport readers back to the 1800s during the gold rush in Cripple Creek as a young husband and father seeks a new life for his family. Both timelines are gripping as readers are left at the edge of their seats awaiting the next series of events.
Ultimately, these stories collide in unimaginable ways, taking the reader on a thrilling ride through Colorado’s mining enterprises, with enjoyable banter along the way. Despite having no prior experience in mining, and just an elementary love for rocks, “The Drift” fascinated me with the history and richness of the land, and the terror, commitment, and dedication of the mining business.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past and present collide in this history of Colorado’s mining industry. Led by Jack Bannister, this series kick-off promises to offer a rich, action packed, and thrilling ride. Presenting a rag-tag team of professionals, Jack Bannister seeks to uncover the mysteries of the drifts in this aptly named first novel, “The Drift.”

As a child, I was obsessed with rocks. Rocks at museums, in the yard, sold at stores, it didn’t matter, I loved them all. I also love Colorado, the skiing, hiking, being outdoors, the views, there is so much to enjoy in Colorado. “The Drift” seamlessly combines these two adorations into a treasure hunting, mine exploring, water polluting, thrilling and suspenseful read.

The acknowledgements pages of “The Drift” indicates this is the author’s first novel. This surprised me, as the book read like that of a seasoned writer. This story’s lead, Jack Bannister, is the perfect hero to carry a series of books. Bannister offers action, a rag-tag team at his disposal, and a countryside of rock, mystery, and bad guys waiting to be taken down.

“The Drift” captivates readers as it toggles between two storylines. Present day, Jack Bannister seeks to uncover a case of polluted water in Cripple Creek, CO. Given the miles and miles of unexplored drifts between the mines, this threatens to be an impossible task. Putting together a team of locals, experts, and his proven trusted associates, Jack sets out to solve the case.

The second timeline is woven against Jack’s love interest who curates the local museum. After receiving a trunk of letters full of correspondence from a Russian immigrant settling in Cripple Creek, Jack’s experience in Russian is sought to translate the history. These letters transport readers back to the 1800s during the gold rush in Cripple Creek as a young husband and father seeks a new life for his family. Both timelines are gripping as readers are left at the edge of their seats awaiting the next series of events.

Ultimately, these stories collide in unimaginable ways, taking the reader on a thrilling ride through Colorado’s mining enterprises, with enjoyable banter along the way. Despite having no prior experience in mining, and just an elementary love for rocks, “The Drift” fascinated me with the history and richness of the land, and the terror, commitment, and dedication of the mining business.

[Clearview Library District · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reason I liked this book so much is that as a geologist with some experience in the Cripple Creek area, I know that Entwistle was right on and told a compelling story. Mixing the research on a 19th century Russian emigrant miner with the contemporary mystery story made it even more interesting.
Many authors have said "write what you know". Entwistle has done that and very well.
If you are looking for some historical perspective and a very good story, give this a try. This is his first novel, and I am looking forward to many more.

Bruce

[Loralbrown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so comfortable you don't want it to end !! Jack Bannister is similar to a Harrison Ford in Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Real down to earth, reminds you of someone you already know. Love the lightness of the book but still was very interesting. I also like learning about the mines in Cripple Creek. Great Book I would highly reccommend it!!

[Sandy Branske · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was bored