A Lucky Year

by Adam Remsen

Gordon Bootsma is a small-time Memphis attorney, struggling to make ends meet. Work has dried up and things are looking grim when he stumbles upon the find of a A trove of unseen pictures by world-famous photographer Durbin Barfield. Gordon enlists the help of an art-dealer friend and his girlfriend Gabby as they try to turn the photos into the financial break they all desperately need. Soon, however, secrets emerge that threaten the entire enterprise, and the three go to increasingly risky extremes as they chase the gold ring. Gordon follows the dream down a twisted path of discovery that will test his principles and show him how far he's willing to go in the pursuit of material wealth...

244 pages, Paperback

Published June 12, 2026

Reviews

[Desmond Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great First Novel!

I highly recommend this book by first time author Adam Remsen. Very impressive debut novel and quite enjoyable. He was a Jeopardy super champ (10 victories or more) and this was mentioned during one of the shows.
It's a quick read, I enjoyed it and recommend it.
Good overall storytelling, great descriptive writing and strong characters & plot.

[Dawn M Lanham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

I bought this book after watching Adam Remsen on Jeopardy where he mentioned his book. I purchased on my Kindle and so glad I did! For self published first time author this book was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very easy reading, writing flows well and ending surprised me although the slow build up creates tension so you know something will happen. I am rarely surprised at an ending any more. Adam, if you're reading this please write another book! I loved this.

[Douglas Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read if you are from Memphis.

Adam's first novel is a solid read. The story moves well, although there are times when the pace is delayed by a style like the Tom Clancy genre - lots of detail on every object, every meal. The truth is that this isn't so much a crime/legal novel as it is a love song to Memphis.

[Lorie Mcmullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched Adam on Jeopardy and was so impressed with him. When I learned he had written this book, I just knew I had to read it. I’m glad I did. It was fast moving and very entertaining— about a lawyer in Memphis who makes a discovery at an estate sale that changes his life. One thing leads to another ending in an unexpected way. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick fun read.

[Furiousball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun read, I flew through this one. Perfect beach/vacation book. Now I need to find out what that 1Q84 book is that was referenced so many times in there.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this after watching Adam Remsen on Jeopardy! Too much profanity for me.

[Kristina Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait, what...

Fast-paced and unexpected. I couldn't put it down. Characters are simultaneously real and engaging, yet full of surprises. Highly recommend.

[Patrick C Donahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeopardy Champ and Novelist

Adam mentioned the novel on Jeopardy. My reputation in my family is that I'll read - ANYTHING. GUILTY as charged. Good dialogue and language -