What do you think?
Rate this book
Jacob's Pass
It is the turn of the twentieth century, and Joseph Tooley is a scorned man. Ten years ago, Joseph’s father Jacob went missing in the hills now known as Jacob’s Pass, and in those ten years Joseph has descended into a pit of whiskey-fueled isolation. He’s never given up hope on finding his father, and spends his days avoiding the townspeople of the neighboring Hapsburg. But one day, a mysterious note appears on his If you want to find your father, stop looking and open your eyes. When a stranger arrives on his property the following day, he lets slip something he shouldn’t have known and, in the heat of the moment, Joseph kills the man and buries him on his property. But when he goes into town to get answers, the carefully constructed reality that is Joseph’s life begins to unravel… What is real? What is a dream? Who is the stranger controlling the puppet strings? In this gripping debut thriller, nobody is who they seem.
Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
4 people want to read
About the author
G. Edward Smith
18 books13 followers I am a writer, at least trying to be, that has finally concluded that this is what I want to continue to do with my life from here on out. The reasons for this are many: 1) Writing relaxes me in a way that nothing else ever has. 2) I get to create an imaginary world populated with characters that are as confused, anxious, scared, brave, heroic, and evil as I am or sometimes want to be. 3) Writing is amusing and frustrating—a great combination. 4) I love creating something out of nothing. And so on and so on. My genre of interest is mystery/suspense/murder with a touch of thriller and horror thrown in for good measure.
I was born in Ohio in October 1974. After graduating from high school in Indiana, I wondered around the states for a few years playing in bands, you can check out some original music on my blog, before joining the Army as a satellite communications technician. I spent two years with the 101st Airborne, thirteen months in Afghanistan, and two years in Alaska before returning home to Indiana. I was diagnosed with Agoraphobia and Bipolar Manic Depression some years back, and that has opened my eyes to a whole new world of introspection, thought, and way of life. I stay inside a lot with Serica my cat and sometimes walk around the lakes surrounding my house taking my camera and trying to catch some of nature’s beauty and stillness. Of course, I love to read every chance I get, and I am always looking for that next great story.
Follow G.Edward Smith on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Smithglenne
Follow G.Edward Smith on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gedward.smit...
Follow G.Edward Smiths Blog: https://gedwardsmithblog.com/
I was born in Ohio in October 1974. After graduating from high school in Indiana, I wondered around the states for a few years playing in bands, you can check out some original music on my blog, before joining the Army as a satellite communications technician. I spent two years with the 101st Airborne, thirteen months in Afghanistan, and two years in Alaska before returning home to Indiana. I was diagnosed with Agoraphobia and Bipolar Manic Depression some years back, and that has opened my eyes to a whole new world of introspection, thought, and way of life. I stay inside a lot with Serica my cat and sometimes walk around the lakes surrounding my house taking my camera and trying to catch some of nature’s beauty and stillness. Of course, I love to read every chance I get, and I am always looking for that next great story.
Follow G.Edward Smith on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Smithglenne
Follow G.Edward Smith on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gedward.smit...
Follow G.Edward Smiths Blog: https://gedwardsmithblog.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 20, 2023
Jacob's Pass by G Edward Smith is a thriller where our main character is struggling with what is real and what is dream. The plot is totally character based, and I felt that at some places it was a bit of a drag. At some points the story sparks interest and moves on with a medium speed. The book is worth a read. And, the best thing about the book is that it moves only with a few characters. At a point, I also got confused and could not decide what was real.
I would love to give the book 3 stars. It is worth a shot, especially for slow burn lovers. Thanks to Booktasters for providing me with an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
I would love to give the book 3 stars. It is worth a shot, especially for slow burn lovers. Thanks to Booktasters for providing me with an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...
March 31, 2022
What a terrific novel! The novel takes place in turn of twentieth century. Joseph tooley with his whiskey and dogs in a isolated cabin. His father went to woods ten years before and gone. He's trying to find about his father. But no luck!
When a stranger arrives at the scene , a quarrel erupts and Joseph kills the man. After burying him he goes to the city where most of the people have answers but the whole scene feels like carefully constructed drama.
He begins to wonder what's real and what's dream?
Truth lies somewhere.. You can guess the ending but the writing style kept you until the end.
Very good novel.
When a stranger arrives at the scene , a quarrel erupts and Joseph kills the man. After burying him he goes to the city where most of the people have answers but the whole scene feels like carefully constructed drama.
He begins to wonder what's real and what's dream?
Truth lies somewhere.. You can guess the ending but the writing style kept you until the end.
Very good novel.
February 21, 2022
I'm still pleasantly shocked by "Jacob's Pass", an extraordinary novel by G. Edward Smith.
It is not very frequent that I find myself with a tale as haunting, filled of introspection, convoluted (again: in a most ingenious manner), and satisfying as this one.
G. Edward Smith not only has a great command of language, reflected in his telling of this harrowing story, but his imagination is also commendable.
Without giving anything away about the plot, I'll only say that the development of the characters and the escalation to the final scene are so well built that only until the last paragraph is read you are able to grasp the whole concept.
As I read, several questions popped in my mind, you see: the story is of a lonely man in his cabin, mourning the loss of his parents while sipping whiskey, finding solace in the company of dogs and his memories...until murder shows up in his life. As I tried finding the killer, following the clues in the story, I became immersed in the details, enjoying each one of them. As I finished reading, one of the main questions I had was so properly answered that I smiled upon realizing it. So cunningly the writer addressed it, without even writing about it, that I can't think of it anything differently than as masterful.
From then, and until the very end, the author gives us permanent access to the mind of his main character, and in those soliloquies poses several philosophical questions that slowly grab you for their clarity, so insightful.
I've to confess that when I read the first twist in the story I couldn't believe it: I never expected it and, in doing so, my respect for G. Edward Smith's craft was born. That wasn't the only one, and I won't say anything more to prevent ruining for other readers this magnificent dark tale from the yonder days of the Old West.
"Jacob's pass" is a remarkable story with what I consider an ending that would be hard to forget. My interest in the work of G. Edward Smith has been kindled and I'm looking forward to read more from him. Great story and so well written!!
It is not very frequent that I find myself with a tale as haunting, filled of introspection, convoluted (again: in a most ingenious manner), and satisfying as this one.
G. Edward Smith not only has a great command of language, reflected in his telling of this harrowing story, but his imagination is also commendable.
Without giving anything away about the plot, I'll only say that the development of the characters and the escalation to the final scene are so well built that only until the last paragraph is read you are able to grasp the whole concept.
As I read, several questions popped in my mind, you see: the story is of a lonely man in his cabin, mourning the loss of his parents while sipping whiskey, finding solace in the company of dogs and his memories...until murder shows up in his life. As I tried finding the killer, following the clues in the story, I became immersed in the details, enjoying each one of them. As I finished reading, one of the main questions I had was so properly answered that I smiled upon realizing it. So cunningly the writer addressed it, without even writing about it, that I can't think of it anything differently than as masterful.
From then, and until the very end, the author gives us permanent access to the mind of his main character, and in those soliloquies poses several philosophical questions that slowly grab you for their clarity, so insightful.
I've to confess that when I read the first twist in the story I couldn't believe it: I never expected it and, in doing so, my respect for G. Edward Smith's craft was born. That wasn't the only one, and I won't say anything more to prevent ruining for other readers this magnificent dark tale from the yonder days of the Old West.
"Jacob's pass" is a remarkable story with what I consider an ending that would be hard to forget. My interest in the work of G. Edward Smith has been kindled and I'm looking forward to read more from him. Great story and so well written!!
March 28, 2022
When I started reading this, I noticed early on that the protagonist interested me. He wasn't a character that I particularly liked, or identified with, but he interested me, intrigued me, and I felt some sympathy towards him. My first impression was that this protagonist was a lonely person, an unhappy person, and I wanted to know what he had experienced to make him feel that way. As I continued reading, I began to wonder whether his situation could have been different, and if he lived an isolated life with not many friends or acquaintances, perhaps that was his own choice. I never made up my mind, but I feel it's something that's open to interpretation. One thing I was certain of, was that this character had questions he felt needed to be answered.
I felt that the protagonist talked to the reader in a very thought-provoking way. For example, "What one wants and what one gets is rarely the same". A simple statement like that has an impact because I find that as a reader, you accept it as a true statement, a fact, that relates to your own life, at least on some level.
Something else that unfound interesting about this book was its ambiguity. There was a moment when it was suggested that the protagonist was, in fact, not who he believed himself to be, but someone else. As a reader, I felt affected by that, and had to continue reading because I found it necessary to learn the truth. This is one example of why I found the book quite psychological, something that has the reader asking questions.
The chapters were short, so for that reason, it seemed necessary to read a few chapters all at once. The conclusion of the story was something that I hadn't anticipated, and it was again ambiguous. Another factor that I felt made this book a psychological thriller. I like psychological thrillers.
I felt that the protagonist talked to the reader in a very thought-provoking way. For example, "What one wants and what one gets is rarely the same". A simple statement like that has an impact because I find that as a reader, you accept it as a true statement, a fact, that relates to your own life, at least on some level.
Something else that unfound interesting about this book was its ambiguity. There was a moment when it was suggested that the protagonist was, in fact, not who he believed himself to be, but someone else. As a reader, I felt affected by that, and had to continue reading because I found it necessary to learn the truth. This is one example of why I found the book quite psychological, something that has the reader asking questions.
The chapters were short, so for that reason, it seemed necessary to read a few chapters all at once. The conclusion of the story was something that I hadn't anticipated, and it was again ambiguous. Another factor that I felt made this book a psychological thriller. I like psychological thrillers.
December 1, 2020
A decade ago, Joseph Tooley’s father, Jacob, left on a hunting excursion and never returned. The area of woods where he went missing has been dubbed Jacob’s Pass.
G. Edward Smith’s novel takes place soon after the turn of the 20th century. Joseph lives as a recluse in a secluded cabin miles outside of town, his only companions a pack of feral dogs and everpresent bottles of Walter’s Local 88 whiskey.
Despite the lack of leads in the case, Joseph spends each day trekking into town, seeking clues to his father’s whereabouts. Even if the location ends up being six feet underground, he simply wants to know.
The cold case heats up when a suspicious note ends up on his door, followed soon thereafter by a package containing his father’s spectacles and wedding band. Joseph meets the woman who brought the package to town, and she imparts some knowledge adding yet another wrinkle to the mystery. On top of that, people directly and indirectly involved with the situation start to end up dead.
“Jacob’s Pass” briskly rides that conflict, barreling toward its ending. Just before it gets there, a twist makes you re-evaluate all you had just read, wondering if you had missed any clues woven into the prose.
But then the book makes another hard left turn during its final pages, this revelation not even remotely alluded to in the text. I’d like to say I enjoyed the final twist more, but it felt like a letdown after the prior reveal, which I preferred.
That said, my ambivalence toward the ending didn’t dampen my enjoyment of all that came before. It was a fun journey, with colorful characters in an Old West-like setting that helped take the mind off of our country’s current situation.
G. Edward Smith’s novel takes place soon after the turn of the 20th century. Joseph lives as a recluse in a secluded cabin miles outside of town, his only companions a pack of feral dogs and everpresent bottles of Walter’s Local 88 whiskey.
Despite the lack of leads in the case, Joseph spends each day trekking into town, seeking clues to his father’s whereabouts. Even if the location ends up being six feet underground, he simply wants to know.
The cold case heats up when a suspicious note ends up on his door, followed soon thereafter by a package containing his father’s spectacles and wedding band. Joseph meets the woman who brought the package to town, and she imparts some knowledge adding yet another wrinkle to the mystery. On top of that, people directly and indirectly involved with the situation start to end up dead.
“Jacob’s Pass” briskly rides that conflict, barreling toward its ending. Just before it gets there, a twist makes you re-evaluate all you had just read, wondering if you had missed any clues woven into the prose.
But then the book makes another hard left turn during its final pages, this revelation not even remotely alluded to in the text. I’d like to say I enjoyed the final twist more, but it felt like a letdown after the prior reveal, which I preferred.
That said, my ambivalence toward the ending didn’t dampen my enjoyment of all that came before. It was a fun journey, with colorful characters in an Old West-like setting that helped take the mind off of our country’s current situation.
March 29, 2022
The book is about Joseph Tooley whose father goes on a hunting expedition and never returns. The area of the woods where he goes missing is later named Jacob's Pass. Following the death of his mother, Joseph withdraws from society and lives in a secluded forest on a desperate search to find out what happened to his father.
I am so in love with the book considering the author's fascinating narration. The kind that will keep you reading and guessing trying to get into the narrator's mind but most of your guesses will be wrong and as you continue to read, you will be amazed by the twist and turn of events.
The author's view of life in this book is one I completely agree with " imagine picking up a book and beginning...that's all life is- a random string of guesses rolled into a short amount of time..." Very relatable to how short and swift life is that in most cases we do not really get the chance to understand what it really was.
The end of Jacob's Pass is one mind blowing scene very unexpected and it left me declaring that Edward Smith is perhaps the author I have been looking for.
The suspense would be a disappointment to some people because we obviously all want to know what happens, what was that about? But I love it.
I am not really a fan of the first person point of view style of writing but certainly some people would love it.
I thank Booktasters for recommending this book and G. Edward Smith this was hilarious and captivating. A story I can't stop thinking about. Looking forward to more of this genius' work. This piece is highly recommended to anyone that loves to read interesting stories especially psychological thrillers.
I am so in love with the book considering the author's fascinating narration. The kind that will keep you reading and guessing trying to get into the narrator's mind but most of your guesses will be wrong and as you continue to read, you will be amazed by the twist and turn of events.
The author's view of life in this book is one I completely agree with " imagine picking up a book and beginning...that's all life is- a random string of guesses rolled into a short amount of time..." Very relatable to how short and swift life is that in most cases we do not really get the chance to understand what it really was.
The end of Jacob's Pass is one mind blowing scene very unexpected and it left me declaring that Edward Smith is perhaps the author I have been looking for.
The suspense would be a disappointment to some people because we obviously all want to know what happens, what was that about? But I love it.
I am not really a fan of the first person point of view style of writing but certainly some people would love it.
I thank Booktasters for recommending this book and G. Edward Smith this was hilarious and captivating. A story I can't stop thinking about. Looking forward to more of this genius' work. This piece is highly recommended to anyone that loves to read interesting stories especially psychological thrillers.
February 9, 2022
For much of the novel, the reader is in the head of Joseph Tooley, whose isolated life in the woods is both idyllic and disturbing. Joseph is an unreliable narrator, who never fully understands what’s real and what is reality, and what's fantasy. Not surprisingly, the reader has the same problem as they follow along on Joseph's quest to find out what happened to his father. The narrative is sometimes hard to follow, but that’s exactly what you expect when the protagonist is not concerned with linear time or with showing us a clear path to follow from beginning to end. The reality, it turns out, is always just beyond the grasp of Joseph and the reader.
In Smith’s capable hands the rantings of a crazy person feel often believable and always relatable. We’re pulling for him the whole way, and—aside from some details that seem contradictory and some explanations that seem to come out of left field—Joseph’s narrative strikes the reader as valid. As it turns out, that’s a setup that isn’t revealed until the very end.
I’m not a fan of novels that disclose at the end that the whole thing was only a dream. Twists abound in Jacob’s Pass, and the conclusion is no exception. But Smith avoids that final slap in the face by providing a good read, full of interesting, eccentric characters, all of whom seem to be trying to figure out the same puzzle as the reader.
I recommend Jacob’s Pass. It will keep you guessing, and most of your guesses will be wrong.
In Smith’s capable hands the rantings of a crazy person feel often believable and always relatable. We’re pulling for him the whole way, and—aside from some details that seem contradictory and some explanations that seem to come out of left field—Joseph’s narrative strikes the reader as valid. As it turns out, that’s a setup that isn’t revealed until the very end.
I’m not a fan of novels that disclose at the end that the whole thing was only a dream. Twists abound in Jacob’s Pass, and the conclusion is no exception. But Smith avoids that final slap in the face by providing a good read, full of interesting, eccentric characters, all of whom seem to be trying to figure out the same puzzle as the reader.
I recommend Jacob’s Pass. It will keep you guessing, and most of your guesses will be wrong.
November 16, 2020
If you like stories with a western flavor, then this is the story for you. G. Edward Smith has done a good job rendering the feel for this book. Written with authority and command of language, the read felt authentic.
The element I stumbled with was the personality of the main character. He was a little too gruff and abrasive for my likes. I had a hard time sympathizing with his plight.
Mr. Smith did a good job writing the descriptions and relating what was going on with the story, but I feel some details were a little overboard (too much explaining).
He accomplished the grammar and spelling without a hitch. A job well done. This was a good read. I enjoyed the time spent with the characters.
The element I stumbled with was the personality of the main character. He was a little too gruff and abrasive for my likes. I had a hard time sympathizing with his plight.
Mr. Smith did a good job writing the descriptions and relating what was going on with the story, but I feel some details were a little overboard (too much explaining).
He accomplished the grammar and spelling without a hitch. A job well done. This was a good read. I enjoyed the time spent with the characters.
December 21, 2020
I am a fan of this author’s short stories and was really looking forward to seeing what he could do with a full-length novel. I was not disappointed.
After the disappearance of his father and the death of his mother, Joseph Tooley withdraws from life in a small rural town and retreats to the loneliness of the hills. He is determined to find his father, or at least discover his fate. After ten years, a mysterious note suggests that the people of the neighbouring town might know more than they are saying.
As usual, Glenn paints a vivid picture, and his passion for storytelling delivers a page turning psychological thriller which will keep you guessing until the end. This is an excellent debut novel and I am looking forward to what comes next.
After the disappearance of his father and the death of his mother, Joseph Tooley withdraws from life in a small rural town and retreats to the loneliness of the hills. He is determined to find his father, or at least discover his fate. After ten years, a mysterious note suggests that the people of the neighbouring town might know more than they are saying.
As usual, Glenn paints a vivid picture, and his passion for storytelling delivers a page turning psychological thriller which will keep you guessing until the end. This is an excellent debut novel and I am looking forward to what comes next.
February 22, 2022
Intriguing! Captivating! and Fascinating!
Came across this compelling read thanks to Book Tasters and the author G. Edward Smith. It follows the life of Joseph who decided to live as a recluse following the disappearance of his father during one of his hunting expeditions. The author takes us through Joseph's life as he tries to unearth what happened to his father while seeking closure.
I liked how the author creatively divided his writing; it made the story more enjoyable and page turning as I often kept wondering who the stranger lurking in the shadows was.
The story had many surprising twists occurrences and the ending was simply MIND BLOWING.
G. Edward Smith is a promising author
Came across this compelling read thanks to Book Tasters and the author G. Edward Smith. It follows the life of Joseph who decided to live as a recluse following the disappearance of his father during one of his hunting expeditions. The author takes us through Joseph's life as he tries to unearth what happened to his father while seeking closure.
I liked how the author creatively divided his writing; it made the story more enjoyable and page turning as I often kept wondering who the stranger lurking in the shadows was.
The story had many surprising twists occurrences and the ending was simply MIND BLOWING.
G. Edward Smith is a promising author
April 13, 2022
Set at the turn of the last century the story follows Joseph Tooley, a young man living on his own in the local woods isolated from the nearby town. Having recently lost his mother and still coming to terms with his father Jacobs disappearance 10 years previously, Joseph dedicates his life to finding out what happened to his father. His life of routine and isolation is disturbed by the appearance of a stranger in the town, followed by a number of local murders. As the story unfolds through a number of twists and turns, which leave the reader gripped throughout.
I absolutely loved this book it kept me guessing throughout. The authors paints the scenery and characters with such depth I found myself immersed into the world of Joseph Tooley, I can't wait to read more by G. Edward Smith.
I absolutely loved this book it kept me guessing throughout. The authors paints the scenery and characters with such depth I found myself immersed into the world of Joseph Tooley, I can't wait to read more by G. Edward Smith.
Read
January 12, 2022This is a well captivating mystery story that keeps you on your toes and not wanting to stop reading. From the beginning to end, you are left guessing and thirsting for more. The chapters flow nicely and the narrative is energetic and thought provoking and you feel like you are in the story with the characters. You are not left as a spectator, but as a participant. The ending of the story is the crown jewel to this story and not at all what the reader would expect, and I have to say I was shocked and surprised and loved it. This is a phenomenal, exceptional read and I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a mystery or thriller type story.
May 12, 2023
Omg what a story !! It’s rarely I can finish a book just in 2 days .. but that one was really page turning , the forest and the town atmosphere.. the isolated cabin .. this book will surprise you and shock you and even ,when you think you got it all figured out , the end will shock you and you will never guess it . I feel like I need to digest and reread the shocking end again .. also the elegant writing style I don’t think I read any modern books with that level of succinctness and elegance .. the choice of words really fits the time the period the book is set in .. I am happy I read this book , real psychological thriller
March 24, 2022
This book really surprised me!
According to the synopsis I read, I expected to start a mystery , then I found myself reading a story of mind hillicinations, unexplained events happening to a young person- Johnson- an isolated soul in the middle of nowhere.
During reading it, I was waiting for a big discovery, then it turned out to be a big surprise that took me about 10 minutes to think about after finishing it.
The writing style focuses on details and the words are all what is happening in the head of the protagonist which feels like living his life, or what is thought to be his life.
According to the synopsis I read, I expected to start a mystery , then I found myself reading a story of mind hillicinations, unexplained events happening to a young person- Johnson- an isolated soul in the middle of nowhere.
During reading it, I was waiting for a big discovery, then it turned out to be a big surprise that took me about 10 minutes to think about after finishing it.
The writing style focuses on details and the words are all what is happening in the head of the protagonist which feels like living his life, or what is thought to be his life.
April 19, 2022
This is a great, story about isolation, mourning and drama. The characters are very interesting and the main protagonist is a very thought provoking and interesting lead. The book is so well written that, despite being sure of how the book is heading, you are kept immersed in the story until the last page. The chapters are very short, which works well to keep the story moving and the readers engaged. The ambiguity that is present throughout much of the book keeps you guessing on what is real and what is not. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers.
January 23, 2022
Compelling!
The author describes rich scenes that immediately draws you into an interestingly dark view of the character’s world. This one really kept me guessing and searching for clues within the vivid scenes the story portrays. I really enjoyed getting into the mind of the insightful characters too. This one has some great twists and turns to enjoy. Glad I picked this one up!
The author describes rich scenes that immediately draws you into an interestingly dark view of the character’s world. This one really kept me guessing and searching for clues within the vivid scenes the story portrays. I really enjoyed getting into the mind of the insightful characters too. This one has some great twists and turns to enjoy. Glad I picked this one up!
April 12, 2023
My mouth is literally on the floor. I thought I had it figured all out. I was SO wrong. This was such a fun read. The ending?! Blew my mind. Definitely read this book if you want to be kept on your toes till the end.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews