The Custer Conspiracy

by Lorin Lee Cary

Professor Walter Reeves of Marlington University in Ohio receives an amazing diary that changes everything known about General George Armstrong Custer. Reeves sees in it his promotion and fame. Soon, however, he is harassed by a tyrannical boss and pursued by Native American activists and a comic pro-Custer militia group. This inventive, humorous romp culminates near the Little Big Horn on the anniversary of Custer's last stand.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Quick and Quirky Stories and Photos (2024), Lorin Lee Cary’s latest book, links his interest in flash fiction with his love of photography.

Read Quick and Quirky Stories and Photos and laugh out loud. It’s an absurd world, and humor is at hand in this collection of flash fiction short stories. These fast reads introduce some unique characters, including a superhero with a flatulence issue and a man diagnosed as “bland.” The photos provoke laughs as well. How about a “No Fishing” sign on a dock filled with fishermen or a cemetery with a “No Passing” sign in front of it?

“A clever collection that provides an effective combination of brevity and wit.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Quick and Quirky Stories and Photos represents the concept of flash fiction at its best….” —Midwest Book Review
“Well-crafted, beautiful….A stunner.” —The Prairies Book Review


His stories have appeared in Corvus Review, Fiction on the Web, Horror Sleaze Trash, Impspired, 101 Words, and others.

Cary’s other books include The Custer Conspiracy (Book Baby, 2009), California Dreaming (Scarlet Leaf, 2017), and (based on interviews with Lu Chi Fa) My Good Fortune: Memoir of a Chinese Orphan’s Success in America (BookLocker, 2019).

His interest in photography began as a kid and blossomed in later years. He has won awards for images in Nantucket, Toledo, Las Vegas, and Cambria. Photos have been published in Typehouse Magazine, Crux, and Carolina Muse.

Previously, Cary taught at the University of Toledo and, as a Fulbright Senior Scholar, at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. In addition to many articles and essays, he co-authored No Strength Without Union: Ohio Workers 1803-1980 (Ohio Historical Society, 1982) and Slavery in North Carolina, 1748-1776 (University of North Carolina Press, 1995). Both won the Ohio Academy of History’s Distinguished Book Award.

Reviews

[Bill Cokas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being into western lore or that period of American history, I wondered if I'd enjoy this, but my fears were quickly dispelled within the first few pages. The author has created a contemporary whodunnit (and whydunnit) that centers on a dusty, handwritten relic recovered from the Battle of Little Bighorn (the dialect of which got a little tough to read from time to time). From there it's a chase to keep it out of the "wrong" hands (though for a long while, you're not sure whose hands those are). The protagonist is likable and realistic in his quirks and foibles, and his attraction to one of his students (the native American who gives him the relic) is understandable and somehow you don't hate him for it--especially since he never acts on it. The Indian characters are well-rounded and not at all stereotypical, while some of the "whites" ring sadly true in their xenophobic/patriotic ways. I wondered about the character of Bobby--he didn't really appear enough or do/say anything substantial and didn't think he was necessary, but I guess the protagonist needed to have an actual family other than just a wife. The ending was one of those "I knew it had to happen but still wish it didn't" kind of endings. The voice kept the proceedings light but sustained the suspense artfully. If you like suspenseful, character-based stories, give this a try.

[Eric in Ohio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed this light mystery surrounding the fate of a diary from the time of Custer's Last Stand. Professor Walter Reeves is drawn from his quiet campus lifestyle to help his attractive Native American student, Sally, make sense of the Custer diary her recently departed relative sent her. Sally is kidnapped and the professor rises to the occasion and heads to Montana and the site of the Little Big Horn battle to negotiate her release on the anniversary of the massacre. There is perhaps a bit too much lower lip biting, a bit too much time spent in the trading post parking lot, but really this is a neatly constructed and smoothly written story neatly interweaving the paths of three separate groups, including one that makes a parallel error to that Custer made in 1876. I found it to be a fun, well-written and fast-paced read and heartily recommend it to anyone.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A journal is discovered that may put General Custer in a new light. The journal is delivered to a university professor to examine, and he soon discovers that multiple parties want the journal. What transpires is a madcap adventure as the professor tries to decide what to do with the journal.

The plot is a clever hook that makes this a real page turner. The identities of the those looking to take the journal is well hidden (maybe too well?). The characters are well developed and interesting, but the writing is rough in places.

Several other oddities: a student rushes home for a family emergency and is delayed in her return, but it turns out to be the middle of June, why are so many professors and students on campus for summer school? and there are some unexplained items such as a random motorcycle gang and certain leaders remain unidentified in the end.

[Carolyn Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Custer Conspiracy is a gem! It blends elements of historical fiction and a thrilling modern day adventure in such a clever way. I loved how the journal revealed startling new secrets about General Custer, and watching Walter try to uncover the truth made for an exciting read. The stakes are high, and the conflict between the Native American activists and the pro Custer militia added a real sense of urgency to the story. The humor in the book lightens the intense moments without losing any of the tension. This is a perfect holiday gift for anyone who enjoys historical thrillers with a bit of humor and heart.

[Darren Hutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic adventure! The Custer Conspiracy is an unexpected blend of history, suspense, and humor. I love the idea of exploring Custer's lesser known secrets through a journal discovered by Sally Wolf. Walter Reeves is a wonderfully relatable protagonist, and the stakes feel incredibly high as he’s pursued by both Native American activists and a militia group. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and the final showdown near Custer’s Last Stand was a thrilling climax! Highly recommend this for anyone looking for a unique historical fiction experience.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorin Lee Cary really knocked it out of the park with The Custer Conspiracy! This book is so much more than just a historical novel it’s a page turning, edge of your seat thriller with an intriguing twist. The idea that Custer might have been involved in a casino venture is so original and exciting. Cary’s writing is sharp, clever, and keeps you guessing. Walter and Sally are compelling characters, and the danger they face as they uncover the truth made this an unputdownable read. Perfect for history buffs who love a good mystery!

[Lisa Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect going into The Custer Conspiracy, but I was pleasantly surprised by how fun and unpredictable it was. The combination of humor, history, and suspense is fantastic! The concept of Custer and Native Americans conspiring together for a casino in the Black Hills is such a creative and bold premise. As Walter digs into the mystery, the tension rises, and I loved the pace of the book. The story has plenty of unexpected twists that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you want something that’s equal parts intriguing and entertaining, this book is for you!

[Lorin Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I wrote this, I like it. Took awhile to complete and that was an experience. Learned a lot about Custer in the process, and made up a lot too.