Clinch Mountain Echoes

About the Book

Clinch Mountain Echoes is a gripping tale of betrayal, prejudice, budding young love, wartime memories, abductions, and murder in a small Appalachian community. From years past, echoes of wrenching losses—lost innocence, loves, and lives—reverberate anew in Southwest Virginia. Residents of Powell County endure ills and heartaches that human flesh and spirit are heir to, but some face daunting circumstances born of trying, troubling repercussions from their past.

Can a deceived and deserted young woman, a persecuted family, and a grieving boy overcome soul-wrenching heartache and sadness? A unique bond forms between the mourning, irate boy and a reclusive war veteran who suffers from his own losses and wartime memories. Will that bond help comfort each of them, lessen their sorrow and anger, and dispel haunting memories? Can effects of physical and emotional threats be lessened by friendship, acceptance, and forgiveness? Must the wronged seek their just revenge, or will a final echo surface with fitting retribution for a lecherous Clinch Mountain murderer?

About the Author

Alfred Patrick grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia, the setting for Clinch Mountain Echoes and for an earlier novel, Clinch River Justice. With degrees from Bluefield College, Virginia Tech, and the University of Tennessee, he taught at high school and university levels. At Eastern Kentucky University, where he retired, Alfred served as professor, department chair, and dean in the College of Business. He enjoys writing, reading, traveling, gardening, crossword puzzles, and backpacking, and has completed the Appalachian Trail, the John Muir Trail in California, and trails in other states. He and his wife, Peggy, live in Richmond, Kentucky.