Solstice Publishing has just released my novella The Genie Hunt, a modern fantasy set in High Point, North Carolina. It’s the latest comic adventure of Buddy Vuncannon and Coot Pickard, whose first exploit appeared in my short story Witch Flambé, published by Aurora Wolf.

Attorney Buddy Vuncannon and his friend Coot Pickard are heading out of town for a fishing weekend when they’re surrounded by a SWAT team. When Coot is booked, Buddy learns three of Coot’s friends identified Coot as the gun man at a pawn shop robbery, the latest in a string of violent crimes that have terrified the small town.

To defend Coot, Buddy must stand up to a bullying district attorney, uncover the identity of the real robbers, and battle a powerful genie from Iraq who serves the robbers. Buddy’s investigation implicates an old friend, reigniting long-forgotten friction between Buddy and Coot. Old and new loyalties clash, leading Buddy and Coot to a desperate backwoods chase that forces them to seek the help of a madman they both fear.

It was a blast researching and writing this story. I grew up in High Point, which was once a thriving mill and furniture center in the North Carolina Piedmont. After reading J. D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy, I was moved to write about how the middle class is seeing its way of life disappear in a changing, often bewildering world. These neglected people deserve their due, as well as a little respect. As in the real world of rural and small-town America, the maltreated but proud characters in The Genie Hunt still have a lot of fight left in them.

I want to thank my critique partners and beta readers for their invaluable insights, as well as the hard-working editors at Solstice Publishing. The end result of our efforts is a fast-paced comedy thriller that’ll hook you at page one. Enjoy!

Available now on Amazon.

Early reviews:

“Tuggle redefines a popular fairy tale character in his tale of the paranormal, of powerful dark alliances, and of deadly deception, set in a small town in North Carolina. Those bedtime stories we were told as children may just have a frightening, more threatening side. The Genie Hunt will keep you guessing about how a good lawyer can overcome evil to set an innocent man free.”
Ben Sharpton, author of 3rd Option.

“I was hooked from the start. Great story, full of suspense. This book is one of my must-reads this year.”
Aman Mittal, Confessions of a Readaholic

“The small town Carolina setting and the friendships forged by the people who grew up there together give the story an authentic feel.”
Cathleen Townsend, author of Dragon Hoard.