E.B. “Gene” Alston
"Hammer Spade and the Case of the Missing Husband"
ISBN 0-9778948-0-0
Hard luck was private investigator Hammer Spade’s constant companion until the day a gorgeous model named Alonia Lockheart retained him for a mission. The case sounded straight forward enough: locate a husband who is a known recluse and return him to his wife.
"This is a captivating story with an upbeat plot that does not include malice, jealously, or bloodshed. The characters are all somewhat eccentric but they harmonize well together. Hammer Spade enjoys who he is, adapts to the current situation as needed and pulls off his manipulations with a touch of finesse. The groundwork is nicely laid for his next adventure, and one can eagerly anticipate the future activities of Hammer Spade."Judy Jacobs, St. Joseph, MO
About the author:
E.B. Gene Alston
Gene was born in western Halifax County in the community of Essex on September 12, 1934. He graduated from Aurelian Springs High School in 1952, enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 and attended Wake Forest College. Gene worked for a telephone company in New Bern, NC for forty-two years until retiring in 1999 as a General Manager in Wake Forest. He is currently enrolled at Piedmont Community College where he is also a substitute instructor. Married to Barbara Alston. We have five children and six grandchildren.
He has reviewed books for the Raleigh News and Observer, the Richmond (VA) Times Dispatch and the Norfolk (VA) Virginian Pilot. Several of the books assigned for his review went on to be best sellers such as Jean Paul Sartre’s Being and Nothingness, John Dos Passos’ Occasions and Protests, John Gunther’s Procession, Edmond Taylor’s The Fall of Dynasties, Stanton Coblentz’s Demons, Witch Doctors and Modern Man, and Rebellion and Death by Albert Camus.
He wrote technical instructions in his job, which helped him develop a strong sense of accuracy. He also wrote articles for trade magazines. He is currently a feature writer for Topsail Island Info.
Other works include:
"The Last Voyage of the Dan-D" - A funny children’s adventure story set on Topsail Island, North Carolina."
The Last Voyage of the Dan-D" - ISBN 0-9747735-0-6
"This story has a nice voice and a simple, kid-friendly tone. It’s also a very funny story, with a wickedly wacky, but oddly logical humor. Captain Dan’s stories, his many names, and Alex’s reactions to it all are hilarious; Alex and Captain Dan are distinctive, highly original characters who should enthrall kid readers. The silliness should enthrall kids. The mysterious ending is a neat twist. The humor makes this story especially nice for being read aloud." The Writer’s Digest, April 5, 2005
"The Emerald Necklace and Other Stories." A wildly eclectic collection of southern short stories.
"The Emerald Necklace and Other Stories" - ISBN 0-9747735-5-7
"Several of the stories stand out, including the amusing Fargo Finnegan, Rainbow’s End (Great last line!), and The Chase. In the longer pieces such as The Chase and Ghost Story, the characters are dynamic. Some of the humor is pretty funny, and the serious pieces contain a good deal of insight. The writing is professional, clear, and concise. The author’s voice is memorable and fun. Overall, it’s a good solid collection." Writer’s Digest, April 15, 2005.
"Those Whom the Gods Love." A thriller set in the Warrenton and Jacksonville, North Carolina areas.
"Those Whom the Gods Love" - ISBN 0-9747735-1-4
"I enjoyed the endearing and not so endearing characters as they lived their unusual and exciting lives. There was lots of natural sounding dialog that moved the plot along. The plot was intricate with many twists and turns—and some surprises. The workings of how telephone poles are installed added an extra dimension to the novel as did the military scenes. Those Whom the Gods Love had plenty of romantic interludes, surprises and excitement. The author is certainly a student of human nature. His insight into how and why people act as they do was accurately displayed in his novel. I thought the cover was extremely eye-catching and should make readers want to see what is inside." Writers Digest- December 2005
"And Deliver Us From Evil" A sequel to Those Whom the Gods Love set in Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry and Topsail Island.
"And Deliver Us From Evil" - ISBN 0-9747735-2-2
"This was an exciting book! I love the character, Bill Davis. In real life men like him are hard to come by. He is what he is and then some. I started reading Friday night. My husband had to go to bed with the chickens because he had to work Saturday. (He’s up at 4:30 am) I didn’t put it down until I finished reading. This book was everything I expected it to be and then some." Lona Lockhart. January 9, 2006.
"The Kingdom of America". A historical novel set in the future where America has a king.
"The Kingdom of America" - ISBN 0-97477357-3
"I like this book so much I would like to tell you some of my thoughts. First, this (in my opinion) is your best novel. The subject matter fascinated me. All along the way I kept thinking - "Wow, we really could use these reforms. This man is right on target.Yes! Let’s get started right away."
Then Paul Harvey’s comment of "Absolute power corrupts absolutely" came to mind and I asked myself if we could stop anyone once they really got going? I do not know the answer to the above question.
I re-read books all the time and I knew by the time I got to chapter 4 that I would re-read this one. It is really a terrific book and it deserves a more careful reading that I was able to give it. I told my husband he has to read it, I know he will enjoy it."
Judy Jacobs, St. Joseph Mo.
"The Last Chance Bar and Grill" is a unique book of characters given a last chance at salvation - and making amends for bitter emotions.
"The Last Chance Bar and Grill" - ISBN 0-7966032-7-6
"Mr. Alston comes by the newspaper I work for regularly. I was given a copy of "Last Chance Bar & Grill" by my editor, Shannon White. I sat down and read the book from cover to cover in about 45 minutes. I am typically not a religious person. I have never read much of the Bible. I wanted to let Mr. Alston know that despite all this, I enjoyed this book very much.
This is the book for all time; for anyone to read so that they may better understand their role in the salvation of the world." Sherry T. McDonald
"Hammer Spade and the Diamond Smugglers"
Hammer and his sidekick, Jack Kane, investigate a South African diamond smuggling operation. To Americans this seems like a cut and dried investigation. But in South Africa they discover that chasing diamond thieves is a part time job and more than once their very lives are at risk.
Paperback - 144 pages. Cost: $10.99. ISBN 0-9778948-3-5.
Critic’s Review:
Hammer Spade, a single private investigator and his best friend, Jack Kane, have traveled to Africa to determine who is smuggling diamonds from a well-known firm. When they arrive, they find that surface appearances are deceiving.
Using a safari as a cover, Hammer and Jack display their marksmanship abilities, impress the natives, and overpower the opposing force. Solving the mystery of who is behind the diamond stealing becomes more and more difficult because for each puzzle solved, more obstacles are thrown their way.
Hammer Spade is a roll-with-the-punches kind of guy. In this novel, he is paired with an eclectic cast of characters. But whether he is dealing with an African bushman or a British aristocrat, Hammer’s common sense and quick wit allow him to deal with the current situation all the while maintaining his calm demeanor.
No matter how serious the circumstances, there is always humor to be found somewhere. Hammer and his friends never lacked for something to provide light entertainment. For example, zebra steaks sound quite tasty. However, after reading this book, I do not think I will ever be enticed into trying one! This book is an enthralling read.
Judy Jacobs, St. Joseph MO.
"Telling It Like It Is" - Collected columns from E. B. Alston’s syndicated column in Topsail Island Info Magazine. These columns cover incidents from his childhood, working at the phone company, philosophy and faith, hunting vignettes and candid commentary about the political landscape.
From the introduction:
I met E.B. "Gene"Alston some years back at SunFest, an annual springtime festival held in Surf City, North Carolina. I would like to say I know talent when I see it but, in the beginning, it was his charming personality that drew me to him, not the books he was peddling. With wife, Barbara, by his side, they both radiated with a united focus. We instantly became friends.
It wasn’t until several weeks later when I had a chance to read, "Those Whom The Gods Love", that I realized the extent of his gift. It didn’t stop there either, that proved to be just the beginning. The sequel to that book, "And Deliver Us From Evil" was an attention getter as well. I’ve now accumulated, (thanks to Gene), every book he has ever written.
I must say, the boy’s got talent.
Some time later, I invited Gene to be a contributing writer for Topsail Publishing, Inc. when we put together the website about Topsail Island, www.topsail-island.info. At the time, I thought he would probably write a few articles here and there. I didn’t expect the level of dedication, reliability and aptitude that he would give. Just like clockwork, Gene has produced a weekly column ever since, which you will find every one of them on the website.
Gene has a lot to say about things. Whether it’s his ideas on current events, a recap of one of his famous bird dog stories or a memory from his childhood, he will captivate you. He has this way of drawing you in, just like he did me the first day I met him.
Each week, I can hardly wait for his articles to come in. Especially after reading one of my personal favorites, "Alley Oop and the Sweet Gum Flyer", which is a story from his childhood in Essex, North Carolina. It’s a tale about friendship, boyish impression and an ideal example of the best way is to get your church clothes dirty.
You never know what to expect from Gene. He’s like an old pair of shoes, yet he breathes new life into subjects that most never think twice about. He makes you go back and look again, reevaluate your position and, often enough, change your attitude about the obvious.
Such as with his book, "The Kingdom of America", which can be described as an "historical novel set in the future where America has a King." It’s a typical example of how he leans toward "thinking outside the box."
Another example, "The Last Chance Bar and Grill", held me so captive, I couldn’t put it down once I read the first page. The book never stays in my possession long. It frequently finds it’s way off my library shelf and into a new reader’s hands, always returned with a positive comment.
I can say without hesitation that I know that you will enjoy Gene’s new book, "Telling It Like It Is". His consistently clever style is definitely habit forming. If this is your first book by him, it will certainly not be your last. You might want to start looking for empty space in your library to accommodate the rest of his talent.
Gene, thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts about your work and our friendship. I have been definitely blessed by both.
"Alley Oop", my friend!
Sheree’ L. Alderman, Publisher, Topsail Publishing, Inc.
All of Gene Alston’s books are available at Island Treasures, Topsail Beach, NC and Surf City Books and Gifts, Surf City, North Carolina, from any bookstore anywhere, Amazon and www.righterpublications.com.