Some kids have to grow up fast. This is the story of Lonnie Tobin, one such young man. Weary of the physical abuse his mother is subjected to from his father, he takes matt ers into his own hands. Convincing her to flee their fearful home life, son and mother sneak away in the night to the small town of Rocky Branch, where they find peace with her family. It is a corner of the world he thought they had left behind forever. But mysteries abound in this little wooded village, and an unexpected adventure begins when word of a nightly monster on the loose stirs fear among the residents. Young Lonnie soon forgets about his father and becomes fascinated by the story, only to find he might be spending a litt le too much time on The Strange Side of the Tracks.

 GEORGE LARRY AVANT (December 22, 1950 - November 8, 2012) passed away just

months after signing the publication contract for this, his first and only novel. George

travelled all over the country with his family as a radio broadcaster for thirty years,

often serving in gospel ministry. For many years, he was half of The Light Brothers, a

comedy duo. A writer, humorist, painter, and avid reader, Avant returned late in life

to rural Arkansas, to a small town rich with history and personal memories, where

he was inspired to write this novel. He left behind a daughter and two sons, all of

who helped George bring his work to completion, and assisted editors in preparing

the text for publication.