Telling the stories of the bloodiest road in American history,
where civilizations clashed,
people were tested,
and leaders were forged
— a legendary, mysterious frontier where truth was stranger than fiction.
Scroll down for recent and upcoming books and other works.
"...original and thrillingly dramatic. An impressive combination of scrupulous scholarship and powerful storytelling." --Kirkus Reviews
"...fresh take on a familiar figure...This thorough, focused account is perfect for early American history enthusiasts looking for a new twist on the era." --Publishers Weekly
FIGHTING DEVIL’S BACKBONE
YOUNG ADULT HISTORICAL FICTION SERIES
BOOK 1 in the series Fighting Devil’s Backbone
"...a gripping saga..will remind middle grade students, especially boys, of the works from Mark Twain and Laura Ingalls.." --Reedsy Discovery
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“***** 5 stars” ——
Home School Book Review
BOOK 2 in the series Fighting Devil’s Backbone
"...the games of boys turn into the wars of men. A break from non-stop action, this well-written and well-paced second book gets more into characterization of the main characters and slows down the plot, taking readers through several indigenous rituals as the boys prepare for hunting and battle and centering on themes of bravery, selflessness and self-sufficiency." --BookLife
E. Z. in the Den of Thieves
BOOK 3 in the series FIGHTING DEVIL’S BACKBONE
Young teen Ezekiel (“E. Z.”) Perkins is kidnapped by a bandit on the mysterious wilderness road known as “The Devil’s Backbone.” The captor demands that the boy join his bloodthirsty gang, learn the skills of a bandit, and prey on travelers. The lives of E. Z.’s brother David and best friend Isaiah depend upon his decision.
The road forces E. Z. to use all his wits to prove himself. The real battlefield is the boy’s own heart and head as he discovers who he is and the man he chooses to become.
Plays
INQUEST ON THE NATCHEZ TRACE
A full-length, three-act play exploring contradictory accounts about the death of explorer Meriwether Lewis on the Natchez Trace in 1809. The play gives voice to witnesses who can no longer speak for themselves.
First performed in 2009 in Lewis County, Tennessee on the bicentennial of the death of Meriwether Lewis.
WAR LETTERS
A one-act play, from letters between Andrew Jackson and Rachel Jackson during the War of 1812, provides an unfiltered view of the Jacksons in their own words.
First performed in 2015 at the Hermitage on the bicentennial of the end of the War of 1812.
About the Author and Speaker
Southern author Tony L. Turnbow has studied the history of the Natchez Trace for more than 35 years. His grandparents lived on his ancestors' early 1800s farm along the historic Natchez Trace Chickasaw trail.
Mr. Turnbow speaks frequently to groups about stories he has learned from his historical research.