The Gold of Cape Girardeau

A treasure trove of gold is found buried next to a skeleton with a bullet hole in its head. Young lawyer Allison Culbertson faces a courtroom fight to prove the gold belongs to her client. The secrets surrounding the gold are revealed in a story that transports the reader from a modern courtroom to the glory days of steamboating on the Mississippi, from young love on the river to the perils of the Civil War. A Missouri border town of divided loyalties is “captured” by Union soldiers, its occupants enduring martial law, loyalty oaths, hangings, and brutality, with artillery from the town’s forts ready to obliterate Cape Girardeau itself should Confederates attack.

Swingle’s riveting tale brings the past to life — combining mystery, love, greed and courtroom drama into a suspenseful blend of history and fiction.

It won the 2005 Governor’s Book Award from the Missouri Humanities Council for being “an outstanding” book written by a Missourian.

“Move over Michener, here’s Morley Swingle with high adventure on the Mississippi. It’s the most amazing historical novel I’ve ever read, opening and closing with absorbing courtroom drama.”
— Elmore Leonard, Past President, Mystery Writers of America

“I recommend this memorable historical novel to anyone interested in the Civil War, steamboating on the Mississippi, a good love story, or simply an exciting and entertaining read. Once you start it, be prepared to stay up late. I can’t wait for Swingle’s next novel.”
— Bill Bradley, author of Time Present, Time Past

“Swingle is a gifted writer with a captivating novel — a tale of love, war, mystery, and drama with authentic history woven into every page. I highly recommend it.”
— David Limbaugh, author of Absolute Power