Union Army deserter Cody Black thinks Gold Hill is a safe place to hide out the war and make his fortune. But Cody finds prospecting to be a tough business and soon finds himself in debt to the local gold baron. Desperate for work, he is forced to become a deputy sheriff and now faces the very violence he fled the Army to avoid. To make matters worse, a nefarious plot is afoot to tip the war in favor of the Confederates. Cody must battle Southern sympathizers, and his own doubts, to seek redemption and help save the Union in Gold Rush.

James MacHaffie, writing as Bill Grant, is the author of two Black Horse western novels. He holds degrees in international relations and history and is currently working on his doctorate in political science. Originally from Colorado he now lives in Japan with his wife and daughter, where he teaches English. In his spare time James enjoys swimming, watching movies and spending time with his family.