J.R. Lindermuth, Guest Author

My guest this week is J.R. Lindermuth. He presents an interview between himself and one of the characters from “Geronimo Must Die,” his latest novel. This should give you a little insight into the story. I’m looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for joining us, J.R.

Ladies and gents, allow me to introduce Mickey Free, protagonist of my novel Geronimo Must Die. It was with some reluctance Mr. Free agreed to this interview, but he has promised to be forthright in answering my questions and to refrain from profanity.

JRL: Good morning, Mickey. Will you tell us where and when you were born?

MF: Well (scratching his head), I'm not altogether certain. It may have been here in Arizona Territory or maybe down in Mexico. My Mama was a Mexican woman, Jesusa Martinez, but I've never been certain about my Pappy. I know Mama was living with John Ward in the Sonoita Valley when I was taken by the Apache. I was about 13 or 14 then, so I figger I was born sometime in 1847. I was adopted by Nayundiie and lived with the Apache until Rope, my foster brother, and me joined up with Al Sieber as scouts.

JRL: Do you consider yourself an Apache, a Mexican or a white man?

MF: (He shrugs) Most people consider me a bastard. Is it all right for me to use that word? Don't want to offend nobody.

JRL: Why don't you just tell us a little about yourself?

MF: I'm a scrawny, one-eyed, near-illiterate fellow who’s trying to make my way in life as best I can. My kidnapping stirred up a war against the Chiricahua and a lot of people blame me for that, though I don't see how it's right to blame a kid for something he had no control over. It wasn't the Chiricahua stole me and it sure wasn't me said they did. They should put the blame where it belongs--on the Army officer who couldn't tell one Indian from another.

JRL: So you're a man with a moral code?

MF: (He grunts) I try to mind my own business and get along with people as best I can. Save myself a lot of knocks on the head that way.

JRL: Tell us a little about San Carlos.

MF: It's a miserable place. There's never enough food. People are forced to live cheek to jowl with some of their worst enemies. Lots of them were sick through the winter and had no medicine. Don't blame 'em a bit for trying to run away--even if it is my job to keep them on the reservation.

  

JRL: And now there's this rumor Geronimo is behind this plot for a big runaway.

MF: Some believe it. I'm not one of them. I was there when somebody took a shot at him.

JRL: When you saved his life?

MF: (Nods) For the second time.

JRL: You admire Geronimo, don't you?

MF: I do. I don't totally trust him. But he's a man I respect--even if he doesn't like me and isn't grateful to me for saving his skin.

JRL: What about Al Sieber? What do you think about him?

MF: Al has been like a father to Rope and me. We'd both follow him to heck and back--even if he doesn't always understand us or the people.

JRL: And what about this girl you've been following around and making moon-eyes at? What can you tell us about her?

MF: Let's leave her out of it. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. If you want to know more about her, read the book.

If you'd care to read the book, it's available in print and e-format from Sundown Press, the publisher; on Amazon and from most other quality booksellers.

Bio:

A retired newspaper editor, J. R. Lindermuth lives and writes in a house built by a man who rode with Buffalo Bill--which may have helped inspire his interest in the West. His 15 published novels are a mix of mystery and historical fiction. Since retiring, he's served as librarian for his county historical society, assisting patrons with genealogy and research. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and a past vice president of the Short Mystery Fiction Society.

Links:

Webpage: http://www.jrlindermuth.net

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/author/jrlindermuth

Blog: http://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/john.lindermuth

FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/John-Lindermuth-175253187537/?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jrlindermuth

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1005496.J_R_Lindermuth

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