Ghost Town
by: Dr. James R. Gregory
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Morgan James Fiction
Page Count: 265
Blurb:In the isolated coal mining town of Sulphur Creek in the late 1800s, young Sammy Murphy’s world is a blend of shadowy tunnels and unspoken secrets. Born into solitude and pushed into reclusion, Sammy’s quiet life starkly contrasts with the booming industry that surrounds him. But as he searches for connection in an era of ruthless expansion, he finds himself at odds with forces far greater than he imagined.
Enter Barry Bacon, an ambitious industrialist who fancies himself a peer to magnates like Andrew Carnegie. Driven by unbridled ambition, Bacon’s dreams stretch far beyond the soot-covered rooftops of Sulphur Creek. But as the weight of his empire bears down, his unchecked arrogance threatens to unravel everything he’s built.
As Sammy faces an unexpected awakening brought forth by a fleeting love, and Bacon’s empire teeters on the brink of collapse, both men must face truths that transcend time—true love extends beyond mere attraction and real power is more than forceful arrogance.
Set against the raw, unforgiving landscape of America’s industrial ascent, Ghost Town is a gripping novel of ambition, isolation, and the pursuit of connection. With richly drawn characters and a hauntingly relevant message, it echoes through history, exploring what it truly means to lead, to love, and to belong.
Click here to view information about James’ previous titles, Killer App and Zephyr’s War
Author Interview
- You have an extensive background in corporate branding, built a New York–based advertising agency, and have written many successful books related to business and marketing. What inspired you to shift your focus to writing fiction, and specifically Ghost Town?
Storytelling has always been at the heart of everything I do. As a child, I loved dreaming up elaborate stories about people in my hometown—a habit that served me well in the business world, where creativity drives brands forward. After retiring, I felt a natural pull toward fiction, channeling that creative energy into stories that let imagination take center stage.
- What was the original spark or idea that led you to write this story?
The inspiration for Ghost Town came from a real encounter in my childhood. I met a boy my age who had already experienced the harsh realities of working in a coal mine. Our worlds were so different, and his story stayed with me for years. Sammy, the book’s protagonist, grew out of that memory, and the novel is my way of exploring those differences, empathy, and resilience.
- Can you tell us more about the protagonist and their journey? What drives them to confront the ghosts—literal or metaphorical—that haunt the town?
Sammy, the heart of Ghost Town, was born and raised in the coal-mining village of Sulphur Creek. Life there was all he knew—his world shaped by hard labor and the ever-present realities of life and death. Though he matured quickly in some ways, his dreams and social experiences remained limited by his surroundings. The “ghosts” Sammy confronts are both those of the town’s troubled past and his own fears about venturing into the unknown.
- Much of the novel delves into the tension between ambition and conscience, a theme you’ve explored in your business writing as well. How does Ghost Town expand on that idea?
Every day, we face choices—some minor, others with ripple effects on our lives and those around us. Ghost Town explores how ambition and conscience collide, showing the profound impact of our decisions. I weave in a deeper message: our actions, big or small, matter. The novel encourages readers to reflect on how their choices shape not only their future, but the lives of others as well.
- The title Ghost Town can be interpreted in many ways. What does it signify for you, and how does it connect to the book’s larger themes?
To me, Ghost Town is a symbol of lost opportunity and the unforeseen consequences of unchecked ambition. Crystal Creek started as a thriving, beautiful valley. When business interests moved in, driven by short-term gain, the community and its environment paid the price—the forest vanished, the stream was poisoned, and the very town it aimed to build was ultimately destroyed by its own ambition. The title speaks to how easily communities—and ideals—can become “ghosts” of themselves.
- The story captures both the decay and resilience of small-town America. How do you see Ghost Town speaking to the current social and economic challenges facing communities today? Does it reflect any real-life places or experiences you’ve encountered?
Absolutely. Parts of Ghost Town are inspired by real events and places, especially the Johnstown Flood of 1889 and the environmental scars coal mining left behind. Growing up, I saw orange-streaked rivers where streams once ran clear. Today, thanks to determination and innovation, those same rivers are healthy and full of life—a testament to the resilience of both nature and community. The story is a reminder that we can rebuild and do better, finding ways to prosper while protecting what matters.
- You wrote Killer App before turning to Ghost Town. How do the two novels compare? Are there common threads that connect them, or is this an entirely new direction for you?
Each novel provides a fresh lens, but they share important threads: vivid characters, clear distinctions between right and wrong, and a belief in ultimate redemption. I enjoy crafting stories where heroes triumph and readers are left with hope and new perspectives. Whether I’m writing about the boardroom or a small coal town, I’m drawn to stories of resilience, moral choices, and the possibility of second chances.
About the Author
Dr. James R. Gregory, a renowned business author and entrepreneur, co-founded a highly successful global brand management consulting firm in New York City alongside his wife, Evelyn Clyburne. Their 40-year journey in business culminated in the sale of their company in 2013. Post-retirement, Dr. Gregory’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge led him to earn a doctorate from the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida.
Transitioning from business to literature, Dr. Gregory began writing a series of captivating novellas under the collection ‘Small Fortunes,’ which earned a place on Amazon’s bestseller charts. He followed this with his debut novel, Zephyr’s War, then Killer App, and now Ghost Town. Dr. Gregory is also a seasoned business author of several influential books on corporate branding, including Marketing Corporate Image, Leveraging the Corporate Brand, Branding Across Borders, The Best of Branding, and his most recent international bestseller, Powerhouse – The Secrets of Corporate Branding.
Residing in Bradenton, Florida, with his wife, Dr. Gregory is also a devoted family man. He enjoys spending quality time with his two grown children, Becky and Will, and pursuing hobbies like biking, playing tennis, and painting with his beloved grandchildren, Charlotte and Maxwell.
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