Mystery: The Second Edition is Here!

I am excited to announce that I have my first 100 copies of the new edition of my book, "Mystery at the Loyd Homeplace."  The new edition has the same text but is sleeker, printed front-back on a higher grade paper.  It features revised and improved quality photos and other graphics.

Other enhancements will be a continually growing on-line collection of photos and historical and family background.  As time goes on, I hope some of my school readers will utilize this site for research as well as inspiration for writing.

The groundwork has been laid for me to read the book aloud to all 5th graders at Sandhills Farm Life Elementary, my old school.  I also am working on arrangements to read the book in Atlanta, to students who live just a few miles from my family's old homeplace, as well as from the site of the Battle of Peachtree Creek and the Battle of Atlanta.

Please feel free to contact me concerning the book if you would either like a copy or if you know of a group that might like to hear about the book.  In school groups I generally read the book in two 90 minute sessions or three one-hour sessions.  Extra time is nice for some of the hands-on items I share, as well as for questions and answers.  I am on Facebook as Ken Loyd and my e-mail is kloyd1953@embarqmail.com.   Maybe someone you know qualifies to be a "Junior Historian," as Professor Hudson in my book refers to me and my brother Buddy.

I imagine many authors have felt as I did: there was a book inside me and I couldn't rest until I got it out.  That's the way it was with Mystery at the Loyd Homeplace.  The idea of the book came to me in December of 2007.  I shared the idea with several close friends and family members. In just a few months it was complete.  My goal was to create a book for young people as well as adults, one that would combine themes of faith, character, and family and local history.

The basis for the tale is around a Loyd family story dating back to the Civil War and the Battles of Peachtree Creek and Atlanta.  Without revealing too much, let me say that the Loyd family, like untold others, took steps to secure their family valuables in the face of an oncoming enemy.

The story unfolds around one week in April, 1962, when I, my brother "Buddy," and sister Caryn were all young.  At Mama and Papa Loyd's house (our grandparents) a mystery is revealed in the midst of an adventure-filled spring break.

The picture that heads this blog is the actual Loyd homeplace.  It is still standing, having survived the Civil War.  It looks much different now, having been converted into a clubhouse for the Chateau Montaigne Apartments in Atlanta.  But it still retains its character of stone foundations, original fireplaces and chimneys, and the basic wooden structure.

On this blog, I will be sharing all sorts of information about the house and its history, information about the Loyd family, and supplementary materials that will enhance your enjoyment of the book.  I hope you will visit this site from time to time, and if you are not familiar with my book, feel free to contact me at kloyd1953@embarqmail.com.