Ransom Burning

Inspired by true events, this riveting historical mystery combines richly layered characters, small-town intrigue, and powerful emotional depth in an unforgettable story. Perfect for fans of Liz Moore’s Long Bright River.

A decade after fleeing tragedy, an award-winning journalist finally returns to his hometown to face head-on the dark past he tried to outrun.

It’s 1974, and Los Angeles Times reporter Hunter Dreary returns to his hometown of Ransom, Kentucky, when he hears his autistic younger brother, Wally, is in trouble. But when he arrives at the sheriff’s office, Hunter is the one facing an interrogation after Wally accidentally reveals details from an infamous night in the town’s history—details that lead the sheriff straight to a body buried in the woods.

The discovery brings back memories of St. Anthony’s first state basketball championship a decade ago and of Lewis Truffant, the Black fifteen-year-old who not only integrated the Catholic high school earlier in the year but hit the game-winning shot. But it also dredges up what most townspeople had hoped to forget, that by sunrise the next day, Lewis had been found hanging from a tree, and fires and riots soon followed. The truth of what happened that night has been buried ever since.

Still haunted by Lewis’s death and pushed into action by each new unearthed secret, Hunter, with help from a childhood friend, Annie Tampini, finally starts asking questions of his own.

But he’s not the only one searching for answers.

And the painful truth, once exposed, might hold the power to finally bring the corrupt town to its knees.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs