Surrounded by lies. Haunted by questions. One man's quest for truth could expose the treason of the century. London, 1984. Michael Thorley, Jr. regrets never knowing his father. Taken from him by the war before he was born, Michael consoles himself by helping families track down the final resting places of lost soldiers. But when he's flooded by requests for unlisted conscripts from a non-existent regiment, he's plunged into a treacherous forty-year-old mystery powerful figures would rather remain buried...Shaken by the revelation, Michael has barely begun to unearth the facts when an alluring woman turns up on his doorstep begging to speak with his late dad. And now convinced his father's death was suspicious, the two follow a trail leading to deceitful double lives and shocking Soviet secrets that could get them both killed. Can Michael uncover a blood-drenched conspiracy before he's sent to his own unmarked grave?...

Why would a middle-aged businessman, who had never even spent a single night outdoors, attempt to hike the entire Appalachian trail in one year? Bill Walker, a former commodities trader in Chicago and London, and an avid walker, had developed a virtual obsession to thru-hike the 2,175 mile AT. In the spring of 2005 he set off, determined to hike this Georgia-to-northern Maine wilderness trail before the arrival of winter. Immediately, he realized he had plunged into a whole new world. The AT has some ferociously difficult terrain, winding through dramatically diverse geography, and covers the very highest peaks in the East. Walker's near 7-foot height earned him the trail name, Skywalker, and drew envious raves from fellow hikers. But that same height made him more vulnerable to weight loss, cold weather, and crushing fatigue. An elemental fear of bears, snakes, and getting lost also loomed large. The journey often seemed like a see-saw battle between his determination vs. his blunders. The Appalachian Trail has developed a remarkable culture over the years. No other country has a footpath even remotely as popular. Up to four million people hike on the AT at various points during any given year. Mortals are compelled--or perhaps cursed--to relive their lifetime adventure. This is Bill Walker's (Skywalker's) unforgettable version, leavened with ruthlessly self-deprecating humor. His fondest hope is to inspire other rookies and novice hikers, to give the Appalachian Trail a try as well.Review"Walker's description of his fellow hikers is the best part of this fine book. He has a real talent for capturing human foibles."  Smokey Mountain Book Review, Jeff Minnick"Ruthlessly self-deprecating. It's a winning tone." Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Tom Becnel"I was surprised at his honesty. I respect his dealing with the subject of trail romance the way he dealt with it and not using graphic descriptions." Village Journal"This book is such a delight to read because of his fondness for people, and his talent for capturing it all in words." Appalachian Long-Distance Hiking Association From the AuthorSome have joked that this book is as much about what NOT to do, as what to do. Skywalker couldn't agree more!