Pete Kosky is a teacher who lives in South Charleston, West Virginia, and a clawhammer banjo player who is active in the old-time music and folklife communities of the state as well as its literary scene. He is, for example, a past winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest. The cover of the book is a photo by Lisa Elmaleh; Billy Edd Wheeler songs inspired some characters, and his editor is Cat Pleska. “A delightful set of stories ranging from the days of Rimfire Hamrick in Webster County to a night at Charleston’s Empty Glass in modern times. Pete calls upon his experiences as a musician, his trips to mountain men rendezvous, and even his formal education to craft some of the finest West Virginia stories you will find anywhere.” – Mack Samples. “Pete Kosky . . . will take you . . . on a dark yet vivid ride that makes you shudder. And makes you yearn for more.” – the late Lee Maynard. “This book is great fun! Reading this amazing story collection is like attending one of Pete’s music performances: you are thoroughly entertained.” Kirk Judd.
Charleston, West Virginia: Mountain State Press, 2017. 198 pages. Trade paperback