Meet My Illustrator Bryan Cook
My Book Collections
The Ratters of Lightning Ridge
Australia is unique in that it is the home of 95% of the world’s known black opal reserves, all buried beneath the dry Outback soil in a small area of New South Wales known as Lightning Ridge. Under existing laws an individual can hold only two mining claims that measure 50 meters, or roughly one acre in size. These restrictions do not exist in other parts of Australia. This adventure story centers around two leading characters: Rusty, a 40-year old opal miner, and Kate, a 60-year old, tough-as-nails woman who raises sheep and cattle when she is not mining opal. This story, I believe, captures a sense of intrigue and calamity that continues to happen between opal miners, “ratters,” and animals in the Outback are of Lightning Ridge, Australia. I find Australia an exciting and interesting country. The people there are warm and friendly and ready to help a stranger enjoy their home among the gum trees.
Diamonds of the Never Never
It has been six years since Kate and Rusty found forty diamonds buried in a can behind a cabin. After deciding to sell the jewels, they soon realize that their task may be more challenging than they imagined. Kate is used to living in the bush with sheep and cattle. Rusty is an opal miner who has always wanted more out of his life. After their journey leads them to the bank where the diamonds have been stored for safekeeping, she and Rusty split the jewels and then begin the arduous process of attempting to sell their stash. As they instigate a creative plan, neither has any idea that trouble is lurking in the shadows. Now only one question remains: How many more will have to die in the Never Never before the diamonds are finally sold? In this continuing tale, two adventurers who decide to sell a stash of diamonds embark on a life-changing quest that leads them down a dangerous path where nothing is certain.
Treasure Too Far
This is a story surrounding a geologist who struggled all his life to become financially free by working on only one project. The story begins on a ship off the continental shelf in the Pacific Ocean in Mexican waters. The ore body is found not to be a profitable venture, however the geologist continues all his life to try and market the project to some big mining company. A love story begins between the ship’s captain and a lady geologist on the ship. Years pass and life goes on as they all struggle to become rich.
Big River
This book centers around one year of my life on my Father and Mother’s turkey farm in 1953 when I was only twelve years old.
Richard W. Holmes
Richard Holmes spent over 35 years in corporate America holding various financial management positions.
He was a licensed certified public accountant during his corporate career and was instrumental in setting up startup companies in both the mining and manufacturing industries. In retirement, his travels have included many trips to Australia where he developed a great interest in the Australian outback.
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