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The 4th installment of Dr. John Stourton Adventures will be out this Summer.
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The Estate at Wake Forest
The Estate at Wake Forest
Revised March 8, 2026
The Estate at Wake Forest is an ambitious political thriller and generational saga that blends historical mystery, modern intrigue, and the personal cost of power. The novel follows Dr. John Stourton, a former U.S. Navy officer and college professor whose quiet life is upended when he unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune, a powerful corporation (LSSL), and a legacy of secrets tied to his grandfather and the town of Wake Forest, North Carolina.
The story opens with a gripping prologue set in 1934, where a clandestine railroad delivery involving a mysterious package hints at a long‑buried national secret. This historical thread becomes central to the novel’s mystery: a revolutionary steam locomotive constructed from a rare mineral discovered in the mountains of North Carolina. The material possesses extraordinary properties—it does not rust, acts as a permanent lubricant, and can withstand extreme conditions. Built as a covert government experiment, the locomotive vanished decades earlier and was believed destroyed.
In the present day, John Stourton’s inheritance places him at the center of an expanding web of corporate responsibility, political attention, and danger. As John and his new wife, Sally, travel to Scotland for their honeymoon, they reconnect with aristocratic relatives and draw intense media scrutiny when John’s knighthood and Scottish lineage are revealed. At the same time, back in North Carolina, John’s loyal inner circle uncovers the long‑hidden locomotive deep within an abandoned mine—perfectly preserved and still functional.
The discovery ignites a race for control. Government agencies, shadow organizations, and political operatives attempt to seize the technology, recognizing its potential to upend global industries and military power. As threats escalate, John is pressured to run for President of the United States, a role he neither sought nor expected. His campaign becomes a battleground of sabotage, intimidation, and assassination attempts, forcing him to rely on a fiercely loyal group of allies—family members, trusted workers, veterans, and engineers—who operate with near‑military precision.
The novel weaves together multiple story lines: corporate espionage, political corruption in Washington, the ethical use of revolutionary technology, and the emotional toll leadership places on those closest to John. Strong supporting characters, including John’s daughter Chrissy, now CEO of LSSL, his brother Michael, and a cadre of formidable women and veterans, help anchor the narrative in loyalty and shared purpose.
The climax builds toward a symbolic and literal return to the rails, as the legendary locomotive becomes part of a bold, high‑visibility journey tied to John’s campaign and a broader effort to expose corruption. The novel closes with the formation of a new reform‑minded coalition, suggesting that while power invites danger, integrity and unity can still challenge entrenched systems.
The Resort on Roan Mountain
Revised March 28, 2026
The Resort on Roan Mountain is a sweeping, genre‑blending novel that fuses historical mystery, modern political thriller, Appalachian folklore, and high‑stakes techno‑drama into a single, fast‑moving narrative. The story spans more than a century, linking the hidden past of the North Carolina mountains to a dangerous present in which power, corruption, and a world‑altering secret collide.
The novel opens in the early 1900s at the legendary Cloudland Hotel on Roan Mountain, where Dr. Francis Stanhope, a geologist and newlywed, is drawn into a disturbing discovery beneath the mountains. What begins as a routine professional inquiry turns ominous when an unknown mineral is uncovered one that emits a strange glow, sickens those exposed to it, and ultimately leads to tragedy. The incident is buried by time but not erased.
In the modern era, the story shifts to Dr. John Stourton, a former Navy captain and small‑town professor whose quiet life is shattered when he unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune and a web of family secrets. With wealth comes visibility and danger. As John takes control of a sprawling corporate empire rooted in mining, railroads, and advanced technology, he becomes the target of violent attacks, political manipulation, and covert forces that want what he controls or want him silenced.
At the heart of the conflict there is a rare and astonishing mineral hidden deep within the Roan Mountain region. Unlike anything known to science, the substance possesses the ability to neutralize radiation completely making it the most valuable and dangerous resource on Earth. In the wrong hands, it could destabilize global power, trigger wars, or erase entire industries overnight. Keeping its existence secret becomes a matter of survival, not just for John, but for the nation.
As corrupt senators, foreign interests, and shadowy operatives close in, John relies on a fiercely loyal inner circle of security veterans, engineers, lawyers, and trusted allies to protect the secret and expose those abusing power. His personal life is equally tested as his relationship with Sally, his formidable partner, deepens amid chaos, threats, and near‑constant danger.
The tension escalates in Washington, D.C., where political hearings devolve into public spectacle, assassination attempts unfold in real time, and the line between justice and vigilantism blurs. Appalachian traditions, including old‑world reckonings like tar‑and‑feather justice, resurface as symbols of resistance against corruption.
The Palace in Spruce Pine
June 30, 2020
BOOK 1
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It began like any other day in John Stourton’s quiet routine. He taught all his classes from home, so mornings followed a familiar rhythm: feed the dog and cat, brew a pot of coffee, and wait patiently for it to finish. Once ready, he’d settle into his recliner, sip his coffee, and catch the morning news. At precisely 8:00 AM, he’d head into his home office and begin teaching. Everything about this day felt ordinary.
As usual, when he spotted the mailman, John stepped outside to greet him. Jeff, the mailman, handed over a small stack of envelopes, exchanged pleasantries, and continued on his route. Coffee in hand, John strolled up the driveway, casually flipping through the mail. Just as he reached the garage, one envelope caught his eye—it looked aged, like something lost to time.
Setting the rest of the mail aside, he opened the mysterious letter. Within five minutes, disbelief washed over him. He examined the envelope again—the postage, the return address. It had been sent from Athens, Georgia, and the sender was none other than his longtime friend, Steven Drake.
John read the letter once more. As he did, he noticed two figures approaching. In the distance, black Chevy Suburbans rolled down the hill. In that instant, John knew: the letter was real.
Bio
My Imagination at Work
John David Sheuring – Author & Educator
John David Sheuring is a passionate author and cybersecurity educator whose writing blends imagination, personal experience, and a deep desire to inspire. His literary journey began with Forever Forward, a heartfelt memoir that took nine years to complete and marked a turning point in his life. Published in 2018, the book offered a cathartic release, allowing him to share his struggles and triumphs with readers.
In 2020, amid the global upheaval of COVID-19, John turned to fiction. He wrote The Palace in Spruce Pine, his first adventure novel, in just one month—a creative burst that reignited his love for storytelling. Since then, he has published several more works, including The Resort on Roan Mountain (2022), The Estate at Wake Forest (2023), and his debut science fiction novel, Futurist 2062: The Year of Phyllias.
Though life has kept him busy, John is now returning to the keyboard with renewed focus. In the coming year, he plans to complete two long-awaited projects: one exploring the field of cybersecurity—his professional passion—and another delving into mental health, aiming to foster greater understanding of mental disorders.
As a dedicated cybersecurity instructor, John brings real-world experience into the classroom, empowering students to transform their lives and meet the growing demands of the digital age. Whether through teaching or writing, his mission remains the same: to connect, educate, and inspire.