Golf novel

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- Former Charleston businessman Charlie Ryan has written a novel titled "Dead Men's Clubs: A Story of Golf, Death and Redemption."

The story focuses on Munch Malone, an inept 70-year-old golfer, who is selected by two deceased golfers for a grand experiment. The book, written for general audiences as well as golfers, stretches from the South Carolina Lowcountry to The Greenbrier resort.

The book is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Abbott Press. The paperback costs $22.99; it's $6.95 on Kindle.

Huntington legends

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- James E. Casto will sign copies of his new book, "Legendary Locals of Huntington, West Virginia," from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Red Caboose gift shop at Heritage Station, Huntington.

Issued by Arcadia Publishing, the book profiles many of the noteworthy individuals who have built and shaped the Huntington community over the years.

"It's a remarkable collection of people," Casto said. "The book includes a broad cross-section of individuals -- everybody from the city's namesake, rail tycoon Collis P. Huntington, to Dagmar, the blond bombshell of 1950s television, and Soupy Sales, the pie-throwing comic. Not all those included are names from the city's past. Many are individuals who still are working to make Huntington a better community."

Casto is the author of five previous Arcadia books, as well as other books on local and regional history. The book is available at local retailers or directly from the publisher at 888-313-2665. Autographed copies can be obtained by sending a check for $27 (price includes postage and handling) to James E. Casto, 6233 Highland Drive, Huntington, WV 25705.

Changes in Russia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Local author Eric Douglas chronicles the changes he has seen since first traveling to Russia in 1993. He has returned six times.

"Russia: The New Age" is a collection of articles, essays and photographs by Douglas, encompassing more than six months spent in Russia between 1993 and the present. There are nearly 100 photographs spanning 1993 on.

The book is available as a Kindle eBook through Amazon for $6.99. There is a link to the ebook on Douglas' website, www.booksbyeric.com.

Mayan calendar trilogy

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. -- West Virginia Wesleyan College professor Pete Galarneau has written and self-published "Journey of the Daggers: The Complete 2012 Trilogy."

The communications professor started 17 years ago writing the 1,000-page trilogy, based on the Mayan calendar which ended Dec. 21, 2012.

The trilogy is available from all major online book retailers, on Kindle eBook, and at www.journeyofthedaggers.com, as well as in Buckhannon at the Fast Stop Food Mart, the Wesleyan bookstore and Samson & Delilah Beauty Stop.