Clinch, Jon

Before the events of "A Christmas Carol" changed Ebenezer Scrooge's heart, there was Scrooge and Marley. The two men meet as youths, Ebenezer and Jacob, at the Professor Drabb's Academy for Boys. Soon Jacob begins turning the innocent Ebenezer's heart to extortion and ambition, and as the boys grow into men they develop a fledgling shipping business of dubious legality, dealing in the soon-to-be-outlawed slave trade. The only thing that could possibly save Scrooge's soul is the affections of his sister Fan's best friend, Belle Fairchild.

The death of Vernon Proctor, the oldest of three illiterate brothers living on primitive farm in upstate New York, sets off a wave of suspicion and accusations in the community, and complicates the work of state trooper Del Graham, who must look at Creed and the feeble-minded Audie as suspects.

Relates the story of the life of Huckleberry Finn's father, detailing his relationships with his dad, brother, and son; affair with an African-American woman; problems with money and drinking; and death.

Relates the story of the life of Huckleberry Finn's father, detailing his relationships with his dad, brother, and son; affair with an African-American woman; problems with money and drinking; and death.