CONROE, TX – Defiance Press & Publishing announces the signing of author Rick Steeby for his compelling frontier mystery, “Gold Miner’s Daughter,” a gripping tale set against the rugged backdrop of 1960s Alaska.
In “Gold Miner’s Daughter,” drifter Wyatt Peoples has found an unexpected home in the remote mining town of Chicken, Alaska. A Korean War veteran who fled a failed law enforcement career in Texas, Wyatt seeks only peace and anonymity—until he meets the captivating Amy Crockett, daughter of a local gold miner.
When Amy’s brother Tim is murdered, Wyatt reluctantly accepts the position of sheriff, tasked with solving a crime that grows increasingly complex. As more bodies pile up and mining claims become targets, he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy reaching from the icy creeks of the Fortymile district to the powerful offices of Anchorage. Between navigating his growing feelings for Amy and investigating a trail of sabotage and murder, Wyatt must confront the very responsibilities he once abandoned.
“Rick Steeby has crafted an exceptional novel that captures both the harsh beauty of Alaska’s frontier and the enduring American spirit of justice and redemption,” said Lisa Woodward, Director of Publishing at Defiance Press. “What immediately drew us to ‘Gold Miner’s Daughter’ was Steeby’s masterful blend of authentic historical detail with a compelling mystery that keeps readers turning pages. His protagonist embodies the traditional values of duty, honor, and personal responsibility that resonate deeply with our readers. This is exactly the kind of powerful storytelling that Defiance Press is proud to champion—fiction that entertains while celebrating the pioneer spirit that built our nation.”
Filled with authentic frontier grit, unforgettable characters, and the harsh beauty of the last frontier, “Gold Miner’s Daughter” delivers a compelling tale of redemption, justice, and love in one of America’s most unforgiving landscapes. The novel will appeal to fans of Craig Johnson’s “The Cold Dish,” William Kent Krueger’s “Iron Lake,” and Philipp Meyer’s “The Son.”
“Gold Miner’s Daughter” will be available for purchase in winter 2026 through major retailers, independent bookstores, and online at www.DefiancePress.com.
About Defiance Press & Publishing
Defiance Press & Publishing amplifies voices who might not otherwise be heard by mainstream America. The company publishes principled fiction, non-fiction, current events, and children’s literature from outstanding authors with a special emphasis on God, country, liberty, and conservatism, serving the diverse interests of readers through various imprints.
Media Contact
Lisa Woodward
Director of Publishing
Defiance Press & Publishing, LLC
2685 S. Loop 336W, Suite B
Conroe, TX 77304
[email protected]
www.DefiancePress.com