They Call Him Skinner

A rowdy mining town. A paperboy turf war. Can one teen save his family’s future with his fists?

Montana, 1920. James “Skinner” O’Brien would rather keep his nose in a book than exchange blows. But when the school year comes to an end, the teen must once again enter the fierce world of newspaper delivery where defending his corner means going toe-to-toe with rival gang leaders. Since his father is sick from working the mines and the down payment for a family farm is within reach, Skinner can’t afford to ruin his perfect fight record…

But with every challenger he defeats, the target on his back only grows. And soon, his best friend and sweetheart get swept up into the brutal turf war. Confronted by a deadly opponent with a devilish reputation, Skinner must decide how much he’ll risk for a chance to free himself and those he loves from a life of violence.

Can he stand up for his family and friends without losing his future? Or will he learn too late that some battles can’t be fought with fists alone…

They Call Him Skinner is a hard-hitting YA historical fiction set in a gritty Western American mining town. If you like fast-paced action that packs a punch, real-to-life stories of survival, and fierce and funny characters, then you’ll love Timothy James Riley’s gripping coming-of-age tale.

Buy They Call Him Skinner to square off with a sensational YA historical fiction today!

Timothy James Riley grew up in a rural farming community in central California. His father owned a sporting goods store, his mother managed a clothing boutique, and his sister launched a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Riley himself spent forty-five years in sales and marketing management. He served as president of the local service club, the chamber of commerce, and the Far West Equipment Dealers Association.
Riley retired in 2016 and devoted his time to writing and fly-fishing. He has published a self-help book, I'm Lettin' Go...But I Ain't Giving Up. His latest book, They Call Him Skinner, is the first part in a young adult trilogy based on his father's adolescence in Montana.
Riley and his wife of fifty-two years, Penny, live near Fresno, California. They have two grown sons and two grandchildren.