Arizona Argonauts by H. Bedford-Jones ~ Full Audiobook
Jan 3, 2024
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Three misfits team up to turn their lives around in early 1900's Arizona. Gold mining, desert landscapes, and deadly rattlers add to the adventure. Intrigue, murder, mayhem, and mystery with a touch of romance make for an entertaining story.
04:33:22
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Quick takeaways
The protagonist, Sandy McIntavers, suspects foul play when offered a deal on a mine in Marungal Valley.
Sandy plans to verify ownership of the property at the state land office in Meteorite before finalizing the deal.
Dr. James Scutter's arrival in the town raises suspicions and leads to intrigue surrounding Tom Lee's injury.
Bill Hobbs discovers Dr. Scutter's true identity and rushes to write an article about it.
Claire Lee suspects Dr. Scutter of keeping her father under the influence of opium and takes action.
Deep dives
Dedoke proposes a deal
Dead Oak Stevens approaches Sandy McIntavers and offers him a deal regarding a mine in Marungal Valley. He proposes that Sandy buys out the mortgage on the property and gives Dead Oak a one-fourth interest in the mine.
Sandy's suspicion
Sandy examines the samples of gold quartz and red glass provided by Dead Oak and suspects foul play. He decides to play along and offers to buy the mortgage for $10 and give Dead Oak a note for the remaining amount, contingent upon verifying the property and samples.
Sandy's plan
Sandy plans to go to the state land office in Meteorite to verify ownership of the property before finalizing the deal. Meanwhile, he calls for Bill Hobbes to join him and instructs him to gather his things and be ready to leave for Meteorite soon.
The Arrival of a Mysterious Stranger
A stranger, Dr. James Scutter, arrives in the town and inquires about Tom Lee, who is injured and staying at the hotel. Bill Hobbs, a curious observer, overhears their conversation and learns that Dr. Scutter has come because he received a wire about finding a place that suited him. Meanwhile, Claire Lee, Tom's daughter, is filled with fear and inner turmoil as she listens from her room.
Bill Hobbs Discovers the Truth
Bill Hobbs, a local journalist, sneaks into the hotel office and sees that the stranger, Dr. Scutter, has signed his real name. Excited by the potential story, Hobbs rushes to his office to write an article about the arrival of the mysterious doctor.
Dr. Scutter's Plans
Dr. Scutter visits Tom Lee's room and discusses plans for a construction project. He mentions hiring a contractor and going over the plans together. Claire, in the adjacent room, feels a sense of unease and fear as she listens to their conversation, although it does not directly concern her.
Claire seeks Murray's help
Claire Lee asks Dr. Murray to take her to Morangal Valley immediately, handing him a note from her father, Tom Lee, who wants her to leave without delay. Claire suspects Dr. Scudder, who has been treating Tom Lee for opium addiction, of keeping her father under the influence of opium. Murray is surprised and agrees to take her, despite the lack of explanation.
Murray and Claire discuss their lives
As they travel towards Morangal Valley, Murray and Claire discuss their unconventional lives and the judgments they face from society. Murray shares his own experience of overcoming a drug addiction, emphasizing the importance of inner strength over external perception. Claire reflects on her own experiences as the daughter of a Chinese man, acknowledging the challenges and prejudices she has faced, but also finding solace in the love and support she receives from her father.
The Revelation of Scudder's Scheme
Dr. Murray confronts Scudder about planting drugs in his belongings to discredit him. Scudder admits to his scheme and reveals he has been keeping Tom Lee under the influence of opium.
Confrontation and Repercussions
Tom Lee interrupts their conversation, revealing that he is aware of Scudder's plan. Scudder attempts to inject Murray with morphine, but is bitten by a rattlesnake and flees in panic. Murray, Clare, and Bill Hobbs are reunited, and Sandy MacIntabbers discovers a vein of free gold.
Imagine it's early 1900's and you want to get away from it all. So you head to Two Palms, Arizona. Where for entertainment, people await the arrival of the daily stage coach. Gold mining is an avocation. There is desert everywhere, deadly rattlers, no paved roads, some people travel in model T's which they call flivvers. They must carry their own water, gasoline and tire patch kits for the many blowouts they encounter. The heat is blinding! The nearest 'big' town is Meteorite which has an ice cream shop, a post office and a stage coach head office. Here's where it gets interesting! Three misfits, a disgraced surgeon, an ex bank robber and a former prominent businessman type all meet on the road to nowhere to team up and head to Two Palms to turn their lives around. Already there is a wealthy San Francisco businessman and his beautiful daughter the apple of everyone's eyes. Arizona Argonauts would make a great movie! There's intrigue, murder, mayhem, mystery and of course romance. Try it - you'll like it!
