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Jeffrey H. Ryan Hiker Author Photographer Speaker Podcaster Director

Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte

When Jim Whyte settled outside the slate mining town of Monson, Maine in 1895, people hardly knew what to make of him. Almost 130 tears later, we still don’t. A world traveler who spoke six languages fluently, Whyte came to town with sacks full of money and a fierce desire to keep to himself. It […]

Kindle vision of “Hermit” now available

Hermit book, chapter one

“Hermit” is now available in Kindle format and can be read on smartphones, tablets and computers using the free Kindle Reader app.

Kindle Unlimited members can read the book free.

Watch Video of Hermit Presentation at LL Bean Flagship Store

Jim Whyte was a 19th century world traveler, millionaire, raconteur and, yes, smuggler wanted by the FBI.

How and why did he end up in the rural town of Monson, Maine? Who was he hiding from other than the feds? Where did he bury $40,000?

Based on the true story, my book uncovers many of the riddles, but some may never be solved.

Read the Remarkable Story Behind Hermit

In Search of Jim Whyte

Read the story behind the story of the mysterious Jim Whyte of Monson, Maine.

My new 30-page book details how I discovered the legend of Whyte, how I went about writing the book and includes a free excerpt.

Available in Apple, Kindle and paperback formats.

New Book Trailer for Hermit

When you happen upon the story of a lifetime, you are destined to follow it, nurture it and bring it out into the light.

I created this book trailer to give you a flavor for who I went about telling this remarkable tale.

Reader’s Favorite Ranks “Hermit” a 5-Star Read

The author’s holy grail is the story that readers can’t stop reading. I was grateful to receive that kind of feedback when I was drafting and editing my manuscript from a hand-selected audience of publishing professionals and friends.

A few weeks ago, I sent a review copy of my manuscript for Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte to the folks at Reader’s Favorite. Here’s what they had to say:

Yup, this happened …

A funny thing happened when I sat down to “write a book about the Appalachian Trail” (the one that became my first book, Appalachian Odyssey).

From the start, I thought that the path would lead me to other discoveries (like a trail always does)