Ace On The Hill
Sometimes the greatest journey is finding oneself.
Set in suburban Boston during the 1970’s, Ace on the Hill tells the story of Jayson (“Jay”) Zimmerman, an imaginative yet impressionable young man from an upwardly mobile family, who’s more familiar with moving trucks and boxes than the confines of any home in which he’s lived. As Jay settles into his new environment, he experiences situations both comical and gut-wrenching: fallout from his first crush, peer pressure, and the awkwardness of puberty. Instead of being sustained by the cornerstones of family and faith, Jay becomes cynical as he witnesses the unseemly side of human nature.
It’s only when Jay returns to his first true love, baseball, that he regains clarity and confidence to do what any honorable young man would do—make a stand. Even before he goes into his windup, Jay has found home.
Reviews
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Reading this book feels akin to unearthing a trove of self-realization ...
Reads.Grace - Professional Review
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Jay's Journey is a Relatable One
BookbyEmmaa - Professional Review
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Emotionally Charged
Jithu/Digital Creator & Influencer - Professional Review
Editorial Review
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Guardian Son?
Like many teens growing up in New England during the 1970s, I was drawn to the works of Stephen King. This is where I truly understood the meaning of “unable to put a book down.” I undertook Guardian Son as a challenge and a tribute—writing an engaging paranormal thriller that may draw some comparisons to the grand master of horror. As for the story itself, I’ve always enjoyed the theme of good vs. evil (who doesn’t, right?). It was interesting how I’d notice from time to time in my life, there was often a type of payback toward people who had been cruel or hurtful toward others (this was before I fully grasped the concept of Karma). What if the impact certain people had on events was more subtle, yet more powerful and immediate, than we realized?
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Guardian Son, what would they be?
The Seeker by The Who.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Crime fiction. Although Guardian Son may be labeled as a “paranormal thriller,” there is a criminal element in this story (mob and FBI). I can’t really say I have a favorite genre to write… yet.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg and Nightshade by Michael Connelly.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The scene that features Silas Ward confronting Tanner in the woods beyond the stream at the end of Book (Part) One. I tapped the keyboard with white knuckles for that one.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I listen to instrumental music with my dogs nearby.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
With writing and life, I’m learning not to over-explain or overreact. Don’t lose your audience. Sometimes less is more.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Writing this book was a stretch beyond my comfort zone. If I entertained or engaged you in any way, even briefly, it will have been worth it. 😉
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Oct 8, 2025
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