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Trac Brothers
Jam and Jax Trachsel receive an unexpected inheritance from their recently departed uncle Mac– a fully-functioning Kalamazoo brand handcar from the 19th century. When they become stranded over 150 miles from home, do they set it on the train tracks and pump it all the way back? Or, when they find a hand-drawn map their uncle created, do they follow it even further north to the long lost town of Walton Junction? What starts out as a thrilling, modern day adventure quickly becomes a battle for survival. Their journey through Michigan’s scenic Lower Peninsula will introduce them to a world they never imagined, forever changing many lives. Can they trust the Rail Riders, the bizarre but friendly group of people living off the grid? Or will the Track Pirates, a ruthless gang led by the insane Santascoy, cause their demise?
260 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2018
11 people want to read
About the author
Randy D. Pearson
5 books15 followersRandy D Pearson’s creativity and love for the written word came about at an early age. His first creation, a cartoon book entitled The Adventures of Marvin and Randy, was concocted at age nine as a birthday gift for his father. From there, he began writing creative fiction on his Atari computer.
Randy’s writing has been featured in several publications, including the Washington Square Review, Pets Across America: Volume 3, Voices from the Ledges, Fiction 440: Volume 1, and Retrocade Magazine. He also received 2nd place in the Lansing Community College portion of the 2011 LAND (Liberal Arts Network for Development) short story contest.
His debut novel, Driving Crazy, was published nationally in June 2015. It received rave reviews, both locally and internationally.
Randy's next work is his short story collection, Tell Me a Story. It will be released April 23, featuring over 36 short stories with a fun and funny "Tell me a story!" storyline weaved throughout.
Randy’s writing has been featured in several publications, including the Washington Square Review, Pets Across America: Volume 3, Voices from the Ledges, Fiction 440: Volume 1, and Retrocade Magazine. He also received 2nd place in the Lansing Community College portion of the 2011 LAND (Liberal Arts Network for Development) short story contest.
His debut novel, Driving Crazy, was published nationally in June 2015. It received rave reviews, both locally and internationally.
Randy's next work is his short story collection, Tell Me a Story. It will be released April 23, featuring over 36 short stories with a fun and funny "Tell me a story!" storyline weaved throughout.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 3, 2018
I'm the author...so you can't believe me. But here's what others have said:
“Full of whimsy and charm – a grown-up Goonies steeped in nostalgia and brotherhood, set against a beautiful Michigan backdrop, Pearson’s novel will set an enthralling spell that you never want to snap out of. Action, humor, and memorable characters that you wished existed in real life – well, except for the bad guys. But even they have their redeemable moments.” -R.J. Fox, Author Love & Vodka: My Surreal Adventures in Ukraine, Tales from the Dork Side, and Awaiting Identification
“A charming, wild, and witty adventure through Michigan.” – Bryce David Salazar – author of She Sees Metaphors and Tales of Timeless Springs
“What do you do when you inherit an antique handcar? Start pumping it down the tracks, of course. At least that is what Jam and Jax Trachsel do! Chills, spills and fun ensue, all conveyed in Randy D Pearson’s unique style. Pearson’s voice always delights!” – Judith Wade, author of the Mermaid Island Series
Randy Pearson's best book yet! Great dialog with a wonderful modern American adventure story suitable for both adults and kids. Two Michigan boys, upon receiving an unusual inheritance find adventure (and more) on the rails of the northern lower peninsula. I'm tying up my bindlestiff and heading out! Aw, who am I kidding, I'll just have a Crown Royal and imagine instead. - Amazon Reviewer
I loved this book! It was hard to put down, and kept me up way past my bedtime. But it was worth it! Thanks for a great story! I really loved the Michigan connection, too. I can hardly wait for your next book. You're awesome! - Another Amazon Reviewer
“Full of whimsy and charm – a grown-up Goonies steeped in nostalgia and brotherhood, set against a beautiful Michigan backdrop, Pearson’s novel will set an enthralling spell that you never want to snap out of. Action, humor, and memorable characters that you wished existed in real life – well, except for the bad guys. But even they have their redeemable moments.” -R.J. Fox, Author Love & Vodka: My Surreal Adventures in Ukraine, Tales from the Dork Side, and Awaiting Identification
“A charming, wild, and witty adventure through Michigan.” – Bryce David Salazar – author of She Sees Metaphors and Tales of Timeless Springs
“What do you do when you inherit an antique handcar? Start pumping it down the tracks, of course. At least that is what Jam and Jax Trachsel do! Chills, spills and fun ensue, all conveyed in Randy D Pearson’s unique style. Pearson’s voice always delights!” – Judith Wade, author of the Mermaid Island Series
Randy Pearson's best book yet! Great dialog with a wonderful modern American adventure story suitable for both adults and kids. Two Michigan boys, upon receiving an unusual inheritance find adventure (and more) on the rails of the northern lower peninsula. I'm tying up my bindlestiff and heading out! Aw, who am I kidding, I'll just have a Crown Royal and imagine instead. - Amazon Reviewer
I loved this book! It was hard to put down, and kept me up way past my bedtime. But it was worth it! Thanks for a great story! I really loved the Michigan connection, too. I can hardly wait for your next book. You're awesome! - Another Amazon Reviewer
May 30, 2018
I'm the guy that said this book is, “A charming, wild, and witty adventure through Michigan.” And I freaking meant it.
May 26, 2018
An enjoyable book by Mr. Pearson about two brothers who inherit a 19th century railroad handcar. Filled with humor and some action. It starts a bit slow but is a fun ride.
May 7, 2019
An Original Story Filled With Fun Characters
One of the best things about reading anything by Randy D. Pearson is that you’re going to read about fun characters that are well fleshed out. Not only that, the reader goes on an adventure that they’ve never expected or even pondered! I love originality, and this book has it in spades!
For me, I need characters I can identify with, and Randy has a way of doing that. There is always a believability in his characters that make them so endearing. Plus, he has a way of taking an absurd situation and making it not only plausible but funny too.
The Trac Brothers is a well-written page-turner that paints a vivid picture of northern Michigan while igniting your imagination about riding the rails of a handrail car and encountering pirates! Halfway through the book I just couldn’t put it down. The pacing is good through the whole book, but man, when the action kicks in, there’s no way you can just walk away!
One of the best things about reading anything by Randy D. Pearson is that you’re going to read about fun characters that are well fleshed out. Not only that, the reader goes on an adventure that they’ve never expected or even pondered! I love originality, and this book has it in spades!
For me, I need characters I can identify with, and Randy has a way of doing that. There is always a believability in his characters that make them so endearing. Plus, he has a way of taking an absurd situation and making it not only plausible but funny too.
The Trac Brothers is a well-written page-turner that paints a vivid picture of northern Michigan while igniting your imagination about riding the rails of a handrail car and encountering pirates! Halfway through the book I just couldn’t put it down. The pacing is good through the whole book, but man, when the action kicks in, there’s no way you can just walk away!
July 6, 2025
Sometimes siblings can work together to achieve a common interest or goal. Other times, sibling rivalry kicks in and the competition can get fierce. Fortunately, that’s not the case for Jam and Jax Trachsel when they learn their inheritance from a relative is an operating railroad handcar.
Author Randy Pearson smoothly captures the spirit of the brothers as they embark on an adventure throughout parts of Michigan’s lower peninsula (the mitten) rolling wherever the rails take them. Pearson injects plenty of humor, especially when the brothers encounter characters that could have been drawn from another era.
An entertaining, well written story.
Highly recommended
Author Randy Pearson smoothly captures the spirit of the brothers as they embark on an adventure throughout parts of Michigan’s lower peninsula (the mitten) rolling wherever the rails take them. Pearson injects plenty of humor, especially when the brothers encounter characters that could have been drawn from another era.
An entertaining, well written story.
Highly recommended
June 23, 2019
Great book
Randy is a great writer. I was privileged to meet him at the Red Cedar Jubilee in Williamston over the weekend. The book flows nicely with the right amount of comedy and drama. I was totally enthralled with the plot and how it played out.I will be looking forward to more of his books.
Randy is a great writer. I was privileged to meet him at the Red Cedar Jubilee in Williamston over the weekend. The book flows nicely with the right amount of comedy and drama. I was totally enthralled with the plot and how it played out.I will be looking forward to more of his books.
September 26, 2022
Road trip story… or a railroad trip story would be more accurate description. Slow burn murder-mystery turns into a high-speed race on railroad tracks filled with pirates and vagabonds. In my mind, I pictured the ruthless pirates as characters out of a Mad Max movie, but with motor-propelled Velocipedes instead of cars. Trac Brothers is filled with action-packed adventure and humor.
May 5, 2024
A quick and enjoyable read,Trac Brothers is silly and fun. The author writes interesting and whimsical characters. I will have to pick up the next volume and see where the story goes.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews