Missing: 85 Days

Ninety-nine years ago John Olson vanished.

His belongings were found strewn along the south bank of the Spokane River near the Howard Street Bridge. The local newspapers had a heyday with the story. They concocted scandalous unsubstantiated rumors, including a tale about him running off with a so-called “mystery woman.” The Spokane police department investigated the case, but ran out of clues and concluded that he had simply run off.

Meanwhile, his wife, Helen, found herself alone with six children, no income, and public disgrace. On top of that, one of her children became deathly ill. Helen conducted her own investigation, and printed a “reward” poster, but to no avail. To make ends meet, she filled in for him as a fire extinguisher salesman.

Almost three months after his disappearance, with the help of a lumber mill worker and a cop that used to work with Olson on the streetcars in Spokane, Olson was reunited with his family.

But for nearly one-hundred years the circumstances of his disappearance have remained a mystery.

Until now.

Randy Haglund, the grandson of John Olson, has spent years investigating the event and has written a novel of historical fiction dramatizing the incident. Using newspaper articles, family lore, and personal interviews, Haglund has pieced together the evidence that tells the true story.

Especially instrumental in the research is the existence of one essential document:  a diary written by Olson himself during his absence. It reveals a surprising explanation for the cause of his disappearance.

Missing: 85 Days, is a heartbreaking story of a tragedy culminating in magnificent triumph.

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This new exciting novel is available now on Amazon and on Reedsy Discovery as an ebook or a paperback.