Haunted by his brother’s disappearance and driven by a need for answers to the dreams plaguing him, Mercer digs into his ancestry, uncovering a legacy that stretches back centuries. From the modern streets of New York City to the ancient ruins of Wales and the colonial past of Madagascar, Mercer searches to find the answers he seeks. But with every step forward, Mercer and his sister Lizzy find themselves tangled in a deeper mystery, one that powerful forces are desperate to keep hidden.
Mercer’s dreams reveal hidden truths about his ancestors, secrets tied to pivotal moments in history. As he and Lizzy follow the trail of clues left behind, they discover that some of their family’s choices have had far-reaching consequences. And now, Mercer faces an impossible decision: uncover the truth and risk rewriting history—or let the past remain buried.
But the past isn’t the only thing chasing Mercer. A secret organization that has been manipulating history is watching his every move. If Mercer uncovers too much, he may not live long enough to share what he’s found.
Set against a backdrop of rich historical landscapes and high-stakes suspense, Leaf Runner is a gripping story about family, legacy, and the power of hidden truths. Perfect for fans of historical thrillers, supernatural mysteries, and stories where the past and present collide, Leaf Runner will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Discover the secrets of the past. Face the truth. Read Leaf Runner today.
John C. Stroebel was born and raised in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin and spent many summers baling hay on local farms in the hills around his small town. Since he could walk, he loved taking things apart to see how they worked and learning how to piece them back together. This passion eventually resulted in his graduating with an electrical engineering degree from the University of Minnesota. In 1987, he began designing implantable medical devices and has since amassed more than three dozen patents in the field. His contributions have directly impacted the lives of millions of people worldwide.
John and his wife, Sue, have been married for over thirty years. While raising four children and fostering many more, John never lost his passion: taking things apart and putting them back together again. As Covid forced many to work from home, John took the opportunity to rework his lifelong interest. Instead of tinkering with electronics, John began dissecting and reassembling thoughts into words and words into stories. With the long days at home and a gentle nudge from his wife, John pieced together what would soon become Leaf Runner, his first full-length novel.