A long hidden secret is about to be uncovered in a little known part of Florida-Lake Okeechobee. And, as usual, Shea Baker is right in the mix when he receives a mysterious object-the head of a spear-and this letter: Dear Mr. Baker, While some may think your book Holy Land and the story of the re-emergence of the healing cloak of Jesus is purely fictional, I do not. I know it is true. Just like this story. Inside this package, you will find a replica of the head of a spear known to Biblical historians as the "Spear of Destiny." The original spear held by a Roman guard was used to pierce the side of Jesus as he hung on the cross. After the crucifixion, the spear disappeared. It traveled to several countries, and a number of successful military leaders are said to have possessed it, including Hitler. Just like the cloak did in your book, the spear has resurfaced and is believed to be in South Florida. A number of very deluded but powerful men still cling to the hope that if they can get their hands on the spear, which they believe is infused with the power of God, the Fourth Reich will rise to power and rule the world-a more powerful rerun of Hitler and the Third Reich. I'm sure you will agree that keeping this from happening is of the utmost urgency. I will contact you soon to tell you the whole story. Rest assured this is not a hoax. The Consigned A water canal, Burmese python, burning cross, alligator pit, and the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan are only a few of the obstacles Shea Baker experiences as he searches for the Spear of Destiny. If you loved The Cloak, you'll enjoy reading about Shea Baker's escapades into the interior of Florida where he uncovers a plot of world altering proportions. The Spear of Destiny is the second in a series of exciting Shea Baker mysteries.

Out of Mind, Out of Sight is a revealing history of the Florida State Hospital at Chattahoochee from construction of its original buildings in 1834 as part of the Chattahoochee Federal Arsenal during the Second Seminole War, to its current role-treating individuals who have been civilly and forensically committed. To put the Florida State Hospital at Chattahoochee in perspective, the story is set against a backdrop of the evolution of institutionalized mental health care both in the U.S. and Florida where new emerging treatments-insulin, Metrozol and electroconvulsive (ECT) shock therapies, as well as lobotomies-became part of patient treatment plans. For years, the Florida State Hospital at Chattahoochee had quite a reputation-most of it bad; but, the institution was not alone. For decades throughout the country, state facilities earned shocking reputations for their inadequate care and mistreatment of the mentally ill. Even more chilling was the incarceration of thousands of men and women who were not mentally ill at all, but due to ignorance and prejudice on the part of the public, medical profession, and court system, were confined for epilepsy, sunbathing nude, smoking, menopause or other "egregious" offenses. Some may wonder why an account of the obscure facility at Chattahoochee is important. The answer lies in its dual role as historic physical facility and evolving mental institution that, when combined, paint a poignant portrait of Florida-its history, its laws and its people; and it is incumbent upon historians to preserve this picture-the good, the bad, and the ugly-for generations to come.

What if the world was able to access an ancient artifact that would miraculously heal anyone who touched it? Would it be a blessing or a curse? This question and more face brash, but endearing, freelance writer Shea Baker, as he finds himself hurled headlong into a mystery of biblical proportions in The Cloak. To some, making this relic available to heal the masses would be an act of compassion. However altruistic, others believe it to be a totally misguided act--one that would instantly fling the world into theological, political, economic and logistical chaos. What follows is a hunt for the mysterious article from South Florida to Jerusalem by a number of fascinating characters, each with his/her own agenda for wanting to possess it. An intriguing story, The Cloak takes us on a theoretical ride that undoubtedly will become the catalyst for lively discussions for years to come.

"Radar won the war, the bomb ended it." Small Town, Big Secrets gives us a look at one of America's most important military bases during World War II--the top secret Boca Raton Army Air Field. On this base, troops learned how to install, maintain and operate the country's most important war-worth device--airborne radar. Small Town, Big Secrets retraces for the first time the development of the base, its impact on Boca Raton, the life of base soldiers and the development and impact of airborne radar in the war. Engrossing and thoroughly researched, this poignant history has gone untold until now. The story of the Boca Raton Army Air Field is at once a story of sacrifice and service by America's young servicemen and women, and a testament to the effort of a small community during World War II.