Land Shadows

Winner of the Maxy AwardFirst Runner-Up for Historical Fiction, Eric Hoffer AwardShortlisted for the Eric Hoffer Grand PrizeLand Shadows is a sweeping historical saga spanning the Scottish Highlands, Gilded Age New York, and the contested lands of New Mexico. At its heart is Murdoch McNeil, an orphaned boy shaped by loss and ambition, and Kewanee, a Potawatomi girl resisting forced assimilation at the Carlisle Indian School. Their lives entwine across decades as they confront questions of land, legacy, and identity in a country rewriting its own truth.Orphaned during the Highland Clearances, Murdoch claws his way into New York's legal elite—only to stake everything on a forged deed in New Mexico’s Maxwell Land Grant. As the U.S. government sorts fraud from legitimacy, Murdoch uproots his family to defend a lie, dragging them into a battle over belonging, justice, and truth.Told through multiple perspectives and rich with historical detail, Land Shadows explores America’s westward expansion—not just through conquest, but through compromise, betrayal, and resilience.Winner of the Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye AwardFinalist for the Eric Hoffer First Horizon AwardNamed one of Shelf Unbound’s Top 100 Notable Indie BooksKirkus Reviews: “Poignant & engaging.”Praise for Land Shadows“Striegel’s vivid writing brings to life a sweeping story of land, legacy, and betrayal... a richly imagined historical novel with modern resonance.”—BookLife by Publishers Weekly*4/5 Stars!* “A page-turner... well-researched, enjoyable, and compelling.”—Patti Kidd, MA English, PhD Education, Reedsy Discovery Reviewer“An engrossing tale with spellbinding characters... you’re watching history unfold.”—Marianne Goodland, President, Denver Press Club“An enlightening and thoughtful approach to how land rights were handled during another era... Highly recommended.”—Ann Howard Creel, The Magic of Ordinary Days Read more