Thunder Mountain is a novel of magical realism by former Western New Mexico University professor and eccentric 
mountain man, Uncle River. Set in the mythical south 
western New Mexico mountain town of Elk Stuck, the book details mundane and mystical events that revolve around 
the main character, drifter Harry Upton, and his quirky, 
adopted family. 

After a time of contentment in the lush highland village, 
peace is disrupted by the arrival of a sinister spirit which 
brings with it a mysterious corporation seemingly allied 
with covert governmental forces. Environmental rape and 
abuse of the mountain soon spread to threaten Elk Stuck's 
very existence. As Upton and his cohorts work stealthily to understand the company's motives and halt its activities, 
they are aided by the mountain's guardian spirit which sends guidance in the form of dreams, visions, and even herself. 
The confusion and calamities spurred by the battle between 
good and evil unravel a study in how character drives action 
and choice determines fate. 

Uncle River describes the gritty, high-country life with a 
clarity and detail that can only come from living it. Along 
with appreciation for hardy mountain folk and their fringe 
lifestyle, the story invokes the realization that open eyes 
can be both wary and filled with wonder.