Ready for a twist on an old-fashioned, classic "ripping good yarn," one with high adventure, fast-paced, dime-novel action, and cliffhanging suspense? Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, Soldiers of Misfortune is a dark, more violent tale for adult audiences. The novel follows an orphaned teen named Dory Goodwin, and his loyal canine companion Otto, in search of the boy's missing aunt and uncle. In his sojourn through the dangerous environs of 1904 New Orleans, Dory and Otto face a series of threats and perils lurking at every turn in the evil heart of "the Crescent City." Along the way, Dory is joined by three men, all of them damaged goods who have suffered terrible personal tragedies for which they blame themselves. In helping the lost boy, though, they see an opportunity for atonement and self-redemption while Dory learns the meaning of courage, self-sacrifice, and a faith in all that is good and noble in the human spirit.