Leave the Troubled Skull Behind
What do we remember at the end — and what do we forget?
In Leave the Troubled Skull Behind, Lina Patton crafts a haunting, darkly funny pastiche inspired by Tobias Wolff’s Bullet in the Brain and true stories from the life of her father, audiobook narrator James Baxter Patton. When Baxter, a sharp-tongued, tech-weary octogenarian, finds himself in the middle of a surreal bank robbery, his final moments become a kaleidoscope of memory, irony, and revelation.
As the bullet slows through his brain, Baxter doesn’t recall his career, his family, or the world’s unraveling headlines. Instead, he returns to a racetrack in childhood—blue sky, horse hooves, and the fleeting magic of feeling the universe on his side.
This poignant, satirical short story explores what truly matters when everything else falls away. Perfect for fans of literary fiction, character-driven narratives, and stories that blend humor with heartbreak.
Sample performed by Jim Patton
Related Products
Goldfield
Blending documented paranormal lore with relentless supernatural suspense, Goldfield delivers a chilling, high-stakes battle between good and evil—where redemption may be the only weapon strong enough to stop the darkness.
Hard Living Easy Dying - Book 2
From the muddy roads of retreat to the chaos of ambushes and the quiet heartbreak of loss, McNair’s story is a deeply human account of camaraderie, courage, and the cost of command.
Hopefield Evolution
Discover the Legend. Live the Journey. Women adored him. Men admired him. Criminals feared him.
Into Modern Times with O. Henry
O. Henry might be considered the Saturday Night Live satirist of his day. While his messages are serious, quite often he doesn’t take himself or his characters too seriously. It’s almost like listening to comedy sketches from the 1910’s, and they are performed in that light.
Love Insurance
Lord Harrowby came to Lloyds of London with a most unusual request. He wanted to ensure that nothing would prevent his imminent wedding and expected a big policy payout if things didn’t work out.
The Mansion
Perfect for fans of The Conjuring and The Haunting of Hill House, this is a gripping tale of horror, redemption, and the battle between light and darkness.