Author Interview with Thomas Goodman & a Giveaway
What a fun conversation with Historical True Crime fiction author, Thomas Goodman! I hope you enjoy our chat about his debut novel, The Last Man, based on the true story of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery.
Be sure to comment below by October 29 for a chance to win a copy. (US winner: Choice of paperback or ebook; International winner: Ebook)
Comment on Thomas Goodman’s Zoom interview on the #HopeFilledFiction blog by 10/29 for a chance to win a copy of #TheLastMan, a Historical True Crime novel. #giveaway
TweetJoin the conversation. Have you ever heard of the 1927 Santa Claus bank robbery? Do you like reading true crime novels? What intrigues you most about Tom’s book? What questions or comments do you have for him?
Be sure to comment below by October 29 for a chance to win a copy of Tom’s book! (Paperback or ebook for a US winner OR an ebook for an International winner)
The Last Man by Thomas Goodman
Click the book cover for Amazon link, or HERE for a signed paperback. Audiobook lover? We’ve got you covered HERE.
The ebook is on sale on Amazon for $.99 until October 26!
When Santa Claus enters a Texas bank just before Christmas in 1927, no one expects him to pull a gun.
The fake white beard hides his identity from his neighbors while he and three others take everything. But their easy heist goes sideways fast when armed lawmen and citizens assemble to claim a new reward for dead bank robbers.
Taking hostages, the gang forces a path through a frenzied and bloody shootout, setting the whole Lone Star state on their trail.
One bandit dies in the getaway. One is executed in the electric chair. One swings from a rope in a mob lynching. The last man finds a life he always hoped for … if only he can keep it.
Closely based on a true story, The Last Man is a gritty Prohibition-era Western novel filled with flawed characters and second chances.
The Last Man is a 2024 Spur Award winner from the Western Writers of America, and a 2024 Will Rogers Medallion Award winner.
For over 40 years, Tom Goodman has served as a pastor in Louisiana, the Cayman Islands, and Texas. His debut novel won a 2024 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America, and a 2024 Will Rogers Medallion Award. Closely based on a true crime, the book is called The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery. Tom first ran across the story when he was a pastor in the small Texas county where it all took place.
He currently serves as the pastor of the Hillcrest Church in Austin, Texas, where he’s been for 21 years. He and his wife of 43 years have 2 adult sons. Tom is the author of several nonfiction books and articles, including over 50 entries in the Lifeway men’s devotional magazine called Stand Firm.
Connect with Tom: Website / Facebook / Fiction Amazon Author Page / Non-Fiction Amazon Author Page / “Winning Ways” Devotional Newsletter
Please share Tom’s interview on social media to help spread the word about this book!
If you missed my book review post last week, find it here.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
33 Comments
Deena Adams
Congratulations to Pamela, the winner of Tom’s book! You should see an email from me with instructions for claiming your prize. Thanks to all who read the interview and joined the conversation!
Vickie Waters
True crime has always fascinated me. I have never heard of the Santa Claus bank robbery. Sounds very interesting.
Deena Adams
I agree, Vickie. Thanks so much for stopping by and adding your input!
Tom Goodman
Thanks for your interest, Vickie! Check out the free 26-page photo booklet, “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” You’ll see images of the real bandits, their child hostages, the officers who were killed in the shootout, and more. The sign-up form is on my website: http://www.ThomasGoodmanWrites.com.
Pamela Raynell Nichols
Looking forward to reading this! I enjoy reading true crime but must admit I’ve never heard of this. Heading over to Tom’s page for the photos.
Deena Adams
Thanks for checking out Tom’s interview and joining the conversation, Pamela!
Tom Goodman
Hi Pamela! It was a fascinating story to research, and I hope I did it justice in the novel. Check out the free 26-page photo booklet, “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” You’ll see images of the real bandits, their child hostages, the officers who were killed in the shootout, and more. The sign-up form is on my website: http://www.ThomasGoodmanWrites.com.
Suzanne
I would love to try out a new true crime author!
Deena Adams
Great, Suzanne! Best of luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Tom Goodman
Thanks for your interest, Suzanne! Check out the free 26-page photo booklet, “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” You’ll see images of the real bandits, their child hostages, the officers who were killed in the shootout, and more. The sign-up form is on my website: http://www.ThomasGoodmanWrites.com.
Faith D. Cox
I enjoyed the interview! The Last Man is very intriguing, and I look forward to reading it! Thank you for the opportunity to win a paperback copy.
Tom Goodman
Thanks Faith! Until Friday, it’s only 99-cents on Kindle, with audio narration for $7.49 more. It’s also available on Kindle Unlimited. And be sure to download “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” The 26-page book is filled with photos of the real characters and places behind my novel. I have photos of the bandits, the officers who were killed, the child hostages, and much more. It’s free at my website: http://thomasgoodmanwrites.com
Deena Adams
I’m so glad you enjoyed Tom’s interview, Faith. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Lorraine Groom-Ashmore
I had not heard of this. I love historical fiction and would love to read this book. Thank you.
Deena Adams
Hi, Lorraine. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kim Glover
Can’t wait to read this book!! Sounds intriguing!
Deena Adams
I agree, Kim! Thanks for your comment. 🙂
Tom Goodman
Hi Kim! Thanks for your interest! Check out the free 26-page photo booklet, “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” You’ll see images of the real bandits, their child hostages, the officers who were killed in the shootout, and more. Spoiler Alert: The photo booklet reveals who the “last man” is, and most readers want to guess which of the four bandits end up as the last survivor. If you don’t like spoilers, read the novel first. But it’s fascinating to see the images of the actual characters and places from the story. The sign-up form is on my website: http://www.ThomasGoodmanWrites.com.
Tom Goodman
Hi Lorraine! The ebook is $4.99. If you’re in Kindle Unlimited, be sure to snag it before it leaves KU November 7. And check out the free 26-page photo booklet, “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” You’ll see images of the real bandits, their child hostages, the officers who were killed in the shootout, and more. The sign-up form is on my website: http://www.ThomasGoodmanWrites.com.
Danielle Hull
I love true crime stories, and I had not heard about this crime!
Deena Adams
Same here, Danielle. Isn’t it interesting?
Tom Goodman
It was fun to research. See the photos of the actual bandits, the child hostages, and more, in the 26-page free download, “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” http://www.ThomasGoodmanWrites.com.
Teresa Warner
I enjoy reading new authors, would love to get a print copy!
Tom Goodman
Thanks Teresa. Good luck with the contest! Until Friday, it’s only 99-cents on Kindle, and it’s available on Kindle Unlimited. And be sure to download “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” The 26-page book is filled with photos of the real characters and places behind my novel. I have photos of the bandits, the officers who were killed, the child hostages, and much more. It’s free at my website: http://thomasgoodmanwrites.com
Mark Buzard
I’m not familiar with it, but I’m intrigued. Would love to win the book 😎
Deena Adams
Thanks for your comment, Mark. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Tom Goodman
Hi Mark. Check out the free 26-page photo booklet, “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” You’ll see images of the real bandits, their child hostages, the officers who were killed in the shootout, and more. The sign-up form is on my website: http://www.ThomasGoodmanWrites.com.
Deena Adams
Best of luck in the giveaway, Teresa!
Priscilla Bettis
I loved The Last Man! Such a great historical fiction story, well written and compelling.
Tom Goodman
Thanks, Priscilla! Don’t forget to download “The Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Photos.” The 26-page book is filled with photos of the real characters and places behind my novel. I have photos of the bandits, the officers who were killed, the child hostages, and much more. It’s free at my website: http://thomasgoodmanwrites.com
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for your endorsement, Priscilla! I’m looking forward to reading Tom’s book.
Tom Goodman
I enjoyed meeting you Deena! Thanks for the interview!
Deena Adams
It was my pleasure, Tom. I purchased your book a few days ago and look forward to reading it!