Homecoming: At Trails End is the hilarious tale of big mayhem in a small Texas town. The absurdity of trying to be a part of something you really want no part of.

“Strother’s prose is sharp and snarky, particularly the dialogue.” Kirkus Reviews

“A combination of thought-provoking inspections and engrossing insights that are at once hilarious and semi-serious…” D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“...the writing is authentic, witty, and heartfelt.”  Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

At the dinky, backwater town of Trails End, any cowboy booted Texan will tell ya – Don’t mess with Homecoming. Or slaughter the rival teams mascot, set fire to the highly prized athletic facility, dish out rancid hot dogs, or cripple the High Schools star quarterback. 

Sadly, the perpetrators, four accident-prone sophomores and recent arrivals to Trails End, hadn’t been briefed on small-town etiquette. What with their being foreigners and all. And the boys' highly reluctant mentor, History teacher Paul Matthews, ain’t helping. His schedule is packed ogling the robust, red-headed counselor Gina Zoller, ridiculing her prominent and potentially psychotic husband Sieg, and antagonizing neanderthal turned football coach, Rex Anders. 

All while denying vicious rumors he manages The OutlawX, a ZZ-Top tribute band hastily formed by the four boys in a desperate attempt to survive life at Trails End. If it could be that easy.

Told in John Strother’s fast-paced style, spiced with witty dialogue and absurd situations, Homecoming At Trails End is a comic satire of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

"...fans of Richard Russo (or even Garry Trudeau) will enjoy this lighthearted sendup of Texas high schools. A chatty, satirical novel about the smallness of small towns." - Kirkus Reviews

"...a witty and well-paced story about life in a small Texas town." - Readers' Favorite Five Stars Review

"Homecoming's special brand of satire contributes to a novel that will especially be appreciated by fans of this literary style of social and psychological observation. It contrasts perceptions of the foundations the town was built on (small-town criminals versus "good German stock"), attitudes about new ventures ("It's hardly a warm, southern type welcome. Saying these people don't belong here."), and issues of trust, popularity, and growth that emerge from interpersonal conflicts that shake the town." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"Capturing the cadence, charm, and soulful lessons of small-town America, At Trails End: Homecoming by John Strother is a cleverly penned homage to youthful resilience. Brimming with lessons for any reader in their formative years, as well as sage wisdom for all ages, the writing is authentic, witty, and heartfelt. There is also an allegorical shine to this story, making this unassuming read a powerful commentary on the perennial struggle for progress." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

The band of misfits known as The OutlawX unleashes their comic brand of mayhem and havoc on the small Texas town of Trails End. This Festival will be no walk in the park.

“... a hilarious story that is fun from beginning to end.” - Reader Views

“...exudes a delightful charm, blending humor and engaging storytelling.” - IndieReader

“The dialogue-driven narrative keeps the pacing of the novel engaging and exciting” - Book Nerdection

“...following this slice of their lives is an absolute delight. Very highly recommended.” - Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review

For high school teacher extraordinaire Paul Matthews, the inaugural Trails End German Festival is prime time for catching school counselor Gina Zoller in a tight bodice and hip-hugging skirt, cradling a magnificent pair of…mugs of beer. A sight that’s sure to stretch out the lederhosen. But only if the much-anticipated celebration can survive the unintended antics of The OutlawX. This high school garage band has all the trappings of harmless geeks, yet the fine folks of Trails End are convinced they have been subjected to a curse of biblical proportions. What else could explain the horror of Homecoming?

This time, the hapless sophomores are accused of such sordid crimes as turning beloved school mascot Horace into goatzilla and performing their ZZ Top tribute band at an unsanctioned school sausage fest.

Fortunately, or tragically, they always have mentor Paul Matthews to turn to, a teacher that can be counted on to NOT be counted on, as well as a Texas Taoist shop teacher destined for permanent residency at the nearest trauma center. Add a few stuffed squirrels, a primer on caviar, and the revival of the school newspaper to round out another quirky day at Trails End.

"...exudes a delightful charm, blending humor and engaging storytelling. The narrative unfolds with wit, bringing the vibrant characters to life through authentic dialogues and small-town drama. The dynamic cast, from Conrad and OutlawX to the carousel of kids, contributes to the novel's appeal, making it a highly recommended read."

--IndieReader

"At Trails End offers an amazingly entertaining and light-hearted read with witty dialogues and amusing interactions between the characters."

--Book Nerdection

"...a load of fun right from the very beginning and keeps getting better as this witty and engaging story progresses. The dialogue is the standout to me as it brings the characters to life and feels authentic, from conversations about stuffed squirrels to the hyper-drama of small-town high school...Very highly recommended."

--Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review

"You will find yourself laughing out loud as you read the conversations between the students and/or the teachers. I know I could not stop laughing while I read it...It completely captures the charm and fun of a very small town."

--Reader Views

In the hilarious follow-up to Homecoming and Festival, an absurd series of adventures leads the rolling disaster known as The OutlawX onto the biggest stage of their High School days. What could go wrong?

“John Strother’s storytelling is sharp and filled with clever dialogue” - Readers' Favorite Five Stars Review

“...a must-read for all lovers of humorous fiction” - Nerdection Excellent Read

It’s that special time at the tiny East Texas town of Trails End. When hopes, dreams, and excitement rule the day.

That’s right – it’s a surprise audit of the high school.

This intrusion creates a tricky situation for cynical and rule-bending history teacher Paul Matthews. Add to this unpleasantness a revenge-seeking Sheriff, a local biker gang, a rat infestation, an obnoxious older brother, pistol-packing cowgirls, and the appearance of his 12-year-old, far from angelic nephew. It only seals his fate that the four disaster-prone sophomores known as The OutlawX are eager to help.

And there’s even a Prom.

"The antics of the high school students, particularly the infamous OutlawX group, offer laugh-out-loud moments. Prom at Trails End is a fun read that balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it a perfect choice for anyone who appreciates character-driven stories infused with humor, small-town charm, and the exploration of relationships. I highly recommend this book." - Readers' Favorite Five Stars Review

"The author’s unique writing style clearly brings life to a small town. His engaging dialogue keeps the story lively and immerses readers in the world of Trails End. Each chapter contains moments full of drama, tension, laughter, and heartfelt dialogue. The band Outlaw X especially adds more fun and mischief, keeping the story unpredictable and fresh." - Nerdection Excellent Read