Nuff Sed: A Novel of Desert Steve by Markus McDowell – Now Available!

Desert. Sun. Sand. No roads or human settlements within fifty miles in any direction. The perfect place to found a town?

That’s what Steve Ragsdale believed. So he and his wife bundled up their four kids in a 1915 Ford Model T, bought a local prospector’s shack and well, and built a fuel station (50-gallon drum), a repair garage, and café. He advertised “Free food on days the sun doesn’t shine” and “No drunks, no dogs—we prefer dogs.” He was the owner, sheriff, rockhound, writer, naturalist, desert guide, and Santa Claus at Christmas. He became one of the local “desert rats” and earned the moniker “Desert Steve.” Along the way, he became part of history: the Colorado Aqueduct, the construction of the first State and National highways, the invention of prepaid healthcare, General Patton and World War II, the largest iron mine in the United States, flying saucer sightings, murder, and much more.

Based on a true story, this is the tale of a quirky, clever, and bold man who pursued a dream, wrote bad poetry, and found ways to survive when many would have perished or packed it in. 

Stephen A. Ragsdale, affectionately called “Desert Steve,” was a visionary whose tireless efforts turned the unforgiving desert landscape into a beacon of hope and opportunity. His legacy of resilience, innovation, and community-building is brought to life through McDowell’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling.

Praised for its detailed research and captivating narrative, Nuff Sed: A Novel of Desert Steve has earned accolades from critics and readers alike. McDowell’s ability to weave historical facts with compelling storytelling makes this novel a standout addition to any bookshelf.

Stories are the music of our lives—they connect us and speak to us in ways that nonfiction cannot. An imprint of Sulis International, Riversong Books publishes historical, literary, contemporary, science fiction, fantasy, and religious fiction that not only entertain, but allow readers to question, celebrate, and explore what it means to be human. Riversong also publishes reprints, both out-of-print novels or older works not readily available in print or eBook form. Visit https://sulisinternational.com/home/riversong-books/