Books by Howard Frisk are available through his company, Western Echo Publishing, either signed or unsigned. Selected 5 star reviews from Amazon are shown below, as well as pre-release reviews for Peg Leg Annie.
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Discover the forgotten treasures and untold tales of Idaho's past in Howard Frisk's captivating exploration, Abandoned Idaho. Extensively researched, this book unveils the rich history of the Gem State through a visual journey via beautiful full-color photographs, seamlessly blended with evocative historic black-and-white archival images.
Each photograph in Abandoned Idaho has a story behind it, and it is through these thought-provoking stories and first-hand accounts that one can find a human connection to the people that once lived, worked, played, and in some cases died at the places revealed in this book. Within these pages, an adventure awaits, for many of the ghost towns and abandoned mines explored in Abandoned Idaho are unknown even to Idaho’s life-long residents. The author and contributing photographers have captured the haunting beauty of decay, transporting readers to the bygone era of bustling pioneer towns, mining camps, railroads, and schools that are now little more than silent echoes of the past. Through the comparison of historical and present-day photographs, the dramatic time-wrought transformations can be truly appreciated. The author offers a perfect blend of engaging storytelling and insightful historical details. 
Ann V.
Howard truly gives a voice to the many forgotten people of history. This book transported me back in time, not just to abandoned buildings, which are in themselves so interesting, but most of all to the lives of the people who lived and worked there. And it inspires, as Howard calls it, historical empathy. I felt as if I knew the cast of characters personally, as I followed them through their hardship and struggles, hopes and dreams and victories. This book is a great read! |
Pre-order - Release Date January 3, 2026
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In the gold mining camps of 19th-century Idaho, Annie McIntyre learns how quickly a dream can twist into a nightmare. She marries to escape one cage, only to find herself trapped in another—beaten and separated from the children she loves.
When a tragedy steals her closest friend and leaves her with a life-changing injury, Annie re-emerges as “Peg Leg Annie,” fighting to survive in the brutal world of boarding houses, brothels, and saloons. Forced into the roles the frontier allows—dance hall girl, madam, bootlegger—she builds an unlikely sisterhood with the women who stand beside her when no one else will. But Annie wants more than survival. She wants her freedom, her dignity, and the chance to reclaim the life that was taken from her. With violence, betrayal, and the law stacked against her, she must decide how far she’s willing to go—and what she’s willing to risk—to seize a future on her own terms. Pre-release reviews for Peg Leg AnnieJanelle
Peg Leg Annie - The Story of Anna Morrow by Howard Frisk is a vivid and unforgettable portrait of one of Idaho’s most fascinating frontier women. Frisk blends history and creative nonfiction to bring Annie Morrow—later known as “Peg Leg Annie”—fully to life, from her rough beginnings in Rocky Bar to the tragic blizzard that led to the loss of her leg. What I appreciated most is how the book avoids turning Annie into a simple folk legend. Frisk shows her as she really was: tough, flawed, resilient, compassionate, and shaped by the brutal realities of mining-camp life. The blizzard chapter is especially powerful—harrowing without being sensationalized. Frisk’s writing is engaging and accessible, and the story moves quickly. The emotional truth of Annie’s life comes through clearly. If you enjoy Western history, pioneer stories, or biographies of strong, complicated women, this is a great read. Annie is the kind of person you won’t forget. |
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Step into the captivating world of Idaho's forgotten past with Howard Frisk's Ghost Towns of Western Idaho. This engaging book takes you on a visual and historical journey through the abandoned remnants of northern and western Idaho’s once-thriving boom towns and mining camps.
Immerse yourself in the stunning visuals as the book presents present-day color photographs and evocative black-and-white historical images. Witnessing the dramatic disintegration portrayed in photographs of the same places taken 100 years apart makes you wonder what happened. What was it that drew throngs of hardy individuals to these remote towns and then what drove them away, causing them to leave everything they built behind? Ghost Towns of Western Idaho is not just an interesting book; it's an exploration into the heart of Idaho's almost-forgotten past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an avid photographer, or simply curious about the untold tales of the Gem State, Ghost Towns of Western Idaho offers a unique and immersive experience. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to uncover the legacy of Idaho's abandoned towns. 
Judy A.
I really enjoyed learning about the history and roots of these ghost towns in Idaho! Howard has such superb storytelling skills, once I started the book, I couldn’t put it down. Through his careful research, he found wonderful historical photographs, and then contrasted those with poignant photos of what’s left of them today. Wonderful book! |
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Come on a captivating journey through the remote territories of Idaho in Howard Frisk's Ghost Towns of Eastern Idaho. This richly detailed book, backed by extensive research, unveils the untold stories of once-flourishing boom towns now lost to time. The author’s narratives breathe life into the abandoned remnants, offering a perfect blend of engaging storytelling and insightful historical details.
The book features a compelling mix of captivating present day color photographs and poignant black-and-white historical images. The author and numerous contributing photographers have captured the haunting beauty of decay, transporting readers to the bygone eras of bustling towns turned silent whispers of the past. With historical and present-day photographs displayed side-by-side, the transformation of these communities is astounding. Ghost Towns of Eastern Idaho is much more than a collection of poignant photographs; it's a curated exploration of Idaho's pioneering past, inviting history enthusiasts, photography aficionados, and curious minds alike to witness the transformation of vibrant communities into lonely ghost towns. Howard's book is an essential read for those eager to unravel the stories hidden within Idaho's abandoned communities. 
Dan L.
Howard Frisk’s Book *(Ghost Towns of Eastern Idaho), is very informative, & well written. Most of all, it’s about many of the old turn of the Century Mining Towns right here in Eastern Idaho, where I grew up. Some really neat History of what so many of these towns were all about in our Idaho History. These old Pioneer/Miners, shaped much of Idaho’s, & our Nations early History. Many interesting old timers stories, of some of the real characters in each town in these western Mining Towns/Camps. Much of this Idaho History was shaped by these characters after the Civil War ended, & many came west looking for work, & some found their fortunes in these Gold & Silver Towns. It is sad that most all of these once bustling Towns, are now long forgotten Ghost Towns. It is Well worth the read, & every page is a History lesson. |
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Abandoned Washington State presents a fascinating glimpse into history, through captivating photographs of places now abandoned. Each photograph has a story behind it, and it is through these thought-provoking stories and first-hand accounts that one can find a human connection to the people that once lived, worked, and in some cases died at the places revealed in this book. The diversity of what has been abandoned in Washington State is truly amazing: from old trucks and steam locomotives consumed by rust, to multi-billion-dollar government and military projects. Within these pages, an adventure awaits, for many of the locations explored in Abandoned Washington State are unknown to most residents of the Evergreen State.
Howard Frisk has a fervent passion for capturing the natural beauty of Washington State, as well as the abandoned farmhouses, barns, and other relics of the state’s pioneering days. Howard's photographs have been published in numerous regional travel guides, books, calendars, and web sites. His work has also been displayed in juried photography exhibitions and art galleries in his hometown of Puyallup, Washington. 
Jan B.
This was a fascinating look into old and mostly forgotten places and things abandoned. I loved imagining the stories behind the stark and dusty empty houses. Who lived here and why did they leave all their possessions behind when they left? And the sad remnants of the train yards with the rusted steam engines and boxcars. Most frightening were the glimpses into the closed down nuclear power plants and the stories behind the incompetent building of them, narrowly averting disaster. I recommend this book to anyone interested in recent American history. The photographs are superb and clear. Not a lot of text but what there is tells the stories behind the pictures succinctly. |
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Begin your adventure through the hidden treasures of Idaho's rugged mountain landscapes with Howard Frisk's Abandoned Mines of Western Idaho. This meticulously researched book unveils a fascinating tapestry of forgotten history, taking readers deep into the heart of abandoned mines that once echoed with the hustle and bustle of prospectors and miners seeking to change their fortune with gold and silver.
The author’s narratives weave seamlessly between the past and present, offering compelling accounts of the Gem State’s mining legacy. Through his detailed anecdotes readers can experience real historical empathy with the men and women who toiled endlessly in incredibly harsh and dangerous conditions. Enhanced by numerous present day high-quality color photographs juxtaposed with haunting black-and-white historical images, the book captures the stark beauty and eerie allure of these forsaken sites. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an adventurer at heart, or simply curious about the untold stories beneath Idaho's unforgiving mountains, Howard's work is a treasure trove of information and imagery. Abandoned Mines of Western Idaho is an adventure that awaits you within its pages. 
John F.
A fascinating set of stories about several abandoned towns, with lots of photos of both historical ones taken when the towns were alive and current ones that show what a visitor now finds. |
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Delve into the rich history of Idaho's mining legacy with Howard Frisk's Abandoned Mines of Eastern Idaho. He takes you on a captivating journey through time, unraveling the stories behind these once-thriving mining camps that now lie desolate and silent. Explore the hidden stories behind these forgotten mines based upon extensive research and clear and concise narratives.
What sets this book apart is its ability to foster historical empathy. Mining was dangerous. Some miners found their futures and some found their ends. Miners lived a hard life, made evident through their first-hand accounts and rare historical photographs. Displayed alongside recently taken color photographs, the stark reality between then and now is shocking. You'll feel like you're right there, exploring the remnants of an era long gone. Written for the history buffs or those curious, Abandoned Mines of Eastern Idaho is an immersive experience that goes beyond facts and dates. Begin your exploration of Idaho's mining history, with photographs and stories of the mines and miners that toiled in their subterranean world. 
Larry M.
Great book for anyone interested in old mines. Filled with many photos - some old historic photos, as well as beautiful color photos of the buildings and relics existing today. The photos are accompanied by well written narratives of the history and operations of the mines. |
