Regional author James Lawrence will sign copies of his third novel, a Western called “Ambush at Santa Cruz,” today during two South Georgia events.

He is also the author of the mysteries “The Haunting at Sandy Bluff” (2009) and “Cannon on the Loose” (2008).

The first novel was set in Savannah and features a private investigator named Rusty Cannon who must solve a murder in one of the city’s prestigious homes.

The second novel is set around Waycross and is based on what may be a true story.

“The main characters are Jonah and Sarah Covington,” Lawrence says. “Their life on a farm takes many twists and turns. Jonah becomes a deputy sheriff and solves the murder which involved several appearances by a ghost.”

Lawrence was born in Adel, graduating from Cook High in 1958. He attended Valdosta State, graduating with a business degree in 1962. A year later, he married Gail Reed. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.

He served in the Army and worked for five banks and three finance companies before retiring from First Federal Savings and Loan in Valdosta as a vice president in mortgage and consumer lending.

He has enjoyed writing throughout his life. He started writing poetry at 16 and co-wrote a football novel at 17.

The books are available online with PublishAmerica and book store Web sites.  A book signing party will be held 10-11:30 a.m. today, Adel United Methodist Church Social Hall. A second signing will be 6 p.m. today, Zenith Auction House, 187 Murray Boulevard, Lakeland.