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Paul McGrath

Mar 2025 · Texas A&M University Press

About this ebook

WINNER OF THE 2025 PENCRAFT AWARD FOR LITERARY EXCELLENCE

A Sci-Fi Satire of Alien Espionage, Southern Charm & Chaos on Earth!

First-time novelist Paul McGrath delivers a sharp, witty, and wildly entertaining sci-fi satire that asks: What if an alien held up a mirror to America—and we didn’t like what we saw?

Anton-7—aka Roy McDonald—was supposed to observe Earth, not get stuck on it. But after missing his ride back to planet Xylodon, he decides to make the most of his exile in Hernando, Mississippi. Breaking the number-one rule of alien espionage—never interfere—he dives headfirst into human affairs, finding friendship, romance, and the simple joys of a good cup of coffee and a highly anticipated trip to Buc-ee's.

But when tragedy strikes, Anton-7 takes matters into his own hands, setting off a whirlwind of chaos that shakes both Earth and Xylodon. 

About the author

Paul McGrath’s is an award-winning journalist and educator whose career spans five decades. He spent thirty-seven years working at the Houston Chronicle after stints in Conroe, Lubbock, and Lockhart, Texas.

McGrath graduated from Texas A&M University and earned a master’s degree from Marist College. He and his wife, Liz, live on a tranquil fish-filled lake near Houston, Texas. He continues to teach at Texas A&M.