Publication Date: April 21, 2026
Divorced and living in a converted garage, John Peoples thinks his difficulties are over when he wins half of a $40 million lottery jackpot. But his boss, Ed White, bought the winning ticket for the two of them, and only Ed’s name is on the ticket. When White makes clear his intention to cut John out of the winnings and then disappears with the entire jackpot, John embarks on an effort to find White and right the wrong.
During his quest, John suffers a debilitating spine injury and struggles to heal physically and emotionally. Yet he continues pursuing White from Los Angeles to Paris to Marseille. Along the way, he tries navigating the legal system, meets a woman he believes he can only dream about, and eventually engages the help of organized crime. Ultimately, he is faced with the question of how far he is willing to go to retrieve and protect what is his.
John B. Peoples is more than the study of a character out to correct an injustice. It takes us on a powerful journey while examining loss, personal growth, and the everyday challenges of life in America today.
One poor decision changes the trajectory of a man’s life, leaving him with a permanent reminder of being cheated out of a jackpot.
Author Michael Cowan serves up a sympathetic main character in John B. Peoples. Told in first person, John tries to contact his boss about an agreement they made to split the winnings of a lottery ticket.
His efforts land him in the hospital, followed by rehab, while his former boss takes off with the entire jackpot. With only the flimsiest amount of proof, John faces an uphill battle from a legal standpoint.
The story follows John as he tracks his former boss from place to place, including France. Despite still healing from his spinal injury, John’s sense of right and wrong will not allow him to give up.
The action and adventure provide an interesting element to the story, particularly with the involvement of organized crime, helping John achieve his mission.
John B. Peoples illustrates the challenges a man faces to seek justice.
A confirmed Francophile, Michael Cowan taught writing at UCLA School of Law, sang professionally, argued and won a case before the California Supreme Court, had two songs published, co-owned a dairy manufacturing business, and became the general counsel of two major corporations. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Michael attended Amherst High School, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Michigan Law School. Father of three and grandfather of four, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their eccentric rescue dog Percie.
