We’re talking hours of sitting and spectating for the sake of a few dozen seconds of action. I like suspense as well as the next guy—well, no, I don’t—and baseball makes me antsy as all get-out.
“Holy Rollers” by James I. Wallace, Ph.D. is a smart, character-driven novel set around the seemingly peaceful world of golf, where sport, spirituality, psychology, and mystery unexpectedly collide. The story follows Max Azure, a thoughtful assistant golf pro who is deeply invested not only in the mechanics of the game but also in its mental and spiritual dimensions. Proudly published by Citi of Books, this book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
James I. Wallace, Ph.D., has spent his career practicing as a clinical psychologist, educational psychologist, and sport psychologist. He has practiced golf a lot, too, with little success. He has earned his knowledge of aikido by serving as the chief instructor (Sensei) of two dojos in Southern California and one in Ithaca, NY, before running the Colgate University Aikido Club in Hamilton, NY, the past quarter of a century.
He lives there with his wife, Colgate University Professor Ann Jane Tierney, and he teaches P.E. courses in wellness, as well. They have two young adult daughters, Jasmine and Gemma, striving to live well in Virginia and Colorado, respectively. Dr. Wallace is the author of a nonfiction book about the physical and mental aspects of athletics, On Target: Comparative Challenges of Sports & Games, along with several magazine articles about aikido.
See eqpsych.com and drjimswhims.home.blog for more information from Dr. Wallace, who is also available on Facebook and LinkedIn.
If you think “Holy Rollers” is “just another golf book,” think again. This novel sneaks up on you—in the best way possible. Set at a country club that feels calm on the surface, the story quickly pulls you into a deeper world of faith, psychology, and moral tension. One unexpected tragedy turns a routine day on the course into a puzzle that refuses to stay buried. It’s gripping without being flashy, thoughtful without being heavy, and surprisingly hard to put down.
The target audience of the book includes golfers, spiritual seekers, fans of character-driven mysteries, and readers who enjoy stories that ask big questions without preaching. You don’t need to know a thing about golf to enjoy this novel—but if you’ve ever obsessed over getting something “just right,” whether it’s a job, a relationship, or your own mindset, you’ll feel right at home. Max, the protagonist, is relatable in his quiet self-doubt and constant effort to balance skill, confidence, and meaning.
One of the most compelling parts of “Holy Rollers” is how it mirrors real life. We like to believe that bad things happen randomly, but this book gently challenges that assumption. The moral lesson ties closely to a general real-life experience many of us share: the realization that ignoring patterns, avoiding uncomfortable questions, or trusting appearances can have serious consequences. It reminds us that awareness—on the golf course and in life—matters.
At its heart, “Holy Rollers” by James I. Wallace, Ph.D. is about learning to stay centered when life throws you a wild shot you never saw coming. It’s thoughtful, entertaining, and quietly powerful. If you enjoy novels that blend mystery with meaning—and leave you reflecting long after the final page—this is absolutely a book worth adding to your shelf.
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