Stephen Parrish's "The Tavernier Stones"

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Stephen Parrish has been a caddy, factory worker, soldier, chef, teacher, jewelry salesman, and cartographer. He presently lives in Germany where he is at work on his second novel.

Here he offers casting suggestions to anyone courageous enough to produce his first novel, The Tavernier Stones:

The Tavernier Stones is about a modern day treasure hunt. When the well-preserved body of 17th century mapmaker Johannes Cellarius suddenly floats to the surface of a bog in northern Germany, and a 57 carat ruby rolls out of his fist, treasure hunters from around the globe race to find the Lost Tavernier Stones of popular European folklore.

John Graf, the chief protagonist, is an Amish-born cartographer who has never ventured out of Pennsylvania, let alone embarked on an international treasure hunt. David Freeman is a gemologist who has done his share of prospecting, but little of it within the boundaries of the law. David's beautiful sidekick, Sarah St. James, and the team's nemesis, Frieda Blumenfeld, round out the main characters.

A Hollywood producer has already suggested Brendan Fraser to play John Graf, so it's hard for me to see anyone else in the role. Also, several female friends have responded enthusiastically to the choice, making Fraser even more difficult to replace. Since I would watch a film merely because he's in it, I'd be perfectly happy to have him appear in mine.

For David Freeman, a small-time crook and opportunist with a big heart, Colin Farrell would make a good choice. He has the star power to play a lead yet he performs well in supporting roles.

Helen Mirren is the only actress I can think of to play Frieda, the chief bad guy. Unfortunately, Frieda is ugly, and Helen is anything but, so the choice feels a little unfair. However, that's Hollywood.

Finally, Sarah St. James should be played by Scarlett Johansson because, well, you know.

Browse inside The Tavernier Stones, and learn more about the book and author at Stephen Parrish's website and blog.

The Page 69 Test: The Tavernier Stones.

--Marshal Zeringue