Book Review: Mystery, Politics, and Love

Flying Fish by Vern Hobbs is a story based on possibilities--possibilities between diverse and often opposing individuals who interact daily. It's based on the possibilities of hope in the wake of struggle, and even the possibilities of a new way of life in a Florida coastal town with big problems.

The main character is Stan "Smiley" Rudolph, the quiet editor of the local newspaper in Juniper Key, Florida. Soon Smiley, and the whole town discover something shocking. A deceptively worded ballot has banned commercial fishing in their town, robbing most of the townspeople of their livelihood. All this happens as shady real estate developers move into town, claiming to have the solution to the town's monetary struggles.

Smiley finds himself in an odd position when the ghost of a long-dead community icon pays him a visit, and delivers a message outlining just how to save the town. And it's not going to be easy. The only way for the town to recover is to trust the ideas and people they blame for all of their problems. Smiley then finds himself as the unlikely savior of the town of staunchly conservative people, all while dealing with his own demons. Hobbs vividly portrays the toiling daily lives of Florida's traditional watermen--fishermen, crabbers, and clammers--all with a keen eye for detail.

Author Vern Hobbs is a commercial pilot. At first, it might seem an unexpected combination for a commercial pilot to also be a writer. On the contrary, he writes with a sense of grace that is easy to picture as an airplane gliding through the clouds. Hobbs' writing has been featured in nationally distributed magazines and as a bi-monthly column. His characters, most notably Smiley, are compelling and original, his plot riveting. The Florida Wildlife Federation has even decided to sell his book on their website to help raise awareness and funds to support Florida's changing ecosystem.

Flying Fish by Vern Hobbs is part mystery, part political thriller, part love story, but entirely original. Like the hurricanes that build off the Florida coast, this story is a powerful force that will push readers right up to the satisfying conclusion. The book can be ordered on Amazon.com and almost everywhere books are sold.