books

We’re all well-intentioned liars at heart, tale spinners squatting around the fire swapping stories about who we are, why we are, what it all means.  We use figurative language to say in words what can’t be said in words because we know sometimes a lie can be the quickest route to the truth.

A portion of all Blacktip Island novel sales goes to the Coral Reef Alliance.

How we ask our questions, and how we attempt to answer them, gives us insight into who we are as individuals and as a people.  But if our stories don’t entertain as well, they’re pretty lousy lies.  I don’t know how illuminating these stories are, but I’ve made them as entertaining as I could.  So if you’re ready for tropical adventure, scroll south and enjoy.

Mangrove Underground

USA Book News "Best Books 2011" Award finalist in literary fiction

Mangrove Underground is part Florida eco-mystery and part coming of age narrative that subverts the expectations of both genres.

Haunted by his mother's sudden death when he was young, Ben Gates spends his life trying to be a hero, but can never seem to get it right. When wildfires rage through the Everglades, destroying natural habitat and creeping close to homes, folks around Cypress City suspect somebody's lighting them. Ben, now an idealistic park ranger, believes he's the man to find the arsonist. Trouble is, folks also think he might be the culprit.

Rumor gives way to conspiracy theory gives way to local legend as Ben races to save the town, and himself, while confronting his own secret past with the mysterious Mangrove Underground.

{download chapter 1}

You can purchase a copy of Mangrove Underground on Amazon.

reviews

"A unique take on the mystery genre, and plenty of local colour in a captivating tale of mistakes and redemption." - Cayman Airways Skies magazine

"A fast-paced adventure replete with intimate encounters with the resident denizens . . . this time the good guys win, sort of." - Florida Times-Union

"Betrayal, wildfires and skullduggery . . . and an unlikely hero caught amid a struggle to save his community." - The Caymanian Compass

"Jackson's novel boasts a gritty authenticity . . ." - Citrus County Chronicle

"Jackson gained firsthand knowledge of backcountry firefighting while accompanying crews battling wilderness blazes." - Marietta Daily Journal