On Wahoo Reef

by Tim W. Jackson

Northern Exposure meets Margaritaville in this comic Caribbean romp.

Wally Breight’s a miserable-in-his-job P.R. executive who dreams of escaping to happily-ever-after in the Caribbean. When he stumbles across a run-down scuba diving operation for sale on Blacktip Island, he snaps it up and settles into paradise. But paradise has other ideas. His dive boat’s a lemon. His business partner proves the age of piracy isn’t dead. Scuba guests are scarce. And a free-spirited dive mistress might party him into an early grave. If Wally can’t get a handle on paradise, pronto, he’ll be leaving Blacktip Island faster than a coconut in a hurricane.

240 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2024

About the author

Tim W. Jackson started kindergarten in Indonesia, graduated high school in Egypt and was educated everywhere in between. His first taste of scuba diving came at the age of six when he sneaked breaths off his dad’s double-hose regulator in the deep end of the pool. Later, as an ex-journalist armed with a newly-minted master’s degree in English, he discovered he was qualified to be a bartender, a waiter or a PhD student. Instead he chose Secret Option D: run off to the Cayman Islands to work as a scuba instructor and boat captain by day and write fiction at night. Two decades later, he still wishes that was half as interesting as it sounds. Or even a quarter . . .

Jackson is the award-winning author of the comic Caribbean novels Blacktip Island and The Secret of Rosalita Flats, as well as The Blacktip Times humor blog. His “Tales from Blacktip Island” short stories have been published in literary journals worldwide. He is currently concocting his next Blacktip Island novel and still enjoys scuba diving with his dad’s old double-hose reg.

For more insider info, visit his website, www.timwjackson.com, the Blacktip Times (www.blacktipisland.com) or follow him on Facebook (Tim W. Jackson) and Twitter (@timwjax).

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my fourth book by Tim W Jackson and my third visit to the Caribbean and Blacktip Island, and I have enjoyed each and every trip.

The characters are quirky and lovable, each offering their special something to the story. I loved them all; the good, the bad, and the ugly. They have fun names, like Wally Breight, Smackie Bottoms, Noddy Bolin, Peachy…

as do the locations, Noboddie’s Inne, Sandy Bottoms Beach Resort, Club Scuba Doo, Going Under Divers.

The details brought the dive experience to life. I am not a diver myself, but I have enjoyed snorkeling and watching TV shows where I can spend time with those who do.

Wally Breight gives up his nine to five job and buys into a dive shop. Have you ever thought of throwing caution to the wind and creating a new life for yourself? Well, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Wally.

There is a mystery involved, but mostly it’s Wally struggling to keep his business alive, struggling to keep up with a party girl that caught his eye, and learning some valuable business and life lessons. I laughed as I read along. I smelt the salt air, felt the balmy tropical breeze, dipped my feet in the sand and felt as if I was immersed in the Caribbean life, because of Tim’s ability to paint such a vivid picture I feel as if I am there with Wally.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of On Wahoo Reef by Tim W Jackson.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disgruntled public relations employee Wally Breight longed to leave behind his soul-sucking 9-to-5 life. The scuba diving enthusiast had visions of living an island life—leading dives, feeling the sand beneath his toes, and becoming a better version of himself. So, when an opportunity arose to purchase a diving business on idyllic Blacktip Island, Wally jumped quickly, making a spontaneous (perhaps reckless) decision to sell his condo, leave his stable job, and have only a small nest egg of savings at his disposal.

Wally dives into the uncharted waters of being a business owner and a full-time island resident. And boy, he was in for a surprise! The previous owner had left the dive shop in the red, flubbing the financials to conceal the truth. Plus, the boat needs thousands of dollars of repairs sunken into it—and we can’t forget the shifty local that Wally was forced to partner with. Through it all, Wally seems keen on making it work (there is no other option!).

Will Wally’s rash decision to sell everything and start over bite him in the behind, or will the new business owner rise above the turmoil and flourish?

“On Wahoo Reef” by Tim W. Jackson is a quirky novel that will have readers questioning the trajectory of their lives. Is the safety and security of a mind-numbing, soul-sucking career worth the unhappiness and routine? To Wally Breight, the answer is a resounding no. Jackson’s immersive island adventure was exactly the escape I needed—brimming with effervescent characters, humor, and grit. It is a perfect read for anyone looking for a change of pace and a simpler, off-the-grid lifestyle.

The characters in Wally’s realm were quickly my favorite part of the book—the support of fast, new friends Chip and Val, and Alison’s free-spirited ways reeled me in. On the contrary, some friendships were hanging on by a thread, and professional relationships (ahem, deplorable Ferris Skerritt) were always a source of entertainment (and contention!). Wally immersed himself in island life, and the colorful personalities added another layer of humor and intrigue.

Jackson has done an excellent job of painting a vibrant landscape, highlighting the lure of island life. But it wasn’t all crystal waters and vibrant scenery; the author crafted a determined protagonist who never surrendered. For all the positives, owning a diving business proved to have just as many perils—an unreliable boat with shoddy parts, a villainous co-owner, and not enough money to go around. Wally’s grit and commendable resilience were eye-opening and inspirational for aspiring business owners. I loved how readers got all the details—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

“On Wahoo Reef” by Tim W. Jackson is entertaining from beginning to end and will appeal to adventurous spirits who walk to the beat of their own drum. The characters on Blacktip Island made me laugh one moment and shake my head the next. Moreover, Wally’s sharp focus and unwavering dedication made me believe anything is possible if you want it badly enough. Five shining stars!

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting excursion to Blacktip!

I've read the other two books in the series - though it's been a while - and enjoyed them.

These can be read in sequence or as stand-alone books. The world is filled with oddly named characters, different situations, and in this one, liver annihilating amounts of alcohol. (Seriously, I think I'm tipsy from reading it.)

Absolute love of diving is a recurring theme,shown frequently:

"Along the wall he used his dive light to show them spiny lobsters, a black-and-white spotted moray in a crevice, a school of 100 or more silvery horse-eyed jacks circling in the open water off the wall. Wally worked his way back up to sixty feet and reversed his course, bringing the divers back to the hole in the wall in half an hour."

Wally's love of diving leads him to purchase a share in a diving company on Blacktip Island, despite little actual knowledge of business or desire to research - or read - much of anything first. This goes about as well as you may expect, with quirky characters both helping and mustache-twirling along the way.

I was fully engrossed in the story, enjoying the ride with all of Wally's flaws and optimism.

Thank you to the author for a review copy of the book.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. It is somewhat predictable in the first half but anything but predictable in the second half.

When miserable P.R. executive Wally Breight makes a too-quick decision to quit his job and take over a run-down scuba diving operation on Blacktip Island in the Caribbean, you know he will face unforeseen difficulties. Wally is very likable and you have to root for him to succeed. Will he meet the nonstop surge of challenges and find the island life he wished for? Read the book and find out!

There are many interesting characters and twists. I strongly recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Great book!

Twists and turns! Interesting characters who aren't always what they seem, and some are exactly what they seem. Is Wally going to be a success? Will he enjoy the life he's trying for? Or will he mess up? Who is really on his side?! Definitely one of Jackson's best books yet!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed On Wahoo Reef, the Island life and diving. Wally was naive and compulsive, but who would not want to give up a 9 to 5 job and live on an island. The females characters were all strong and I especially like Val.

[Debra L Belasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Can’t wait for the next book on Blacktip Island.

[teal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed Wally's journey and perserverence in the face of so much adversity! The descriptions of the dives were one of my favourite parts... how amazing it must be down there. The characters are charismatic, the island life spunky and close-knit.

~ Thank you to BookSirens for the free Arc! This is my voluntary, honest review ~

[Sometimes IRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been a few years since I read the second book in this series and I’m afraid I’d forgotten much of the details of the plot. All I remembered was a fictional Caribbean island, a fish out of water situation, and lots and lots of scuba diving. So when Tim W. Jackson approached me to ask if I was interested to read another novel set on the same island, I was a little worried that I wouldn’t do it justice, spotty memory and all. I needn’t have worried though, because for all intents and purposes, On Wahoo Reef stands very nicely on its own.

This book introduces us to Wally who feels stuck in his job and whose only bright spot in life is regular diving trips to Blacktip island. When he stumbles upon a diving business, he takes the leap, buying over it for a chance at living on paradise.

I have to state that I’m Singaporean, so practicality and striving in everything I do is hardwired into me. All of Wally’s decisions at the start of the book had me screaming no with every fibre of my being. How does anyone (apart from the filthy rich) buy a business without doing market research or consulting a lawyer? Or sink every last cent into the venture with no backup plan? I think my panic is palpable still. Yes, I understand the want to live life in a way that’s congruent with one’s values and interests, but life’s necessities do call, don’t they? Suffice to say that my own anxiety far outweighed whatever setbacks Wally experienced. Probably not what Jackson was going for here.

Otherwise, it was a fun romp, with some characters that I recognized from The Secret of Rosalita Flats and lots and lots of diving. The daily grind of work does feature in paradise too and I’m thankful that Jackson doesn’t idealise running a business too much. Wally does work long hours and picks up all sorts of skills in trying to keep his business afloat. His hard work and loads of benefactors keep him going and I have to admit that I was rooting for him, stupidity notwithstanding. All in all, it was a nice break from the drudgery of my own life. Perhaps we all need a little bit of adventure and foolhardiness in our lives too.

Diversity meter:
-

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had a lovely holiday and been tempted by the idea of giving up the day job to move to that location permanently? Perhaps set up a small business, especially if that could include your favourite hobby. Most of us get home, consider the implications and put off any changes. Others take the plunge with varying success. One person who has made such a move is former photo journalist, Tim W. Jackson who is now living the dream in the Caribbean, teaching scuba diving alongside his writing.

On Wahoo Reef is the third in his Blacktip Island series, following Blacktip Island, published in 2016 and Rosalita Flats in 2020. Similar to Jackson, our protagonist, Wally Breight, has given up a regular career and home in the USA to buy a business selling diving equipment and providing diving excursions to the beautiful coral reefs around the island. Wally soon discovers that life is going to be tougher than expected.

Jackson writes in a simple to read style with plots that are easy to follow. Wally is a likeable and well-meaning chap but he is also infuriatingly gullible. The book stands alone although there are brief mentions of people and places from the earlier books. There is plenty of humour as he endeavours to build his business and integrate into the local social scene. I found some of the events a little silly but acceptable. I’m also embarrassed to admit that I chuckled at some of the character names, including two members of the Bottoms family; Peachy and Smackie.

As with the previous books the island’s scenery, especially underwater, is the real star of the show. Jackson describes the diving sequences well, bringing out his passion for his hobby.

Fortunately for Wally there are some on the island who are looking out for him and just when all seems lost he is rescued in a denouement that left me with a warm glow.

On Wahoo Reef is to be recommended. I have awarded four and a half stars.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Wahoo Reef by Tim W. Jackson is an inspiring tale about Wally, a man who leaves his job in Atlanta to follow his passion for scuba diving on the beautiful island of Blacktip. With high hopes and determination, he aims to establish his own diving business. However, his dream faces numerous challenges, including a shady partner, financial struggles, and difficulties in finding reliable staff. Just when things seem bleak, he meets Val, a kind and supportive friend who helps him navigate these obstacles. Will Wally's perseverance and Val's encouragement be enough to turn his dream into a success?

This story celebrates authenticity, courage, and resilience, reminding us that our dreams and values are worth fighting for. Through Wally, who embodies this spirit, Jackson illustrates that staying true to oneself can lead to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and happiness. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that is both uplifting and realistic, making it easy to become invested in Wally's journey. The character’s struggles and triumphs feel genuine, allowing readers to connect with them on a deeper level. The conversations are natural and engaging, while the characters themselves are well-developed and easy to root for. Jackson's expertise in scuba diving, likely gained through personal experience or extensive research, is brilliantly showcased throughout the book. The seamless integration of this knowledge adds depth and authenticity to the story.

On Wahoo Reef by Tim W. Jackson is as close to perfection as a book can get. The story is wholesome and realistic, the dialogue is engaging, and the characters are lifelike and relatable. I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to readers of all ages—it's a true treasure that will leave a lasting impression!

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

It’s those thirties when many men take stock of their lives, bored, and don’t like what they see. But Wally Breight gave up his career, home in the US, and security to snap up a diving business on this Blacktip Island.

The main character plunges into hot water immediately when reality of the floundering business hits home. It’s not like even the boat is sea worthy, but he does manage to find two employees that skip soon as they’re paid for greener waters. The man is pathetically naïve and what money he brings to the business begins to sift through his fingers like…(um) water.

I love the characters! They are strange and unpredictable, the circumstances outrageous, the decisions…(stupid) less than well considered. What’s with this guy?

It’s pure escapism. Fun, simple, fast read, descriptions of the island almost have you packing for tropical climes (I said almost). Looking for something different, light-hearted, twisty fun? Those who enjoy action, adventure, root for the underdog type tales, this is for you. 4.5 stars

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are searching for a nautical-themed book that will assist you in learning more about the Caribbean, you will want to check out On Wahoo Reef. It is a follow-up to the Blacktip Island and Secret of Rosalita FlatS.



In this read, Wally Breight’s a P.R. executive who dreams of escaping to the Caribbean to live the Island life.



While visiting there Wally happens upon a run-down scuba diving operation for sale on Blacktip Island. The operation appears to be a good investment so Wally sells his condo and leaves his P.R. position to venture into this business with a partner.



Soon after, Wally learns the partner is shifty. The are two sets of books. The book Wally based his decisions on did not reflect the debt. To make matters worse, the dive boat is a lemon.



What shines in this Caribbean tale is the characters. I also like the details of the dives and of the fictional places presented.



I received a copy of this book through the generosity of the author.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of Tim Jackson’s books set on Blacktip Island and, if there is any kind of pattern, it is that while those involved are living or at least visiting what many would consider a paradise, things don’t always go smoothly in paradise. That’s the case for our protagonist, Wally, who thinks he’s lucked into a great situation that until now was more like one of his wildest dreams. Then things turn out a bit different than he pictured them. And of course, just when it looks like he’s getting things back on track, something else will shake things up. You’ll have to read the book to see how it all turns out for Wally, but he’ll keep you on your toes, trying (and failing) to anticipate where things are going the entire way.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“On Wahoo Reef” introduces Wally Breight. Miserable in his day job as a PR exec, he dreams of something more fun and fulfilling for himself.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s light-hearted with a main protagonist who’s unintentionally funny, unlucky, and prone to questionable life choices. His interactions with the many memorable and quirky characters around him add to the endearing and engaging feel of this story. The author does an amazing job in describing and engrossing the reader in an environment that makes you feel as if you are there. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Whitney Molis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books! The cover art is beautiful, as well. I can picture myself on the island and love the diving descriptions and detail!