MisGuided: A Mackinac Island Novel

Mackinac Island #3

by Dave McVeigh, Jim Bolone

Jack is back!

When 16-year-old busboy Jack sees his dreams of becoming a dockporter crash and burn, he ends up taking a job as the youngest guide at Fort Mackinac. But this isn't just any guide gig. Jack finds himself in the middle of a ragtag team of misfits who turn the fort into their own Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Their plan? It's bold, half-baked, and just might save the fort—or make them the laughingstock of history. They’re on a mission to uncover buried secrets, stop the Pizza King in 22 minutes or less, invade Beaver Island, uncover the truth behind “One-Shot” Shively, and most importantly, not get fired. Yeah, it’s another busy summer for Jack McGuinn.

Set against the backdrop of Michigan's iconic Mackinac Island, "Misguided" is more than just a coming-of-age story—it's a dive into small-town life, where history isn't just talked about, it's made. Jack doesn't just recount the past; he’s living it, creating it, and sometimes rewriting it in the most unexpected ways.

If you loved seeing Jack stumble through his Hollywood summer in "Somewhere in Crime" or ride luggage for love in "The Dockporter," then "Misguided" fits right in the middle. "The Dockporter" was a Michigan Notable Book and both of the first two were best sellers. This new adventure blends history, comedy, and heartfelt moments in a way that only a summer on Mackinac Island can.

Join Jack and his quirky crew as they navigate another season of chaos and camaraderie. Get ready for a hilarious ride through one of Michigan's most beloved destinations. "Misguided" promises laughs, intrigue, and a summer you won’t forget.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2024

Reviews

[Deborah Dancz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered the first novel The Dockporter on an annual trip to Mackinac Island and was eager to read the latest novel in this series: MisGuided. The clever structure of this book tells a "story within a story" and features the misadventures of Mackinac Island resident Jack McGuinn in the summer of 1984. He is a teen who unexpectedly goes from busboy to a costumed guide at the historic fort while still dreaming of the chance to become a dockporter. MisGuided kept the spirit of the series -- nostalgic, funny, wonderful sense of time and place, quirky characters, and adventurous. Great for both teens and adults and could be read as a "stand alone" (but you'll want want to spend more time with Jack in the other novels - set on Mackinac Island in 1989 and 1979). Can't wait to recommend this book (and the series) to friends and to place copies in local Little Free Libraries. Fingers crossed that there are more novels to come.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style of these two authors is so very real. You can imagine the young dock porters and Tea Room busboys talking this way. If you've been to Mackinac Island, you can put yourself right in the middle of the action and know where every scene is. I love the way the descriptions of various things and actions are written. It makes you think that these authors didn't go to school. But the descriptions are so down to earth. Some examples are:

"Dockporters hovered around carts loaded with suitcases like ants on a discarded Snickers wrapper."
"I was as blank as the pages of the spiral notebooks I bought every fall for high school but rarely used for anything other than practicing drawing KISS and Van Halen logos."
"He kept straightening up sharply", his movements jerky, almost like a marionette with tangled strings or someone having an epileptic fit.

Toward the end of the book, I thought it rambled on a bit too much. But the ending (or WOW, no spoilers here) made me glad I read to the very end. One final thought from the book:
"Mackinac Island is more than a place; it's a living, breathing narrative that continues to evolve."
Truer words were never written. I am so homesick for the Island. Hopefully, we'll be able to return next year (2025). A big shout out to the authors who trusted me with a copy. Can't wait for your next book.

[Vernita Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!!! Third in a series of books and when it is done you will look forward to more.
As a person who loves Mackinac Island this was a fun adventure and I learned a few things along the way. This is a series of 3 books and I loved every one!
Follow our young hero as he grows up in an adventure with every story. These young folks find more adventures than you can even imagine.
This is a fun and interesting book and the author is a great guy too!!!!

[Mister Pickles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite 5 star, but over 4 to me (we need half stars). A bit bouncy in the flow, and maybe a bit too long, but a decent read with some humor, some history like stuff (half and half truth). Maybe the best of the series so far.

[Danna Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait for another adventure with Jack on the Island. The nostalgia and out of the blue witty one liners, just so darn fun. I listened to all 3 on Audio, but I’ll be buying the hardcovers the next time I’m on the Island. This series is a keeper for me.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, fun, and lighthearted! I’m a Michigander who grew up in the UP with many visits to Mackinac Island so I especially appreciate this series.

[Michael Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd in the Dockporter series

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Ready for it to End!

Loved this triology of Jack McGuire’s coming of age on Mackinac Island! I’d love to hear more of Jack’s adventures although it seems unlikely…too bad.

[J. Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. If you have been to “the island” you will enjoy this fun story!