The Tiger Returns

by Frank A. Mason

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2026

About the author

Frank A. Mason is the pen name for author Robert (Bob) F. Amason, Ph.D.

Professor at Large at Northern Illinois University (Semi-Retired). He earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech and University of Florida. A retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, Bob Amason was a college professor for 25 years. As an officer in the USAF, Bob flew B-52s during the Cold War, was a flying training instructor, and directed high-level staff organizations over 22 years of his early adult life.

He is a life member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He now lives in Florida with his wife, who is also university professor and author

Winner of the 2023 Gold Royal Palm Literary Award, the highest award from the Florida Writer's Association

(Sources: Amazon author profile, Facebook, Linkedin)

Reviews

[Caleb O'Connell]

The Tiger Returns is an engaging and memorable read that demonstrates how strong storytelling can create both immediate momentum and lasting reader interest.

What I appreciated most is the confidence of the narrative. The story maintains a strong sense of forward movement while giving the reader enough depth to become invested in the people and circumstances at its center. The result is a book that feels substantial rather than simply plot-driven.

Another strength is the way the story encourages curiosity about what comes next. The pacing keeps the reading experience compelling, while the broader narrative gives the book enough substance to remain engaging beyond individual moments of suspense or action.

At its heart, The Tiger Returns is the kind of novel that reminds us why readers continue to seek out stories that combine momentum with meaningful characters and circumstances. It is entertaining without feeling disposable, making it an easy book to recommend to other readers.

A highly enjoyable read for anyone looking for an absorbing novel with strong storytelling, memorable moments, and the kind of narrative momentum that keeps the pages turning.

[Don Crumbley]

Mason's Novels Are Exceptional Reading and Realistic By Far

"The Tiger Returns" is Frank Mason's best effort so far, as he realistically depicts real world events and greatly describes it's impact on humanity at several levels, during a war time setting. The novel covers all types of endeavors and realistic impacts on events that a young man encounters in making his own way in troubled times, as he experiences and deals with early life situations. A realistic and exceptional read, not normally found in most war novels.

[Richard]

Has come home

Contract fulfilled and heading home on his own dime working as a third mate on a merchant ship to make it back to America. The 8 kills ace is not sure what he is coming home to. He has to fight to get reinstated into the USMC, see Teddy, and figure out his new romance.

[John Nino]

The world and the Pacific

What a great continuation of Tuffy’s tale. Full of professional and personal aspects. Flying Tigers, Merchant Marine, and home. Plus we get to see him back in the Corps. Love finds it way and a reuniting with his son and the Gardener’s. And finally back in the thick of the war. Good luck Tuffy. Waiting on book 3.

[paul a swortz]

A good story continues in this book 2 of the series.

Mr. Mason continues with his good story of the main character and his great escapades during his life after graduating from Annapolis. The challenges that started in book 1 continue throughout with good actions and adventures. I look forward to the continuing stories.

[Elle Baker]

Flying Marine Tiger in China & Guadalcanal

Detailed and personal tale of a wrongly disgraced Marine Pilot flying with the Flying Tigers in China and eventually returning to the U.S. Marines in the Guadalcanal campaign.
Definitely worth reading, well written and good character development.

[CATHY BARBER]

Outstanding

Another installment in this great series written by Frank A. Mason. The story has characters that are people you can feel you would like to know and some "nonfiction" men who Were in fa t true heroes. Exciting read! Thanks Mr. Mason.

[JERRY L BABCOCK]

Enjoyed the read!

Enjoyed the book just enough history, seriousness, family interest and humor. I find the author to be very entertaining to read and certainly to enjoy. Looking forward to the next book.

[David Parsons]

gripping

A story well told with main character interacting with legendary Flying Tiger personalities before heading to Guadalcanal as a Marine. Thoroughly enjoyable and well told.

[Rovertoad]

This is a GREAT series

I don’t like writing this because it’s keeping me away from reading book three.
It’s very well written and keeps my interest from cover to cover.

[Sam Reeves]

Go, Tiger

Excellent read. One nit to pick. On a ship bound for the Southeast African coast, wouldn’t a starboard (right) side cabin received the afternoon sun?

[Joe Anwyll]

Great rtead

Like all Frank Mason books that i have read, which is quite a few, enjoyable reading. As usual a book i didn’t want to put down

[Ronald L. McDonald]

Great Read

Strong story line good characters and realist writing, if you like military history you will love this story. Enjoy the read

[Robert Christy]

Great stories!

Exceptionally well written. The author makes you think that you're there in the cockpit . Can't wait for the third book!

[James Barton]

refreshing insight to history

Can’t wait for number 3. Mason makes the time these things happened become real. Refreshing in-site to history. Hurry with the next one.

[Jon Nelson]

Great book

Awesome book, well written, and look forward to the next chapter. Recommend reading. The story mixes combat action plus personal lifestyle.

[Jerry]

Goodread

I like Mason's writing style, great character development. His description of flying in that era is accurate and historically correct.

[Mark L. Ebel]

Why I enjoyed The Skies of Fire Series

I liked the inner personal relationship with the other character and the detail in the combat parts of the story and change of locations