Conch Republic Island Stepping with Hemingway

by Eric H. Heisner, Emily Jean Mitchell (Illustrator)

Mystery & Adventure novelist, Jonathan Tyler Springer, pen name – J.T. Springs takes a break in the Florida Keys to recapture some of his passion for writing. The influence of Key West and thoughts of Ernest Hemingway lures him to stay, much to the protests of his California Literary Agent – C. Moselly. Trying to settle into island living, Jon never gets any writing done as he gets involved with the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the colorful characters that make up Key West’s environment and lifestyle. From the hang-out drinking establishment “Conch Republic Tavern” owned and operated by an attractive local woman to a seaplane pilot whose wild inspirations take him flying across the Caribbean and a Cuban businessman who believes he should be the successor to Fidel Castro, Jon never has a dull moment and finds he’s living the live of adventure instead of writing about it.

Genres: Mystery, Ebooks, Adventure

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2019

About the author

Eric H. Heisner is an award-winning writer, actor, and filmmaker who has a special affinity for the Western genre. With his first novel, West to Bravo, he continues to broaden his skills as a teller of stories from the mythology of the American West. Heisner resides in Austin, Texas with a ranch in Llano, TX.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a quick easy read that I could finish in the here and there I have had recently. Very much what you expect and made me think a little of Jimmy Buffett’s Where Is Joe Merchant? even though not the same vein. I kept thinking of Key West, Buffett and a funny TV adventure thank makes you smile but not laugh.

Highly recommend and I can’t wait to start Errol Flynn’s Treasure!

[Chris Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun island adventure

I stumbled across this book while searching for some Florida fiction to read. I'm glad I gave it a chance! Fun characters, a location I hope to visit very soon (Key West), and adventure! Definitely worth a read.

[Jason R Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I love the characters and the simple adventure just waiting around the corner. Oh to live the dream of adventures in paradise

[KerryO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing tale of characters and their exploits in Key West.

[Billie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Key West so I was pretty excited with finding this to read during a recent visit. I loved seeing the island in this book. With that said, it was just okay. I loved a couple of the characters, and do believe I ran into one or two of them on the island, but none of them really drew me in. I'm glad I read this and I'd probably consider reading a sequel on another trip to the Keys. Or I'll just stick with catching up with Hemingway.

Also, the title of this novel has nothing to do with the story itself. I thought there might be a touch of Hemingway *something* in the book - more than just a picture of him on the wall.

[Jacqui H. Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, lite Key West adventure, and if you've ever been there, you'd know the story is entirely plausible. I think I've seen these characters on the street in several visits to Key West. However, there wasn't much development, in either in the characters or the storyline. At the end it just sort of fizzled out. And the reference to Hemingway is merely an allusion to the main character, Jon, being another writer who has gone to Key West for inspiration, but gets too caught up in distractions instead.
The illustrations by Emily Jean Mitchell are fabulous, and I will be reading the other Conch Republic stories by Eric Heisner... but I still like Jimmy Buffett's tropical tales much better.

[Migdalia Antuna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts off entertaining

Starts off entertaining but serious plot issues ruin the ending. Jon is likeable and several other characters start to be developed. The main motivation for Jon unfortunately is completely implausible especially as the plot unwinds. I really liked the book from the start but write this completely disappointed with the sloppy ending. Potential unrealized.

[Bob Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yawn

The hero did nothing heroic. He just followed the other characters around, and expected things to happen. Although Hemingway is in the title, he is only named a few times in the book (and nothing to do with the plot). I sure would’ve been upset if I spent any money in this book. No desire to read more of the series, even for free.

[karen byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Cadence of this author. There is never a dull moment and he keeps you on your toes. Of course the location is absolutely perfect this time of year. To have a novel set in the Keys along with talking about Pirates and Cuban influences and a lovable character with a parrot, a savvy woman bar owner lends itself to a fun read.

[Tim Chappell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dialogue Coach ,please

I have to admit I could only get through 20% of this book before I had to give up on it. The dialogue between the characters is 6th grade at best and makes no sense. I'm sure some will like it but I'm on to something else

[G.Richard Mccafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange beginning

Good story of day Islands in key West so now the story shows the real meaning of good friends and how to kill time while your broke till next time Jon ciao from Costa Rica and rainy season...

[Allan Bernard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading level :

I was attracted to this book because of it's location. I liked the ending but would recommend the book to a 5th or 6th grader.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Not impressed by the hero of the book

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Austin native. Pirates, seaplanes, Key West and Quirky characters give this book a shoot em up novel feel.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome surprise

Caught me by surprise. Great characters. Fun story with the right touch of intrigue. Can't wait to read the next installment. Beautiful artwork, too!

[Lori Bindner · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun engrossing mystery

Loved the way it held my attention. Reminds me of good times in the keys. Now I want to go back but hope not to have a run in with any pirates

[Dennis Maloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced enjoyable story.

[James Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lot's of excitement

The author has created an amazing and innovative plot to go with an imaginative group of characters making this hard to put down

[Mary Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story line

Enjoyed the adventure the characters took. Reminds me of the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" in today's timeline. Loved the setting and adventure.

[John Karlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, nothing great

Could be a great read with interesting characters. Worth ur time and money, cheaper than net flicks!
Goons give another one a try.

[Jody · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great descriptions of KW

It's a great description of Key West in its prime, with a predictable plot. Not really sure about the Hemingway link.

[Brian Wessner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book for summer read, looking forward to others in the series.

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and engaging

[Terri Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, especially if you're familiar with Key West.

[Jon Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a terrible beach book, though it arrived falling apart, when I’d paid for “new.” The plot and characters were also a little lacking.