Last Ride in the Bumblebee Jacket

by Spencer Kope

When a mystery is discovered in the trunk of a 1951 Plymouth convertible, four unlikely people are drawn together, some with questions, some with answers. Of all the forks in life's road, the car was the least expected.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2021

About the author

I started writing while serving in the Navy in the early 80s. I was a Russian linguist with the Naval Security Group at a time when the Cold War was still going strong. After my enlistment, I worked as an intelligence analyst and then a project manager for the Office of Naval Intelligence. You'd think this experience would have led me to write espionage novels, but it wasn't meant to be. Mind you I tried, but my heart wasn't in it.

Instead, I wrote horror stories and tales of a dystopian future. There were plenty of short stories, attempts at novels, and then novels. And while I've always had an incredible imagination, my early writing skills were pathetic.

It's been said that to become a master at anything, one need only practice that art for ten thousand hours. Well, it's taken three decades, but I've walked that road; I've done my ten thousand hours. I'm no longer afraid to share my work, and I find that my own words can make me smile, laugh, and even bring me to tears. Often, particularly when I'm supposed to be editing, I find myself being sucked into my own story.

I finally quit the intelligence business in 1999, and, beginning in 2004, started a new career as a crime analsyt. And while I still enjoy writing a variety of genres, particularly young adult, my career in law enforcement prompted me to write "Collecting the Dead," the first in a series about the fictional Special Tracking Unit.

Named by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Books of 2016, and nominated for a Barry Award for Best Thriller, "Collecting the Dead" launched the new series with a bang. Best of all, I love the characters and the premise of the series, and look forward to writing these books for years to come.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story and the writing. The only problem was a little too much religion and politics at times. I had a hard time reading the last 25% because my allergies were acting up and my eyes were watering a lot. Anyway that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

I’m watching American Graffiti as I write this. Read the book and you’ll know why. The book and movie brought back a lot of memories of Scoopin’ the Loop back in the sixties.

[Michelle S. Berryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story

When hot rods meet artists and unlikely families form from the bonds of mutual love, respect and honor, you have all the trappings of a modern American Graffiti. The Last Ride of the Bumble Bee Jacket unfolds over several months, rather than a single night, however. Still, it’s well worth the ride!

[Kay Inglis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read a book, I prefer to be surprised. To find a book that is unexpectedly good. It’s about a subject I know little about, but I can still relate to the passion and beauty of the story—a book with a message that takes you on the road with a special kind of magic. The Last Ride in the Bumblebee Jacket is that kind of book. I’ve read all of Spencer Kope’s books. They’re good, beautifully written, and entertaining. This book was in my to-read pile for a while. Finally, having read it, it’s the best book Spencer Kope has written! What was I waiting for? The story is centered around a 1951 Plymouth Convertible. A car that unexpectedly brings four (actually five) people together. People who form a remarkable friendship, a friendship of values and great camaraderie. And the ending…I’m still carrying around a Kleenex to mop up the sniffles.

[Jeff Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Yes, it has sentimentality, nostalgia, some predictability. However, it is a story that gets to you. Thoroughly enjoyable and fun.

[Susan Oram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery with a love story is about discovering hidden valuable paintings, rebuilding a run-down Plymouth convertible and finding family. A sweet story that had tears running down my cheeks at the end.

[Deb Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would read anything by this author. I wish he were still writing and publishing novels.

[Shorewalker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read any of this author, however after researching some of his earlier works I am firmly convinced that Bumblebee Jacket is a totally different tale.

A roller-coaster ride full of emotions - love, dislike, empathy, sadness and enlighten joy. Story firmly rooted in the Pacific Northwest with life like descriptions that enhance the story, a story that drives along like the Bumblebee Jacket and takes the reader along for a wonderful ride.

Some that the reader must "swallow" (depending upon the readers own beliefs) ingrained in the story periodically are the authors firm conservative and religious believes.

Ride On Reader