The rain falls in sheets as fifteen-year-old Toby steps off a seaplane into a remote boardwalk fishing town. Flea, Alaska, is tucked deep within the misty fjord; the rain falls in sheets as fifteen-year-old Toby steps off a seaplane into a remote boardwalk fishing town. Flea Alaska is tucked deep within the misty fjords of Southeast Alaska. His father has vanished—presumed dead—and Toby is left with more questions than answers.

Alone in a world of rough waters and rougher men, Toby must unravel a mystery no one wants solved. Secrets swirl like the coastal fog, and not everyone is glad he’s come looking.

Then there’s Judy—sharp-eyed, wild-hearted, and just a year younger—who takes it upon herself to help this outsider navigate a place where survival depends on more than just knowing how to fish or read the tides. Together, they trek through ancient forests, face storms both natural and human, and dig into a past that someone is desperate to keep hidden.

As danger closes in, Toby begins to uncover not just the truth about his father but a deeper truth about himself—and the quiet presence of a greater friend who’s been there all along.

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{What very astute fictitous readers say on this masterpiece of chicken scratches}

“It feels good to be a kid again. I could see the town—the adventure—through the eyes of my youth.” – An Old Geezer

“Yeah, for an old guy, he can sure write like a kid. I wasn’t even bored. I laughed. A lot.” – Robert, age 15

“I loved it! (Okay, I had to. My crazy uncle wrote it.)” – The Nephews and Nieces

“I couldn’t understand’ it a bit.” – Allie, age 3

"He needs to get off his duff and do some chores.” – His Wife