About
The book, the people, the place
The book
Escape to Lostman’s River is a short adventure novel for readers who like fishing, or boats, or getting into a little trouble. Fifteen-year-old Matt Creek spends the summer after his father’s death as his uncle Dan’s assistant guide in Chokoloskee, at the top of the Ten Thousand Islands. There is a legendary tarpon, a smuggling ring, a houseboat, a storm, and a lot of snook.
The site is laid out like the one thing Matt carries everywhere: his dad’s South Florida Fishing Guidebook, with the blank pages filled in.
Amazon One of Joelbooks' Top 8 Short Adventure Books for Teens
- Paperback
- ISBN 9798374178890
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9798375928548
- Kindle
- ASIN B0BVJ4XR65
For Dad
The real Chokoloskee
Chokoloskee is a real island at the end of a real causeway, just south of Everglades City on Florida’s Gulf coast. It sits at the top of the Ten Thousand Islands, the mangrove maze that runs south to Lostman’s River, Shark River, and Cape Sable inside Everglades National Park. Guides still leave from its marinas at sunrise. The stone crabs are still the best in the state. Most of the places on the chart are there to be found; Dan’s cottage, Doc’s house, and the abandoned post office at South Point you will have to imagine.
Planning a trip? Start with Everglades National Park and the FWC fishing rules.
Next summer
The last chapter leaves two things waiting: a fire-engine red airboat in the garage, and a date at the end of the last dock at the Chokoloskee marina. A second book is in the works.
Next summer
Hear when the airboat is running
The sequel is in the works. One email when there’s news, none otherwise. No spam, no sharing your address.
For teachers and book clubs
A discussion guide, printable fish cards, and coloring pages from the sketches are planned. Until then, Matt’s List and the fish guide work well as classroom pages.