Legendary tough-guy author Randy Wayne White of Sanibel Island takes a walk on the feminine side in his new book "Gone," the first in a new series with a female protagonist.
The novel published by Putnam went on sale Sept. 4.
After nearly 20 bestselling Doc Ford novels, White is acknowledged as one of the most popular thriller authors in the nation.
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Randy Wayne White of Sanibel Island takes a walk on the feminine side in his new book “Gone,” the first in a new series with a female protagonist.
In "Gone," White introduces readers to Hannah Smith, a "strong, formidable woman, the descendant of generations of resourceful Florida women (with a touch of the wild side)."
White touts Smith as a perfect complement to Ford with the book "set in the world fans have come to love so well."
Hannah Smith, who first appeared in the White book "Captiva," lives on the Gulf Coast just across the bay from Sanibel Island and works as a fishing guide.
Fact Box
Randy Wayne White appearances
When: noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24
Where: Doc Ford's Fort Myers Rum Bar & Grille, 708 Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach
She also inherited a small investigation agency, which she wasn't planning on operating.
However, her ability to act under pressure during a storm impresses her wealthy client who realizes she is just the right person to track down his missing niece - a woman who stands to inherit $90 million.
Smith follows a trail of clues that lead her from the enclaves of the rich living on Captiva Island to the mangrove swamps of the Ten Thousand Islands and deep into the recesses of Florida - places not found on tourist maps.
In "Gone," White once again captures the true spirit and essence of the land, its people, and its ecology - and introduces readers to an unforgettable new heroine.
White's become a Florida legend in his own right. He lives in an old Florida Cracker house, built on the remnants of a shell pyramid of the Calusa Indians where pottery exists dating to the time of the Maya. His dock is a popular place to socialize at sunset and he's a regular at Doc Ford's Restaurant on Sanibel.
White said colorful women he's known in his family and the female fishing guides around Sanibel helped him create the character of Hannah as well as his own years spent captaining a charter-fishing boat. He can also share insider knowledge about areas along the Gulf Coast of Florida, including Gasparilla Island.
A avid environmentalist and an advocate on land preservation and stopping inhumane tarpon fishing, he draws on his own adventures ranging from being fishing guide, getting stabbed in Peru, transporting Cuban refugees and stealing one of Gen. Manuel Noriega's bar stools.
