Gone (A Hannah Smith Novel Book 1)

Randy Wayne White is my guy. If it wasn't for his fiction--the first few devoured while staying at a house on his beloved island, Sanibel--I probably wouldn't be writing fiction as well. Him and Don Pendleton actually, because White stands on Pendleton's shoulders. Pendleton is arguably the inventor of the men's action fiction genre. But I Iike White best because he does place-based fiction like few others. Put him in fellow Florida writer Carl Hiaasen's box, though there are occasions I enjoy Hiaasen more. And thankfully, because I've read all that both authors have written, there are still others...Like many of White's readers, I took up with White's Hannah Smith series because waiting on a new Ford adventure is tough, even with the subtle changes White has made to his character over the last couple of years. While I'm moved by other writer's criticism that Randy should just write two Marion Ford novels a year rather than do one of each, I don't blame him for wanting a little variety.This is my first of the Hannah Smith books. I'll read the others. Here's a couple of observations about this first one:1) The steady hand of the Florida-based adventure writer is clearly present, beginning and end, though at times I wondered if the book, or parts of it, were being written by others. Especially when the writer is applying tone and details about the women he's writing about. By the end of the book however, I concluded White's hand was there. So maybe the generalizations about women--some of them quite common, many of them male--are the result of a first book in the series. Still, I wonder...2) I enjoyed the usual technical knowledge White brings to his efforts. This time, I learned a little more about geography I was already familiar with. I liked hearing what it was like to be a fishing guide, about the archeology of the area (something he's written about in his other books). I believe his observations about money on Sanibel Island--some of it old, some of it new--was spot on. There's a reason, you know, that there's a car charge for that bridge from Fort Meyers to Sanibel. It's to keep the riff raff out.3) The plot, pace, twists and turns deserve mention as well. They show the hand of a master writer in the genre. And they are one of the reasons I continue to read him.All in all, my thanks again, Randy. You kept me entertained. You didn't fill my mind with nonsense about towns and characters that don't exist, and you deepened my understanding of those that do. Atta boy...

These sorts novels rest a lot on believable characters. The problem with Florida novels is that real living characters in Florida often eclipse any fictional characters for stupidity, corruption and evil intent. This is the state that attracts serial killers, Koran burning ministers, scammers and con artists, and whose main reputation in other states for monumental zaniness. Here Randy Wayne White has created a sane grounded, and admirable character. Most importantly he doesn't make her a superwomen, kung fu warrior. She's brave and tough and smart, but she makes mistakes in a dangerous situation that are both human and suspenseful. The sort that anyone placed in a highly stressful situation would make. My complaint about a lot of writers in this genre is their characters are too masterful and unbelievable and you can lose interest in them easily. The second part that I liked about this is its a tightly plotted "little" story that deals with evil and takes us on a little journey through west florida and the thousand islands. And that too makes it very readable. The challenge for Randy White is that of a male trying to write in the first person about a female. I think it's extremely difficult to do. And I think the author does a good job of this. But not quite. Which is why I gave it 4 stars rather than five. It could be that as a fan I could not forget the male Doc of his other novels, and I had the odd sensation of the marine biologist sort of springing out in drag sometimes. I'm pretty much convinced though that this is more my fault than the authors. If you are a fan read this one.It's even better if you are new to his fiction. It's great, and a new start, for White. I think Hanna, as a fishing guide, and cracker descendent, will be able to go places that the good Doctor can't quite find.

Item is in very good condition very happy with the book

Randy Wayne White does not disappoint. A new series. Great like the first series. Very glad to have found this.

I love Randy's Doc Ford novels, as well as his non-fiction travel stories. I'm a big fan. I was excited that he was writing a series about a strong women character. I liked Hannah very much. She was very believable, with flaws, a complex past, and her own hang ups. Just like most people. He lost me, however, when Hannah developed a strong romantic interest in Doc Ford. Really? I felt like Doc was cradle-robbing, and perhaps having a mid-life crisis. I could see them becoming very good friends, but romance seemed a stretch. I felt like Randy had followed the path that so many white, middle aged (or older) movie producers frequently follow. Pairing a much older middle aged male actor with a twenty-something young actress, and expecting the audience to believe that a hot, passionate romance develops because he's so manly and irresistible. I understand that it is possible, but not with the frequency and inevitability that these men seem to fantasize. I was disappointed that Randy went this route. Or, perhaps, Hannah just has major "daddy" issues. Also, it was a little creepy that Hannah Four was hoping to start a relationship with a man her much older, deceased, aunt (Hannah Three) had already had a relationship with. Maybe it's just me, but that part of the story line was disappointing. I will read the next one in the series, however, because Randy is a beautiful writer and he still provides a lovely way to spend a few hours.

Randy Wayne White's second series, but Hannah Smith is no second fiddle.