Review: California Fever by John J. Jacobson

About the Book:

SoCal surfer Dolphin Smoote just wanted to earn quick dough for a date with the brown eyed beauty… what he got was G-men (and G-women), ghosts, and a Colt-45.

John Jacobson’s California Fever is the compelling fusion of mystery, crime, and Southern California beach charm. Top surfer Dolphin Smoote gets more than he bargains for when he works up the nerve to ask out the brown eyed beauty on a date. The search of quick coin without having to work will always lead a surfer to precarious places, and Dolphin is no exception.

With the help of his lovable surfer crew who often have more to say about stylishness than anything else, Dolphin finds himself between conmen, ghosts, an impending storm from the coast of Mexico…and still no money for a second date. Along the ride, Dolphin finds in himself capacity for storytelling that would make P.G. Woodehouse himself chortle with laughter.

From the author of All The Cowboys Ain’t Gone comes this thrilling tale where a crime novel writer becomes caught up in crimes, and an aspiring writer tries to outrun the crime in her bloodline – what could go wrong? Jacobson immerses the reader in the world of California’s Casual-Radical surf culture, where radical stunts executed with the most casual air is a practiced form of art. In this world, rival surf clans goad each other on, upping the ante on casual radical stunts until mayhem looms. It looks like the storm brewing off the coast of Southern California just might disturb the tranquility of the beach.

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/california-fever-by-john-j-jacobson

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59875382-california-fever

My Thoughts:

With California Fever, John J. Jacobson proves his writing skills by offering up a second book in a much different genre from his book. His debut novel, All the Cowboys Ain’t Gone, is a Western and epic journey, while California Fever is a more lighthearted work of fiction.

The main character, Dolphin, is a surf bum who is desperately trying to avoid employment so that he can focus on catching waves with his posse, who have dubbed themselves the Surfer Dawgs. Dolphin and his pals, take advantage of the absence of Dolphin’s aunt to make money by renting rooms in her house. Their efforts, while successful, bring in some questionable clientele, which kicks off the madcap mayhem.

I really enjoyed Dolphin, his love interest and his Aunt Clemmie. They’re interesting characters and quite likable. California is a humorous mystery with a solid plot and a feel-good ending. A quick, entertaining read that is suitable for young teens and adults.