Books By Marvin Cook
My novels are set in Florida and the Caribbean and are influenced by places I’ve traveled to and people I’ve met. Observations on culture and natural history guide my writing. The foundation for my fiction is a passion for cruising the coast and exploring wild places. I hope readers will share in these fictional adventures.
ACROSS FLORIDA STRAITS
Follow Matvey, a bastard son of a young Cuban dancer as he is growing up in an all-inclusive Soviet resort on the south shore of Cuba. His larceny leads to entanglement with a traveling London art professor and his desperate need to escape Cuba. The story spans post-revolution life in Cuba through the Special Period and into modern time. His perilous journey takes him to Key West and a chance for a new life.
ADRIFT in the GULF STREAM
Read the sequel to ACROSS FLORIDA STRAITS to learn more of Matvey’s story. A thief of antiquities and wanted for assault by Cuban authorities, he escapes his captors and finds himself floating in the Gulf Stream. Will he survive to find his way to a new life in The Bahamas and leave his past behind?
HOUSEBOAT HERMIT of the EVERGLADES
Nefarious activities in the Everglades forges an unlikely friendship between Thompson, an old hermit living on a houseboat, and a burned-out and disillusioned National Park Service park ranger. Seeking a more peaceful wilderness and life changes, they migrate to North Florida’s Nature Coast, encountering more adventures along the way.
CAN'T OUTRUN THE PAST
Enjoy the sequel to HOUSEBOAT HERMIT as trouble follows Thompson and Refuge Officer Bob Nelson, formerly a NPS Park Ranger, in North Florida’s Big Bend wilderness. Unknown agents target Thompson to secure the secrets of his past only to be thwarted by the local sheriff and new friends.
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dystopian paradise
Pilar stands on her island's highest bluff to watch the sunrise. She is delighted to see a fire trail streak across the sky. Staring at the horizon she ponders questions she can not answer. What lies beyond the horizon? Are we alone?
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THEY ALL CALLED HIM PINKY
2025 Gold Award Winner Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Award
A children's book for ages 8 and up or for parents who want to read to their children. The story was inspired by Pinky, a rare visitor who arrived with a hurricane and lived for five years at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Pinky makes new friends with many of the refuge's diverse bird species. The resident birds learn to accept Pinky, even though he is different. The story incorporates educational, moral, and cultural lessons, with encouragement for kids to be the best they can be. The book is illustrated with colorful images by the author.
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Support Independent Book Stores!
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The books are also available at the following independent bookstores
My Favorite Books, Tallahassee, FLhttp://www.mfbooks.us/
Midtown Reader, Tallahassee, FLhttps://www.midtownreader.com/
Sundog Books, Seaside, FLhttps://sundogbooks.com
Books and Books Key Westhttps://booksandbookskw.com/
Key West Island Bookshttps://www.keywestislandbooks.com
Books and Books, Coral Gables, FLhttps://booksandbooks.com
The Bookshelf, Thomasville, GAhttps://bookshelfthomasville.com
Midtown Reader, Tallahassee, FLhttps://www.midtownreader.com/
Sundog Books, Seaside, FLhttps://sundogbooks.com
Books and Books Key Westhttps://booksandbookskw.com/
Key West Island Bookshttps://www.keywestislandbooks.com
Books and Books, Coral Gables, FLhttps://booksandbooks.com
The Bookshelf, Thomasville, GAhttps://bookshelfthomasville.com
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