W here Is Joe Merchant? is the first novel by folk pop artist Jimmy Buffett following his best-selling collection of short fiction, Tales from Margaritaville (1989). Buffett proves himself a capable novelist, easily filling the full canvas of longer fiction with an engaging lyrical adventure set in the Caribbean islands near Hispaniola. As is true with the music of Jimmy Buffett, it reflects the captivating grace and rhythm of island life. Buffett's passion for the islands, the sea, and navigation (both air and sea), brings authenticity to the exotic setting of this adventure novel.

The novel's hero, Frank Bama, served in Vietnam as a seaplane pilot.

After the service he obtains the Goose Gruman seaplane of his dreams which he christens the Hemisphere Dancer and uses for his business as a sport fishing guide and a spotter for commercial fishermen.

Bama radiates confidence, affability, and wit as...