In this laid-back, well-paced caper novel from Jacobson (All the Cowboys Ain’t Gone), surfer Dolphin Smoote suffers from no ambition greater than catching the next wave and performing the most radical stunts in the most casual way possible. Until Claudette, the girl of his dreams, catches his eye. Finding himself suddenly in need of cash to impress her, he follows the advice of Lunch Biggunes, a retired surfing legend, and enlists his fellow Surf Dawgs in a scheme to rent out the palatial beachside house belonging to his Aunt Clemmie, a successful mystery writer. Those familiar with the exploits of Jeeves and Bertie Wooster won’t be surprised when the guests they attract include a trio of ineptly undercover federal agents in pursuit of the guest who has rented the beach house’s most expensive room. Nor will it come as a shock that Claudette’s disguising herself as a butler creates even more trouble. And that’s before Clemmie unexpectedly shows up and Lunch decides to enliven the proceedings by spiking the punch bowls at a barbecue. This skillful farce is a perfect beach read for Surf Dawgs and fans of P.G. Wodehouse alike.
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.