BOAORKT S
ONE MORE
A Dunedin Tale
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 139
O ne More is an enjoyable
intellectual thriller,
yet it is also a peek
into the lives of its
authors Ron and Candy
Barnette, who combined their
individual talents and interests
to create this fictional tale that
takes place in the city of Dunedin,
where they live. Although the names
have been changed, there is little
doubt in my mind that the main
characters Reg and Chancey are
in reality Ron and Candy. The tale
serves to display Ron’s background
as a professor in philosophy, and
Candy’s charm, creativity and ability
to keep him on track.
Like the Columbo TV show of the
1970s, the murderer is disclosed at
the beginning as he performs his
dastardly deed, while the rest of the
story leads to the undoing of what
appears to be a perfect, undetectable
crime. The culprit will be caught,
but it is a question of how. In this
book, the confession comes Perry
Mason-style, as Ron confronts the
perpetrator with his conclusion,
hoping to push him over the edge
into admitting his guilt.
The Barnettes carry the story
past this confrontation to add an
interesting twist to the book that
could have ended with the arrest of
the murderer. They reveal what life
in Dunedin is like for them and many
other retirees and expound on an
interesting psychological discussion
that might apply to more people than
you think. Reg and Chancey take a
side trip to New Orleans during their
investigation, which will appeal to
those who are familiar with the city,
and particularly to those acquainted
with its Tulane University. I am one
of those people.
This is the type of book that
sets up characters you hope
you will meet again in future
volumes. Reg and Chancey
Bennett are a modern day
Nick and Nora Charles, those
fictional characters created by
Dashiell Hammett that were
used in radio, film, television and on
stage. Reg and Chancey even have
a cute kitten to compete with the
Charles’ dog Asta. I look forward
to the next adventures of Reg and
Chancey and their dear friends, such
as the bartender extraordinaire, Gigi,
who add another dimension to the
couple’s life in delightful Dunedin.
One More is a novel that entertains,
educates and brings an interesting
slice of life in a small town into
focus. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: One More can be
purchased at Back in the Day Books in
Dunedin, 355 Main St., (727) 221-0025,
and on amazon.com.
By Aaron R. Fodiman
/amazon.com