Book Review: Duck Duck Gator by Ken Wheaton
It’s rare to find a book that puts a truly novel and inventive twist on a classic whodunit paradigm. This is exactly what author Ken Wheaton has done with his latest novel, Duck Duck Gator. Tony Battaglia, the protagonist, makes his living in reality TV. After waking up from a successful life-saving heart transplant surgery, he finds his new lease life is about to become the main event. He never imagined he’d find himself and his heart, squarely in the middle of a murder mystery but here we are.
Wheaton was born and raised in Cajun Country. He uses his life experience to take Tony and readers on a wild ride through Blackwater, Louisiana. Tony becomes a detective in search of who murdered reality TV star Lonnie Lalonde Junior whose heart now resides inside Tony’s chest. The more he digs, the more he discovers that there are many competing parties fighting for fame, fortune, and the concealment of the truth. Given that Lonnie’s death has allowed Tony to live, the commitment to find out what really happened to Lonnie is personal.
If you’ve ever wanted to get deep inside the vivid mystery of Louisiana’s swamps, Wheaton takes you there! Rich with environmental details, this book keeps readers turning pages long into the night. It’s a fun romp filled with fully formed characters that spring to life from the page. If you thought reality TV was addictive, wait until you get your hands on this novel.