Step into the sun-soaked world of the Mango Bob series, where a quirky cat and a laid-back adventurer roam Florida’s backroads in a motorhome called the Love Bus! Written by Bill H. Myers, this charming blend of cozy mystery, humor, and travel adventure follows John Walker and his feline sidekick, Mango Bob, as they stumble into lighthearted escapades filled with eccentric characters and unexpected treasures. Perfect for readers craving a breezy escape, the series captures the thrill of reinvention and the joy of life’s quirky detours.
With its vivid depictions of Florida’s beaches, RV camps, and hidden gems, Mango Bob invites you to hit the road and embrace the unpredictable. Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming tales or just love a good laugh, this series delivers a delightful ride through the Sunshine State.
How Mango Bob Began
The Mango Bob series was born from Bill H. Myers’ own adventures as a full-time RVer exploring Florida’s vibrant landscapes. A former tech professional turned author, Myers drew inspiration from his travels and his love for quirky characters—both human and feline. His American Bobtail cat, the real-life Mango Bob, became the heart of the series, embodying the adventurous spirit of life on the road. First published in 2012, the series started as a light mystery and grew into a beloved saga, reflecting Myers’ knack for weaving humor and heart into tales of second chances.
The Heart of Mango Bob
The series kicks off with Mango Bob (2012), where John Walker, freshly divorced and jobless, trades his truck for the Love Bus and agrees to deliver Mango Bob the cat to Florida. Along the way, he encounters a shady murder mystery tied to missing gold coins, setting the tone for the series’ mix of humor and intrigue. In Mango Lucky (2012), Walker hunts for treasure from a sunken Spanish fleet, joined by his friend Sarah and a magical dog named Jake. Mango Bay (2013) sees him settle in a quirky RV park, helping locals save their camp while dodging a larcenous manager. Later, Mango Blues (2017) throws Walker into a wild ride with a Russian mobster’s daughter, proving trouble follows him everywhere.
At its core, Mango Bob is about reinvention and resilience. Walker’s journey mirrors the RV lifestyle—free-spirited yet unpredictable—while themes of friendship and community shine through the colorful characters he meets, from pot-smuggling grannies to aging movie stars. Myers’ conversational style and vivid Florida settings make each book feel like a road trip, with Mango Bob’s antics adding a dose of feline charm. The series’ cozy mystery vibe avoids gore, focusing instead on clever twists and feel-good resolutions.
Why Mango Bob Resonates
Mango Bob has carved a niche among fans of cozy mysteries and travel fiction, offering a refreshing escape for readers who dream of hitting the open road. Its blend of humor, relatable characters, and Florida’s laid-back allure has earned it a loyal following, with reviewers praising its easy readability and heartwarming vibe. For RVers, the series doubles as a love letter to the nomadic lifestyle, packed with practical tips and authentic details. Its lasting appeal lies in its celebration of life’s second acts, proving it’s never too late to chase adventure—or befriend a sassy cat.
- First Book Published: 2012
- Total Books: 13 (as of 2023)
- Setting: Florida, USA
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Humor, Adventure
Ready to hit the road with Walker and Mango Bob? Grab Mango Bob and dive into a sunny, laugh-out-loud adventure that’s as refreshing as a Florida breeze!