Picture a salty Navy veteran spinning thrilling tales of suspense by the Florida coast—meet Kirk Jockell! A retired Senior Chief turned bestselling author, Jockell crafts action-packed novels that pulse with small-town charm, dark secrets, and a dash of humor. His Nigel Logan series has captivated readers, drawing them into a world where sailboats glide and pasts refuse to stay buried.
With a guitar in hand, a love for Jim Beam, and a menagerie of pets by his side, Jockell’s life is as colorful as his stories. From his Port St. Joe roots to his Georgia backyard, this late-blooming storyteller proves it’s never too late to chase a dream.
The Making of Kirk Jockell
Born in the coastal haven of Port St. Joe, Florida, Kirk Jockell grew up with a wild imagination fueled by undiagnosed ADHD. Stories danced in his head, but reading was a struggle, and his mother often said he lived in “his own little world.” After serving as a Senior Chief in the U.S. Navy, Jockell retired and split his time between Florida’s Forgotten Coast and Lake Lanier, Georgia. It wasn’t until later in life that he channeled his vivid imagination into writing, regretting only that he hadn’t started sooner.
Influenced by masters like Carl Hiaasen and Randy Wayne White, Jockell’s nautical life—sailing, fishing, and photographing sailboats—shaped his gritty yet humorous storytelling. His debut novel, Finding Port St. Joe, marked the start of a thrilling journey that would win readers’ hearts.
Kirk Jockell’s Unforgettable Stories
Jockell’s Nigel Logan Action Series anchors his literary legacy, with the Tales from Stool 17 trilogy at its heart. Finding Port St. Joe, the first book, introduces Nigel Logan, a retired Navy Chief fleeing a murky past. Sailing his 32-foot Pearson Vanguard to Port St. Joe, Logan finds quirky locals, a new love, and a chance at redemption—but his secrets won’t stay submerged. Reviewers call it “a great read” with “wonderful characters.”
The saga continues in Trouble in Tate’s Hell, where Logan’s idyllic new life unravels as old troubles resurface. The trilogy concludes with Dark Days of Judgment, a page-turner that sees Logan facing his past head-on to protect a loved one. Jockell’s prequel, Tough Enough, delves into Logan’s childhood, revealing the roots of his tough yet caring nature. Infused with humor, suspense, and coastal vibes, Jockell’s stories echo Elmore Leonard’s knack for colorful characters and shenanigans.
Beyond the trilogy, standalone works like Tupelo Honey and the novella The Cuban showcase Jockell’s range, blending action with heartfelt moments. His rhythmic prose and vivid settings make readers feel the humidity of Florida’s coast and the chill of a cold beer.
Why Kirk Jockell Matters
Kirk Jockell’s rise from Navy veteran to bestselling author is a testament to resilience and creativity. His novels offer escapism, pulling readers into a world of nautical adventures and flawed yet lovable heroes. By embracing his ADHD-fueled imagination, Jockell inspires late bloomers to pursue their passions, proving that stories can find their way to paper at any age.
His influence extends to fans of suspense and coastal fiction, who cherish his ability to balance dark themes with humor and heart. Jockell’s Port St. Joe is more than a setting—it’s a character, inviting readers to visit the Forgotten Coast, real or imagined, and stay for the stories.
- Key Works: Tales from Stool 17 trilogy, Tough Enough, Tupelo Honey
- Hobbies: Sailing, guitar, photography, fishing
- Pets: Nate (dog), Mr. Hemingway (cat)
Ready to sail into a thrilling adventure? Grab Finding Port St. Joe and dive into Kirk Jockell’s unforgettable world of suspense and coastal charm!