In One Drunkin’ Monkee, W.C. Beattie delivers a raucous, heartfelt, and cinematic adventure brimming with salt air, sun-soaked mischief, and the kind of laugh-out-loud camaraderie that only years of brotherhood can produce. Set primarily in the tropical chaos of South Florida, this novel is as much an ode to maritime hustling as it is a smartly woven tale of treasure hunting, ex-military friendships, and shady pasts resurfacing like forgotten shipwrecks.
The story centers on Morgan MacShane, a battle-hardened, sharp-witted Army veteran lured to Fort Lauderdale by his old friend T.C. Allen with the promise of a boat—and a new beginning. What greets him instead is a rusty coastal freighter (dubbed “Sequoia”) that looks like it belongs in a scrap heap rather than on the high seas. But as MacShane quickly discovers, the vessel is a well-disguised marvel, outfitted with high-end tech and luxury interiors, a metaphor for nearly every character and theme in the book.
T.C., ever the hustler with a heart, has plans. Big ones. Specifically, diving on a sunken pirate city—Port Royale—armed with centuries-old maps, shady intelligence from a Cuban monastery, and a grab bag of questionable allies. As MacShane gets pulled into this wild scheme, readers are treated to layers of subplots involving dancers with grit, crooked officials, international intrigue, and even geopolitical tension as Cuba becomes a brewing focal point for danger.
Beattie’s prose is punchy and conversational, often hilarious and peppered with authentic nautical jargon, military banter, and the kind of local color that screams “insider knowledge.” His dialogue crackles, and the chemistry between T.C., MacShane, and the colorful supporting cast (especially Holly, the dancer with backbone and brains) is effortless and compelling. It’s part Miami Vice, part Treasure Island, and part barstool tall tale—all blended with the warmth and grit of a South Florida sunset.
From a marketing perspective, One Drunkin’ Monkee is ripe for multiple angles. Readers who enjoy high-stakes adventures with a side of humor will devour this. It will appeal to fans of Carl Hiaasen, Clive Cussler, and even Elmore Leonard. The book’s layered mix of maritime culture, treasure hunting, covert operations, and found-family dynamics opens doors for movie or limited-series adaptation potential—think Outer Banks meets The Expendables, but for an older, more seasoned crowd.
Beyond the action, Beattie also brings a sharp critique of bureaucracy, corruption, and the way political and criminal enterprises often blur in places like post-revolution Cuba and contemporary Florida. That subtext gives the book unexpected depth.
With its blend of humor, high-seas escapades, and authentic character relationships, One Drunkin’ Monkee is a wild ride that will leave readers sunburned, satisfied, and maybe checking Craigslist for rust buckets with hidden secrets.
Verdict: A smart, salty, and sensational romp. Highly recommended for adventure lovers, expats at heart, and anyone who believes the best stories start with a boat and a bad idea.
Availability
The nautical fiction masterpiece will soon make its mark in leading bookstores nationwide and globally.
Author Name: W.C Beattie
ISBN Number: 978-1917667265
Ebook Version: Click Here
Paperback Version: Click Here
