And Then the Monarchs Flew Away

About the Book

At the age of thirty-three, Bill Mason is a popular fishing guide in Key West. Though successful, his journey had not been easy. He was orphaned at the age of eight; at fourteen he was a runaway, making his own way in the world. In Key West he found his calling on the fishing boats. He also found a love—his wife, Beth.

Edgar Stanky has just retired. Reflecting on his forty-year career in business, he wonders if he has always lived the right life for him. Intent on making the most of retirement, Edgar and his wife Ariel, move to Key West where they find an exciting new life—and, where they form a friendship with Bill and Beth Mason.

Suddenly, Bill is stricken with lymphoma. Confronted by his mortality he searches for something to believe in as he battles the disease. His struggle takes a bizarre turn when he experiences otherworldly visions—perhaps indicators of a higher level of consciousness. He becomes almost manic in his compulsion to share the mystical nature of his passing with Edgar.

About the Author

LOU JONES is a former Marine and Business Manager for Caterpillar Inc. Before he retired, he earned a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to business literature. From Microbe to Consciousness is his recently published poetry collection; And Then the Monarchs Flew Away is his first novel. He and his wife Toni live at Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, Georgia.