First Time Author Takes Readers Through Retirees Search For Self-Fulfillment- Into World of Drugs, Car Dealerships, Arts & Crafts Shows and the Stunning Landscape of the Great Lakes

"Retired," a quick-read mystery novel by Bill Vann, is about two men who are very unhappy and maladjusted during their first year of retirement - a tragic story too often repeated. The men experience the same unhappy symptoms that beset far too many retirees. But they find a new way to greet each day, escape their doldrums existence, and successfully meet the challenge of retirement.

Jackson, MI - What does a semi-retiree do when he no longer reports to work every morning after nearly four decades in automotive sales?

Bill Vann decided to write a suspense novel about retirement, an automotive dealership, northern Michigan, and drug trafficking that spreads from Mexico to Beaver Island on Lake Michigan.

"Retired" (ISBN 0-9729642-0-7, published by Jenkins Group Inc.) goes far beyond the who-dun-it genre and deals seriously with people who find themselves very unhappy when they first retire but find a way to establish a mission and maintain self-value as retirees.

An important sub-plot of the novel deals with two men who each are very unhappy during the early years of their retirement. Both are drawn out of a complacent, meaningless existence into a life of purpose, excitement and intrigue and end up successfully dealing with the challenges of retirement.

"Retirement can be like a 25-year reunion," says Vann. By that point, people are 40-45 and either are making it in life or have a long ride ahead waiting for retirement. It may be a tragic point in people's lives. Retirement is the same way now for many people."

The novel also gives an inside look at the auto dealership business that very few people know. "Everyone goes to a dealership to buy a car but for most the inner workings of a car dealership is a total mystery," says Bill Vann, who with his three sons owns four auto dealerships in Michigan. "Some 30 million people go into a dealership every year but no one has a clue how dealerships work."

Vann and his sons own a Ford dealership and Chrysler dealership in Albion, Michigan, a Chrysler dealership in Hillsdale, Michigan, and a used car superstore in Jackson, Michigan. The dealership group also enjoys one of the most successful Internet auto sales records in the business.

"When my three sons booted the old man out of the day-to-day work of the business that motivated me to start writing, which has been a lifelong desire," says Vann. "I had the story idea for a long time and sat down and worked through it, most of the time on Beaver Island. Like the auto business, writing is a labor of love and I loved every minute of it."

Vann's first-hand knowledge of how auto dealerships work is a key because the mystery could not be solved without involvement of someone with inside knowledge of the mechanics of the auto dealership business. Two female DEA agents early on become stymied in their investigation until they make use of a retired dealership employee whom they use on their terms!"

The story line develops in lower Michigan and northern Michigan, with much of the intrigue playing out on North Fox Island and Beaver Island in Lake Michigan and the Leland area near Traverse City.

Vann has sailed Lake Michigan for most his life, spends hot summer days on Beaver Island, has become acquainted with Native Americans in the area, and is one of the early members of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Association.

One of the events in the novel is based on a real-life criminal activity that Vann accidentally learned about when he landed his sailboat on a Lake Michigan island to weather out a bad storm. While waiting for the waters to calm Vann came across some strange scenes which he later learned the truth about from year-round residents.

"Retired" is a fast-paced, quick read, action-packed mystery novel with more than its share of unexpected twists. Retirees will connect to the issues raised, and residents and visitors to northern Michigan and the Great Lakes will recognize many of the destinations mentioned.

I must praise author Bill Vanns courage to publish this unique novel. It is a showcase of a fresh perspective in fictional works by creating an uncommon hero character. The baby boomers generation" would definitely love this novel," says Jennie S. Bev, Managing Editor of BookReviewClub.com.

Vann's first novel will be published soon by Jenkins Press. He already is halfway done writing a second book which will be totally different than "Retired."

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Media note: For galley copies of Retired" by Bill Vann (ISBN 0-9729642-0-7) published by Jenkins Group Inc. contact Scott Lorenz at 734-667-2090 or scottlorenz@westwindcos.com