In THE RIVER KING, Bob Romano returns to western Maine, but this time with a cast of new characters.

From an early age, Harry Duncan gravitated toward his grandfather and great uncle, men who learned to fly fish on the highland rivers of their Scottish homeland. While Harry’s parents struggle against their demons, the two older men generously impart their knowledge of western Maine’s lakes, ponds, and streams to the young boy.

Born out of wedlock, Thelma Louise Shannon, Harry’s “friend-with-benefits,” works behind the bar at Sparky’s Tavern while dreaming of the day she’ll leave behind the tannin-stained ponds and sun-speckled streams that Harry has grown to love.

Donnie Gilroy is obsessed with catching a brook trout as big as the one he lost as a young boy on account of two anglers “from away.” This leads Harry’s best friend to declare war on anyone fishing his home waters, a war that eventually impacts his life and the lives of his friends in ways they never imagined.

Known as Petey Boy to his friends, Peter Jordan’s mind has never caught up with his body. As a result, Harry, Donnie, and Thelma Louise must protect the young man

Reviews

“Romano’s cast of characters, although unique to the Rangeley Lakes Region of Maine could be found in any of the hundreds of small towns where avid Sports chase trout. As I turned pages, I found myself thinking of Traver’s Danny and The Boys, Harrison’s Brown Dog and Harry Middleton’s The Earth is Enough.” – Ron Barch/Alder Creek Publishing; May 2018


“It’s amazing how truly good stories can carry you to far-off places, experiencing excitement and adventure along with a well-developed cast of characters, immersing you in the rich local heritage of a real-life setting, and sometimes – when you’re lucky – making you want to pick up your fly-rod to go do some fishing of your own.” – George Smith / Bangor Daily News; March 2018



“Romano is an old hand at writing fiction with a Maine outdoor theme. When it comes to sense of place and character development, Romano nails it. Add to this, his authentic, detailed descriptions of the Rangeley area’s breathtaking scenery and abundant fishing waters, and you have a novel that does not let you go until the last page.” – V. Paul Reynolds, Outdoors In Maine; February 2018