Neil McKinnon was raised in Saskatchewan and served in the Royal Canadian Navy before working as a businessman, archaeologist, university lecturer, and freelance writer in China, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. His articles have appeared in Canadian, Japanese, Mexican and U.S. publications, and his book Tuckahoe Slidebottle was short-listed for the Stephen Leacock Award for humour and for the Alberta Book Award for short fiction. He has served on literary juries and has also edited and published academically. He is a pensioner and long distance runner. When not visiting family in Vancouver, McKinnon and his wife of fifty years, Judy, live in Mexico.

"It's impossible not to adore these characters and envy the author's talent. This book's difficult to put down, easy to recommend. You will laugh out loud." - Shelley Leedahl in Saskatchewan Publishers Group Weekly

"It is McKinnon's use of language which makes the novel such an enjoyable read. Students will see the possibilities of language come alive in this book. Highly recommended" -J. Lynn Fraser in CM Magazine

"All (the stories) are told with the wry sense of humor and the deft turn of phrase of which Mr. McKinnon is master." - Mildred Boyd in Lake Chapala Review

"McKinnon's writing sparkles with wit and his descriptions are so vivid they'll make you feel as if you've visited this place. The twists in the narrative will bring a smile to your face, and occasionally a lump in your throat. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the combination of a good yarn blended with brilliant literary skill." - Alison Solomon in El Ojo del Lago