In his debut novel, FINDING JACK, author Gareth Crocker brings his readers a story that will surprise, amaze, and uplift them in ways that few first novelists are able to do.

When a horrific accident takes away his wife and daughter, journalist Fletcher Carson loses the desire to live. After several failed suicide attempts, he decides the best way to be done with his life is to enlist in the Army, and by taking his place in Vietnam he could perhaps prevent the loss of an innocent young soldier. But in the heart of the jungle, Fletcher finds a very real reason to live once again.

It's late 1972 and the war in Vietnam is almost over. More and more American casualties are occurring everyday and many soldiers are starting to question the cost of their sacrifice. Here at home, people are protesting daily and treating the home bound soldiers not with fanfare but with barbs and shouts. But in the field orders must still be followed. There is still a war to be fought.

While on patrol, Fletcher's platoon run across a critically injured Labrador retriever. Suspecting the dog might be booby-trapped, the Lieutenant orders the animal shot, but Fletcher won't have it. Though insubordinate, Fletcher rescues the dog, taking him back to base where he becomes much more than a pet, but an invaluable asset to protecting the men out on patrol.

Then the long-awaited news comes the war is over, there is cheering and celebration until the final edict is announced, one that will change forever the lives of a few good men and one brave dog.

Basing his story on actual accounts from canine units stationed in Vietnam, FINDING JACK is a story of heroism and unselfish sacrifice and it is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. Animal lovers and military fiction enthusiasts alike will find this book to be an amazing step back in time when the world went a bit mad, and a little sanity was restored by a brave and handsome dog named Jack.