Here, rivalry, feuds and relationships seem bigger because the area is more confined. “Ozark Dogs” grippingly delves into families, small town life and the effects of the past. During his tour in Vietnam, Jeremiah was a skilled marksman, a skill he has never lost. Violence comes too easy to Evail, who also underestimates Jeremiah, believing the junkyard owner is just another old man. Rudnick’s ex-con, meth-dealing brother, Evail, is targeting Jo, drawing in his white supremacist associates. Jeremiah’s main fear is that he won’t be able to protect Jo if the Ledford family retaliate. Jeremiah doesn’t want her to move away, though he knows tearing up her college acceptance letters won’t prevent her from enrolling. Jo is now a bright high school senior, eager to go away to college to become a veterinarian and escape Jeremiah’s hovering over her social life. Jeremiah’s “hope, his salvation,” the reason he lives, is his granddaughter, Jo, who he has raised since she was abandoned by her mother when she was an infant. Jeremiah barely gets through the day, missing his late wife and his son, Tom, who is serving a life sentence in prison for shooting Rudnick Ledford in the back. “Ozark Dogs” centers on Vietnam veteran Jeremiah Fitzjurls, who owns that junkyard. Tickets are free but reservations required.

May 6 at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, 30. or hide things.” Barry also gives his supporting characters their moments to shine - or make fools of themselves.ĭave Barry will discuss “Swamp Story” in person at 5 p.m. “Swamp Story” doesn’t neglect its namesake as Barry delves into the Everglades environment - “the perfect place to hide. Barry adds a poignant subplot of an alcoholic father connecting with his smart, concerned daughter in scenes that move the plot along, while adding depth. The origin of the Dora the Explorer head is quite a tale by itself. Humor melded with suspense isn’t easy to sustain but Barry makes “Swamp Story” work throughout. Ken believes his plan will work - after all, he watches “Shark Tank.” They will paint the costume, of course, and film in low light. They’ll hire unemployed journalist Phil to impersonate the mythical Everglades Melon Monster by wearing a huge head of Dora the Explorer. Get rich schemes permeate “Swamp Story.” Ken, part owner of nearly bankrupt Bortle Brothers Bait & Beer, tries to convince his younger, smarter sibling, Brad, that he has the perfect scheme to bring in customers.

But she isn’t the only one with gold fever, as two ex-con brothers also are hunting the treasure, and her.

Dave barry ridley pearson