Joel Crowson, raised in Hodge, Louisiana, will debut his new book, Play the Game, at the Sunshine Festival in Jonesboro on April 16. Joel is the youngest son of Blanche and Leslie Crowson of Hodge, and the brother of Cyndi Crowson Nunn of Quitman.

Play the Game is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of Joel’s great uncle, Neal Crowson, who grew up in Bienville, LA. His story includes baseball, a sea voyage, murder, flight as a fugitive, narrow escapes, the Secret Service, and the love of a beautiful woman. Play the Game is a good read, and reading it is the only way to discover Neal’s fate.

Look for Joel’s booth at the festival. He’ll be glad to sign each copy of the book upon purchase. The official book release is April 21st. It will be available online and at all the major bookstores.