In W. Kenneth Tyler, Jr.'s Hunting the Red Fox, amateur golf enthusiast Roger Mace finds himself drawn into an intriguing narrative that could launch his writing career. 

While spending time at the esteemed Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, Virginia, he overhears a conversation that piques his interest: talk of Perry Barnes, a man who claims to have played on the PGA Tour during the 1950s and participated in the 1945 Durham Open despite wartime challenges. Though Perry's assertions initially seem far-fetched, Roger becomes captivated by the mystery surrounding this enigmatic figure.

During this early era of professional golf in the United States, the PGA Tour comprised approximately 30–35 loosely organized four-day medal-play events from January to October. Players covered their own travel expenses and competed for winner-takes-all purses, often exceeding $10,000. This landscape sets the stage for Roger's fascination with Perry's story and its potential opportunities.

Eager to uncover the truth, Roger establishes rapport with Perry and gradually earns his trust, securing permission to conduct interviews. As their conversations unfold, it becomes clear that Perry's life is extraordinary. 

Central to the narrative is his involvement in the theft of the Mecklenburg Diamond—a crime that portrays him as a morally complex character reminiscent of a darker James Bond. 

This theft ultimately evolves into a poignant tale of love and redemption, as Perry returns the diamond not out of obligation but to reconnect with the woman he loved. Through this act, he learns that genuine love demands sacrifice and transparency, reshaping his life's course.

Roger also discovers Perry's troubled childhood, marked by tragedy when his father died in an accident. The loss left Perry's mother heartbroken and drastically altered their financial situation. In a pivotal teenage moment, Perry stole jewelry from his mother's employer, leading to a court appearance where he faced a choice: prison or military enlistment. Thanks to his godfather's influence as the presiding judge, Perry chose to join the U.S. armed forces—a decision that forged his character amid World War II's challenges.

As Roger delves deeper, he becomes entangled in Perry's web of fantastical anecdotes, blurring the line between fact and fiction. The appearance of icons like Jackie Gleason and Dean Martin enriches Perry's story, as these celebrities allegedly shaped his golf career and social life.

 Tales of lavish parties and elite gatherings offer glimpses into a world of glitz, where Perry mingled with Hollywood elites.

Hunting the Red Fox masterfully blends storytelling, history, romance, and humor through unforgettable characters. The tension between truth and fabrication keeps readers engaged, leaving them to wonder how much of Perry's past is genuine and how much stems from his vivid imagination.

Regarding the title: Recall the adage, "It takes a thief to catch a thief." Perry embodies this when he tracks a jewelry thief who evaded authorities for months—a ghost leaving few clues. Only a fox can catch a fox, especially when the hunter's background in sabotage and espionage makes his past not merely useful, but the only weapon sharp enough to unravel such cunning.

A storytelling masterpiece, Hunting the Red Fox captivates with its intrigue, romance, and wit. Its greatest strength lies in the persistent doubt over whether Perry's tales are truthful or embellished—a tension that propels readers to the final page, waiting to see which version of the story ultimately proves true.