Vernon’s Lakeside wasn’t just a restaurant — it was the rhythm of Cedar Creek Lake. From the laughter that lingered past closing to the good old days that defined lake life, it became the place that brought us all together. A living room with a dock, filled with the nights we’ll never forget.

Jim Willi spent decades shaping how America saw the news. Now, he’s turning local life into page-turning mystery. From CNN consultant to Cedar Creek novelist, his thrillers hit close to home—literally. Discover the stories, suspense, and sharp observations of a man who traded breaking news for the slow burn of small-town fiction.