Tony Soika, a 30-year Army veteran who served three combat deployments before his medical retirement in 2019, has been awarded the 2026 Best New Author – Veterans Fiction recognition for his debut novel “Pit Bulls in Paradise: The Dog Fighter’s Funeral.”
The 56-year-old author, who grew up in Minnesota and now divides his time between St. Augustine and Key West, Florida, channels his military experience and passion for animal welfare into a vigilante justice thriller that resonates with veterans, dog lovers, and crime fiction enthusiasts. His protagonist, John Tuttle, is a retired Army officer who settles in Key West after decades of service, seeking peace while battling PTSD and the challenges of an empty nest.
The novel takes a dark turn when Tuttle discovers a savage dog fighting ring connected to the Russian mafia, exploiting abused pitbulls in brutal combat. When local authorities prove unable to act on limited information, the character takes matters into his own hands, drawing on his military tactical training to pursue justice for the animals.
Soika’s real-life commitment to animal welfare adds authentic weight to the story. During his active duty service, he received a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal after logging nearly 500 hours volunteering at animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country at various duty stations. This genuine dedication to animal rescue themes permeates the narrative, giving the vigilante thriller a moral foundation that sets it apart in the genre.
The book has found strong appeal among its target demographics, selling particularly well with veterans who relate to the protagonist’s struggles and dog lovers drawn to the animal justice storyline. Female readers have also embraced the male hero narrative, contributing to the novel’s growing success in both online and physical retail spaces. While available on Amazon, “Pit Bulls in Paradise: The Dog Fighter’s Funeral” has also secured placement in several bookstores and coffee shops throughout the Florida Keys.
Soika was medically retired from the Army due to complications from a massive concussion sustained during one of his combat deployments. His service spanned from 1989 to 2019, providing him with decades of experience that inform the tactical elements and psychological depth of his writing. Looking ahead, the author plans to write two or more books per year, with intentions for his current release to launch a series of interconnected stories.
The novel has been described as perfect for readers seeking fast-paced military thrillers with heart, combining relentless suspense with a powerful stand against animal cruelty. For those who enjoy stories of ex-soldiers turned avengers set against the backdrop of Key West mysteries, Soika’s debut delivers both action and purpose.