Petoskey Man Publishes First Historical Novel

Matthew Berger's debut book explores WWII and his hometown of Petoskey, Michigan

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:14am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a hazy, out-of-focus scene of a small-town main street, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the historical setting of a new novel.A nostalgic glimpse into the past of Petoskey, Michigan, where a local author's debut novel draws inspiration from the town's history and connections to World War II.Petoskey Today

Matthew Berger, a longtime Petoskey, Michigan resident, has published his first book, a historical novel called "The Flight of Peto's Key." The novel draws inspiration from Berger's hometown and its connections to World War II.

Why it matters

Berger's debut as an author represents an important milestone for the local Petoskey community, as one of its own publishes a work of fiction that explores the town's history and its ties to the global events of WWII.

The details

Berger's novel, "The Flight of Peto's Key," is a historical fiction work that weaves together Petoskey's local history with the broader context of World War II. The book's origins evolved significantly from Berger's initial concept to the final published work.

  • Matthew Berger is a longtime resident of Petoskey, Michigan.
  • Berger's debut novel, "The Flight of Peto's Key," was published in 2026.

The players

Matthew Berger

A Petoskey, Michigan native who has worked in various professions, including radio, teaching, and banking, and has now published his first novel.

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What they’re saying

“What this book started as and what it ended up once I started to write is two different things,”

— Matthew Berger, Author

The takeaway

Berger's debut novel represents a significant achievement for the Petoskey community, as one of its own has published a work of historical fiction that explores the town's past and its connections to the broader events of World War II.