SANDPOINT — Before settling in North Idaho, Robert Hart had already lived in four countries and eight states, collecting experiences from San Francisco to Costa Rica. But when life in Malta took an unexpected turn, Hart found himself headed to Sandpoint in 2018. 

Seeing that he had done much in his life, Hart's wife encouraged him to write an autobiography. 

Hart was unconvinced that people would want to read about his personal experiences, but with his wife's persistence, he started planning to write such a book. 

That's when an idea sparked. 

"I said, 'Wait a minute, what if my life went on a slightly different trajectory? And that became this book," said Hart. 

On June 19, Hart published his first book, “The Secret of the Silent City.” The fictional story follows a corrupt real estate tycoon who attempts to buy a beloved North Idaho ski resort, prompting all the locals to band together in an effort to derail his plans. 

Though it isn't an autobiography, "The Secret of the Silent City" alludes to many of Hart's own experiences — including his time working as a greeter at Schweitzer. 

For eight years, Hart assisted visitors at the resort, helping them find restaurants and directing them towards the best runs to ski. 

“It’s only about stuff that I know firsthand, places that I’ve lived and people that I know,” said Hart. “There’s hardly any research because it's all just stuff that I’ve done, adventures I’ve been through.” 

Hart says his story does not have a hook, as many other popular novels do.  

"It's just simply ordinary people who get tangled up in extraordinary circumstances," said Hart. 

Though the story has no elements of horror or science fiction, it is heavily inspired by Sandpoint, weaving in parallel landmarks, buildings and local figures that residents will find familiar.

Before moving to Sandpoint, Hart planned to live in Malta long-term. However, a rule change to Hart's apartment lease required tenants to be proficient in Maltese to retain residency. After realizing how difficult learning the language would be in a short amount of time, Hart decided to leave. 

Hart became the executive director of the Bonner Community Housing Agency after moving to Sandpoint, contributing to largescale nonprofit projects as a developer and assisting with the construction of churches, schools and universities. 

But when Hart tried to retire, incessant phone calls from people seeking his expertise made it nearly impossible. 

"So, I just took off on a trip around the world," said Hart. 

For months, Hart traveled from pole to pole by train and on foot. It was only upon his return that Hart felt confident enough to write his book. 

"When I got back from that, I was ready," said Hart. "I'd had enough experiences of different places, and so many different cultures." 

"The Secret of the Silent City" is available at Sandpoint Books, Gourmandie and The Source at Schweitzer and Amazon. 

Hart is writing a sequel that begins where the story left off in Malta, where readers will continue to live through his experiences in Europe, too.