Principia Media, a small fiercely independent company based in West Michigan, specializes in book publishing and documentary film production.
Founded by multi-business entrepreneur Vern Jones and his wife, Irene Jones, the company provides a platform for authors and filmmakers who inject deep personal passion into their artistic, thought-provoking endeavors.
To date, the company has published a broad range of books, released several documentary films, and is looking forward to other creative ventures.
New Releases
For those who enjoy past travel memoirs like Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon, Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck or North Country by Howard Frank Mosher, Route to Elsewhere by Dirk Wierenga is similarly engaging. In it Wierenga travels along the small highways that stretch across America interviewing people that he met along a 10,000 route that stretches from Maine to Washington State and back to Maine by a different route. One reviewer says: “What makes this book exceptional is the way Wierenga seamlessly blends history, geography, and the unforgettable people he meets along the way into a story that is both enlightening and deeply moving. He reminds us that the real America isn't always found on the interstate. It lives along the back roads and forgotten stretches of legendary US-2, where communities still value hard work, independence, kindness, and a slower, more meaningful way of life.”
Jake Shepherd, a retired Michigan State Police investigator turned forensic linguist, believes words leave evidence as distinctive as DNA. Known as The Pattern Detective, he built his career solving the most complex investigations.
When three young women are brutally murdered in Deeren, Michigan, Jake is brought in to lead an unprecedented multi-jurisdictional task force to find the killer. While others search for fingerprints and DNA, Jake focuses on four chilling words left by the killer: They Get What They Deserve. To him, they are more than a taunt—they are a linguistic fingerprint.
As critical evidence is destroyed and the investigation teeters on collapse, Jake knows only one thing can save the case: a confession. Using forensic linguistics and an understanding of the suspect's tortured past, he races to stop a ruthless killer before another life is lost.
Current Projects
Our team has been working on the D.B. Cooper skyjacking crime since 2016. So far we have published four books, an audio book and released a documentary film. Though we feel we have solved the case, there are others who either don’t want it solved or are not yet believing our evidence-based investigation.
To find out more about our investigation into the D.B. Cooper case, hit the Learn More button below
A film about rural America through the lens of a 1500 mile stretch of US Highway 2 from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan through the Sweet Grass Hills of Montana.
Forthcoming Projects
Watch as well known artist Jon McDonald creates a watercolor painting of world famous jazz trombonist Maurice Spears. This is a masterclass for anyone who has ever wanted to learn how to paint a watercolor. Watch in real time as Jon McDonald creates a watercolor using a photo as his guide. There are also interviews from other artists interspersed with the creation of the watercolor that help explain how artists work, sell their works, earn income from painting and how Jon McDonald has influenced them over the years.
Ever since 2019 our team has been working on the idea that US Highway 2 will be the next road for a coast-to-coast road trip. In part this is because the actual US Highway 66 has been decommissioned leaving only US-2 as the only non-limited access highway that crosses America.
We developed a logo and soon there will be a website where people, businesses and other organizations will be able to weigh in on the idea. Those who like the idea, once the website is up and running, will be able to order decals and bumper stickers that can be displayed on businesses and vehicles to show their support.
If there is enough support, we hope to have a dedicated website with roadtrip ideas that is used by people across the country.
