Step into the sun-soaked, scandal-filled world of the Charlie Crawford Mystery series, where palm trees sway, billionaires scheme, and murder lurks behind every mansion’s gates! Written by Tom Turner, this addictive crime thriller series follows Charlie Crawford, a burned-out New York homicide detective who trades gritty city streets for the glitzy intrigue of Palm Beach, Florida. With fast-paced plots, witty banter, and a cast of colorful characters, these books are perfect for fans of Elmore Leonard or Carl Hiaasen looking for their next mystery fix.
From Russian oligarchs to art-inspired killers, Charlie tackles cases that expose the dark underbelly of Palm Beach’s elite. Alongside his partner Mort Ott, a no-nonsense ex-Detroit cop, Charlie navigates high-stakes investigations while juggling a tangled love life. Ready to dive into a world where wealth and crime collide? Let’s explore the Charlie Crawford Mystery series!
How Charlie Crawford Mystery Began
Tom Turner, a former ad copywriter turned Palm Beach real estate mogul, found inspiration for the Charlie Crawford series while renovating mansions in Florida’s ritzy enclave. After years of soaking up the local culture—think extravagant estates and whispered scandals—Turner penned his first novel, Palm Beach Nasty, in 2015. His goal? To craft a police procedural that blended the authenticity of Michael Connelly with the colorful, satirical edge of Carl Hiaasen. The result was Charlie Crawford, a cynical yet charming detective whose move to Palm Beach sparked a series that’s now a fan favorite.
The Heart of Charlie Crawford Mystery
The series kicks off with Palm Beach Nasty (2015), where Charlie, fresh from New York, investigates a gruesome murder tied to a hedge-fund billionaire and a shady bartender. The stakes rise in Palm Beach Poison (2016), as Charlie and Mort unravel a string of homicides linked to ruthless Russian brothers and a prestigious golf club. Palm Beach Deadly (2017) sees a shock-jock’s murder send the duo chasing a sprawling suspect list, while Palm Beach Predators (2018) delivers a chilling case of real estate agents posed as famous paintings.
Themes of wealth, power, and deception run deep, with Palm Beach’s opulent setting serving as both a glittering backdrop and a character in itself. Turner’s prose is taut and engaging, blending humor, suspense, and sharp social commentary. Whether it’s skewering the idle rich or diving into Charlie’s personal struggles—think messy romances and burnout—the series keeps readers hooked with its fast pace and vivid characters, from conniving gallery owners to stone-cold killers.
Why Charlie Crawford Mystery Resonates
The Charlie Crawford Mystery series has carved a niche in the crime thriller genre, earning over 1,200 five-star reviews for its addictive storytelling and Palm Beach flair. Fans praise Turner’s ability to balance gritty police work with laugh-out-loud moments, often comparing Charlie and Mort’s dynamic to classic buddy-cop duos. The series’ sharp take on wealth and privilege resonates in an era fascinated by the ultra-rich, while its escapist vibe makes it a perfect beach read. With 12 books and counting, Charlie Crawford’s adventures continue to captivate mystery lovers worldwide.
- About Charlie Crawford Mystery
- First book published: 2015
- Total books: 12 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Palm Beach, Florida
- Author: Tom Turner
Ready to trade skyscrapers for palm trees and dive into a world of murder and mayhem? Grab Palm Beach Nasty and join Charlie Crawford in the thrilling Charlie Crawford Mystery series!