Step into the sultry, suspense-filled world of the Forgotten Coast series, where the quiet town of Apalachicola, Florida, hides secrets darker than its oyster-rich waters. Written by Dawn Lee McKenna, this bestselling crime suspense saga follows Lieutenant Maggie Redmond, a bold yet haunted detective navigating murder mysteries, personal demons, and tangled relationships. With its noirish charm, dry humor, and vivid coastal setting, Forgotten Coast hooks readers from the first page.
McKenna’s series blends gritty investigations with heartfelt drama, making it a standout in the crime thriller genre. Whether you’re drawn to complex characters or atmospheric storytelling, this series delivers a captivating ride through a small town where justice and redemption are never straightforward.
How Forgotten Coast Began
Dawn Lee McKenna, a native Floridian turned Tennessee resident, crafted the Forgotten Coast series from her deep love for the South’s quirky coastal towns. Inspired by Apalachicola’s unique blend of fishing village charm and hidden undercurrents, she began the series in 2015 with Low Tide. McKenna’s goal was to create a ‘semi-noir’ suspense narrative, rich with flawed, witty characters and the South as a living backdrop. Her research, including chats with locals like a retired sheriff’s deputy, ensured an authentic portrayal of the town and its law enforcement.
The Heart of Forgotten Coast
The series kicks off with Low Tide, where Maggie Redmond investigates an apparent suicide on St. George Island, only to uncover her own dark connection to the victim, Gregory Boudreaux. In Riptide, Maggie battles a volatile drug dealer while wrestling with her attraction to both Sheriff Wyatt Hamilton and the enigmatic crime lord Bennett Boudreaux. What Washes Up sees dozens of bodies wash ashore, forcing Maggie to confront karma and justice, while Landfall traps her in a harrowing home invasion during a hurricane. Each book weaves standalone mysteries with an overarching narrative, best enjoyed in order.
McKenna’s storytelling shines through themes of justice, redemption, and human complexity. Maggie, a rape survivor and single mom, embodies resilience as she balances duty and personal trauma. The series’ coastal atmosphere—think humid air, rustling palms, and oyster boats—grounds the suspense, while dry humor and romantic tension add warmth. Apalachicola itself feels alive, its small-town quirks and sinister secrets driving the drama.
Why Forgotten Coast Resonates
The Forgotten Coast series has carved a niche in crime suspense, earning praise for its authentic characters and immersive setting. Fans compare it to HBO’s True Detective for its ominous Southern vibe and rave about McKenna’s dialogue, which crackles with wit and realism. The series’ blend of clean suspense—minimal violence and no explicit content—appeals to readers seeking depth without gore. McKenna’s love for Apalachicola inspired a charity fund post-Hurricane Michael, cementing her legacy as a storyteller who gave back to her muse.
Despite McKenna’s passing, her 10-book series continues to draw readers to Apalachicola, with some visiting to meet real-life figures like Stoopid the rooster. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to make you feel the humidity, root for Maggie, and ponder the gray areas of morality.
- Publication Years: 2015–2019
- Number of Books: 10
- Setting: Apalachicola, Florida
- Genre: Crime Suspense
Grab Low Tide and dive into the Forgotten Coast’s murky, mesmerizing world of crime and redemption!