Step into the sun-soaked, thrill-packed world of Jake Longly, where a retired baseball player turned reluctant private investigator tackles high-stakes mysteries with wit and a touch of humor! D.P. Lyle’s Jake Longly series blends fast-paced crime-solving with colorful characters and vibrant settings, from the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast to the jazzy streets of New Orleans. Perfect for fans of Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich, this series delivers a fresh, entertaining spin on the detective genre.
Jake Longly, a former major league pitcher, prefers running his beachside bar over chasing criminals. But when his PI father, Ray, or his sharp-witted girlfriend, Nicole, pull him into a case, Jake’s athletic instincts and quick humor shine. With a knack for stumbling into danger and cracking wise, Jake’s journey from skeptic to sleuth is as gripping as it is fun.
How Jake Longly Began
D.P. Lyle, an award-winning author and forensic consultant for shows like CSI: Miami, launched the Jake Longly series in 2016 with Deep Six. Inspired by his love for blending humor with hard-boiled detective fiction, Lyle created Jake as a laid-back hero who contrasts the gritty PI world. His medical background and storytelling expertise shape the series’ sharp dialogue and realistic crime scenes, earning praise for its wit and pace.
The Heart of Jake Longly
The Jake Longly series kicks off with Deep Six (2016), where Jake, roped into a stakeout, uncovers a web of murder tied to a Ukrainian gangster. In A-List (2017), Jake and Nicole head to New Orleans to clear a Hollywood star accused of murder, navigating mobsters and movie egos. Sunshine State (2019) sees Jake tackling a serial killer’s cryptic claims in Florida, while Rigged (2020) dives into a double murder in Alabama’s artsy Fairhope. The series, now spanning seven books, including The OC and Cultured, keeps readers hooked with its blend of action, mystery, and humor.
Themes of loyalty, personal growth, and found family run deep. Jake’s banter with Nicole, a fierce and savvy partner, echoes classic duos like Nick and Nora Charles, while his bond with childhood friend Tommy “Pancake” Jeffers adds heart. The Gulf Coast and New Orleans settings burst with local flavor—think beignets, chicory coffee, and sultry nights—making each book a vivid escape. Lyle’s style, packed with snappy dialogue and clever twists, balances gritty crime with lighthearted caper vibes.
Why Jake Longly Resonates
The Jake Longly series has carved a niche in the mystery genre, earning nominations for the Shamus and USA Today Best Book Awards. Fans love its relatable hero, whose self-deprecating humor and underdog spirit shine in high-stakes cases. Lyle’s ability to weave humor into suspense, paired with his forensic expertise, sets the series apart, appealing to readers who crave both thrills and laughs. Its growing fanbase on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon proves its staying power as a modern PI classic.
The series’ blend of quirky characters and vivid settings also makes it a standout for readers seeking escapist fun with depth. Jake’s evolution from reluctant investigator to confident sleuth mirrors the genre’s best, offering a fresh take on the amateur detective trope.
- First Book: Deep Six (2016)
- Total Books: 7 (as of 2025)
- Awards: Finalist for Shamus, Foreword INDIES, and USA Today Best Book Awards
- Setting: Gulf Coast, New Orleans, and beyond
Ready to dive into a world of murder, mobsters, and beachside banter? Grab Deep Six and join Jake Longly’s thrilling ride through the mystery genre!