Step into the sun-soaked, suspense-filled world of the Key West Mysteries, where palm trees sway, mobsters bumble, and every corner holds a quirky adventure! Written by Laurence Shames, this series of humorous mystery novels, spanning 1992 to 2013, follows Joey Goldman, the illegitimate son of a New York mobster, as he trades the gritty city for the laid-back yet mischievous vibes of Key West, Florida. With its blend of dark humor, colorful characters, and tropical intrigue, the series is a delightful escape for anyone craving a beachy thrill.
How Key West Mysteries Began
Laurence Shames, a former taxi driver and lounge singer turned full-time writer, found his muse in Key West after moving there in the early 1990s. Inspired by the island’s eclectic mix of dreamers, drifters, and oddballs, he crafted the Key West Mysteries to capture its unique charm. His fascination with the Mafia, sparked by his work on the bestseller Boss of Bosses, infused the series with a playful take on organized crime, setting the stage for Joey Goldman’s misadventures in paradise.
The Heart of Key West Mysteries
The series kicks off with Florida Straits (1992), where Joey Goldman flees New York to start anew in Key West, only to tangle with his half-brother Gino and a cast of local hustlers. In Scavenger Reef (1994), artist Augie Silver’s presumed death skyrockets his paintings’ value, but his return sparks a deadly plot. Sunburn (1995) sees Joey’s mobster father visit Key West to pen a memoir, stirring up trouble with the Mafia. Shot on Location (2013) brings Hollywood chaos to the island, with a ghostwriter uncovering a conspiracy amid a TV show’s filming.
Shames’ novels shine through their vivid Key West setting, where turquoise waters and sultry breezes frame tales of greed, loyalty, and redemption. Themes of reinvention and community weave through the stories, with characters like ex-Mafioso Bert the Shirt and his chihuahua, Don Giovanni, adding heart and hilarity. The series’ breezy prose and fast-paced plots make each book a standalone gem, though recurring characters reward loyal readers with familiar faces.
Why Key West Mysteries Resonates
The Key West Mysteries have carved a niche in the humorous mystery genre, earning praise for their wit and authenticity. Fans adore Shames’ ability to balance suspense with laugh-out-loud moments, often comparing his style to Carl Hiaasen’s South Florida capers. The series’ enduring appeal lies in its vivid portrayal of Key West as a character itself—a haven for misfits where anyone can rewrite their story. Its cult following eagerly awaits each new installment, with Shot on Location marking a triumphant return after a decade-long hiatus.
- Publication Years: 1992–2013
- Number of Books: 9
- Notable Character: Bert the Shirt, an ex-Mafioso with a flair for fancy shirts
Grab Florida Straits and dive into the Key West Mysteries’ world of sun, suspense, and side-splitting shenanigans!