Where to Start and How to Read
For readers looking to dive into the breezy, comedic, and slightly criminal world of Laurence Shames’ Key West Mysteries (often called the Key West Capers), the recommended starting point is the very first novel, Florida Straits (1992). Although the author himself considers these books to be "free-standing" novels rather than a strict serial story, reading them in publication order offers the best experience. Starting from the beginning allows you to watch the evolution of Key West's colorful cast of local dreamers, schemers, and retired mobsters as they pop in and out of each other's lives.
Key West Mysteries Publication Order
Here is the complete sequence of the Key West Capers based on their original publication dates, including the short story and later novels:
- Florida Straits (1992): Joey Goldman flees the gritty streets of New York for the sunny promise of Key West, only to find himself entangled with local hustlers and his scheming half-brother.
- Scavenger Reef (1994): When a famous Key West artist is presumed dead, the value of his paintings skyrockets—but his unexpected return sparks a deadly, comedic plot.
- Sunburn (1995): Joey Goldman's mafia boss father visits the island to write his memoirs, drawing unwanted attention from the mob back north.
- Tropical Depression (1996): Features the introduction of Murray Zemelman, the "Bra King" of New Jersey, who heads to Key West to find himself and ends up in a bizarre environmental conspiracy.
- Virgin Heat (1997): The daughter of a New York mobster spots a hidden mafioso in a Key West home video, triggering a hilariously chaotic manhunt.
- Mangrove Squeeze (1998): A New York copywriter moves south to run a guest house, only to get squeezed by local developers and eccentric residents.
- Welcome to Paradise (1999): Two men with the same name find their reservations and identities swapped, leading to a dangerous mix-up with local criminals.
- The Naked Detective (2000): Pete Amsterdam, a retired businessman who just wants to drink wine on his porch, is reluctantly hired as a private eye.
- Shot on Location (2013): After a thirteen-year series hiatus, a Hollywood film crew arrives in Key West, pulling a local ghostwriter into a real-life conspiracy.
- Tropical Swap (2014): A New York couple swaps their apartment for a Key West house, only to find their dream vacation ruined by mob threats.
- Chickens (2014): A short story (often numbered as Book 10.5) featuring a humorous showdown between a neighborhood rooster and the retired mobster Bert the Shirt.
- Key West Luck (2015): Phoebe Goodyear tries to build a new life selling snow cones, only to cross paths with local mob figures and a jazz musician.
- One Strange Date (2017): A game of cat-and-mouse ensues when a young woman is targeted by a professional imposter, with local legends lending a hand.
- One Big Joke (2017): An unemployed television writer flees New York to help save a struggling Key West comedy club.
- Nacho Unleashed (2019): The spotlight shines on Nacho, a four-pound Chihuahua belonging to Bert the Shirt, who becomes the center of a local caper.
- The Paradise Gig (2020): A mystery revolving around a lost notebook containing unrecorded songs from the Beatles' actual 1964 visit to Key West.
- Key West Normal (2021): An insomniac New Yorker and an abandoned hot dog truck disrupt the eccentric routine of Key West.
- Relative Humidity (2023): Reluctant investigator Pete Amsterdam returns, assisted by his mother Gertie and the ever-reliable Bert the Shirt.
- Sunset Bluff (2024): Two ghostwriters meet in a local bar and decide to swap identities, leading to a complex and high-stakes bluff.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Because the novels are primarily standalone capers, there are no complicated timeline jumps or prequels to worry about. The chronological timeline of the books matches their publication order. The main chronological shift is the thirteen-year gap between The Naked Detective (2000) and Shot on Location (2013), which reflects the real-world passage of time. The characters age, the island of Key West changes, and the technology transitions from the 1990s to the smartphone era. Therefore, reading in publication order is highly recommended to appreciate how the setting itself evolves.
What to Know Before You Start
Laurence Shames' Key West Capers are celebrated for their lighthearted, satirical tone, which combines organized crime elements with eccentric tropical comedy. Fans of Carl Hiaasen, Elmore Leonard, and Tim Dorsey will feel right at home. However, Shames’ work often carries a warmer, more gentle focus on personal reinvention and community. Key West is presented as a sanctuary for misfits and outcasts who are looking for a second chance at life. The books are breezy and quick, making them perfect beach reads.
Key Recurring Characters
While each book features a self-contained plot with new protagonists, a few memorable characters recur throughout the series, creating a comforting sense of continuity:
- Bert "the Shirt" D'Angelo: A retired, elderly New York mobster known for his vibrant, loud tropical shirts and his philosophical approach to retirement.
- Nacho (and Don Giovanni): Bert's tiny, fierce Chihuahua companions who frequently steal the scene and assist in his minor capers.
- Joey Goldman: The protagonist of the early novels who serves as the reader's original guide to transitioning from New York mob circles to Key West relaxation.
- Pete Amsterdam: The laid-back, wine-loving protagonist of The Naked Detective and Relative Humidity who values peace over detective work.