Picture yourself sipping a margarita on a sun-drenched Caribbean beach, the salty breeze carrying tales of treasure hunts and quirky characters. Welcome to the Road to Key West series by Michael Reisig, an adventure-packed fiction saga that whisks readers to the vibrant 1970s Caribbean. Follow Kansas Stamps and Will Bell, two free-spirited friends turned commercial divers, as they stumble into wild escapades filled with humor, romance, and just the right amount of danger.
This series isn’t just a story—it’s a time machine to an era of endless possibilities, where the Caribbean’s azure waters hide secrets and every island holds a new adventure. With its blend of swashbuckling action and laugh-out-loud moments, Road to Key West is the perfect escape for anyone craving a literary getaway.
How Road to Key West Began
Michael Reisig, a former Caribbean adventurer, drew from his own experiences as a diver, pilot, and treasure hunter to craft the Road to Key West series. Born in Oklahoma in 1948, Reisig’s life reads like a novel itself—raised in Europe and California, he settled in the Florida Keys after college, diving into a world of exploration. His real-life encounters with colorful characters and high-stakes adventures inspired the series, which began with The Road to Key West in 2011. Reisig’s knack for storytelling, honed through years as a journalist and novelist, brings authenticity and flair to every page.
The Heart of Road to Key West
The series kicks off with The Road to Key West (2011), where Kansas and Will dive into the Florida Keys, only to tangle with pirates, drug smugglers, and a mysterious artifact tied to 'pyramid power.' Its sequel, Back on the Road to Key West (2013), ups the ante with more treasure hunts and a zany Jamaican soothsayer. Along the Road to Key West (2012), originally published as The Truthmaker, introduces a truth-revealing device that sends the duo on a chaotic chase across the Caribbean. Down the Road to Key West (2016) sees them chasing Pancho Villa’s lost gold, dodging bandits and romancing a fierce antiquities dealer.
Themes of friendship, loyalty, and the thrill of discovery anchor the series, set against the steamy, seedy backdrop of 1970s Key West and beyond. Reisig’s style blends fast-paced action with ribald humor, creating a vibe that’s part Indiana Jones, part Jimmy Buffett. The Caribbean setting, from the Bahamas to Central America, pulses with life—think azure reefs, sultry romances, and eccentric locals like mystical Rastamen and one-eyed pilots. Each book is a standalone adventure, but together, they weave a tapestry of camaraderie and chaos.
Why Road to Key West Resonates
The Road to Key West series has carved a niche among adventure fiction fans, offering a nostalgic escape to a time when the Caribbean was a haven for dreamers and rogues. Reisig’s vivid storytelling and authentic characters—drawn from his own travels—resonate with readers who crave action with heart. The series’ blend of humor and high stakes has earned praise, with critics like Mandy Miles of The Key West Citizen noting its ability to capture the islands’ 'steamy but understated reality.' Its growing popularity has led to audiobook productions and even motion picture options, cementing its place in the genre.
- Publication Range: 2011–2024
- Number of Books: 14, including The Road to Roatan (2024)
- Notable Praise: Featured in Writer’s Digest and Southern Living
Grab The Road to Key West and dive into a world of Caribbean adventure, where every page brims with treasure, trouble, and tropical charm!