Picture a sun-soaked Floridian weaving tales of Caribbean intrigue—meet Bob Morris! This fourth-generation Floridian swapped fern farming for a life of storytelling, crafting the beloved Zack Chasteen mystery series. With a knack for humor and vibrant settings, Morris’s novels transport readers to sandy shores and shady deals, earning him a spot among Florida’s literary greats.
From founding a quirky parade to editing travel magazines, Morris’s eclectic journey fuels his authentic, adventure-packed narratives. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this tropical troubadour!
The Making of Bob Morris
Born on May 25, 1950, in Lake County, Florida, Bob Morris grew up on a fern farm, a legacy started by his great-grandfather. But the nursery life wasn’t for him. After flunking organic chemistry and abandoning marine biology dreams, Morris embarked on global adventures, including a stint shoveling chicken coops in an Israeli commune. These experiences shaped his storytelling grit. Back home, he graduated from the University of Florida and carved a journalism career at outlets like the Orlando Sentinel and Caribbean Travel & Life, where his travels sparked the idea for his mystery novels.
Bob Morris’s Unforgettable Stories
Morris’s Zack Chasteen series, launched with Bahamarama in 2004, follows a former Miami Dolphins linebacker turned reluctant sleuth. This Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist blends hard-boiled action with comic cynicism, set against vivid Caribbean backdrops. In Jamaica Me Dead (2005), Chasteen tackles a resort owner’s assassination attempt, delivering wisecracking thrills. Bermuda Schwartz (2007), a Florida Book Award winner, dives into shipwrecks and treasure hunts, while Baja Florida (2010) sees Chasteen searching for a friend’s lost daughter amid Bahamian piracy.
Morris’s style is a cocktail of Carl Hiaasen’s humor and Elmore Leonard’s pace, with settings so lush you can feel the ocean breeze. His protagonist, paired with the mystical Taino sidekick Boggy, navigates moral gray zones, making each novel a rollicking escape. Beyond mysteries, Morris’s nonfiction, like All Over the Map, showcases his travel writing flair, earning him two Lowell Thomas Awards.
The series’ tropical authenticity stems from Morris’s deep knowledge of Florida and the Caribbean, honed during his magazine days. Readers praise his ability to make islands come alive, blending local history and culture into page-turning plots.
Why Bob Morris Matters
Bob Morris has carved a niche in the mystery genre, bringing Florida and the Caribbean to life with unmatched vibrancy. His Zack Chasteen series offers more than thrills—it’s a love letter to island culture, infused with humor and heart. As an adjunct professor at Rollins College, teaching crime fiction and food writing, Morris inspires new writers to find their voice. His custom publishing company, Story Farm, further extends his creative reach, crafting books for diverse clients.
Morris’s impact lies in his ability to make readers feel like they’re sipping rum on a Bahamian beach, dodging danger with Chasteen. Fans and critics, including Carl Hiaasen, laud his wit and storytelling, cementing his place as a Florida literary gem.
- Born: May 25, 1950, Florida
- Key Works: Bahamarama, Jamaica Me Dead, Bermuda Schwartz, Baja Florida
- Awards: Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist, Florida Book Award bronze medal, two Lowell Thomas Awards
- Fun Fact: Founded the Queen Kumquat Sashay parade in Orlando (1986–1997)
Snag Bahamarama and dive into Bob Morris’s sun-drenched, suspense-filled world!