Picture a sun-soaked Caribbean island where mysteries unfold under swaying palms—meet John Keyse-Walker, the former lawyer who traded courtrooms for crime novels! This American author captivated readers with his debut, Sun, Sand, Murder, a gripping tale that won the prestigious Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award. With a knack for blending vivid island settings and twisty plots, Keyse-Walker has carved a unique niche in the mystery genre.
From his home bases in Ohio and Florida, Keyse-Walker crafts stories that transport readers to the British Virgin Islands, where his lovable protagonist, Teddy Creque, navigates murder and mayhem. His journey from legal briefs to literary acclaim is as intriguing as the mysteries he writes, making him a standout voice in contemporary crime fiction.
The Making of John Keyse-Walker
Born and raised in rural Ohio, John Keyse-Walker grew up in Columbia Station, the son of a vegetable greenhouse operator. After earning a political science degree from the College of Wooster and a law degree from Duke University, he built a 30-year career as a trial lawyer in Lorain County, Ohio. It wasn’t until retirement in 2012 that he discovered his passion for writing. Inspired by his love for the British Virgin Islands, where he vacationed often, Keyse-Walker began penning the novel he wanted to read—a crime story set on the idyllic island of Anegada.
His legal background, filled with civil cases, gave him a sharp eye for detail and human behavior, skills he now channels into crafting complex characters and intricate mysteries. An avid angler, kayaker, and cook, Keyse-Walker infuses his stories with the vibrant textures of island life, drawing from his extensive travels and outdoor pursuits.
John Keyse-Walker’s Unforgettable Stories
Keyse-Walker’s debut, Sun, Sand, Murder (2016), introduces Teddy Creque, a special constable on Anegada, who stumbles into a murder investigation when a supposed biologist is found dead. The novel’s witty narrative and surprising twists earned rave reviews, with critics praising its “coral clarity” and “edgy rhythm.” It set the stage for the Teddy Creque Mystery series, which continues to charm readers.
The series’ second book, Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed (2017), sees Teddy probing a suspicious shark attack, blending action with rich cultural details. Palms, Paradise, Poison (2021) ups the ante with a hurricane and an escaped prisoner, while Reefs, Royals, Reckonings (2023) delivers more island intrigue. Beyond the series, Keyse-Walker’s Havana Highwire (2022) explores Cuban noir, showcasing his versatility. His writing style—lively, atmospheric, and full of local flavor—makes every story feel like a tropical escape with a thrilling edge.
Keyse-Walker’s ability to evoke Anegada’s small-town vibe, where everyone knows everyone, mirrors the Midwest communities of his youth. His mysteries are cozy yet suspenseful, balancing humor and heart with the shock of crime in paradise. Fans of Agatha Christie or Caribbean settings find his work irresistible.
Why John Keyse-Walker Matters
John Keyse-Walker’s impact lies in his ability to bring the British Virgin Islands to life, making Anegada a character as vivid as Teddy Creque. His award-winning debut elevated the cozy mystery genre, proving that even remote settings can host gripping tales. Readers and critics, including Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal, celebrate his authentic portrayal of island culture and his knack for crafting flawed, relatable heroes.
By transitioning from law to literature, Keyse-Walker inspires aspiring writers to pursue their passions at any stage of life. His stories remind us that mysteries can unfold anywhere—even on a tiny island with fewer than 300 residents—capturing the universal thrill of solving a puzzle.
- Born: Columbia Station, Ohio
- Key Works: Sun, Sand, Murder, Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed, Havana Highwire
- Awards: 2015 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award
- Hobbies: Fishing, kayaking, cooking
Ready to escape to a world of sun, sand, and suspense? Grab Sun, Sand, Murder and dive into John Keyse-Walker’s thrilling mysteries!