Picture an American storyteller who swapped a life of odd jobs for the sun-soaked, quirky world of Key West mysteries—meet Laurence Shames! Born in 1951, this acclaimed author has spun tales of humor, suspense, and tropical vibes, earning a cult following with his witty novels and a knack for capturing the laid-back chaos of the Florida Keys.
With over 20 books, including four New York Times bestsellers, Shames blends sharp dialogue, colorful characters, and a love for the absurd, making him a standout in comic crime fiction. From taxi driver to lounge singer, his eclectic past fuels stories that feel as vibrant as a Key West sunset.
The Making of Laurence Shames
Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1951, Laurence Shames lived a life as varied as his novels. Before finding his calling, he tried his hand at everything—driving cabs in New York City, crooning in lounges, moving furniture, and even selling shoes. None stuck, but a pivotal moment on an Italian beach in 1970 sparked his writer’s dream. Inspired by a chance encounter with a glamorous couple, Shames began penning stories, eventually landing in journalism by 1979, writing for magazines like Playboy and Vanity Fair. In 1976, he committed to writing full-time, leaving ‘honest work’ behind for good.
Laurence Shames’s Unforgettable Stories
Shames is best known for his Key West Mysteries, a 19-book series that started with Florida Straits in 1992. This debut novel follows a small-time crook navigating mobsters and tropical misadventures, setting the tone for Shames’s signature blend of humor and suspense. Sunburn (1995), which won the Last Laugh Dagger from the Crime Writers’ Association, dives into the Mafia’s comedic clash with Key West’s carefree vibe. Shot on Location (2015) brings a disgruntled ghostwriter and a chaotic TV crew to the Keys, showcasing Shames’s knack for zany plots. His non-fiction, like The Big Time (1986), explores American ambition through Harvard’s 1949 class, while Bad Twin (2006), written as Gary Troup for the TV show Lost, thrilled fans with its cryptic tie-ins.
Shames’s style is a cocktail of Elmore Leonard’s wit and Carl Hiaasen’s Florida flair. His novels feature palm trees, sweaty mobsters, and quirky locals—like Bert the Shirt and his chihuahua—who stumble through humid, hilarious capers. Themes of reinvention and the absurdity of greed shine through, reflecting his own journey from odd jobs to literary success.
Why Laurence Shames Matters
Laurence Shames has carved a niche in comic crime fiction, bringing Key West to life as a character in its own right. His ability to weave suspense with laugh-out-loud moments has won him fans and critical praise, including the prestigious Last Laugh Dagger. Beyond entertainment, his work critiques societal excesses, as seen in non-fiction like The Hunger for More, which examines America’s obsession with wealth. Shames’s stories resonate with readers craving escapism and sharp social commentary, cementing his legacy as a master of lighthearted yet poignant storytelling.
About Laurence Shames
- Born: 1951, Newark, New Jersey
- Key Works: Florida Straits, Sunburn, Shot on Location, The Big Time
- Awards: Last Laugh Dagger (1995) for Sunburn
- Fun Fact: Shames wrote Bad Twin under a pseudonym for the TV show Lost.
Ready for a literary getaway? Snag Florida Straits and dive into Laurence Shames’s hilarious, sun-drenched world of Key West capers!