“Florida Man,” one look at a headline
beginning with those words sets up the expectation for a story that is … well,
a story that could only happen in Florida. From Florida crackers to Ybor City
mobsters, and touristy amusement parks to prehistoric native sites, the 20
talented authors of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime present
a collection of crime fiction stories worthy of Floridians.
Paradise is Deadly takes readers on a romp along Florida’s Gulf Coast past and
present.
“The stories range from creepy to terrifying to old-school whodunit to just
plain fun. Their plots revolve around archaeological digs, murder for hire, and
the accurate pricing of second-hand designer purses. All use the details that
make this state stand out from the other forty-nine: the weather, alligators,
Florida Man, and of course, a skunk ape.”
– Lisa Black, New York Times Best-Selling Author
“Big Feet” by Teresa Michael brings a fresh-faced heroine, whose father is a homicide detective, into the hunt for a killer who might be Florida’s skunk ape, a tropical version of Sasquatch. Quite a contrast to Mary Dutta’s main character in “Deceit By Design,” who looks after her own ego and adulation without a thought of con, modesty, or regret.
Two stories that captured my attention were historicals. “Bolita and Blues” by Sarah Glenn and Gwen Mayo was set in 1926 Tampa, when a sector of the city was called Ybor City. Spanish and Italian gangs fought for territory and victims. Martha Reed’s “Maddie Tate Built a Tabby Wall,” takes us back to a 1848 sugar cane plantation outside of St. Augustine. Maddie, the main character, is a male slave doing what he can to protect his family, especially his daughter, from the owner. The differences in the seventy-year span are vast and yet the priority of protecting family and loved ones is no less nor is the violence that characterizes every era.
There are multiple themes of Native American rights and sacred land, corrupt politicians selling out to developers, who push the wildlife into the cities, highly motivated women wanting their freedom or creating Florida man—whose deaths are their own foolish making—Florida’s version of the Darwin Awards for men.
Margo Hammond’s “How to Get Away with Murder in Florida” struck home the idea that fact is stranger than fiction. Hammond has two footnotes in the beginning. One, that she is highlighting the crimes written by 12 Florida mystery authors. Second, that she is reviewing real crimes that have occurred from 1967—2022. Most were outrageous—but I couldn’t tell fact from fiction, which leaves me with two questions. Would Siri know where to bury a dead body? And is it true alligators don’t eat in cold weather?
I do know that Paradise is Deadly is a great beach read!
Sounds fabulous!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see some friends names among the list of authors.
ReplyDeleteI worked as one of the editors on the anthology. It's a terrific collection of short crime fiction from a talented group of Florida authors and a perfect beach read. I knew about Florida Man, but this was the first time I've heard of the Skunk Ape.
ReplyDeleteI love anthologies! Such a great opportunity to sample different writers and different styles.
ReplyDeleteMy short story, "Maddie Tate Built a Tabby Wall" is included. It's a historical mystery based off a sugar plantation south of St. Augustine, Florida during the California Gold Rush. I challenged myself to stuff as many felony crimes into 5,000 words as possible. By my count, eight different crimes occurred. I had great fun writing this one.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Martha, and also to everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteThe anthology is a work of love and dedication to a chapter that supports writers in all stages of their journey. Congratulations to all the authors!
ReplyDeleteMartha, I adored your tense and true-feeling historical story. It’s creepy and also a reminder of dark days in the making of Florida. Proud to be published next to you and our great chapter. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteYes, Cheryl. Paradise is Deadly is the debut writing credit for half of the authors. How fun that they get to tell their families that they're officially published authors!
ReplyDeleteAs a debut author, I'm thrilled to see my "Malice Challenge" story published. Inspiration came from my years as a producer for "America's Most Wanted" where I experienced real life evil who preyed on vulnerable people. I"m fortunate to be published among fellow veteran authors. Hope readers get goosebumps and look over their shoulder as they read "Paradise is Deadly."
ReplyDeleteThank you for reviewing this collection. I'm proud to have a story included and to have a T-shirt featuring the Florida Skunk Ape. You all can take a Skunk Ape tour next time you travel through the Everglades on the Tamiami Trail!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the writers, especially WWKers Mary and Martha! You had me at Florida Man!
ReplyDeleteAs a new member of the Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime, I’m delighted to see my short story, “NO WAY OUT” included in the recent anthology “PARADISE IS DEADLY”
ReplyDeleteI cut my teeth on NANCY DREW and never looked back(my husband sleeps with one eye open) However, I write in the cozy genre to accommodate my family, who still think of me, as a sweet old fashioned lady.
I hope readers will enjoy my tale of friendship and intrigue, and then plan a trip to the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida.
Good work, Authors! A varied and enjoyable read. Good luck with the anthology!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read this anthology! I was asked to enter a cover design and was fortunate the members selected mine. I am thrilled to see it in print! The titles of the stories and the authors chosen to be included guarantee a great read.
ReplyDeleteA big thanks for the nice review! I'm thrilled to have a story included in the FLGC SinC's first anthology (first of many, I hope). All the stories are great fun, which doesn't surprise me because everyone in the chapter who I've had the pleasure to meet are interesting, creative, and super fun people. If you're not a member, think about joiningI
ReplyDeleteAs one of the reviewers, a native Floridian who grew up in Miami, living currently in Sarasota, it was a hoot reading all the different ways Florida can be deadly. Writing one of those stories, Murder in Myakka Park, allowed me to promote our unique abundant landscape, where the occasional murdered victim has actually turned up.
ReplyDelete