I am a huge fan of the South-Florida Mystery genre. I blame Jimmy Buffett.
When I went through my Parrothead phase, I really got interested in learning about the characters in his songs. This led me first to John D. MacDonald and his character Travis McGee - one of the all time great literary characters. Jimmy sang about Travis in his song “Incommunicado”. This then led me to Carl Hiassen and Randy Wayne White.
Then comes Tom Corcoran. I learned of Tom through the Parrothead circles because of his relationship with Mr. Buffett. Look closely and you’ll see his name all over Jimmy’s album credits - primarily for the album cover photos, but also some songwriting credits.
I took both “Octopus Alibi” and “Air Dance Iguana” on my recent trip to Mexico. I didn’t have time to get into them due to all of the wedding-related psychosis. But, I did get to start “Octopus Alibi” on the beach one day and finished it a few days ago. I then picked up “Air Dance Iguana” and just finished it. Wow, what a great pair of books!
Tom’s character, Alex Rutledge, reminds me so much of Travis McGee. I love the way the stories innertwine, twist, turn and resolve. I love the characters. Plus, I love the jaunts through Key West - the place I married my wife. I love that town. Every time I read one of Mr. Corcoran’s books it’s like taking a walk with an old friend. I can smell the Cuban food at El Siboney and imagine the seascape from the Afterdeck Bar at Louie’s.
One thing you will find is that you definitely need a map when your reading one of these books. It helps to get your bearings with all of the hops between the many Keys down there - Google Earth helped a lot. I can’t wait for the next installment.
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I stumbled on this entry when googling for “travis mcgee”. Thanks for the further reading suggestions, but my real question is where did you get married? I’m running away with my fiance within the next six months & I’ve never been to the Keys. Given your love for Key West, I imagine you are full of info! Thanks!
We got married by “Admiral” Busby on the beach at Ft. Zachary Taylor park - it’s right where the Gulf meets the Atlantic. Here are the pictures if you want to take a look: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cgallent/sets/72157602368302292/ - it was awesome. We just took my brother and her sister and then had a big party/reception when we got home.
We wouldn’t change a thing. Stay at one of the bed & breakfast’s down there - I love the Cypress House. We have stayed there twice. Another thing, don’t waste your time driving down from Miami - it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Take the puddle jumper down. It’s really a great town and you get a great taste of the island life. Don’t miss the Shrimp Bisque at the Rooftop Cafe - it’s to die for!