Laurence Shames is renowned for his gripping Key West Caper series, often placing New York mobsters in sun-drenched, tropical settings. His writing style is characterized by sharp wit and keen observations of human nature, frequently infused with a cynical yet humorous edge. Shames expertly blends suspense with psychological depth, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for redemption. His extensive career also includes successful non-fiction work and ghostwriting, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt his distinct voice across genres.
Peter Barton's life exemplifies leadership and the courage to confront mortality with honesty. His journey serves as an inspiring testament to living fully and teaching others through his experiences. The narrative highlights his unique qualities and the impact he had on those around him, showcasing how his approach to life and death offers valuable lessons for readers.
Murray Zemelman—lingerie mogul, a.k.a. the Bra King—wakes up one morning, starts his car in the confines of his airtight garage, and contemplates the worst. But instead of doing himself in, he pops a Prozac and hits the road, waving good-bye to his trophy wife, the thriving brassiere business, and the streets of New Jersey for good. He's headed to Florida, home of his first wife, Franny, whom he was stupid enough to leave all those years ago. But now he wants to start fresh. Is it a brilliant insight? A glitch in his Prozac dosage? Who cares? He's off to Key West. There, he meets Tommy Tarpon, a local Native American—beaten down and made bitter by the unfairness of life around him, and the last surviving member of his small Florida tribe. Together they cook up a plan: with Murray's business acumen and Tommy's ability to make the most of government statutes, Key West could very well get its first legal gambling parlor on Tommy's tribal grounds—a tiny, alligator-infested island just off the coast. But gambling in Key West isn't an original idea, and a whole other species of reptiles is interested in the plan. With the "assistance" of Key West's crookedest politician, a local Mafioso makes Murray and Tommy an offer they can't refuse. All Murray wanted was to woo his first wife away from her reading group and into the Jacuzzi—but he ends up getting her, himself, and Tommy into more hot water than he ever bargained for.
Al Tuschman's relaxing getaway in Key West takes a dark turn as he faces mysterious attacks on his privacy and sanity, transforming his stay at the Paradise Hotel into a nightmare. Amidst the tropical chaos, the source of his troubles remains unclear, leaving him to question whether it's the oppressive humidity, his drink of choice, or the unwelcome attention drawn by his nickname, "Big Al." As tensions rise, Al must navigate this bizarre situation and uncover the truth behind his unsettling experiences.