The Surrency Affair: A True and Shocking Tale of Tragedy

by Louis Berry

John and Mayme Surrency were murdered in Jacksonville, FL on November 25, 1936, the day before Thanksgiving. Two men were hired to rob the couple of two hundred dollars. In reality, John was carrying over twenty-seven hundred dollars, which remained untouched as the pair fled. Murder appeared the ultimate goal. Sheriff Rex Swift and his deputies made short work of the investigation, and the two men and their coconspirator were apprehended on December 12, 1936. But would all three face justice? As facts were brought into the light of day, it became apparent there was more to the story. Clyde Hysler, the man who contracted the murder, was a member of a family whose run-ins with Jacksonville law enforcement occurred over decades prior. So deep was their connection to organized Crime, Al Capone stayed at the home of Jim Hysler, Clyde’s father, in 1930. Adding to the mystery was the untimely and mysterious deaths of Mayme Surrency’s brother, Bartow’s state senator, John Swearingen in 1931, and that of her son-in-law in July 1938. Historical facts are woven into this fictionalized story paying homage to the couple who lost their lives at a time when enjoyment of grandchildren should offer a glimpse into an everlasting existence. John and Mayme’s lives, and their ultimate demise, affected all involved in the law enforcement community. Their spirit lives on in not only family members, but in the lives of those who fought for justice.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2023

About the author

Louis Berry is the author of Erstwhile and There’s Something in a Name. His writing began as a mission of self-discovery. How does one recognize when they've found the perfect life-mate? Conversely, when does one recognize they've fallen into a caustic relationship? His prose has since grown to reflect his passion for a globally free human existence, based in the eternal struggle between good and evil. Check back for more novels to be published throughout 2023. Louis lives in Windermere, Florida with his wife, daughter, German Shepherd and four cats. He also has a married son living in Jacksonville and is patiently awaiting grandchildren.

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Surrency Affair

A murder inspired by greed and corruption. Seemingly unrelated to a murder many years ago. Eventually the investigator begins to see the big picture more clearly. Needing to protect his family from harm, the investigator hatches a plan to circumvent the government.

#GoodreadsGiveaways

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story

'The Surrency Affair' is a story told in a compelling and thought provoking way. The attention to detail was superb. Well written. I love the depth of which the author told the true story in a day and age where we are still dealing with corruption within our own government and its agencies. Most definitely a must add to your tbr list. Recommended.

[Lora Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting facts but it drags terribly

The story of the double murder was interesting in itself, but once the murder was done and the killers captured, the book was filled with so much unnecessary fluff and filler.

Whenever I “talked back”, my mom told me I had “4 words for her every 2”. This was what I kept thinking of reading this book, because there were sentences that seemed to contain 30 words when they easily could’ve been 10-12. Ridiculously garrulous writing, including information that I don’t know how anyone could care about. Why was a book less than 150 pages over 30 chapters? I guarantee that if a lot of the fluff had been left out the whole thing would’ve been max 75 pages. But it was written in such a way that the killers were in court before the book was halfway over, but their final fate wasn’t known (they appealed) until the last 2 chapters.

Also, it’s clear that a lot of this story was quite fictionalized. Probably to make the characters more real and try to provide insight…? But there were conversations included that either would not have taken place or would’ve gone differently. Case in point: in the 1930s, in the South, there’s no way a black man would’ve been allowed to speak to any white man the way that Tyler supposedly did. And being defiant with law enforcement and THREATENING THE HEAD OF THE LOCAL FBI OFFICE? Come on, sir.

[Mike B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This little book desperately needed better editing. At times it plodded along, filled with wooden writing. Many typos, problems with grammar. Could have been such an interesting story. The biggest issue for me was the author tried to fill this book with too many stories. Was the point of this book the murder of a Florida couple? Was it the life story of an attorney? Was it the story of organized crime and the FBI? Was it the author’s beef with big government? I wasn’t sure - the narrative was all over the place.

[Kayla Tornello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this book was based on events that I knew nothing about. I learned about the Surrency family and also about how corrupt law enforcement operated. I liked the setting in Florida in the 1930s and early 1940s. The events all showed how crimes and their punishments are often not as straightforward as they seem.

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story of True Crime

This was a wonderful story. It has all the things that make a great true crime story. It has family, the good guy, the bad guys, the cover-up, the hero lawyer trying to make a difference, and ends with true love.

[Jennifer Finken · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get through it, unfortunately. It was a very boring start. I tried to get through 2 chapters to give it a chance.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is all about greed and corrupt government aiding in crime, and I just don’t have the headspace for it.

[Alisha Allgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! This is my family’s story!! My maiden name is Hysler.

There are so many more interesting stories about my family.

[Carla Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. This novella is based on a true story with a bit of fiction thrown in. It reminded me of a 1950's black and white detective movie. Even though it is a great story and well written, I didn't feel any moving emotions while reading it. It progresses slowly and sort of in a bland way. But sticking with true story part nothing much could have been done in a different way. #goodreadsgiveaway