The Quick Adios (Times Six)

An Alex Rutledge Mystery #7

by Tom Corcoran

Tom Corcoran returns with a seventh novel, his first Alex Rutledge mystery in three years. Longtime fans and newcomers to this series are sure to enjoy The Quick Adios (Times Six). It is January in Key West, and freelance photographer Rutledge is summoned by his lover, city detective Beth Watkins, to a double-murder scene in The Tideline condo near Smathers Beach. When he arrives, cameras in hand, Alex is asked to leave. There is no explanation given. Within an hour he is offered another photo job, this time to document an office building in the Sarasota area. He flies north with the client later that day only to find confusion and murder on that end, too. The main problem in both locations, Alex quickly learns, is the abundance of suspects. Rutledge has no desire to be an investigator, and much prefers his work for ad agencies and travel magazines. But he is driven by circumstances and the death of a friend to analyze and act. In each case his photography helps to both create and answer questions, and his tenacity takes him to places that police cannot go. It also takes him, his friend Sam Wheeler, and Detective Watkins to situations that they may not survive. As in previous Rutledge novels, Key West, with its characters, history, natural beauty and isolation, plays a fundamental role in the tale, in this instance the events of two murder cases.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

324 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Tom Corcoran first moved to Florida in 1970. He has been a disc jockey, bartender, AAA travel counselor, U. S. Navy officer, screenwriter, freelance photographer, automotive magazine editor, computer graphic artist, and journalist.

Reviews

[Lewis Weinstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a different standard for crime stories than for serious literature. A different scale. For me, Corcoran is always fun to read (I've read most of his books), and this one, on my crime story scale, is 4****. The action is fast, the plot is complicated, and if you can't figure it all out, it doesn't really matter. Just keep reading. There are quite a few characters who are characters to enjoy meeting.

My wife and I live in Key West, so I know all the local references, many of which are within blocks of our house. If you don't know Key West, you'll probably want to visit after you read "Quick Adios." Be careful, though. We did that once and ended up buying a house.

There's also lots of fascinating information about photography, cars and small airplanes, all interests of the author that he weaves beautifully into the story. Some violence and enough sex complete what's on offer.

Enjoy!

[Cathy DuPont · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nostalgia has its moments. The trick, I believe, is to shed regret." Alex Rutledge, professional photographer, Key West, Florida. His credentials are exemplary and he's well-known throughout south Florida and the Caribbean as the 'go-to' pro in his field.

Having read all the Alex R series years ago when I was on my jag to read only Florida mysteries, based in Florida, I was so annoyed with myself when I found out that Tom Corcoran had written another book in the series two years ago. I missed that memo.

But caught up with him in this great and fun ride.

Alex Rutledge is such a fine character, someone I would want as my best friend (or more) because he's nice, willing to stick his neck out for a friend, is quick with a retort when necessary (and needed,) he's faithful and good looking. Could use more adjectives to describe him but you get the picture; just a super great guy.

All the recurring characters in the series are well drawn so although I read them a couple of years ago, I still recall who they are and how they interact and fit with Alex’s life on Dredger's Lane.

If you feel like reading a comfortable series of seven books, a read which puts you in the middle of swaying sable palms, breezes from the Gulf or the Atlantic, water blue/green everywhere you look, begin this series by a pool with a tall Margarita (or not) or a roaring fire, just begin reading. You won't be disappointed.

However, isn't there always that, a but? in this book there was so much going on, so many characters involved, conspiring against other guys, the end got a bit confusing and messy for me. Corcoran, which is just one reason I like him, drops little reminders of who a guy might be, saying things like "Pulver, who owned the condominium" and this does help.

By the way, Corcoran is one of those multi-talented guys being a professional photographer himself, co-writing songs with Jimmy Buffett and taking cover shots of Buffett and other South Florida writers for books and CD's.

His interest in '64 Mustangs appears in the series along with references to many cars I wouldn't know if I stumbled into them. But that doesn't get in the way of a good story.

I you haven't read Tom Corcoran start from the beginning of the series, if you can because it tends to build to this book. But if not, no worries just dive in, the water’s great and swimming (swim wear optional) with Alex is just a lot of fun.

************

Just read this from Creative Loafing by William McKeen and he likes Alex, too.

Few writers can lay claim to having created such a vivid, admirable character -- maybe Randy Wayne White with Doc Ford, or Carl Hiassen with his eco renegade, Skink. And certainly, they all owe some DNA to John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee." ...he's so free of pretension. He's an organic James Bond..."

Wish I had said that!

Tampa Bay Creative Loafing Article

[Jim A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a pleasure to read an Alex Rutledge story by Corcoran. He throws enough curves into the plot to keep the reader guessing. And, he uses his knowledge of Key West to allow the reader to feel like they are in Conch Heaven. As an added bonus, he will throw in a little bit of Key West's history. Any time I can read a good book and learn something, it's been twice worth it.

[Stephen Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start by saying I'm a big fan of this author having read all of the Alex Rutledge books. Unlike other authors (you know who I'm talking about) who tend to coast after writing two or three books in a series Mr. Corcoran just keeps pumping out well though out, enjoyable stories. Each time I read one of his books I want to get in the car and drive to Key West to finish it there. The island is a significant character in this series which continues to impress.

[Derek Dowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few people writing Florida-based novels today with more street cred than Tom Corcoran. The guy co-wrote songs (“Fins” and “Cuban Crime of Passion” for those Parrotheads who might be interested) with Jimmy Buffett back in the 1970s, and sold tacos on the street corner out of his bicycle basket, for Pete’s sake! The locals knew him as Taco Tom back then.

With the recent release of The Quick Adios (Times Six), Corcoran revisits a character, Alex Rutledge, who has appeared in five or six books previously – I could look it up but does it really matter? If you decide to check out this book on Amazon, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the others.

Even though this The Quick Adios is a most excellent example of what everyone here at Florida Pulp Fiction loves in beach books, I admit that several years passed between reading my first Corcoran novel and the second; now I eagerly watch for them to show up in the Kindle Store. At first read, Rutledge seems to be a Travis McGee knock-off, which isn’t a bad thing. Why not borrow from the best? But the first exposure wasn’t spectacular enough to bring us back for a second dose immediately. Nice. Not riveting.

Now I'm kind of ashamed to not have immediately realized these books ebb and flow with the kind of authentic spirit of Key West that only comes from selling tacos on the streets and rubbing elbows with Jimmy Buffett before he became a conglomerate. Whatever the reason, I'm hooked on Alex Rutledge now. So let’s get to The Quick Adios (Times Six).

Corcoran delivers a fine dose of mystery that finds Rutledge called in to photograph a crime scene again and, big surprise, he becomes involved in a doozy of a mystery that has him running back and forth between Key West and Sarasota, getting beaten up by a pugilistic bubba cop, surviving a plane crash, ogling beautiful women, spending plenty of time on his front porch, interacting with a comfortable and well-drawn cast of supporting characters, and trying to solve the mysterious death of an old girlfriend.

An Alex Rutledge book oozes tropical sights, smells, and visions from between the pages. Sure, it’s kind of hard to believe that a photographer could get caught up in so many life-threatening scenarios in one lifetime, but he is a crime scene photographer and tends to date female cops, so that makes the logical leap a bit more palatable. Actually, strike that last. Who the heck cares what machinations Mr. Corcoran uses to insert Rutledge into the fray?

It’s quite possible that, while the former king of the Florida novel, Carl Hiaasen, was wasting his time writing children’s books, Taco Tom slipped by him to claim the top spot, though we might have to arrange a death match with James W. Hall before handing out the official crown.

These days, Corcoran is that good. Believe it.

[Fred Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Key West and a serious photographer, I have long been a fan of this series. Interesting that he is pulled out of the city for some action in my home town here in Florida but considerably north of there. The story is interesting but frankly, as the 6 in the title implies, about 3 too many bodies and a bit too many characters. I think the story would have flowed more smoothly with fewer threads, but still, Tom, an enjoyable read.

[Dawnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by Tom Corcoran! I love these Key West books...makes me think of vacation and the action/mystery really keep me involved. I love the new addition of the new private PI's...really added a lot of humor to the story!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Alex Ruttledge series, this was maybe the best murder mystery in the series, because of character involvement and unexpected twists and turns throughout the case. A little less Key West humor than usual.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Tom Corcoran having read all of the Alex Rutledge books and this book was no exception. Key West is a big part of the series, and I always want to go there after reading one of his books. Maybe someday....

[Martin Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you may already know, I'm a rabid fan of Tom Corcoran and I'm an Alex Rutledge ADDICT!!!
The 7th novel is,as to be expected steeped in the Key West world. It's the first time we're in the keys in Winter.
Beyond the weather it's still a Alex Rutledge story plot. A murder that is extremely close to Alex leads the reader into a whirlwind plot filled with twist and turns.
As you might have expected, I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a well crafted storyline.
Don't miss this one!!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan, but the characters are ok/likeable enough (I like the Bumsnoops lol), and I read it because it is set in Key West. Fast read, ok mystery. To be honest I am not sure it really clearly stated how a couple of them died although I assume I know the answer (maybe I dozed off...)

[Vera-Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reading something from a local author & about a place I visit frequently. Now have some new places to try out. Quick reading mystery, will have to try some of his other books.

[Brian Getz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Corcoran, purveyor of contemporary Key West, continues to impress with his Alex Rutledge series. The scene with the chartered plane losing engines is intense.

[Erik Rostad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun multi-murder mystery in Key West.

[Meg Vanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fast and fun romp through Key West with Corcoran's colorful range of characters and an intriguing plot.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always a pleasure to visit Key West and see places like BO's Fish Truck mentioned.

[Brad Peuster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading corcoran for years, his best one. Every time I open one of his books, I switch to island time, Uncle Jimmy is in the turntable, and sand gets in my shoes.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found “The Quick Adios (Times Six)”, Tom Corcoran’s seventh novel in the Alex Rutledge series, to be a good book. Unfortunately, that’s not as much of a compliment as it may sound – I have grown to expect excellence in the Alex Rutledge series. In my opinion, this one simply does not measure up to the six previous books.

Corcoran has fleshed out a series of well-rounded and loveable characters, each with enough of a quirk to them to fit in with the outsiders’ impression of Key West. (I will not pretend to judge for the insider, as my only visit to Key West was approximately 2 weeks before Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida.) Many of those characters are present in this book, as well as some new ones; the author’s track record on this front remains solid.

I was disappointed in the plot, however. I thought the pacing did not live up to Corcoran’s previous works – frankly, I thought it dragged. Additionally, and I don’t think this is much of a surprise for mystery writers, when two separate plots / crimes are introduced in a whodunit novel, it has become cliché that the two events are actually linked AND that the protagonist is surprised when he/she finally learns about it. Mr. Corcoran has not typically telegraphed his plot twists in previous works, and in fact often keeps a surprise or two up his sleeve until the end – not here.

I enjoyed “The Quick Adios (Times Six)”. But I did not love it. I hope that there is an 8th book in this series and that the author takes the time to return to his roots and recapture his previous magic.

RATING: 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars where ½ stars are not permitted.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder, Conspiracy & Lovers

In this installment photographer Alex Rutledge gets the call to photograph a crime scene but when he arrives at the Tideline condos, he is summarily dismissed. At the same scene, he aids friend & reporter, Marnie, by getting some exterior shots & loaning her a camera. His lover, Detective Beth, is investigating the double murder, but why does Alex see them bring in 3 body bags? Mired in secrets and overlapping conspiracies, The Quick Adios is more excellent work by author Tom Corcoran. Although I've read all of the Rutledge series, it isn't strictly necessary to do so before enjoying this 7th novel.
Alex gets hired to take some shots of a building in Sarasota by a seemingly wealthy man and his trophy wife. While a guest, he manages to be offered a fling by the wife and winds up shooting a murder scene in addition to the building. Things get very complicated very fast, but it is all in a day's work for Alex, Beth, Marnie, Sam and Sheriff 'Chicken Neck' Lesko. Fast paced with plenty of action and intrigue, all of the novels in this series are solid reads, with The Quick Adiós no exception. I highly recommend them to all mystery readers. Perhaps the best of Key West series, the author absolutely captures the flavor of the island and blends it into a delicious read. The addition of the "Bumsnoops" was inspired, and he's now written their own novel. Intelligent mysteries with great characters, a lovely setting and carefully interwoven plot lines. A most worthy read, whether you're a Conch or not. Check out the entire series, you'll be glad you did.

[Paul McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I read the previous book in this series, I kept waiting for this book to come out in paperback but it never did. I finally sucked it up and bought the hardcover from Amazon. Really glad I did. It was like reconnecting with an old friend. I love the authors descriptions of everything having to do with Key West, and Alex Rutledge is the type of guy you would enjoy having a couple of drinks with at any of the locations he describes in Key West. The mystery was quite good, without implausible plot twists like so many other books.
As a bonus the book was autographed.

[Jon Miner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun adventure with Alex and Sam and the gang around the keys, Key West and Southern Florida. Unfortunately the writing and the language suffer a bit and could use some modernization for 2016, something previous books lacked, probably due to not as thorough editing in the modern book market. Still a fun adventure with the usual characters, even if it isn't as good as earlier works.

[Hrn1947 · Rating 4 out of 5]

another good story. alex changed rums from mount gay. every one is settling into their lives on the island.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Corcoran, and the perfect read while traveling to Key West.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the real KW landmarks; people and places. Fun fun books.

[Jmgnole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Corcoran. I see the Keys in my head every time I pick up one of his books. Believable sleuthing, great lead character, Florida. I actually finished this back in March, but I forgot to update.