Coastal Access

by Walter Ramsay

In Florida, Interstate 95 snakes from the Georgia state line to Miami in an uninterrupted run of coastal cities. The country that lies west of the interstate however, is often referred to as a wasteland, a no-man’s territory fit only for those who can stand the dank heat of a swamp. So when Judge Arnold Galley and his consortium seem intent on acquiring over a million and a half acres of this fetid real estate just west of the highway, many heads begin to turn. Why does he want it so bad? That question intrigues Tucker Lee Anderson, a divorced sports reporter down on his luck. Not long after his discovery of the judge’s prodigious real estate lust, he finds himself plunged into the middle of a massive murder cover-up that involves the magistrate as well. Suddenly, the sports scribe has turned into an undercover investigative reporter who must piece together the puzzle to find out why so many people want or need the judge’s coastal access. The mystery’s roots are deep and old. To crack the case, Tucker will have to draw on the knowledge contained in his family’s Deep Southern lineage, which dates back to a time before the Civil War. He is aided in his quest by Craig, a detective and childhood friend, whose law enforcement connections will prove invaluable for his investigation and even for his own personal safety. Yet Tucker’s most startling source of help is a mysterious stranger named Doug. After being presumed dead for decades, he has returned to Florida for unexplained reasons. Eventually, Tucker will find that Doug plays an unexpectedly large role in his life and will let him understand how his fate is intimately tied to the real estate greed of the judge’s consortium. By the mystery’s end, Tucker will realize that most journeys lead you back to where you first began. In this spellbinding tale of good versus evil, Tucker will find the strength he needs to carry on from family roots he scarcely knew he had. This page turning mystery will surprise readers with its ventures into old Florida history from a time before condos and luxury beachfront resorts. The author reveals quite a bit of the lesser known history of the state’s Seminole Indian tribe. Coastal Access is a murder mystery that entices the reader with a pinch of mysticism, a splash of crime, and enough humor to keep the reading experience light and enjoyable. Its vivid descriptions of the central Florida coastline and the brackish waters that haunt the state’s interior are drawn from author Walter Ramsay’s three decades of living in the Sunshine State. He has conducted archival research into the region’s history and has traveled widely throughout the state from his father’s home in Daytona Beach to Key West. A unique novel of real estate speculation run amok, Coastal Access is a rollicking murder mystery that will put the reader in the mind of the sun-kissed investigations of the Magnum P.I. television show of the 1980s.

262 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2012

About the author

As a long time teacher and coach in New Jersey. When not at the Jersey Shore, Walter is a part time resident of the Central Florida coast. He became enamored with the beauty, culture, and people of this pristine area over 30 years ago, and still can't get enough. He has vigilantly taken the time to delve into the history of this beautiful coast line and incorporated that background into his writings.

Walter spent much of his earlier years traveling the Florida coast from Saint Augustine to Key West from his father's home in Daytona Beach.

When not working on his next novel, Coastal Access, Walter enjoys reading as well as outdoor activities that include surfing and jogging.

Walter is married to the former Michele Lee Sperber, and along with his children, they look forward to splitting their time between their homes at the Jersey Shore and Brevard County Florida.

Reviews

[Kathy LaMee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thugs, reporters, long-lost relatives, a bit of romance, and of course- a mystery- Coastal Access by Walter Ramsey has it all! I was blown away by the quality of writing and amazing plot line in this novel- Ramsey definitely proves there are shining stars out there in the universe of self-published work.
Coastal Access has several story-lines that converge in a piece of swampland in the heart of Florida. A shady consortium has plans in place to turn the seemingly useless land into a money making machine and they will stop at nothing to keep from cashing in. Tucker Anderson, a local reporter of some notoriety, is tied to this same land, and through a chain of bizarre and scary incidents discovers a significant link to his past. For those of you, like me, who did not get the pleasure of meeting Tucker in Ramsey’s first book, Beneath The Dune, he is a descendant of a prominent Seminole Indian. Tucker has a unique relationship with his ancestors as they like to visit him in his dreams. In Coastal Access the spirits once again come to him in his dreams, imploring him to take action- the only problem is he isn't quite sure what they want. Throughout Tucker’s discoveries, he’s helped along by his good friend and local detective, Craig; as well as Doug, a mysterious older neighbor who likes to call Tucker ‘son’. While focusing on the mystery and unfortunate deaths surrounding the huge chunk of interior swampland, Ramsey also weaves strong sub-plots that tie beautifully to the main story. It’s tough to say anything here without having spoilers, but trust me- it’s great!
It’s been a long time since I've ended a book and jumped up and gave a fist pump to the protagonist- but I sure did for Tucker! I enjoyed this book immensely; in fact, my only negative point is that it was over way to fast! From the flawless writing and intricate plot lines to the exciting cast of characters, Ramsey has crafted a masterful tale full of intrigue, loss, and family. I’m definitely going back and picking up Beneath the Dune and am looking forward to reading many more stories by Walter Ramsey.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an open and honest review for Tracy Riva Books and Reviews.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the character, Tucker Lee Anderson from Beneath the Dune, Coastal Access is Walter Ramsay’s second book. However, this could be read as a stand-alone novel. If you enjoy a good suspense with a touch of paranormal activity, then grab a copy of Coastal Access.
Set in Central Florida, Coastal Access refers to an area of waste land off interstate 95. Also known as no-man’s land, this land has caught the attention of one very determined individual and he won’t let anything or anyone get in his way. But why is this land so important to him? That’s the question that kept me reading until the very end, and boy, I wasn’t disappointed.
Tucker Lee Anderson is a very intriguing character He’s a divorced father, a sports reporter, a boyfriend and a son which made it easy to connect with his character. He also has some very strong roots, and has visions and communicates with his ancestors through his dreams. Although he doesn’t understand what it all means, he keeps finding himself drawn to the land that is just off Interstate 95.
Tucker Lee then finds himself in the middle of a deadly mystery. As events unfold, and pieces of the puzzle come together, it’s up to Tucker to reclaim his land from the one who is so desperate to take it from him.
This was a wonderfully written novel. It had me at the edge of my seat at times, yet curious to see what would happen next. The short, 3-4 page chapters made this an easy, enjoyable and quick read. I look forward to seeing what Mr. Ramsay has in store for us next.

I received a complimentary copy of Coastal Access for an honest review.

[Rick Bylina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to hand it to Walter Ramsey. He keeps his protagonist, Tucker Lee Anderson, a divorced ex-sports editor now doing investigative journalism with the aid of visions and an ancestral Indian ghost, busy. Coastal Access is the second book featuring Tucker. With the aid of friends, dubious friends, bungling enemies, and a mysterious friend, Doug, Tucker stumbles into a conspiracy that threatens not only his life and the lives of others he loves, but the way of life in coastal Florida.

Truth be known, I read this book in the revision stages, then again, breezed through a published copy. While there are some stretches of believability, beyond the limited paranormal aspects of the story, it is an intriguing read with plenty of twists, turns, and surprise revelations in the taut story. When the action hits close to home, Tucker finally exposes more of himself, deepening the story. I'd like to see more of it in future stories. Some of the secondary characters are not as fully developed as I like, but they serve their purpose to move the plot forward, making it worth rooting for the downfall of the bad guys even when it seems they hold all the cards.

This is a quick summer read that will keep you turning pages. The writing is strong and without grammatical bumps in the night. I found the multiple viewpoints a bit rough to start the story, but it smoothed out quick enough to a comfortable read. With the wide range of characters, there are times when I think Ramsey wants to channel his inner Carl Hiassen. Someday perhaps he will. I can't hang ten or anything else on a surfboard, but I'm hanging a solid "4" for this book.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to be the Goodreads winner for this book, but I wasn't. Really regret that I wasn't. This is an excellent book about family ties, legacy, and what greed can do. I sat down and read it in one evening because it hooked me.

I want to read more from Walter Ramsay.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were lots of things to like in this - plenty of plot, vivid characters - but overall I found it a bit bitty. I don't think the 'paranormal' elements really added anything, either. I afraid the idea of an ancestor-spirit-guide manifesting as an alligator that conveniently eats your enemies just made me laugh.

[Jakenv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now here was a mystery well worth my time. Characters had substance. Story was believable so kept my interest.