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Road To Key West #1
The Road to Key West
The Road to Key West is an adventurous/humorous sojourn that cavorts its way through the 1970s Caribbean, from Key West and the Bahamas, to Cuba and Central America.
In August of 1971, Kansas Stamps and Will Bell set out to become nothing more than commercial divers in the Florida Keys, but adventure, or misadventure, seems to dog them at every turn. They encounter a parade of bizarre characters, from part-time pirates and heartless larcenists, to Voodoo bokors, a wacky Jamaican soothsayer, and a handful of drug smugglers. Adding even more flavor to this Caribbean brew is a complicated romance, a lost Spanish treasure, and a pre antediluvian artifact created by a distant congregation who truly understood the term, “pyramid power.”
Pour yourself a margarita, sit back, and slide into the ‘70s for a while as you follow Kansas and Will through this cocktail of madcap adventures – on The Road To Key West.
IF YOU ENJOY THIS NOVEL BE SURE TO READ THE SEQUEL, "BACK ON THE ROAD TO KEY WEST" (To be released in late August or early September, 2013)
"Jimmy Buffett should set this tropical tale to music! The best Key West stories can only be written by those who have lived here, and Reisig expertly captures the steamy, seedy, beautiful allure of the islands. “The Road to Key West” takes readers on a hysterical journey through the humidity and humanity that only exists in the lower latitudes. And much like the Keys in the 1970s, it’s a hell of a trip.
—Mandy Bolen, The Key West Citizen
"The Road to Key West" combines the dry cleverness of Lewis Grizzard, the wit of Dave Barry, and Reisig's impeccable sense of timing. It's an action-packed, romantic, charming, hilarious take on the ‘70s and its generation. A must-read!
—John Archibald, Ouachita Life Magazine
In August of 1971, Kansas Stamps and Will Bell set out to become nothing more than commercial divers in the Florida Keys, but adventure, or misadventure, seems to dog them at every turn. They encounter a parade of bizarre characters, from part-time pirates and heartless larcenists, to Voodoo bokors, a wacky Jamaican soothsayer, and a handful of drug smugglers. Adding even more flavor to this Caribbean brew is a complicated romance, a lost Spanish treasure, and a pre antediluvian artifact created by a distant congregation who truly understood the term, “pyramid power.”
Pour yourself a margarita, sit back, and slide into the ‘70s for a while as you follow Kansas and Will through this cocktail of madcap adventures – on The Road To Key West.
IF YOU ENJOY THIS NOVEL BE SURE TO READ THE SEQUEL, "BACK ON THE ROAD TO KEY WEST" (To be released in late August or early September, 2013)
"Jimmy Buffett should set this tropical tale to music! The best Key West stories can only be written by those who have lived here, and Reisig expertly captures the steamy, seedy, beautiful allure of the islands. “The Road to Key West” takes readers on a hysterical journey through the humidity and humanity that only exists in the lower latitudes. And much like the Keys in the 1970s, it’s a hell of a trip.
—Mandy Bolen, The Key West Citizen
"The Road to Key West" combines the dry cleverness of Lewis Grizzard, the wit of Dave Barry, and Reisig's impeccable sense of timing. It's an action-packed, romantic, charming, hilarious take on the ‘70s and its generation. A must-read!
—John Archibald, Ouachita Life Magazine
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2010
1053 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reisig
32 books58 followers Michael Reisig has been writing professionally for 15 years. He is a former newspaper editor and publisher, an award-winning columnist, and a best-selling novelist.
He is the author of six novels. His works have been optioned for motion pictures, sold to overseas publishers, and produced in CD, audio, and e-book format. He has been featured in magazines such as Writer's Digest and Southern Living, and in numerous newspapers across the country.
Reisig was born in Enid, Oklahoma, in 1948. The first son of a military family, he was raised in Europe and California before moving to Florida. He attended high school and college in the Tampa Bay area. After graduating from college, he relocated to the Florida Keys, establishing a commercial diving business in which he served as the company pilot, traveling extensively throughout the southern hemisphere, diving, treasure hunting, and adventuring.
From there he turned to journalism, putting many of his experiences into the pages of his novels and columns, going on to manage, then own newspapers.
He presently resides in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas where he fishes and hunts and writes his novels, and occasionally escapes to the Caribbean for another adventure.
He is the author of six novels. His works have been optioned for motion pictures, sold to overseas publishers, and produced in CD, audio, and e-book format. He has been featured in magazines such as Writer's Digest and Southern Living, and in numerous newspapers across the country.
Reisig was born in Enid, Oklahoma, in 1948. The first son of a military family, he was raised in Europe and California before moving to Florida. He attended high school and college in the Tampa Bay area. After graduating from college, he relocated to the Florida Keys, establishing a commercial diving business in which he served as the company pilot, traveling extensively throughout the southern hemisphere, diving, treasure hunting, and adventuring.
From there he turned to journalism, putting many of his experiences into the pages of his novels and columns, going on to manage, then own newspapers.
He presently resides in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas where he fishes and hunts and writes his novels, and occasionally escapes to the Caribbean for another adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 20, 2012
Just finished The Road to Key West. Very fun road, indeed. Kansas and Will were creative and fearless, and the many antagonists whom continuously tormented them all came together in an exciting conclusion on Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.
The many different adventures the boys either pursued or found themselves embroiled in produced a string of vignettes that tightened into a Gordian knot of excitement. The plot was a combination of Buffett's Where is Joe Merchant? and Hiaasen's early character-driven stories that kept readers gripping their paperbacks with white knuckles.
Hard to catch a breath between adventures as Kansas and Will ricocheted from the Florida Keys, to Costa Rica, to Cuba, and many other settings in between. Very entertaining and a special joy to anyone who, like me, was lucky enough to live in the Keys in the 70's, which is when and where the story was set. Well done, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
The many different adventures the boys either pursued or found themselves embroiled in produced a string of vignettes that tightened into a Gordian knot of excitement. The plot was a combination of Buffett's Where is Joe Merchant? and Hiaasen's early character-driven stories that kept readers gripping their paperbacks with white knuckles.
Hard to catch a breath between adventures as Kansas and Will ricocheted from the Florida Keys, to Costa Rica, to Cuba, and many other settings in between. Very entertaining and a special joy to anyone who, like me, was lucky enough to live in the Keys in the 70's, which is when and where the story was set. Well done, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 20, 2018
A very enjoyable and very funny novel about the adventures of two free-spirited young men living in the Florida Keys in the 1970s. The book is quite entertaining provided that you don't expect their adventures to be believable. The book is somewhat informative about the craziness that is South Florida and the Keys, but it is not as well-written, cynical, or as much of a social commentary as any novel written by Carl Hiaasen or even Tim Dorsey.
That being said, this is the first book in a series about the Keys by Reisig and I will read more books in the series just because of their humor and entertainment values.
That being said, this is the first book in a series about the Keys by Reisig and I will read more books in the series just because of their humor and entertainment values.
June 14, 2016
Extremely entertaining
If you can suspend your disbelief, this book is a rollicking good time and I couldn't put it down till the finish.
If you can suspend your disbelief, this book is a rollicking good time and I couldn't put it down till the finish.
October 10, 2018
A lot more than I expected
Let me start by saying at first I was very unimpressed with the narration, I am sorry but it just was not my cup of tea. BUT as the book went on and the story became more engaging, It sort of grew on meme. Now I hope the second book uses the the same man to narrate. Go figure This is sort fo a coming of age story, 2 guys, Key west transplants and lots of adventures, how could it go wrong? The answer is it can't. The characters the stories the pace all were perfect. Some of it a bit unbelievable., but so much fun. The story is about 2 guys, best friends ,; Kansas Stamps and Will Bell and its begins in 1971 and its a romp through the early part of the decade. I highly recommend this book
Let me start by saying at first I was very unimpressed with the narration, I am sorry but it just was not my cup of tea. BUT as the book went on and the story became more engaging, It sort of grew on meme. Now I hope the second book uses the the same man to narrate. Go figure This is sort fo a coming of age story, 2 guys, Key west transplants and lots of adventures, how could it go wrong? The answer is it can't. The characters the stories the pace all were perfect. Some of it a bit unbelievable., but so much fun. The story is about 2 guys, best friends ,; Kansas Stamps and Will Bell and its begins in 1971 and its a romp through the early part of the decade. I highly recommend this book
December 5, 2022
An adventurous romp throughout the caribbean diving and treasure hunting in the early 70s by two hippies who fell in love with island time by diving, flying, treasure hunting and meeting wild women and kooky yet scary bad guys thrown in for good measure! Michael is touted to be one of the main characters in the series? If so, he either had a great time cheating death or developed his great imagination and story telling art! Probably a bit of both! This series gets better and better with it's cast of misfits! Love it, hard to put down a book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2018
Enjoyed the lighthearted humor and the breezy flow of the story. It definitely fit well with the backdrop of the Florida Keys.
Will and Kansas wacky adventures had me itching to go out and discover the world.
The ending was a little to convenient for me. The part where Kansas gets the perfect girl had me rolling my eyes.
A good first book for sure. I think it would be nice to read more about these two characters.
Will and Kansas wacky adventures had me itching to go out and discover the world.
The ending was a little to convenient for me. The part where Kansas gets the perfect girl had me rolling my eyes.
A good first book for sure. I think it would be nice to read more about these two characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2019
Right On Dude! A most excellent adventure. A very fun read! Kansas and Will are funny dudes with an exceptional friendship. As they make their home in Key West and try to make a living and a life hilarious adventures happen. The cast of crazy characters is great! So many bad guys to hate. They often have to ask each other “are you going to get us killed?” with answer always “not intentionally”. This novel has great dialogue and snippets of lyrics from 70’s songs! Great job!
November 19, 2017
Absolutely a "blast" to read! True, it does stretch the imagination with some of the tales but, that makes it exciting. The humor used describing the incredible adventures just makes this fun to read - I was laughing aloud. The descriptions of the Keys of the past just ring true as do the attempts to capture the beauty of the sand and sea in words. Read it!
November 1, 2018
As told in the 1st person (from Kansas Stamps viewpoint), we follow Kansas and his buddy, Will Bell, to Key West following their college graduation. What starts as a desire to take a break and chill following college, turns into an adventurous life style starting with capturing exotic tropical fish and evolves into adventure after meeting up with a mystic Rasterman, Rufus, who intrigues these pals into adventures inspired by the Curious and often bored creators of the universe.
This book is slow reading at the beginning, but is well worth hanging in there for the humor and "mis"adventures!
This book is slow reading at the beginning, but is well worth hanging in there for the humor and "mis"adventures!
April 28, 2020
Entertaining
An entertaining read. Well written fictional account of two friends who find an idyllic lifestyle diving for tropical fish off the coast of Florida. New unintended adventures find them to make their lives more than a little exciting.
If you enjoy well put together light reading, you'll enjoy this book.
An entertaining read. Well written fictional account of two friends who find an idyllic lifestyle diving for tropical fish off the coast of Florida. New unintended adventures find them to make their lives more than a little exciting.
If you enjoy well put together light reading, you'll enjoy this book.
August 5, 2020
Exciting , comical read.
I chose a five star rating for this book/author because I enjoyed reading it from start to finish. I was reading in bed and broke out laughing so hard I woke up my husband. The time line goes back to the 70's with such great music and in a place where I have many memories. I cannot wait to continue the journey in his series.
I chose a five star rating for this book/author because I enjoyed reading it from start to finish. I was reading in bed and broke out laughing so hard I woke up my husband. The time line goes back to the 70's with such great music and in a place where I have many memories. I cannot wait to continue the journey in his series.
May 12, 2018
Fine American literature? No! But a fun read.
Sometimes one simply wants a silly, relaxing-in-the-sun read, with fun-loving, creative characters living lives none of us mere mortals will ever experience. This is it.
Sometimes one simply wants a silly, relaxing-in-the-sun read, with fun-loving, creative characters living lives none of us mere mortals will ever experience. This is it.
January 22, 2019
Great read!!
The passage in the bridge with the trailer had me laughing so hard, I was crying. Wildly out there... A full-on Florida madness as only Florida can have... You're going to love this book... I promise.
The passage in the bridge with the trailer had me laughing so hard, I was crying. Wildly out there... A full-on Florida madness as only Florida can have... You're going to love this book... I promise.
January 12, 2020
Started out fun, but the same old story line of getting into a jam and talking / plotting the way out under very questionable circumstances got old - won't b reading the rest of the b
ooks in this series
ooks in this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2017
I loved this book. I will be seeking out the rest of the series as well. I thought it was well written and I loved the adventure.
July 13, 2017
Funny and adventurous
I love the FL Keys anyway, so this was a very enjoyable read. I recommend it to all! Good read!
I love the FL Keys anyway, so this was a very enjoyable read. I recommend it to all! Good read!
August 16, 2017
If you can get past the ridiculous, it's quite funny. Those familiar with the Florida Keys will appreciate the setting.
May 13, 2018
Good start
Interesting start for a Florida Keys focused series of books. A little ambitious with a large number of characters that could have been pared down. Has potential.
Interesting start for a Florida Keys focused series of books. A little ambitious with a large number of characters that could have been pared down. Has potential.
April 14, 2018
Lighthearted beach reading, fun to read.
November 6, 2018
the entire series is great.
humorous, deep, well done
humorous, deep, well done
December 16, 2018
The Road to Key West
This story was a good read that has a lot of action and adventure that starts with the first page and doesn't stop till the last.
This story was a good read that has a lot of action and adventure that starts with the first page and doesn't stop till the last.
April 30, 2019
This book is the second in the collection called Murder and Mayhem in Paradise, a project called Write Out Cancer.
June 24, 2019
Very entertaining read. Memorable characters and descriptions that make you feel like you are there.
Looking forward to reading more great stories by Michael.
Looking forward to reading more great stories by Michael.
September 29, 2019
Great read! Funny and exciting!
Loved this book, laugh out loud funny in places, and good story about true friendship. Definitely recommend this book for adults.
Loved this book, laugh out loud funny in places, and good story about true friendship. Definitely recommend this book for adults.
November 28, 2019
All his books are great.
September 18, 2020
Good read. Love the characters. Full of adventures.
May 14, 2021
Wild and crazy adventure
Loved the camaraderie between Will and Kansas. Their adventures kept me reading, the story moved along at a good pace. Great read!
Loved the camaraderie between Will and Kansas. Their adventures kept me reading, the story moved along at a good pace. Great read!
November 7, 2022
Great light reading
I truly enjoyed this book, I laughed at the characters and shenanigans , I will read more books by this author .
I truly enjoyed this book, I laughed at the characters and shenanigans , I will read more books by this author .
March 27, 2023
Outlandish. Unbelievable. Entertaining.
June 28, 2025
adventure laughs and philosophy
Well paced, and cleverly written. I’m looking forward to making my way through Reisig’s bibliography! A Florida man story peace
Well paced, and cleverly written. I’m looking forward to making my way through Reisig’s bibliography! A Florida man story peace
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews