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Vindication Key
Katie needs a change from the fast paced life style of Miami and fate steps in, not so quietly, to help out. Strange words on an asylum wall and a nearly life ending assault by two thugs give her reason to escape to the tranquil Florida Keys. There, three men will impact her life: one from the grave, one from her past, and one from the present. But who can she really trust? And at what cost?
189 pages, Paperback
First published December 21, 2014
5 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Robin Elder
4 books27 followersAre you interested in learning about true Florida Keys history in a fast-paced, creative way? Then my novellas are for you! In 1992, my husband and I took our first trip to the Florida Keys and that's when my deep affection for the island chain took root. We continued to make annual trips with friends and family, finally buying our own piece of paradise in 2014. Over that time, I became fascinated with Keys history and knew that I wanted to write about it, specifically in the genre of what I call a hybrid between historical fiction and creative nonfiction. I also knew that I wanted to write fast paced page turners with less filler, where just about everything I wrote mattered to the historical aspect and overall plot. And so I did, penning the novellas, VINDICATION KEY, INDIAN KEY, and FLASHBACK KEY. Here are mini summaries for each:
VINDICATION KEY is a dual timeline book centering around the WWI veterans working on the Overseas Highway, famous Long Key Fishing Camp, the 1935 Labor Day hurricane and a missing Russian treasure.
INDIAN KEY is a dual timeline book about the small island of Indian Key sitting right off Islamorada. What a fascinating history it holds, specifically from the early 1800's. Read about notorious wrecker, Captain John Jacob Housman, the Perrine family, and the events that occurred one fateful day on the tiny 12 acre island.
FLASHBACK KEY is my take on what occurred when six men took refuge in the small, land-based lighthouse attached to the Chesapeake Restaurant in Islamorada during Hurricane Donna in 1960. When I first read about this in a newspaper article, I was curious as to how they passed the time with the storm raging all around them for hours on end. Searching old newspaper archives, I found just two articles addressing how they tried to entertain themselves. One simply stated that they told a few jokes. The other said they sung a few songs and prayed. However, knowing they spent numerous hours hunkering down within the lighthouse walls, I have to presume they kept themselves occupied in other ways. That’s where my imagination entered and I intertwined loads of unusual, real Florida Keys history into the plot. I hope you enjoy my creative take on what occurred during those long, anxious hours.
In addition, I revamped and republished my first novella, FATE'S JOURNEY. A bit of a departure from my Keys themed stories, Fate's Journey is an ode to the books I loved reading as a teenager and young adult—Phyllis Whitney mysteries, Victoria Holt Gothic romance and Harlequin Romances.
My motivation to write is perhaps summed up best by the quote from famed author, Tony Morrison: "If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it."
Enjoy!
VINDICATION KEY is a dual timeline book centering around the WWI veterans working on the Overseas Highway, famous Long Key Fishing Camp, the 1935 Labor Day hurricane and a missing Russian treasure.
INDIAN KEY is a dual timeline book about the small island of Indian Key sitting right off Islamorada. What a fascinating history it holds, specifically from the early 1800's. Read about notorious wrecker, Captain John Jacob Housman, the Perrine family, and the events that occurred one fateful day on the tiny 12 acre island.
FLASHBACK KEY is my take on what occurred when six men took refuge in the small, land-based lighthouse attached to the Chesapeake Restaurant in Islamorada during Hurricane Donna in 1960. When I first read about this in a newspaper article, I was curious as to how they passed the time with the storm raging all around them for hours on end. Searching old newspaper archives, I found just two articles addressing how they tried to entertain themselves. One simply stated that they told a few jokes. The other said they sung a few songs and prayed. However, knowing they spent numerous hours hunkering down within the lighthouse walls, I have to presume they kept themselves occupied in other ways. That’s where my imagination entered and I intertwined loads of unusual, real Florida Keys history into the plot. I hope you enjoy my creative take on what occurred during those long, anxious hours.
In addition, I revamped and republished my first novella, FATE'S JOURNEY. A bit of a departure from my Keys themed stories, Fate's Journey is an ode to the books I loved reading as a teenager and young adult—Phyllis Whitney mysteries, Victoria Holt Gothic romance and Harlequin Romances.
My motivation to write is perhaps summed up best by the quote from famed author, Tony Morrison: "If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it."
Enjoy!
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 25, 2016
This book was certainly a page turner! I will keep my eye out for Robin Elder in the future!
Overall, Vindication Key was a unique historical fiction read which draws upon a fair bit of suspense, good character development, and an interesting plot line. Robin Elder is the first author I've come across that blends very specific aspects of the "real world" with the world within the novel. An example of this is when Katie is reading articles on websites that actually exist! Small things like that add to the realistic feel of the novel, and to the historical part which teaches the reader some interesting events that occurred during the 1935 hurricane. I have to admit I had no idea so many veterans were affected during the hurricane until I read this book.
Also, Robin Elder does an excellent job of telling two stories at once within the same book. The reader follows the main character Katie in most chapters and the character Billy in some other chapters. It seems like this format can easily disrupt the flow of the novel, but Robin Elder blends the two story lines very tastefully to the point where I was excited to read what happened next to both characters.
The above being said, the book was a fun, fast-paced read which kept me guessing the entire time. The cover of the book is a bit blurry which gives it the appearance as not as higher quality than other books available, but this is certainly an example of not judging a book by its cover!
Full disclosure: I received this book free as a Goodreads giveaway winner.
Edit: Formatted spoilers
Overall, Vindication Key was a unique historical fiction read which draws upon a fair bit of suspense, good character development, and an interesting plot line. Robin Elder is the first author I've come across that blends very specific aspects of the "real world" with the world within the novel. An example of this is when Katie is reading articles on websites that actually exist! Small things like that add to the realistic feel of the novel, and to the historical part which teaches the reader some interesting events that occurred during the 1935 hurricane. I have to admit I had no idea so many veterans were affected during the hurricane until I read this book.
Also, Robin Elder does an excellent job of telling two stories at once within the same book. The reader follows the main character Katie in most chapters and the character Billy in some other chapters. It seems like this format can easily disrupt the flow of the novel, but Robin Elder blends the two story lines very tastefully to the point where I was excited to read what happened next to both characters.
The above being said, the book was a fun, fast-paced read which kept me guessing the entire time. The cover of the book is a bit blurry which gives it the appearance as not as higher quality than other books available, but this is certainly an example of not judging a book by its cover!
Full disclosure: I received this book free as a Goodreads giveaway winner.
Edit: Formatted spoilers
September 1, 2018
I love reading books about the state I consider my home - Florida. I love reading Vindication Key. This book had some mystery, drama, and romance. When Katie is assaulted and has a life-changing experience, she finds comfort in the Florida Keys. As she unravels a clue from a ghost, the treasure she seeks is priceless. The problem is between two men, Sam, a treasure hunter, and a past boyfriend who cheated on her - which one can she trust, if any? I really loved this book and the historical factors that Ms. Elder wrote. Will be looking for more of her books.
June 11, 2021
Interesting novella
Very well written. Intertwining historical facts in the Keys with an intreging, fast paced storyline. Quick read, keeps your interest. Will continue reading this author's books.
Very well written. Intertwining historical facts in the Keys with an intreging, fast paced storyline. Quick read, keeps your interest. Will continue reading this author's books.
October 26, 2016
I love a good story. A story that is not only interesting, but captivating. I enjoyed the back and forth of this one. for a slow reader, this went fast.
November 11, 2016
I really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews