Tough Luck Lane

by Lois Crockett

Stacey Jennifer Longacre is a bartender who leaves her hard-bit existence in Okeechobee, Florida. She’s likeable, but with a touch of sand. Landing in a quirky Key West-style compound in south Florida, she and her new-found crew head off a ring of dangerous bed guys who keep her off-balance while perpetrating their deadly game. Stacey is no stranger to danger yet she always strives to do the next right thing in spite of her "tough luck" attitude. An “ordinary” woman thrown into extraordinary circumstances, she’s someone with whom you will relate to and cheer on.

Genres: Fiction

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2017

About the author

Lois Crockett is the author of the Tough Luck Lounge mystery series, the Stacey/Densmore Thrillers, and the paranormal Abra-Cadaver series. Born in New York City and raised in northern New Jersey, she now makes her home in South Florida, where she lives with her husband, John—a professional musician—and their calico cat, Weeble.

Lois's colorful career has taken her from bartending to broadcasting, where she became Florida’s first female club DJ and later a radio journalist, DJ and engineer. She also held executive roles in business and sales before turning to her true passion: storytelling.

Today, she delights readers with fast-paced beach-ready stories full of suspense, action, humor — with the occasional body in the mix.

Reviews

[Susan A. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always appreciate thrillers where the main character is someone you could actually meet in real life. Stacey being a bartender who gets tangled up with criminals makes the story feel grounded. Plus, the South Florida backdrop just adds to the tension. This book is high on my list now.

[Rachael Tamayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good characters

This book has good character development and crisp writing that takes you deep into the life of Florida and a small town beach community. I felt it carried a realism that few do-but I found that the mundane day to day details really bogged down the story and found myself losing the plot just a bit. We get into the day to day life Of Stacey, who moves and starts anew in a small beach community only to tumble head first into trouble. A slow start, but a realistic read.

[Jeanne A. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacey Jennifer Longacre sounds like exactly the kind of character I fall in love with—tough but real, flawed but relatable. I love that she’s not some superhero, just a bartender with grit who gets caught in extraordinary circumstances. Lois Crockett seems to know how to make Florida come alive on the page, and that quirky Key West–style compound setting is calling to me. Definitely adding this to my TBR.

[Yvonne R. Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What grabbed me first about Tough Luck Lane was Stacey herself. She isn’t a cop or a detective—she’s a bartender with scars from life, who still has the grit to push forward. That makes her feel incredibly relatable. I also really like books where communities or compounds play a role, because they often bring out hidden dynamics and tensions. Lois Crockett’s setting sounds like it will be full of personality and surprises.

[Ivan A. Binion · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tagline alone hooked me: A bartender never forgets a face—or the drink that goes with it. That’s so clever and gives me a sense of Stacey’s sharpness. I’m a big fan of thrillers with humor and heart, and this one looks like it balances danger with a character you can really root for. Can’t wait to meet Stacey and see how she faces down these ‘bad guys.

[Robert H. Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in Florida, I love when authors capture its unique atmosphere—the charm mixed with the danger. Lois Crockett setting Tough Luck Lane in South Florida makes me want to read it even more. Stacey sounds like a character who’s had it rough but still keeps her head high. That resilience is something I admire and can’t wait to experience through her story.

[William K. Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m instantly intrigued by Stacey—an ordinary woman thrown into extraordinary danger. That’s my favorite type of heroine. She doesn’t have it all figured out, but she fights anyway. The synopsis promises suspense, humor, and heart, which is a perfect mix for me. Looking forward to diving into this one!

[Nicole R. Nunnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Florida thriller setting has my attention, but it’s really Stacey who draws me in. I like the idea of a bartender with a tough past trying to do the right thing even when the odds are stacked against her. Lois Crockett seems to have created a very grounded but exciting protagonist, and I’m excited to cheer her on

[Alice E. Kuhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lois Crockett’s Tough Luck Lane has all the ingredients of a great read: a gritty but likeable heroine, a shady conspiracy, and a setting that feels both charming and dangerous. The idea of Stacey trying to make a new life but getting caught up in deadly games sounds like exactly the kind of suspenseful, page-turning plot I enjoy.

[Ralph K. Searle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The synopsis gave me strong vibes of a character-driven thriller, which I love. Stacey isn’t polished or perfect, she’s real. A bartender with a tough attitude trying to do right—that makes her relatable. And the quirky compound setting makes me think there’s going to be plenty of colorful characters along the way. Can’t wait to read this.

[Peter A. Feinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances always make the most compelling thrillers. I love that Stacey isn’t some trained agent, but she’s smart, tough, and resourceful. I’m curious to see how she navigates the danger and who she can trust. The synopsis promises danger, humor, and heart—a winning combo.

[Regina B. Stclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

The phrase ‘tough luck attitude’ really struck a chord with me. So many of us have lived through rough patches, but reading about someone who doesn’t let it stop them from striving to do the right thing is inspiring. Stacey sounds like she’ll be both tough and vulnerable, which is a combination I love in a protagonist. Looking forward to following her journey.

[Henry B. Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Key West–style compound setting sounds so unique—I don’t think I’ve read a thriller in a place like that before. Pair that with a bartender who’s had enough of her old life and now finds herself drawn into danger, and I’m sold. Lois Crockett seems to know how to create both atmosphere and heart.

[Tara A. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Florida thrillers always grab my attention—the setting itself is almost a character. Reading that Stacey ends up in a quirky compound makes me curious about who she’ll meet and how they’ll all band together. Plus, the idea of her facing down criminals despite just being an ‘ordinary’ woman is so compelling.

[Anthony M. Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually go for thrillers with larger-than-life heroes, so this book appeals to me a lot. Stacey being an everywoman character—a bartender with grit—means I’ll probably relate to her a lot more. Add in some humor, a quirky setting, and a dose of danger, and I think this will be a really fun ride.

[Edna J. Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mix of suspense and humor is a rare find in thrillers, and it makes me even more curious about Tough Luck Lane. Stacey sounds like someone who can handle herself but also stumble, and that balance makes characters memorable. Lois Crockett has definitely piqued my interest with this synopsis.

[Henry Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough Luck Lane is a likable mystery/thriller with a down-to-earth hero. Bartender Stacy Longacre relocates to South Florida and runs into an understated but stealthily-gathering peril. Told with winning wry humor, the setting and characters pack a punch. Recommended.

[Beverly R. Lemus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mix of suspense, humor, and grit in the description immediately appealed to me. Stacey seems like a woman who’s had her share of hard luck, but instead of giving up, she fights back. That’s the kind of character I can root for all day long. Lois Crockett has definitely piqued my interest.

[Darrin J. Pinckney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tagline is genius. It perfectly captures Stacey’s personality and makes me want to know her better. I also like the idea of a tight-knit compound setting where everyone knows each other—it creates room for secrets, tension, and alliances. This book looks like a fun yet thrilling ride.

[Cindy S. Stange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like thrillers set in Florida—the contrast between the sunny atmosphere and the lurking danger always makes the suspense sharper. Stacey sounds like a protagonist I’ll root for because she’s not perfect, she’s just trying her best. Can’t wait to dive into her story.

[Jessica Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The line ‘she always strives to do the next right thing in spite of her tough luck attitude’ really stuck with me. That’s exactly the kind of heroine I like—flawed but moral, gritty but with heart. Lois Crockett seems to have nailed a balance between realism and suspense here.

[Christopher M. Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lois Crockett’s writing sounds like it brings a lot of humor and humanity into a thriller, which is refreshing. Stacey’s not just surviving—she’s trying to do right, even when danger pulls her under. I’m really excited to read Tough Luck Lane and see where her story goes.

[Wendy K. Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes me want to read Tough Luck Lane is Stacey’s voice coming through even in the synopsis. She’s sharp, resilient, and real. Add in a plot with deadly bad guys and a quirky found-family vibe, and I think this book will be hard to put down.

[Birgit Hoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some thrillers are all about plot twists, but I love when they’re anchored by a great character. Stacey sounds like someone I’ll root for through every twist and turn. Lois Crockett’s mix of suspense, humor, and grit feels like exactly what I’ve been craving.

[Lucas Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough Luck Lane sounds like a fast-paced, character-driven thriller with heart. Stacey is described as ordinary but extraordinary in her courage—that really resonates with me. I want to see how she takes on the odds stacked against her. Definitely on my TBR.

[David K. Tolbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes thrillers can feel a little too formulaic, but what excites me here is Stacey’s voice. Even from the synopsis, she feels like a fully formed character—gritty, sarcastic, but with a moral compass. I want to see how she navigates this strange new world and the danger waiting for her.

[Stacy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and engaging. Kept me intrigued and interested. Very long read and fun!