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Will Harper Mystery #3
Florida Burning
MURDER, ARSON, BIG SUGAR,
AND GUACAMOLE TOXIN… A toxic algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee that’s as thick as guacamole. A deadly pollutant from a cane field. And an environmentalist dead in a cane field fire. Coincidence?
Florida PI Will Harper knows damn well it’s not.
Author David Crosby takes aim at Big Sugar as his fictional hero finds himself in the middle of a decades-long battle between the sugar industry, state politics, and the ailing environment.
There’s lots of local lore in this captivating hard-boiled mystery about corruption in the region known as Sugarland, nicknamed for the booming industry said to hold state politicians firmly in its greedy pockets. And plenty of non-stop action as well.
Wearing his sometime reporter hat, Will takes on an assignment to investigate the algae bloom, but the story becomes personal when he receives a call from Hanna, the woman he’s been dating, panicked because an acquaintance has been found dead in a cane field.
Will has to invoke both his PI and reporter’s instincts while staying calm as Hanna becomes more and more frightened. As the case becomes murkier, he begins to unearth the immense chasm between those who are fighting to protect the environment and those who are intoxicated by money and power.
Will’s least favorite of the latter variety? The heir to a venerable sugar family whose favorite intimidation tactic is arson. An inquisitive PI could get burned.
David Crosby has “Heir to John D. MacDonald” written all over him, as he tackles environmental issues much as his hard-boiled predecessor did. Will Harper will be an automatic favorite for Florida PI fans fans who love MacDonald, not to mention Randy Wayne White, Dawn McKenna, Wayne Stinnett— and a detective who lives on a boat.
AND GUACAMOLE TOXIN… A toxic algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee that’s as thick as guacamole. A deadly pollutant from a cane field. And an environmentalist dead in a cane field fire. Coincidence?
Florida PI Will Harper knows damn well it’s not.
Author David Crosby takes aim at Big Sugar as his fictional hero finds himself in the middle of a decades-long battle between the sugar industry, state politics, and the ailing environment.
There’s lots of local lore in this captivating hard-boiled mystery about corruption in the region known as Sugarland, nicknamed for the booming industry said to hold state politicians firmly in its greedy pockets. And plenty of non-stop action as well.
Wearing his sometime reporter hat, Will takes on an assignment to investigate the algae bloom, but the story becomes personal when he receives a call from Hanna, the woman he’s been dating, panicked because an acquaintance has been found dead in a cane field.
Will has to invoke both his PI and reporter’s instincts while staying calm as Hanna becomes more and more frightened. As the case becomes murkier, he begins to unearth the immense chasm between those who are fighting to protect the environment and those who are intoxicated by money and power.
Will’s least favorite of the latter variety? The heir to a venerable sugar family whose favorite intimidation tactic is arson. An inquisitive PI could get burned.
David Crosby has “Heir to John D. MacDonald” written all over him, as he tackles environmental issues much as his hard-boiled predecessor did. Will Harper will be an automatic favorite for Florida PI fans fans who love MacDonald, not to mention Randy Wayne White, Dawn McKenna, Wayne Stinnett— and a detective who lives on a boat.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2018
379 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
David Crosby
15 books149 followersDavid Crosby grew up in Atlanta, GA, making weekly trips to the library with his Dad.
Crosby’s love of reading became a love of imagination and creativity, which he finally found an outlet for in college at the University of Georgia. David received an ABJ degree in magazine writing from the UGA School of Journalism, but it was his newly discovered interest in photography that took over his working life. Starting at graduation, David spent eight years as a photojournalist for newspapers before a desire for self-employment led him to start his award winning commercial photography studio, Crosby Stills.
David retired from photography after a 36-year career and is now writing. He's the author of eleven Will Harper Florida Thrillers, and the non-fiction book, Keeping Us Afloat. He lives in Land O Lakes, Florida, with his wife Marilyn, a retired Lutheran Pastor, and their lovable shih tzu, Zoe.
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Crosby’s love of reading became a love of imagination and creativity, which he finally found an outlet for in college at the University of Georgia. David received an ABJ degree in magazine writing from the UGA School of Journalism, but it was his newly discovered interest in photography that took over his working life. Starting at graduation, David spent eight years as a photojournalist for newspapers before a desire for self-employment led him to start his award winning commercial photography studio, Crosby Stills.
David retired from photography after a 36-year career and is now writing. He's the author of eleven Will Harper Florida Thrillers, and the non-fiction book, Keeping Us Afloat. He lives in Land O Lakes, Florida, with his wife Marilyn, a retired Lutheran Pastor, and their lovable shih tzu, Zoe.
Wanna get more exclusive Will Harper news? Copy and paste the link below in your browser to sign up for my newsletter.
https://mailchi.mp/dc6e8fb4707f/david...
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February 12, 2020TheFussyLibrarian
October 9, 2020
Florida Everglades.
I enjoyed this book. Living in Florida I knew there was a problem in the Everglades, but not to this extent. We need to preserve our swamps, beaches and our precious water supply. This book opened my eyes to a bigger problems. I recommend this for a good read
I enjoyed this book. Living in Florida I knew there was a problem in the Everglades, but not to this extent. We need to preserve our swamps, beaches and our precious water supply. This book opened my eyes to a bigger problems. I recommend this for a good read
September 15, 2020
Great story. It really hit home as I live in Florida and it took a lot of truth and made a very good fiction around it. The environmental struggle really came to life and the suspense and danger made it a can't put down read.
I would like to see this author take on the phosphate industry.
I would like to see this author take on the phosphate industry.
August 9, 2021
Fun mystery with a hint of social justice warrior thrown in
I just finished the third book in the Florida Thriller series by David Crosby. I have thoroughly enjoyed all three of the books and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I really enjoy mysteries based on Southern Florida, especially when they have humor and a little bit of romance. These stories definitely owe a lot to the legacy of Travis McGee. The mix of characters is interesting, and a damsel in distress is part of the mix. There is some education about social issues and plenty of excitement. The series definitely adds to the fantasy about what it would be like to live on a boat. I just hope Will can work out some of his relationship issues!
I just finished the third book in the Florida Thriller series by David Crosby. I have thoroughly enjoyed all three of the books and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I really enjoy mysteries based on Southern Florida, especially when they have humor and a little bit of romance. These stories definitely owe a lot to the legacy of Travis McGee. The mix of characters is interesting, and a damsel in distress is part of the mix. There is some education about social issues and plenty of excitement. The series definitely adds to the fantasy about what it would be like to live on a boat. I just hope Will can work out some of his relationship issues!
July 9, 2021
Another great story about the real issues in Florida
Thank you, David Crosby, for bringing Florida's true issues to the forefront, again. Without the activism of interest groups, journalists and other concerned citizens, the state would be so worse off. It is time to get ready for the fight for the 2022 midterms. WE MUST TAKE TALLAHASSEE BACK! Get involved with your local Democratic Party, and if you are Republican, please get your conscious back and fight for the environment and for what is right for the people of our beautiful state. Looking forward to Book 4, on drug addiction for profit. So sad!!!!
Thank you, David Crosby, for bringing Florida's true issues to the forefront, again. Without the activism of interest groups, journalists and other concerned citizens, the state would be so worse off. It is time to get ready for the fight for the 2022 midterms. WE MUST TAKE TALLAHASSEE BACK! Get involved with your local Democratic Party, and if you are Republican, please get your conscious back and fight for the environment and for what is right for the people of our beautiful state. Looking forward to Book 4, on drug addiction for profit. So sad!!!!
May 3, 2023
wild fires, natural or not, are destroying the ecology, and quality of life in Florida and our Man, Will Harper aims to get to the bottom of this problem.
Will first gets involved in this when his, then, Girl Friend's Friends Boyfriend is murdered, and that murder is covered up. While digging into this issue, he uncovers all sorts of corruption, and money schemes. During This entire mess, Will starts out with breaking up with one girl, starting a relationship with another, losing her in a very confusing dramatic way, gets another new girl who by the end of the book seems to also be leaving him.
Will first gets involved in this when his, then, Girl Friend's Friends Boyfriend is murdered, and that murder is covered up. While digging into this issue, he uncovers all sorts of corruption, and money schemes. During This entire mess, Will starts out with breaking up with one girl, starting a relationship with another, losing her in a very confusing dramatic way, gets another new girl who by the end of the book seems to also be leaving him.
March 17, 2021
Fascinating!
Crosby's books are fiction, but the crusades he writes about are real. This is the third in his series I've read, and I recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, coupled with educational information on some real problems facing many areas of the US, with emphasis on problems in Florida and other Southern states.
There is a lot of research that goes into these books. I applaud Mr. Crosby's diligence in ferreting out some very real issues facing this country!.
Crosby's books are fiction, but the crusades he writes about are real. This is the third in his series I've read, and I recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, coupled with educational information on some real problems facing many areas of the US, with emphasis on problems in Florida and other Southern states.
There is a lot of research that goes into these books. I applaud Mr. Crosby's diligence in ferreting out some very real issues facing this country!.
March 1, 2020
Fun exciting journey!
I appreciate good journalism, true heroes and environmental concerns and this book has all three.
A great caper involving those who care about the truth and world around them and those who are just in it for the money. Such a riveting story with depths of truth in the plot, it kept me excited and cheering on the characters as the novel progressed.
I eagerly anticipate reading more of this author’s writes.
I appreciate good journalism, true heroes and environmental concerns and this book has all three.
A great caper involving those who care about the truth and world around them and those who are just in it for the money. Such a riveting story with depths of truth in the plot, it kept me excited and cheering on the characters as the novel progressed.
I eagerly anticipate reading more of this author’s writes.
March 4, 2022
The third in the volume of six books about real issues facing not only Florida, but probably other places too, this is nevertheless great fiction. I feel I know Will Harper and his friends Captain Rick and Jimmy, but his love life is a little less stable than his friendships. I think these books would be interesting for anyone interested in action adventure and beating the corruption of the big, rich organisations, with very real and engaging central characters
April 18, 2023
Great Read!
First book by David Crosby I’ve read but it’s not the last! I look forward to start from the beginning of the Will Harper Mystery series. Florida Burning had a little bit of everything, mystery, romance, humor, a lot of info about environmental problems & solutions around the Everglades. Even a bit of political intrigue with big business! Plenty to hold your interest to find out what happens next!
First book by David Crosby I’ve read but it’s not the last! I look forward to start from the beginning of the Will Harper Mystery series. Florida Burning had a little bit of everything, mystery, romance, humor, a lot of info about environmental problems & solutions around the Everglades. Even a bit of political intrigue with big business! Plenty to hold your interest to find out what happens next!
February 17, 2020
A fiction off a real problem in Florida, well written, I enjoyed reading it,a story full of action based in the pollution of the Floridian rivers and lakes
A very real story with credible actors,easy to read,full of action,showing the problem with pollution with clarity, five stars book
A very real story with credible actors,easy to read,full of action,showing the problem with pollution with clarity, five stars book
September 5, 2020
Awesome!
This was another well written story with great characters, based on the very real problems at Lake O. I just wish we could have as happy an ending to that problem as David wrote. Once I started reading, I had trouble putting it down. I'm looking forward to reading Will's next adventure.
This was another well written story with great characters, based on the very real problems at Lake O. I just wish we could have as happy an ending to that problem as David wrote. Once I started reading, I had trouble putting it down. I'm looking forward to reading Will's next adventure.
January 18, 2023
So interesting
I've lived in Florida most of my life. The farmlands in the center of the state are an unknown to me, except for news about a freeze or water problems. Interesting background stories. A different look at life. I liked the main male characters, the good ones. Hanna was strange, the other women likable.
I've lived in Florida most of my life. The farmlands in the center of the state are an unknown to me, except for news about a freeze or water problems. Interesting background stories. A different look at life. I liked the main male characters, the good ones. Hanna was strange, the other women likable.
December 25, 2024
Great story
This is a fantastic story with some truth woven into it. Anyone from Florida, or has lived there for at least 20 years, will recognize some of the characters even though the names have been changed. This mystery really touches on how Big Sugar has damaged Lake Okeechobee and the land around it. I highly recommend this book!!!!
This is a fantastic story with some truth woven into it. Anyone from Florida, or has lived there for at least 20 years, will recognize some of the characters even though the names have been changed. This mystery really touches on how Big Sugar has damaged Lake Okeechobee and the land around it. I highly recommend this book!!!!
May 18, 2025
Excellent Plot!
I'm an environmentalist and an animal lover, so I really took to
this story. It revolves around real issues that need to be emphasized and put out to the public. It's placed in Florida and they have some serious issues there that affect humans, native animals and the environmernt. They have a fragile ecosystem that needs balanced.
I'm an environmentalist and an animal lover, so I really took to
this story. It revolves around real issues that need to be emphasized and put out to the public. It's placed in Florida and they have some serious issues there that affect humans, native animals and the environmernt. They have a fragile ecosystem that needs balanced.
October 6, 2025
Another Will Harper success!
David Crosby never fails to amaze me with tales of Will Harper’s adventures! This one is no different. I appreciate David’s love of Florida and dedication to writing about environmental issues. The only downside side is that I can’t put his books down until I’ve finished reading them!
David Crosby never fails to amaze me with tales of Will Harper’s adventures! This one is no different. I appreciate David’s love of Florida and dedication to writing about environmental issues. The only downside side is that I can’t put his books down until I’ve finished reading them!
March 2, 2020
This was an OK environmental murder mystery. It was definitely an easy read. I enjoyed learning about the realistic problems in this are of Florida, but found some of the characters to be rather flat and wishy-washy, almost immature, especially the female portrayals.
March 5, 2020
A well written story of a man who just can't not help when he some wrong. The characters are well developed. In fact, the hero is not a superman and ends up being attacked and hurt. Kept me awake turning pages.
March 25, 2020
Couldn't put it down.
Great read. Thoroughly, enjoyed this book. Well written. Easy to read. A little romance and a lot of little surprises. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Great read. Thoroughly, enjoyed this book. Well written. Easy to read. A little romance and a lot of little surprises. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
September 6, 2020
This book is very well written! I love the way it incorporates fiction with the real environmental issues we face. It’s educational as well since I knew nothing about sugar fields. Thanks for a super great read!!
October 31, 2020
A very enjoyable thriller.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Reminiscent of MacDonald's series. Enough suspense to keep your attention. Well written plot line around real, present day issues. Thank you David an I'm looking forward to reading more of your work.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Reminiscent of MacDonald's series. Enough suspense to keep your attention. Well written plot line around real, present day issues. Thank you David an I'm looking forward to reading more of your work.
January 15, 2021
Corruption on Florida Coast
Excellent work by David Crosby. Another investigative reporter work that uncovers corruption in Government and Employers of Businesses caught up in playing judge and jury in issues that break the rules.
Excellent work by David Crosby. Another investigative reporter work that uncovers corruption in Government and Employers of Businesses caught up in playing judge and jury in issues that break the rules.
June 14, 2022
A very interesting story
Walking thru a world with the struggle between “big money”, politics, and nature’s need for support to avoid degradation was really enlightening.
Thanks for education and the really good read.
Walking thru a world with the struggle between “big money”, politics, and nature’s need for support to avoid degradation was really enlightening.
Thanks for education and the really good read.
September 27, 2022
Florida Burning
A good novel. The novel deals with political corruption and murder. This is the second book I have read by this author. Look forward to reading more novels by this author .
A good novel. The novel deals with political corruption and murder. This is the second book I have read by this author. Look forward to reading more novels by this author .
January 3, 2024
Great characters
A very interesting mystery intertwining truthful facts regarding Florida's Wetlands problem. I love the way the Author wove a mystery into Florida's environmental problems.
A very interesting mystery intertwining truthful facts regarding Florida's Wetlands problem. I love the way the Author wove a mystery into Florida's environmental problems.
February 22, 2024
Excellent
Loved the book which is fiction but mirrors reality. The characters were strong, the plot intriguing and the setting was beautiful. Kudos! Well written and a joy to read.
Loved the book which is fiction but mirrors reality. The characters were strong, the plot intriguing and the setting was beautiful. Kudos! Well written and a joy to read.
November 20, 2025
Good read
Will goes south to clewiston to find a sad story of water po!Union people pollution and crimes that have no meaning its a cover-up to end all cover ups Gov of the state is corrupt big sugar is also in on it ciao from Bobbie and George...
Will goes south to clewiston to find a sad story of water po!Union people pollution and crimes that have no meaning its a cover-up to end all cover ups Gov of the state is corrupt big sugar is also in on it ciao from Bobbie and George...
August 12, 2020
Great!!
Another great story with Will Harper. Adding new characters but being reminded of the past ones. Starting on book #4!!
Another great story with Will Harper. Adding new characters but being reminded of the past ones. Starting on book #4!!
September 6, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the author can really write. A man of many talents! Great book!
September 10, 2020
Great
I loved reading this book. It had a good story line and I liked the characters. I would recommend this book.
I loved reading this book. It had a good story line and I liked the characters. I would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews