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Portside Screw
Second Place Winner in the Florida Writer's Association Royal Palm Literary Awards
Runner up for the Mystery Fest Key West Whodunit award
#1 Bestseller on Amazon.
A Jack Cubera Novel
Retired PI Jack Cubera just wants to drink beer, fish the flats, and live the simple life of a full-time boat bum. One he’s just discovered his old nemesis—the Key’s most notorious real estate developer—floating tits-up in a weenie bikini in the Islamorada backwaters, landing him high on the suspect list. To clear his name, Jack investigates the curious demise and soon discovers the developer’s most outrageous development to date, Coconut Key—a manmade island shaped like a giant daiquiri glass—is “breaking ground” atop a lobster-breeding habitat in the middle of a pristine bay. As Jack sets out to derail the invasive project and save his salty slice of paradise, a host of unscrupulous characters flush from the shadows soon delivering Jack to the most perplexing question of Why would anyone build an island in the middle of an archipelago? The answer, which hinges on a baitfish cage filled with breast implants, proves far bigger than mere shady real-estate dealings.
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Runner up for the Mystery Fest Key West Whodunit award
#1 Bestseller on Amazon.
A Jack Cubera Novel
Retired PI Jack Cubera just wants to drink beer, fish the flats, and live the simple life of a full-time boat bum. One he’s just discovered his old nemesis—the Key’s most notorious real estate developer—floating tits-up in a weenie bikini in the Islamorada backwaters, landing him high on the suspect list. To clear his name, Jack investigates the curious demise and soon discovers the developer’s most outrageous development to date, Coconut Key—a manmade island shaped like a giant daiquiri glass—is “breaking ground” atop a lobster-breeding habitat in the middle of a pristine bay. As Jack sets out to derail the invasive project and save his salty slice of paradise, a host of unscrupulous characters flush from the shadows soon delivering Jack to the most perplexing question of Why would anyone build an island in the middle of an archipelago? The answer, which hinges on a baitfish cage filled with breast implants, proves far bigger than mere shady real-estate dealings.
Please reach out via my website to join my mailing list, receive discounts and info on new releases, or just stir the pot.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2018
238 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 25, 2020
Certainly not the fault of Mr Dew, but there are so many Americanisms here that it made it pretty tough going for this poor Brit at times.
Add to that the assumption that everyone knows as much as he does about boats and in particular boats in Florida, meant I floundered frequently.
The story drags at times too. There is certainly promise here, but please, aim for a bigger target market.
Add to that the assumption that everyone knows as much as he does about boats and in particular boats in Florida, meant I floundered frequently.
The story drags at times too. There is certainly promise here, but please, aim for a bigger target market.
October 3, 2019
I am a sucker for quirky Florida mysteries and have been waiting for my favourite authors like Hiaasen and Shames to come out with new books, and was pleased to find someone writing very much like both of them. I am about to start my next book by Dew and can't wait. Portside Screw is funny, exciting and compelling. I don't have as much time to read as I would like to, but I found every spare moment so that I could devour this book. He is doing an exceptional job of writing in this style and I can't wait to see where his future books go.
July 13, 2020
Florida @ it's wackiest
A roller coaster ride through the back country of the Florida Keys and waterways! Plenty of wacko characters to satisfy the most avid salty reader! My first read with Gregory Dew! He spins his story with plenty of suspense and thrills! Jack Cabera is your typical retired PI who gets into trouble at every turn but keeps coming back swinging! Skeg almost stole the show and should be back for a sequel!
A roller coaster ride through the back country of the Florida Keys and waterways! Plenty of wacko characters to satisfy the most avid salty reader! My first read with Gregory Dew! He spins his story with plenty of suspense and thrills! Jack Cabera is your typical retired PI who gets into trouble at every turn but keeps coming back swinging! Skeg almost stole the show and should be back for a sequel!
November 17, 2021
A fun filled Keys Romp!
This was such a fabulous tropical escape. I could almost smell the salt air.
If you like Tim Dorsey or Carl Hiaason, this is a book for you.
This was such a fabulous tropical escape. I could almost smell the salt air.
If you like Tim Dorsey or Carl Hiaason, this is a book for you.
November 24, 2020
I enjoyed the book and read it in only a couple days because the mystery kept me intrigued. I chuckled more in the beginning and end than the middle.
The book felt like fan fiction of Carl Hiaasen. Not to say that is a bad thing, I love Carl Hiaasen! I think Gregory Dew took what makes Hiaasen books great, removed the particularly meh parts (don't expect to see five pages of biography per character introduced in this book like Hiaasen's) and wrote his own take.
I'm hoping Skeg was made in jest of Hiaasen's Skink because he was wayy too similar to Skink, both in name and character. I think if Gregory Dew wanted an eco-terrorist in his book he should have made him entirely different.
Lastly Jack Cubera could have been written more likeable and less witty. Sometimes authors think the protagonist has to be witty every time. He/She doesn't. Just write a normal conversation with a joke every now and then.
Overall 4/5 stars and if he comes out with another Jack Cubera novel I will definitely pick it up!
The book felt like fan fiction of Carl Hiaasen. Not to say that is a bad thing, I love Carl Hiaasen! I think Gregory Dew took what makes Hiaasen books great, removed the particularly meh parts (don't expect to see five pages of biography per character introduced in this book like Hiaasen's) and wrote his own take.
I'm hoping Skeg was made in jest of Hiaasen's Skink because he was wayy too similar to Skink, both in name and character. I think if Gregory Dew wanted an eco-terrorist in his book he should have made him entirely different.
Lastly Jack Cubera could have been written more likeable and less witty. Sometimes authors think the protagonist has to be witty every time. He/She doesn't. Just write a normal conversation with a joke every now and then.
Overall 4/5 stars and if he comes out with another Jack Cubera novel I will definitely pick it up!
May 31, 2019
It started fine, then quickly went to cliche, I almost gave up but did finish it. Hiassen may be upset with Dew's version of Skink and possibly if Gregory read a little Shames with Burt the Shirt, his description of the Jersy mob might not be so... boring and predictable. The ending was as expected. The plot did have a cute twist and Gregory's writing in general shows talent.
January 13, 2019
Florida mystery
This was a decent read, apparently more so if you are into boating or live in Florida. I found the story a little confusing but not enough to stop me from finishing the book. Didn't keep me awake though.
This was a decent read, apparently more so if you are into boating or live in Florida. I found the story a little confusing but not enough to stop me from finishing the book. Didn't keep me awake though.
March 17, 2019
Refreshing
What a pleasant surprise! As the pages turned, I was more and more impressed with G. Dew's writing. Porridge Screw is filled with quirky characters, a great plot, and humorous, thrilling reading. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an engaging story.
What a pleasant surprise! As the pages turned, I was more and more impressed with G. Dew's writing. Porridge Screw is filled with quirky characters, a great plot, and humorous, thrilling reading. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an engaging story.
March 31, 2019
Plot moved along very slowly and there was too much going on to the point of confusion. Far too many details about the boats; I was hoping to read a good private eye mystery, not learn about boats. The most interesting character was Skeg, the rest were just kind of bland.
September 9, 2019
Outstanding helter skelter ride !
This writer continues the outstanding traditions of Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey's Florida lunacy. Crisp crackling dialogue, rampant corruption and greed getting it in the neck, . Loved it and look forward to more from Gregory. S. Dew
This writer continues the outstanding traditions of Carl Hiaasen and Tim Dorsey's Florida lunacy. Crisp crackling dialogue, rampant corruption and greed getting it in the neck, . Loved it and look forward to more from Gregory. S. Dew
February 27, 2024
Not worth it
A very poor knock off of Carl Hiasen, could not even come up with original name Skeg really! Too much violence not enough sense of humour, or originality. Will never get back the time wasted reading this.
A very poor knock off of Carl Hiasen, could not even come up with original name Skeg really! Too much violence not enough sense of humour, or originality. Will never get back the time wasted reading this.
November 9, 2018
Excellent story
Good characters and plot
The story is interesting and fast moving
I enjoyed reading this and hope that there are more books to follow.
Good characters and plot
The story is interesting and fast moving
I enjoyed reading this and hope that there are more books to follow.
March 22, 2019
Portside Screw
Exciting read! Interesting characters and a good story with a great plot. That Jack was one tough guy for sure!
Exciting read! Interesting characters and a good story with a great plot. That Jack was one tough guy for sure!
August 15, 2019
Intrigue in the Keys
Enjoyed the characters and the plot. Skeg has to come back. Liked the under-theme of protecting the environment. Good reading.
Enjoyed the characters and the plot. Skeg has to come back. Liked the under-theme of protecting the environment. Good reading.
August 24, 2019
Not bad
Looking more for the next one keep i. Mind the story was good and I know as it always does more will happen i. Future books
Looking more for the next one keep i. Mind the story was good and I know as it always does more will happen i. Future books
February 20, 2020
Fun
Enjoyed this fast paced madcap story Lots of colorful characters to meet and enjoy. Florida baby land of the mixed up mess.
Enjoyed this fast paced madcap story Lots of colorful characters to meet and enjoy. Florida baby land of the mixed up mess.
March 11, 2020
Fun read, will read more of Gregory's
April 29, 2020
Perfect Read
I love this book. Unique, fun characters in a beautiful setting, living their lives and righting wrongs. The plot kept me hooked. Great read! Thanks G.S.D
I love this book. Unique, fun characters in a beautiful setting, living their lives and righting wrongs. The plot kept me hooked. Great read! Thanks G.S.D
February 17, 2023
I read this book when I saw James Aylott liked it. It has a few twists and turns. interesting characters.
Read
December 18, 2018An excellent portrayal of the characters. Normally I am not a fan of drama but I could never keep this book down and managed to finish off in a week's time by reading before I sleep.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews