“START THE BOAT! WE’VE GOTTA GET RID OF THIS BODY”
This enticing Florida mystery series opens with a bang—and never stops—thanks to protagonist Will Harper, a semi-retired reporter and burgeoning sleuth who spends most of his time aboard his live-in yacht in the Florida Keys—when he’s not solving hard-boiled murder mysteries. Nice work if you can get it. And if you can avoid making the kind of enemies—mobsters, local officials, politicians, and industry good ole’ boys among them—who would gladly contribute to your untimely demise.
MILLION DOLLAR STAIRCASE
Will thinks fast when he discovers his girl friend’s the victim of a frame-up. He sees instantly why they can’t go to the cops—the mayor, the city manager, and for all Will knows, every official in town could be in on it.
It’s the latest offensive in a case of municipal bullying that’s busted many a bank account and broken many a heart—something that sounds so boring you could doze off just reading the words: Eminent Domain. But it’s anything but boring when it enters your life as the legal justification for waltzing in and power-grabbing your property-- business, buildings, and all.
GUILTY MONEY
Will Harper thinks his latest story’s about Florida’s prison problems. It seems that budget cuts have led to police departments turning to creative schemes to raise money. Grove County’s version involves arresting citizens for minor charges and then driving up their bail when a search of the citizen’s home too conveniently turns up drugs.
But the usual guilty money scheme has been improved upon by a corrupt deputy, Deke Snyder, who’s skimming money from the jail. Once Will finds that out, Deputy Deke sics all his buddies on him – which include every cop in town.
FLORIDA BURNING
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.
THE FLORIDA SHUFFLE
Seems like Will’s got it made. The semi-retired investigative journalist is living the dream aboard his yacht WanderLust with his new live-in girlfriend Callie, a social worker at a rehab center. And, tired of getting beat up on the job, he’s finally whipping himself into shape. But it’s not all Florida coast sunsets, kayak adventures, sweaty bike races, and steak dinners on the boardwalk.
Callie learns her employer has a history of setting clients up in shady sober homes in exchange for financial kickbacks—and one of those homes has lost three of its patients to “accidental” overdoses in the past four months. Turns out it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
David 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. 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...
I throughly enjoyed all 4 of the Will Harper series. The detection work is dangerous but intriguing. His love life gives him a humbling humanity. The stories cover real life concerns and social causes, and Crosby imbues his characters with concern, curiosity, intelligence, and a healthy dose of will to survive that pushes them and the stories forward in sometimes strange and dangerous directions. And the fact that Will lives on a boat and Crosby gives such inviting descriptions of the sights to be seen in south Florida makes you want to go there and explore. The mysteries are well crafted, the story lines flow well, and the reader will not want to put the book down as it pulls you into the plot and the characters.
I really struggled to get through this book. The basic ideas were fine but the execution was faulty. The “hero” of the story is a former reporter who came into a windfall as a result of a family member’s passing ( everyone seems to be using that plot device these days). As the story progresses, it’s hard to like the guy; his relationship with the dock owner seems to be based on nothing but sex, and the lady uses him to get her way. After disposing of multiple bodies, one begins to wonder if he’s really a hero or a villain. Additionally, there is no depth to the story or it’s characters and the author time and again takes the easy path instead of one that could lead to complications. I got this book with four others in the series for no cost but at this point, I don’t see myself reading the other three.
If variety truly is the spice of life, these four books truly have a life of their own. David Crosby gets his teeth into dealing with corruption at all levels. Such as, crooked local town councillors, pocketing bribes in return for favouring big developers, and riding roughshod over the rights of the little guy underdog. Each book covers another form of corruption, policing and prisons, rorting of government subsidies for drug rehab, etc. You get the picture. I liked the writing style although Will as the reluctant hero becomes a bit hard to believe after the fourth book. The women who love him and leave him provide a nice balance to his character. Captain Rick deserves a book of his own. I'd love to read his back story. I am happy to recommend David's books.
I actually enjoyed reading these 4 books, in spite of their overly simplistic construction and their quickly predictable plot formula (same song, second - third-fourth verse). Each book focuses on a particular social problem, set in Florida, but universal, that journalist Will investigates - always to the dismay of the miscreants involved. And they never play nice. Some readers might be put off by the frequent explanatory "asides", or by what some might see as "sermonizing snippets", but they fit in with the style. The are reminiscent of Stuart Woods' "Stone Barrington" series, complete with rotating love interests.
I thoroughly enjoyed this boxed set. The first three books were fast paced and gripping, the editing flawless. I loved that the issues were based on truth and appreciated the highlighting of actual social and environmental crises.
Will's character felt very real. He's generous, vulnerable and not as laid back as he pretends. Captain Rick was a great offsider.
The fourth book felt more rushed, and the poor editing became jarring at times. Callie even became Cassie at one point. Had the final book been stronger, it would definitely have earned 5 stars.
David Crosby is an amazing story teller. I loved each and everyone of his four Florida thrillers because the protagonist, Will Harper, is personable, very human with a soft sweet side. Each mystery is totally engrossing covering vital issues in Florida. Each woman Will gets involved with brings joy, pain and also a lack of appreciation for him. However, they are unique with their own baggage. The plots are never contrived but stimulating, which moves each novel along. Gripping issues and dangers within. Couldn't put the books down. Highly recommend.
Got this four volume set and read it as a single story! Yes it was that much fun. The story lines not so much fun as they represent the real situation in Florida (at least one of which I saw personally) and they are not funny at all.
But the books are very readable and you get to know the people well. Will Harper is an over sexed (just jealous Will!) retired reporter who gets into cases by accident. Nice to have a non Rambo hero for a change, works well.
While blending in Florida's natural beauty and charm, the author tells stories of today's pressing social issues with a flawed hero tackling them. Engrossing reading!
Absorbing thrillers tackling social issues that threaten our country while blending in descriptions of Florida's natural charm and beauty. Wonderful stories with a flawed but
Reading about the issues in this four book series is eye opening for a Boston transplant or anyone for that matter! Each book deals with serious subjects, a couple of which happen to be things I deal with personally. I agree with David Crosby that the government is not doing much to solve these problems. Much more needs to be done by elected officials for the safety and benefit of Florida residents.
These four stories were not only hard to put down interesting but Mr Crosby brought up behind-the-scenes issues that most people would never dream existed! Character descriptions made me feel as if I was one of them and the beautiful way of describing the boating experiences made me feel as if I was on board. This is a series not to be missed.
David Crosby had written four excellent exciting knowledgeable books staring Will Harper. Each book addresses serious problems in Florida and addresses possible solutions. Each book is well developed with excellent characters and action. The author really grabs the reader but has solutions. Great books!
In sight into the increased corruption of business owners, developers and government officials and the lengths they will go to line their pockets with no regard to how their schemes will effect the little guy. Thank goodness there are people like Will Harper and friends whose who have the resourses, skills and willingness to help the victims.
Despite some formatting and typographical errors I highly recommend this book and its series. I'm looking forward to reading the next one. That each story is based in fact makes them more enjoyable...and more horrifying. Wake up. Let's protect the United States and her people.
NOTE: I did NOT receive the book in compensation for the review.
Awesome series! They keep you interested thru each novel!! I would recommend the series to anyone who likes action not gruesome ! Also the education is enlightening!
It just keeps you reading without stopping! I found the series kept me interested til the end of each topic and right into the next exciting adventure! Can’t wait to read more!!
Great fictional writing about real issues. Having lived in Florida for over 50 years I have experienced many of these issues first hand. Love the detail on Florida life and the actual places written about in all of the books in this series. Keep up the great work
The injustices happening in America would turn your stomach, and most people don't want to believe things could happen here. I like how each of these stories focused on some of these issues. Essay to get engrossed in the stories so you can't wait to see what's next. Love!
I truly enjoyed the first four of this series. Number 4 was my favorite. The first 3 had good stories and suspense but drug out and gave so much unnecessary info about uninteresting things for a mystery thriller book. However, glad I kept reading and enjoyed end results. Looking forward to more.
Great fictional stories about real eye opening issues happening in Florida....looking forward to reading more of David Crosby's novels about life in southwest Florida
Great fictional stories about real eye opening issues happening in Florida. Looking forward to reading more of David Crosby's novals.
Authors often miss the boat, pun intended and don’t challenge their audience to learn when telling their stories. David Crosby does not. Action adventure stories that teach important messages and enlist the reader to become part of the solution. It’s a win win for the author and the reader! Well done!
Will Harper, a retired journalist, lives on a boat. Because he inherited money, he is able to write independent stories which get him and his friends in a lot of trouble. If he doesn't get killed by the wicked characters that are after him, his excessive drinking will probably do the job.
These stories are all very engaging and are based on true events. There is violence, because when illegal activities are exposed, there is always someone who is not happy about that.
great Florida mysteries, easy read, fast pace, enjoyable entertainment. Talking about real problems as fiction. I live with the water releases in SWFL and thank David Crosby for having Will Harper uncover the truth!
I enjoyed this series, I enjoy reading series when characters remain the same from book to book. I felt like I was right along with Will on his adventures. The writing makes you feel you are right there with them.
The plots of these books were so engaging to think that it is in my neck of the woods Sites described in the story, I have been to. Anna Maria island is a favorite beach spot for us
I thourougly enjoyed the storytelling itsrlf. I also learned much more than I already knew about the societal issues that are the grounding for each book. Thank you to David Crosby.
I've been following the Will sharper storyline since it's inception. David Crosby writes a modern day Travis McGee, whom I still miss! I can't wait for the next! I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a complete story!!
Well...the books keep on coming; and the entertainment is worth buying the books.
I enjoyed the ride even after I learned. The formulas.t The last book seemed to go on and on. I should have taken a break before the last volume. Stoll, these are cracker jack entertainment