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Dismal, Florida #1
Black and White
The first book in a new series by the author of the bestselling Forgotten Coast, Florida Suspense Series! July, 1973. Secretariat has just won the Triple Crown; “Shambala” is dominating AM radio, and Jennifer Sheehan has come home to Dismal, FL to reclaim her life and find out who murdered her family. Eleven years ago, a racially-charged, deadly attack forever changed the lives of Jennifer's carefree group of high-school friends. Soon after, her mother, a Civil Rights activist, was strangled to death in her car. Police knew the crimes were connected, but they remain unsolved. Now, with a new job as Dismal's first female police officer, Jennifer must confront the life she left behind when she fled her the best friend who was injured in the attack, the boyfriend whose heart she broke, and the mystery that has haunted her for eleven years. Now the three childhood friends struggle to connect as adults, and Jennifer looks for answers to the violence that defines her past--with the reluctant help of the man who was supposed to have been her future. But there are some people who wish Jennifer had never come home. And at least one of them is willing to kill her for it. The Dismal, Florida Suspense Series is clean (though not necessarily Christian), character-driven, romantic suspense rich in small town atmosphere, filled with the details of life in the early seventies, and with the dry humor for which McKenna is known.
- GenresMystery
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2019
About the author
Dawn Lee McKenna
23 books405 followersI live in small town Tennessee, with three children still at home and two grown kids just blocks away.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 28, 2019
Love, love, love Dawn Lee McKenna's books!!
The writing/stories have me finishing her books in record time while not wanting them to end. Her books are great without cursing, and gratuitous sex but WITH wonderful humor at times. Her characters are people I would love to know in real life. It is refreshing to read books like these, Thank you Dawn Lee McKenna.
The writing/stories have me finishing her books in record time while not wanting them to end. Her books are great without cursing, and gratuitous sex but WITH wonderful humor at times. Her characters are people I would love to know in real life. It is refreshing to read books like these, Thank you Dawn Lee McKenna.
September 13, 2019
I graduated high school in 1973, the time period in which this book takes place. So, the songs (oh, I LOVED that one), the foods (geez, I remember that) and the stores (that was a great store) that were referenced throughout brought back such wonderful memories for me. The backdrop topic, racism, is a difficult one and is something that has always been a constant and unpleasant stain on our country. You are not born to hate and discriminate. Racism is taught. Today, it seems even more prevalent. Which is extremely distressing.
As with all Dawn Lee McKenna's books (and I have read and loved them all), the characters are relatable, complex and real. She places you at each location, tasting each food and experiencing each emotion with her vivid descriptive writing. The mysteries are clever and keep you guessing. Overall with this book, as with all her books, it is a total package and a completely satisfying, thoughtful reading experience. This is another outstanding book by Dawn Lee McKenna. I cannot wait to read the next one in this new series. ;)
As with all Dawn Lee McKenna's books (and I have read and loved them all), the characters are relatable, complex and real. She places you at each location, tasting each food and experiencing each emotion with her vivid descriptive writing. The mysteries are clever and keep you guessing. Overall with this book, as with all her books, it is a total package and a completely satisfying, thoughtful reading experience. This is another outstanding book by Dawn Lee McKenna. I cannot wait to read the next one in this new series. ;)
September 1, 2019
Dawn Lee McKenna has done it again. She's started another fabulous series set in Florida. Black and White was too short. I finished it too fast. Now I have to wait until the next book. It's a good thing Dawn Lee McKenna is a fast writer. She immediately had me immersed in the story, the characters, the time period.
September 17, 2019
Well darn! I loved it. I was positive I wouldn't enjoy a book set in the 1970's, because I couldn't think of one darn thing I liked about the seventies. However, Dawn Lee, you have converted me to your new Dismal Florida Suspense Series with Jennifer, Daniel, Inez, and Gramma. Delicious writing and great story telling. Congratulations. Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres Mystery series).
August 31, 2019
Dawn Lee McKenna is one of my favorite writers, and I believe that I have read almost everything that she has written. I have particularly enjoyed "The Forgotten Coast" series; with Maggie, Wyatt, Stoopid, and all of the other characters. This "Florida Suspense" series may be as good as that, and that will be a real accomplishment. This introductory story was really good, and makes you want to keep reading and turning page after page. It is my prayer that Dawn Lee overcomes her physical problems, and continues to write these interesting novels for people to enjoy.
September 20, 2019
McKenna scores with new series
I loved this book and recommend it to you. The story of a cop Jennifer who moves back to a small town in Florida to get straight on the three deaths in her family and hopefully find out who killed them eleven years ago. There she meets her old boyfriend Daniel, and the attraction is just as strong as it was before she left. Daniel carries a powerful hurt because she left him.
It colored by the interactions of blacks and whites in the southern
town. Five Stars
I loved this book and recommend it to you. The story of a cop Jennifer who moves back to a small town in Florida to get straight on the three deaths in her family and hopefully find out who killed them eleven years ago. There she meets her old boyfriend Daniel, and the attraction is just as strong as it was before she left. Daniel carries a powerful hurt because she left him.
It colored by the interactions of blacks and whites in the southern
town. Five Stars
August 29, 2019
Beginnings
I was 23 in 1973 and memories of that time were drifting through my mind as I began this story. Then, bang! and Dawn Lee McKenna exhibited her talent with a shocking line at the end of the chapter. Hooked! The story grew as the people came alive and the emotions reached deep into my own heart. With wonderfully crafted style the story takes you back in time to the small Florida town and the sorrows it experienced. I hope the next book is soon!
I was 23 in 1973 and memories of that time were drifting through my mind as I began this story. Then, bang! and Dawn Lee McKenna exhibited her talent with a shocking line at the end of the chapter. Hooked! The story grew as the people came alive and the emotions reached deep into my own heart. With wonderfully crafted style the story takes you back in time to the small Florida town and the sorrows it experienced. I hope the next book is soon!
August 31, 2019
Black and White
Wonderful new series from Dawn Lee McKenna and just what you’d expect from her! Characters you can identify with and develop an emotional attachment to; a setting so real you feel as if you’re there and a haunting mystery that captivates your emotions will cause you to long for the next book- we can’t wait Dawn! I loved the Forgotten Coast series and already see that this series will be a favorite also.
Wonderful new series from Dawn Lee McKenna and just what you’d expect from her! Characters you can identify with and develop an emotional attachment to; a setting so real you feel as if you’re there and a haunting mystery that captivates your emotions will cause you to long for the next book- we can’t wait Dawn! I loved the Forgotten Coast series and already see that this series will be a favorite also.
September 15, 2019
She's done it again!
Dawn Lee McKenna, you have managed to put me smack dab in the middle of the 70's in a small town in Florida much like the one I grew up in. A young girl flees from her hometown after a terrible crime robs her of most of her family. This story is about her return and the effect that return has on her and the people she left. It is written with such clarity and such understanding of the times that I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
Dawn Lee McKenna, you have managed to put me smack dab in the middle of the 70's in a small town in Florida much like the one I grew up in. A young girl flees from her hometown after a terrible crime robs her of most of her family. This story is about her return and the effect that return has on her and the people she left. It is written with such clarity and such understanding of the times that I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
December 18, 2019
Fantastic!
This book, what can I say...it has everything! Jennifer and Daniel, whoo. Inez, Mama Tyne and the whole town. I love her other books but this one really tugs at you. Maybe it's the 70's vibe tinging it. I was a young adult in the 70's and I remember the Civil Rights struggle. This story just ticked all the boxes of characters, plot and location for me. Can't wait for the next one. Dawn Lee McKenna is the best.
This book, what can I say...it has everything! Jennifer and Daniel, whoo. Inez, Mama Tyne and the whole town. I love her other books but this one really tugs at you. Maybe it's the 70's vibe tinging it. I was a young adult in the 70's and I remember the Civil Rights struggle. This story just ticked all the boxes of characters, plot and location for me. Can't wait for the next one. Dawn Lee McKenna is the best.
August 29, 2019
Dismal is not so dismal.
I have loved every book I have read by Dawn. This one is even better. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me want to go to Dismal and drink sweet tea with the people there. I don't like sweet tea, but if t would get me to Dismal. I would drink it. But hey, don't take my word for it. Buy the book and read it. You will not be disappointed.
I have loved every book I have read by Dawn. This one is even better. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me want to go to Dismal and drink sweet tea with the people there. I don't like sweet tea, but if t would get me to Dismal. I would drink it. But hey, don't take my word for it. Buy the book and read it. You will not be disappointed.
September 1, 2019
Fantastic new series!
McKenna brings back 1973! If you didn't live it then, you will through the characters that bring this story alive, like her characters always do. You'll feel the heat, humidity, and smells of inland Florida. You will also feel the racial divide of the sixties as the main character like into a cold case.
McKenna brings back 1973! If you didn't live it then, you will through the characters that bring this story alive, like her characters always do. You'll feel the heat, humidity, and smells of inland Florida. You will also feel the racial divide of the sixties as the main character like into a cold case.
August 30, 2019
Old Florida Came to Life!
Reading the opening paragraphs of this novel brought back my memories of my many trips across the Florida pan handle before I 10 was finished , my teenage years in the Orange groves and lakes of central Florida, and growing up in the segregated south. You make it all come alive for me and I thank u for that.
Reading the opening paragraphs of this novel brought back my memories of my many trips across the Florida pan handle before I 10 was finished , my teenage years in the Orange groves and lakes of central Florida, and growing up in the segregated south. You make it all come alive for me and I thank u for that.
September 2, 2019
Another great series
Dawn Lee McKenna takes you back in time to when you were young. (If you are 73 like me). When reading her books you feel as though you are there, right in the middle of the conversation. The characters are painted so vividly but without overwhelming you with excess detail. I highly recommend this book.
Dawn Lee McKenna takes you back in time to when you were young. (If you are 73 like me). When reading her books you feel as though you are there, right in the middle of the conversation. The characters are painted so vividly but without overwhelming you with excess detail. I highly recommend this book.
September 14, 2019
Terrific Book
I love all of Dawn Lee McKenna’s books and this one did not disappoint. It takes place in the 70s and I was so engrossed in the story that I couldn’t put it down. The characters are so mesmerizing and I want to get to know more about them. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend reading Black and White.
I love all of Dawn Lee McKenna’s books and this one did not disappoint. It takes place in the 70s and I was so engrossed in the story that I couldn’t put it down. The characters are so mesmerizing and I want to get to know more about them. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend reading Black and White.
September 19, 2019
Apalachicola Great place and an excellent story
I really enjoy McKenna’s description of Apalachicola and Florida ‘s Panhandle ! I have read all of her books. Her characters make the place come alive. This story begins with an apparent suicide on a beautiful beach. Detective Maggie investigates what turns out to be more than a suicide. Recommended
I really enjoy McKenna’s description of Apalachicola and Florida ‘s Panhandle ! I have read all of her books. Her characters make the place come alive. This story begins with an apparent suicide on a beautiful beach. Detective Maggie investigates what turns out to be more than a suicide. Recommended
November 10, 2020
Another riveting story line
I love her Forgotten Coast series, and now she's hooked me on another one. As usual, her attention to sensory detail makes readers feel as if they are right there in the story experiencing all the things the protagonists are experiencing. I started reading this book on a Monday evening and couldn't put it down. It was 1:15 in the morning of the following Tuesday, and even though my alarm was set to go off a few short hours later, the only regret I had was that I had come to the end of the book. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
I love her Forgotten Coast series, and now she's hooked me on another one. As usual, her attention to sensory detail makes readers feel as if they are right there in the story experiencing all the things the protagonists are experiencing. I started reading this book on a Monday evening and couldn't put it down. It was 1:15 in the morning of the following Tuesday, and even though my alarm was set to go off a few short hours later, the only regret I had was that I had come to the end of the book. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
December 7, 2024
For those unfamiliar with Dawn Lee McKenna, her books are wonderful. Her Forgotten Coast series is one of my all-time favorite series.
This book is also amazing, and I know this series would have been as wonderful as the Forgotten Coast series. Unfortunately, Dawn lost her battle with cancer, so this is the only book in this series. It is definitely worth reading.
And if you haven't read her Forgotten Coast series, I highly recommend it. I rarely read a book twice because my to-read list is extensive, but this series I have read twice so far.
This book is also amazing, and I know this series would have been as wonderful as the Forgotten Coast series. Unfortunately, Dawn lost her battle with cancer, so this is the only book in this series. It is definitely worth reading.
And if you haven't read her Forgotten Coast series, I highly recommend it. I rarely read a book twice because my to-read list is extensive, but this series I have read twice so far.
September 24, 2020
Terrific!!!
A new Florida book series! I couldn't be more pleased. I love the author's writing and her description of characters. They all seem so real. I always feel like I wished I knew the characters for real! How she keeps coming up with new, different story lines for each book and series is to say what a talented writer she is!! I have read all of her books, and loved every one. Please keep writing. You are an amazing talent!!!
Janet Schairer
A new Florida book series! I couldn't be more pleased. I love the author's writing and her description of characters. They all seem so real. I always feel like I wished I knew the characters for real! How she keeps coming up with new, different story lines for each book and series is to say what a talented writer she is!! I have read all of her books, and loved every one. Please keep writing. You are an amazing talent!!!
Janet Schairer
August 31, 2020
Looks like another great series
Dawn Lee McKenna has become one of my favorite authors. She has the gift of making me recall my growing up in the sixties and seventies like they were yesterday and has plots that hold strong throughout. Looking forward to her next book regardless which series.
Dawn Lee McKenna has become one of my favorite authors. She has the gift of making me recall my growing up in the sixties and seventies like they were yesterday and has plots that hold strong throughout. Looking forward to her next book regardless which series.
November 10, 2020
Slow start but then I couldn't stop till I learned the rest .
I have been following Dawn Lee McKenna for some time. She writes my language even though I am not from the waters edge.
I have been following Dawn Lee McKenna for some time. She writes my language even though I am not from the waters edge.
May 14, 2021
Bittersweet
It amazes me the way the author weaves in background information without it being boring. I usually skip past what I consider "filler" to prolong the story. Dawn Lee McKenna makes me want to read every word.
It amazes me the way the author weaves in background information without it being boring. I usually skip past what I consider "filler" to prolong the story. Dawn Lee McKenna makes me want to read every word.
February 18, 2022
I hope this story continues
So enjoyable, but the ending felt like a gut punch. Lack of closure feels very unsettling, but that's an author's prerogative I guess. Love her other works!
So enjoyable, but the ending felt like a gut punch. Lack of closure feels very unsettling, but that's an author's prerogative I guess. Love her other works!
April 20, 2020
I didn’t like the ending, I hope it means to be continued in the next book. Loved the characters.
July 8, 2020
looking forward to the next one!
January 18, 2021
Stupid
It ended in the middle and i can’t find the second book to buy. What’s that all about? No ending
It ended in the middle and i can’t find the second book to buy. What’s that all about? No ending
March 8, 2021
Great book by wonderful author
Love all of her books. Wish there were more!!
Looking forward to the next in the series. Hope there are many more as well as more Forgotten Coast.
Love all of her books. Wish there were more!!
Looking forward to the next in the series. Hope there are many more as well as more Forgotten Coast.
Read
March 16, 2022Another great novel by Dawn Lee. Terrific story and great characters. What a tragedy that she's no longer with us. She wrote so many wonderful novels taking place in FL.
August 25, 2023
loved it
What a great read! The writing was superb. I was very impressed. I can’t wait to read the second one.
What a great read! The writing was superb. I was very impressed. I can’t wait to read the second one.
August 10, 2024
Dawn Lee does it again
An excellent book as Dawn Lee writes in the past on a subject no one wants to deal with, she is a master character builder and writer of live.
An excellent book as Dawn Lee writes in the past on a subject no one wants to deal with, she is a master character builder and writer of live.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews