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Garnet Sullivan Live from Florida #1
Marlin, Darlin': Garnet Sullivan Live from Florida
Introducing the most lovable, pratfall-prone female sleuth in recent memory, this first novel in the Garnet Sullivan Live from Florida series will leave the reader in stitches and begging for more. Marlin, Darlin' debuts the engaging, redoubtable and often annoying (to her colleagues and friends) small town journalist, the foxy Garnet Sullivan. A murky murder during a marlin fishing tournament forms the basis for this sizzling, uproarious mystery set in contemporary, steamy east coast Florida, featuring the unsinkable freelance reporter, snoop and trouble-maker, Garnet Sullivan, and a host of her bizarre, colorful friends.
A Gordian knot of a plot fairly gallops along from page one to the final page and will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the novel's last words. Saturated with today's most authentic Florida ambience and whackos, Marlin, Darlin' is sure to delight the most cerebral mystery buffs as well as fans of romantic comedy--and dog lovers too! The novel is propelled by laugh out loud characters, scenes and situations reminiscent of Carl Hiassen and Dave Barry, but with more lipstick and purses. Fully imagined and drawn from life characters hook the reader from the book's first sentences and the story seems to vault inevitably from who these characters are--nutty and flamboyantly so, but completely convincing, and whose native habitat could only be Florida.
The author, writing out of her own vast and varied experience in off-beat Florida, delivers a rip-roaring romp through real Florida backwaters and boondocks that few ever get a chance to see. Written by a true insider with sterling credentials, this first novel in the Garnet Sullivan Live from Florida series raises the bar for all future "Florida Mysteries." The writing is confident, accomplished and smooth, and has more verve, style and gusto than even the most popular novels in this genre. Great beach reading and essential preparation for any Florida vacation, this one is not to be missed!
About the Author
Margaret Langstaff has written more than twenty books, both under her own name and as a ghostwriter for others, and countless feature articles and book reviews for prominent national periodicals, such as the L.A. Times, Publishers Weekly, BookPage, and the L.A. Times Book Review and Business Page. She is a former member of the National Book Critics Circle and former board member of the Book Industry Study Group.
Educated at the University of Florida (English, magna cum laud, Phi Beta Kappa), she grew up in Florida and knows the Florida scene, culture, flora and fauna--and freaks--like the back of her own hand.
While the characters and situations in her Florida novels are not based on actual people or events, they are, as it were, drawn from life and derive from her lifelong immersion in and keen observation of the strange, whacked-out and alluring land known as Florida.
A Gordian knot of a plot fairly gallops along from page one to the final page and will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the novel's last words. Saturated with today's most authentic Florida ambience and whackos, Marlin, Darlin' is sure to delight the most cerebral mystery buffs as well as fans of romantic comedy--and dog lovers too! The novel is propelled by laugh out loud characters, scenes and situations reminiscent of Carl Hiassen and Dave Barry, but with more lipstick and purses. Fully imagined and drawn from life characters hook the reader from the book's first sentences and the story seems to vault inevitably from who these characters are--nutty and flamboyantly so, but completely convincing, and whose native habitat could only be Florida.
The author, writing out of her own vast and varied experience in off-beat Florida, delivers a rip-roaring romp through real Florida backwaters and boondocks that few ever get a chance to see. Written by a true insider with sterling credentials, this first novel in the Garnet Sullivan Live from Florida series raises the bar for all future "Florida Mysteries." The writing is confident, accomplished and smooth, and has more verve, style and gusto than even the most popular novels in this genre. Great beach reading and essential preparation for any Florida vacation, this one is not to be missed!
About the Author
Margaret Langstaff has written more than twenty books, both under her own name and as a ghostwriter for others, and countless feature articles and book reviews for prominent national periodicals, such as the L.A. Times, Publishers Weekly, BookPage, and the L.A. Times Book Review and Business Page. She is a former member of the National Book Critics Circle and former board member of the Book Industry Study Group.
Educated at the University of Florida (English, magna cum laud, Phi Beta Kappa), she grew up in Florida and knows the Florida scene, culture, flora and fauna--and freaks--like the back of her own hand.
While the characters and situations in her Florida novels are not based on actual people or events, they are, as it were, drawn from life and derive from her lifelong immersion in and keen observation of the strange, whacked-out and alluring land known as Florida.
- GenresMystery
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2010
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 9, 2011
Garnet Sullivan, the woman men hate that they love. Everyone knows or has known a Garnet Sullivan, a bit of a humanitarian, and dog lover. She is skeptical, yet vulnerable. A curious diva with a history of falling for the wrong guy, smart, but she often feels inadequate.
In Marlin Darlin', book one of the Garnet Sullivan Live From Florida series, Margaret Jean Langstaff provides her readers with a fabulous, adventure taken through the eyes of the hot diva Garnet Sullivan as she ventures to solve a murder mystery. She creates a hodgepodge of entertaining characters for the tenacious Garnet to encounter. Her murder mystery is brilliant, and clever. The story's integration of the awesome Florida landscape and lifestyle is fabulous fun.
The dynamics surrounding her relationships especially with Chester and Lance are wonderfully familiar without being trite. The adult education class Garnet teaches adds wonderful ingredients to the recipe of characters.
Garnet's twists and turns often had me laughing aloud. On the other hand, her spontaneity left me holding my breath at times.
Margaret Jean has created a superb and timely series with Garnet Sullivan Live From Florida. It is a wonderful break from everyday problems. I highly recommend this interesting story that achieves humor without sacrificing substance.
I loved Marlin Darlin', and I look forward to Margaret Jean Langstaff's next installment of Garnet Sullivan Live From Florida!
In Marlin Darlin', book one of the Garnet Sullivan Live From Florida series, Margaret Jean Langstaff provides her readers with a fabulous, adventure taken through the eyes of the hot diva Garnet Sullivan as she ventures to solve a murder mystery. She creates a hodgepodge of entertaining characters for the tenacious Garnet to encounter. Her murder mystery is brilliant, and clever. The story's integration of the awesome Florida landscape and lifestyle is fabulous fun.
The dynamics surrounding her relationships especially with Chester and Lance are wonderfully familiar without being trite. The adult education class Garnet teaches adds wonderful ingredients to the recipe of characters.
Garnet's twists and turns often had me laughing aloud. On the other hand, her spontaneity left me holding my breath at times.
Margaret Jean has created a superb and timely series with Garnet Sullivan Live From Florida. It is a wonderful break from everyday problems. I highly recommend this interesting story that achieves humor without sacrificing substance.
I loved Marlin Darlin', and I look forward to Margaret Jean Langstaff's next installment of Garnet Sullivan Live From Florida!
February 18, 2011
Wow, what a heck of an adventure "Marlin, Darlin'" by Margaret Jean Langstaff is from page one where we are being devoured by a huge fish, to the middle where we are turning a glowing green, to the ending where we begin to understand Garnet's personal life, a bit.
Garnet is a self-supporting woman who is a part-time Teacher, and part-time reporter. She ambles upon the largest 'Fish' story in recent Floridian History. The story keeps evolving and so does Garnett. Meanwhile someone/something has dognapped Garnet's Ringo.
I was in tears, laughing out loud, shocked,and so on throughout this adventure. At the ending I was satisfied but sorry that the tale had ended.
Ms. Langstaff is a new Author to me, however, she is a new favorite now.
Garnet is a self-supporting woman who is a part-time Teacher, and part-time reporter. She ambles upon the largest 'Fish' story in recent Floridian History. The story keeps evolving and so does Garnett. Meanwhile someone/something has dognapped Garnet's Ringo.
I was in tears, laughing out loud, shocked,and so on throughout this adventure. At the ending I was satisfied but sorry that the tale had ended.
Ms. Langstaff is a new Author to me, however, she is a new favorite now.
Read
July 30, 2010Super fun read, great new female sleuth, top notch Florida mystery. Garnet Sullivan is a winner!
Currently reading
August 5, 2010Just bought it- so far so good- I can't wait to see who killed the millionaire...First time reading a book on my iPhone- it's really not too bad!
January 16, 2012
Very fun read! Humorous and engaging. Looking forward to book #2!
December 1, 2012
Margaret Langstaff spins a great mystery! Her gritty hero, Garnet Sullivan, manages to get herself into all sorts of trouble, but she's a wily one! For mystery lovers, this one is a top pick.
December 18, 2014
Marlin, Darlin' is a very well written and fun mystery set in Florida. Garnett Sullivan earns her living as a reporter and a part-time evening class teacher. There's been an ugly accident at the local Marlin fishing tournament. A wealthy businessman went overboard and later his body was washed up and his boat impounded for evidence.
Squabbling over reporter rites with fellow newsman Randy Trigg, the pair follow up several suspicious leads. Ducking and diving with local police officer Lance Dawtry for inside information Garnett also has cause to suspect student Jim Walker of illegal dealing when he disappears with her car for several days.
Meanwhile a crazy old bird Mrs Bettina Bassett is arrested for the bale of grass on her back seat and Allison Highsmith is pressuring Garnett to help her out with a charity dog fundraiser. Just how much trouble can one delightful reporter get herself into?
I loved Garnett's yellow VW Beetle and the warm sultry Florida background, filled with bugs and creatures as Garnett dashed after the clues. The characters were very well written and memorable, Dr Beidermeyer, Bettina even Randy and Lance, Definitely a book to cheer up the long winter nights.
Squabbling over reporter rites with fellow newsman Randy Trigg, the pair follow up several suspicious leads. Ducking and diving with local police officer Lance Dawtry for inside information Garnett also has cause to suspect student Jim Walker of illegal dealing when he disappears with her car for several days.
Meanwhile a crazy old bird Mrs Bettina Bassett is arrested for the bale of grass on her back seat and Allison Highsmith is pressuring Garnett to help her out with a charity dog fundraiser. Just how much trouble can one delightful reporter get herself into?
I loved Garnett's yellow VW Beetle and the warm sultry Florida background, filled with bugs and creatures as Garnett dashed after the clues. The characters were very well written and memorable, Dr Beidermeyer, Bettina even Randy and Lance, Definitely a book to cheer up the long winter nights.
February 8, 2015
Thrills, Chills, rofl, Realism, and Just Plain Good Writin'!
As a journalist myself...early in my career...I have to first point out, "It really is like Langstaff describes it--the wit, the sarcasm, the backstabbing, the bickering! Kinda' like siblings. By the same token, 'they' can slam'ya, but no one else better try it. Unless they're busy, of course..."
"Marlin, Darlin'" has it all. Fast-packed action, great storytelling, humor, mystery...Did I mention the dead body hooked to a fish? Well, part of him...
Lush, beautiful descriptions of Florida and other picturesque scenes and the icky stuff as well, but realism is realism. Can't have one without the t'other...
This review is not like me. I'm not usually so tongue-in-cheek, but ya' just can't help it after reading "Marlin Darlin'". I even sound like a southerner. Yeah, I'm from the southern part of Cleveland.
Margaret Jean Langstaff is delicious! No spoilers--just read it! The whole series. You're gonna love Sullivan and Chester and the rest of the cast of characters...emphasis on "character" and not in the refined sense.
There are some books you gulp and some books you savor. You'll be gulping till the final page and then beg for more. Thank goodness it's a series. Whew! Don't forget to breathe!
As a journalist myself...early in my career...I have to first point out, "It really is like Langstaff describes it--the wit, the sarcasm, the backstabbing, the bickering! Kinda' like siblings. By the same token, 'they' can slam'ya, but no one else better try it. Unless they're busy, of course..."
"Marlin, Darlin'" has it all. Fast-packed action, great storytelling, humor, mystery...Did I mention the dead body hooked to a fish? Well, part of him...
Lush, beautiful descriptions of Florida and other picturesque scenes and the icky stuff as well, but realism is realism. Can't have one without the t'other...
This review is not like me. I'm not usually so tongue-in-cheek, but ya' just can't help it after reading "Marlin Darlin'". I even sound like a southerner. Yeah, I'm from the southern part of Cleveland.
Margaret Jean Langstaff is delicious! No spoilers--just read it! The whole series. You're gonna love Sullivan and Chester and the rest of the cast of characters...emphasis on "character" and not in the refined sense.
There are some books you gulp and some books you savor. You'll be gulping till the final page and then beg for more. Thank goodness it's a series. Whew! Don't forget to breathe!
November 18, 2012
I had a hard time getting into this book to start with. I felt this book was very disjointed it jumped around too much for my tastes. The characters are great and murder mystery ok. However, there were characters that had not been develped that left you wondering what connections they had to other characters. I kept thinking this will all come together, but it never really did. The end did not tie things up. I do not enjoy books that leave me thinking is that all there is, that’s it? I know this is a series but the end of the book should make you wanting the next book this did not do that for me. That is why I’m only rating this a 3.
July 27, 2016
Poor character development and an ending that left more questions than it answered. This was a book in need of a good editor.
April 22, 2015
Good entertainment
Great action, some very funny scenes, fast paced. All in all, a good read. In my opinion, rates 4 1/2 stars
Great action, some very funny scenes, fast paced. All in all, a good read. In my opinion, rates 4 1/2 stars
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews