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Wes Darling Mystery #1
Key Lime Blues
Murder, Mystery, and Danger in Key West.When Nick, the only father Wes Darling has ever known, is brutally murdered, Wes is determined to find the killer and seek his own justice. But as he digs for answers, he finds himself in the crosshairs of a deranged old-style gangster and two of his henchmen. With its fast-paced action, unexpected twists and unforgettable characters, Key Lime Blues will leave you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy suspenseful mysteries, you'll love Key Lime Blues.Grab your copy now!
318 pages, ebook
First published August 10, 2010
621 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 16, 2012
Wes Darling always thought of Nick Hastings as a father figure. Nick worked for Wes's mother at the family detective agency and they had an on and off again relationship. Wes always thought they would end up together, until Nick was murdered in Key West.
Wes is living in Key West and is determined to find out who killed Nick. As he searches for Nick's killer, he runs into a Mafia boss who Destiny, a prostitute, has ripped off. Destiny is Tanya's friend and Wes is interested in getting to know Tanya better, so he becomes involved with Destiny. She takes him on a wild and dangerous journey. And so begins the race around Key West for the answers.
When things get really bad for Wes, a piece of key lime pie helps put it right.
It has a surprise ending that I didn't see coming.
The cover caught my eye and I really liked the title. As soon as I read the first sentence I knew I was going to like it. The writing made it easy and fun to read. I read it in one sitting. Entertaining and lively summertime reading.
Key Lime Blues: A Wes Darling MysteryMike Jastrzebski
Wes is living in Key West and is determined to find out who killed Nick. As he searches for Nick's killer, he runs into a Mafia boss who Destiny, a prostitute, has ripped off. Destiny is Tanya's friend and Wes is interested in getting to know Tanya better, so he becomes involved with Destiny. She takes him on a wild and dangerous journey. And so begins the race around Key West for the answers.
When things get really bad for Wes, a piece of key lime pie helps put it right.
It has a surprise ending that I didn't see coming.
The cover caught my eye and I really liked the title. As soon as I read the first sentence I knew I was going to like it. The writing made it easy and fun to read. I read it in one sitting. Entertaining and lively summertime reading.
Key Lime Blues: A Wes Darling MysteryMike Jastrzebski
August 31, 2017
I thought the person narrating the story was a girl; but I found out that Darling is actually a boy! I didn't really pay attention to his name Wes when I first read the blurb, and all through the first few pages, I imagined Darling as a fine young lady. Imagine my surprise when I realized Darling has X and Y chromosomes.
Anyway, here's the gist. Darling took up a job in a bar and lived on a sailboat after he decided to quit his family's Detective Agency. But when he learned from a cop (Detective Davies) that his old friend and mentor Nick Hastings was found dead in Key West, about a few blocks away from where he was working, he knew that he had to investigate and catch the one who murdered him. His mom told him about Nick's latest client Frank Szymanski who was looking for an old flame, Destiny. It turned out that there was more to the story. As much as he wants to forget his old life, he couldn't really leave everything behind, especially when the woman who had sparked interest in him was endangered.
There are a lot of things to watch out for in this Mystery novel. Something that includes Diamonds, a stripper, a psychic, twin gangsters, guns and much more..
The flow of the story is consistent, action-packed and a little over the edge. I haven't read the first book (I know that this is the second book on a trilogy). In my opinion, it is Destiny or Gail Bernard, the stripper, who made the whole story exciting and intriguing.
I was quite left hanging in the end; I felt like there's still something that needs to be done and explained. But believe it or not, I actually enjoyed the story! Hoping to read the last book of the Wes Darling Mystery soon...
Anyway, here's the gist. Darling took up a job in a bar and lived on a sailboat after he decided to quit his family's Detective Agency. But when he learned from a cop (Detective Davies) that his old friend and mentor Nick Hastings was found dead in Key West, about a few blocks away from where he was working, he knew that he had to investigate and catch the one who murdered him. His mom told him about Nick's latest client Frank Szymanski who was looking for an old flame, Destiny. It turned out that there was more to the story. As much as he wants to forget his old life, he couldn't really leave everything behind, especially when the woman who had sparked interest in him was endangered.
There are a lot of things to watch out for in this Mystery novel. Something that includes Diamonds, a stripper, a psychic, twin gangsters, guns and much more..
The flow of the story is consistent, action-packed and a little over the edge. I haven't read the first book (I know that this is the second book on a trilogy). In my opinion, it is Destiny or Gail Bernard, the stripper, who made the whole story exciting and intriguing.
I was quite left hanging in the end; I felt like there's still something that needs to be done and explained. But believe it or not, I actually enjoyed the story! Hoping to read the last book of the Wes Darling Mystery soon...
October 8, 2016
This is the first book in the series featuring Wes Darling, ex-private detective, set at Key West, Florida. There are two other books currently written, hopefully there will be more.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was just right length without bogging down too much. The writer did not attempt to copy Carl Hiaasen, which writes similar novels. Which is a good thing because Hiaasen is long on goofiness without much plot. This book was just the opposite. Though I did really appreciate the humor in it, mostly done with sarcastic remarks. The dialogue is totally believable and I could picture real people saying these types of things when faced with the same situation.
I felt that the character of the overbearing mother was a bit too much of a re-tread idea from several shows I have seen on TV lately, mostly recently Castle. Fortunately it seems they came to an understanding in this book, so hopefully that bossiness will take a back seat and we can enjoy the relationship. In fact, that would be my only complaint about this book, is that some aspects are a bit too cliche. Hit man hires a detective to find a girl who stole his diamonds. Except she wants them for herself. This has been done a million times, especially in older novels.
I enjoy the quirky characters though and hope to see them returning in the next book in the series. My favorite scene was probably when the hero (Wes Darling) is taking the bad guys across the bay in a small motorized dinghy. It's funny and dramatic at the same time. And it seems Wes might reach a record for how many times he can be tied up (literally) in a matter of a few days.
This book is a keeper.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was just right length without bogging down too much. The writer did not attempt to copy Carl Hiaasen, which writes similar novels. Which is a good thing because Hiaasen is long on goofiness without much plot. This book was just the opposite. Though I did really appreciate the humor in it, mostly done with sarcastic remarks. The dialogue is totally believable and I could picture real people saying these types of things when faced with the same situation.
I felt that the character of the overbearing mother was a bit too much of a re-tread idea from several shows I have seen on TV lately, mostly recently Castle. Fortunately it seems they came to an understanding in this book, so hopefully that bossiness will take a back seat and we can enjoy the relationship. In fact, that would be my only complaint about this book, is that some aspects are a bit too cliche. Hit man hires a detective to find a girl who stole his diamonds. Except she wants them for herself. This has been done a million times, especially in older novels.
I enjoy the quirky characters though and hope to see them returning in the next book in the series. My favorite scene was probably when the hero (Wes Darling) is taking the bad guys across the bay in a small motorized dinghy. It's funny and dramatic at the same time. And it seems Wes might reach a record for how many times he can be tied up (literally) in a matter of a few days.
This book is a keeper.
July 7, 2012
This book was better at the beginning than the end. The story dragged, and the writer used too many metaphors ("I felt a tingling along the back of my neck, like a poisonous spider had bitten me and the venom was spreading.") The main character's mother seemed like a rip-off of the mother of the main character on the TV series "Burn Notice". The writer was trying for a Carl Hiassen kind of story, but this was not as fun to read as a Hiassen book. There were several typos, which did not make it easier to get through the book. Decent effort, but could have been better.
August 6, 2016
I just could not finish this one. I got to about 35%, and put it down. The book was metaphor after metaphor after metaphor, and was putting me to sleep. I had zero interest in any of the characters, and started cheering what were supposed to be bad guys.
September 28, 2015
Good enough to read.
Beautiful places, but Wes Darling is stubborn character. He keeps falling in every trap that was set for him, getting injured again and again. Guns, lies and death bodies. Even there is a psychic name Elvis.
Beautiful places, but Wes Darling is stubborn character. He keeps falling in every trap that was set for him, getting injured again and again. Guns, lies and death bodies. Even there is a psychic name Elvis.
April 26, 2015
A light summer read.
June 22, 2011
Fun read - enjoyed the insider-info on Key West.
September 17, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that I write this email to notify you that Mike Jastrzebski, author, wanderer, and adventurer, passed away on June 6, 2025. Mike was in good health for a crusty 75-year-old sailor, but starting in January of this year several health issues surprised us and then progressed so fast it was hard to comprehend.
Mike was a man who lived life on his own terms. Never one to shy away from risk, he followed his dreams wherever they led, from owning a bookstore and a sewing machine shop, building and living in a log cabin in Maine, to renovating a 25-year-old sailboat that he and I lived and traveled on for sixteen years. We sailed our boat, which we named Rough Draft, from the Great Lakes down the Mississippi River and then on to Florida, across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas, up to the Chesapeake Bay, and then back to Florida, all while he wrote what he loved: tropical mysteries filled with the flavor of Florida and the quirky characters of Key West, paranormal mysteries, and fantasy tales. He turned his cruising experiences into stories that entertain and inspire, completing five Wes Darling sailing mysteries, two paranormal mysteries featuring the World's Worst Detective, Artie Kowalski, two standalone mysteries: one a dark historical novel set in 1935, the other a psychological thriller, and his Elwood Prim fantasy books, a book idea that had been tucked away in the back of his brain for forty years.
All Mike's books will continue to be available on Amazon as eBooks and in paperback. Mike had been working on his third book in the Artie Kowalski paranormal series but was unable to finish it. Our friend, Christine Kling, author of five nautical suspense novels and three international thrillers, is planning to complete Mike's last book as a tribute to him.
I am so fortunate that Mike and I found each other and were able to spend thirty wonderful years together as husband and wife. He will always be in my heart.
Mary Jastrzebski
Have questions? Send me an email.
June 9, 2017
"Key Lime Blues" is a light-hearted private investigator mystery story that pays homage to Travis McGee by being placed in the paradise of key West, Florida, and pays homage to Ed Noon by adding in hilarious touches such as psychics named Elvis. It is a story of a reluctant detective, who now tends bar in Dirty Alvin's, and who is stuck in the middle of an investigation involving a stripper, a gang of hoods, a missing set of diamonds, and bodies that keep washing up.
It is a fast read that is filled with light banter when the hoods aren't
hunting down the protagonist and his charge. The lead character, Wes Darling, is a guy who explains that, when he worked for his mother's PI firm, his drug of choice was Prozac, but since moving to Key West
amidst quitting the business, found that key lime pie works just as well. He just never felt comfortable with dealing with the deceit, the dead bodies, and the cops. He was also haunted by a case he was
involved in where a fifteen-year-old kidnap victim met her demise.
According to his mother, he was "the result of a wild weekend in Acapulco with a Vietnam vet who suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder." Wes' mother is also an intriguing character with a deep, raspy voice, the product of smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, and can swear "like a sailor doused in rum."
The missing stripper here is Destiny, a six-foot tall red-headed Amazon who Wes couldn't possibly forget. She might be gorgeous, but she was also a little nuts, that is, if you think leaving a set of diamonds with a psychic who fancied himself as the return of Elvis nuts.
It is a fast read that is filled with light banter when the hoods aren't
hunting down the protagonist and his charge. The lead character, Wes Darling, is a guy who explains that, when he worked for his mother's PI firm, his drug of choice was Prozac, but since moving to Key West
amidst quitting the business, found that key lime pie works just as well. He just never felt comfortable with dealing with the deceit, the dead bodies, and the cops. He was also haunted by a case he was
involved in where a fifteen-year-old kidnap victim met her demise.
According to his mother, he was "the result of a wild weekend in Acapulco with a Vietnam vet who suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder." Wes' mother is also an intriguing character with a deep, raspy voice, the product of smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, and can swear "like a sailor doused in rum."
The missing stripper here is Destiny, a six-foot tall red-headed Amazon who Wes couldn't possibly forget. She might be gorgeous, but she was also a little nuts, that is, if you think leaving a set of diamonds with a psychic who fancied himself as the return of Elvis nuts.
March 10, 2017
I loved reading this book and how it described the areas I remember from my trip to Key West. I felt like I was walking down the streets with Wes. Wes is a likeable character who keeps stumbling into trouble wherever he turns, and he likes the ladies who are trouble themselves. I enjoyed reading about Elvis, the phobic psychic, and hope to read more about him in other books in the series. When you thrown in a persistent mother and a bunch of bad guys, there's sure to be a story that will keep you reading.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 21, 2017
Wes Darling tends bar in Key West Florida. He's been down there for the last 6 months every since he left Detroit. You see he blamed himself for her death. He lives on a sailboat that he bought with his inheritance from his grandfather.
A police detective comes into his bar for Wes to identify a dead body. It's Nate Hastings, an operative for Darling Investigations. Wes Darling's family has owned this company for over a hundred years.
Wes gets involved in the case that caused Nate's death. You will never see the ending coming. Can't wait to read the next book
A police detective comes into his bar for Wes to identify a dead body. It's Nate Hastings, an operative for Darling Investigations. Wes Darling's family has owned this company for over a hundred years.
Wes gets involved in the case that caused Nate's death. You will never see the ending coming. Can't wait to read the next book
June 28, 2019
I want to give this 3.5 stars. I liked it but didn't love it. It's a good story, though I sometimes think his "I don't trust cops" excuse feels like a contraption to move the story where he wants rather than a believable line. Jastrzebski writes using a straightforward, first person writing style with the feel of some of the older noir mysteries, almost mimicking Sam Spade but with a Key West, laid back atmosphere. He keeps the tension high throughout and the reader guessing what's going to happen next and who Wes should trust. Overall, it was a good story and a good start to a series.
April 13, 2021
Key West Still a Small Town
As an erstwhile resident of KW I transported my self back into downtown and walked those streets w Wes. I too lived offshore although I rowed a cedar plank, curvaceous shell back and forth to our home 1000 feet from our dinghy dock and parking space.
Good, fast read w believable characters and writing style. Accurate geographically-always a bonus-book satisfied me and encouraged me to seek more of the same.
Great one evening diversion. I’m headed back to see others by same author.
As an erstwhile resident of KW I transported my self back into downtown and walked those streets w Wes. I too lived offshore although I rowed a cedar plank, curvaceous shell back and forth to our home 1000 feet from our dinghy dock and parking space.
Good, fast read w believable characters and writing style. Accurate geographically-always a bonus-book satisfied me and encouraged me to seek more of the same.
Great one evening diversion. I’m headed back to see others by same author.
January 18, 2020
To Sail... Or not to sail
Author Mike's book is portrayed as a "sailing mystery" ... but a sailing mystery ..it Ain't!!
Mostly a story about a Mama's boy who seemingly is his own worst enemy, the "hero" in this tragic tale of sleuthing ineptitude is unable to let go of his past, make is own decisions or stay out out of harms way. That said, one wonders how much better the storyline might have been if the book actually focused on it being "a sailing mystery".
Author Mike's book is portrayed as a "sailing mystery" ... but a sailing mystery ..it Ain't!!
Mostly a story about a Mama's boy who seemingly is his own worst enemy, the "hero" in this tragic tale of sleuthing ineptitude is unable to let go of his past, make is own decisions or stay out out of harms way. That said, one wonders how much better the storyline might have been if the book actually focused on it being "a sailing mystery".
February 5, 2023
Key West comes alive--
Love visiting Key West for the same reasons mentioned in the book--sunrises, sunsets, ocean, sailing, aura. This book is one you'll read in one reading and wonder if crime like this happens in Key West all the time? The plot is serious, funny, and sad at the same time. Characters are interesting to say the least. Not sure author is another Doc White but he will be as he sure loves and captures life in the Keys for all to read.
Love visiting Key West for the same reasons mentioned in the book--sunrises, sunsets, ocean, sailing, aura. This book is one you'll read in one reading and wonder if crime like this happens in Key West all the time? The plot is serious, funny, and sad at the same time. Characters are interesting to say the least. Not sure author is another Doc White but he will be as he sure loves and captures life in the Keys for all to read.
May 7, 2021
This book was so stupid . It was obvious from the get go who the culprit was . No matter how many times we’d got screwed over by her he always managed to convinced himself the rainbow comes out of her arse. Was so disappointed in this character , felt like the author dragged this book on purpose just to fill up the pages . In the foreseeable future , will never touch a book made by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2019
A Wes Darling Sailing Mystery, Series, Bk 1, EBk-M, Nook, Fiction Mystery Key West, FL, Ex-detective, transplanted Michigander. Because of a case gone wrong, a Detroit detective relocates to Key West, FL, to bartend and live on a sailboat. 2☆'s = Okay.
February 12, 2021
Always love a great adventure in Key West
The story kept my interest and always anxious for the next read the next day. The characters were developed well and their relationships as well. Great mystery to the end.
The story kept my interest and always anxious for the next read the next day. The characters were developed well and their relationships as well. Great mystery to the end.
September 18, 2022
Being a PI can be dangerous to your health.
Seems no matter how hard poor Wes tries to avoid trouble it catches up with him. This story is filled with intrigue, danger, and lots of suspense as Wes tangles with a woman named Destiny. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Seems no matter how hard poor Wes tries to avoid trouble it catches up with him. This story is filled with intrigue, danger, and lots of suspense as Wes tangles with a woman named Destiny. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
November 6, 2022
good tale
Enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. Particularly that the star of the story isn’t the toughest etc as many heroes are. Only complaint might be that he gets beat up so much but doesn’t seem to stay hurt very long at all. But I liked the story.
Enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. Particularly that the star of the story isn’t the toughest etc as many heroes are. Only complaint might be that he gets beat up so much but doesn’t seem to stay hurt very long at all. But I liked the story.
March 5, 2017
Entertaining murder mystery set in quirky Key West. If you have ever ventured to that end of the world location you will recognize many of the characters in this fun mystery novel. Loved it!
May 30, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
April 4, 2019
Good Read
Time well spend on a snowy day. The plot seems old but interesting enough to maintain interest. The author's style and skill is worth giving his work a chance.
Time well spend on a snowy day. The plot seems old but interesting enough to maintain interest. The author's style and skill is worth giving his work a chance.
May 9, 2019
Average story lacking in spark, depth, or excitement. I thought the narrator very boring to listen to.
January 14, 2021
Simply Mahvelous, Dahlin'
Wasn't too sure about a character named Wes Darling but it turned out to be a pretty good book. Looking forward to the next.
Wasn't too sure about a character named Wes Darling but it turned out to be a pretty good book. Looking forward to the next.
June 12, 2021
Enjoyable
Took a chance on a new (to me) author and really enjoyed this book. A fun, Keys , colorful characters, murder mystery. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Took a chance on a new (to me) author and really enjoyed this book. A fun, Keys , colorful characters, murder mystery. Looking forward to reading the next one.
October 1, 2021
Interesting locale and characters. If this is a series, the PI, Darling, will be fun to watch.
Read
September 29, 2022I love a good murder mystery, especially if it is set in a wonderful location. Key Lime Blues is set in Key West, Florida. I really don't know how to rate this one, it didn't really grab me.
February 4, 2023
Wow, talk about a really bad person! Wes Darling trying to protect "Destiny" is a teeth-clenching drama,. Definitely a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews