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Mick Murphy #2
Free Range Institution
When journalist Liam "Mick" Murphy lies to the chief of police in order to get a story, he uncovers a conspiracy to smuggle a cheap, lethal cocaine-based drug through Key West. Before long, local authorities, federal agents and drug-cartel hit men are looking for Murphy because of what they think he knows. With help from an eclectic group of friends, including an old black-ops acquaintance from Central America, Murphy sets out to prove who's behind the smuggling plot and distance himself from the violence that has spawned havoc on the island.This fast-paced story twists and turns like a hurricane wind. Readers will enjoy a roller-coaster ride through Key West's back streets and bars as only a local can show them.
- GenresMystery
382 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2011
About the author
Michael Haskins
27 books35 followersMystery Writer living in Key West, Florida. A member of MWA and ITA and PWA. Short story, Vampire Slayer Murdered in Key West, was nominated for a best short story of 2012 for a Shamus Award. He has seven books in his Mick Murphy Key West Mystery series.
Haskins worked as the business editor/writer for the local Key West daily and then as the public information officer for the city, all of which has enriched his understanding of how Key West functions.
Haskins worked as the business editor/writer for the local Key West daily and then as the public information officer for the city, all of which has enriched his understanding of how Key West functions.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 2, 2012
Free Range Institution
By: Michaels Haskins
Copyright February 2011
Publisher Five Star
When journalist Liam “Mick” Murphy lies to the chief of police in order to get a story, he uncovers a conspiracy to smuggle a cheap, lethal cocaine-based drug through Key West. Before long, local authorities, federal agents and drug cartel hit men are looking for Murphy because of what they think he knows. With help from an eclectic group of friends, including an old black[ops acquaintance from Central America, Murphy sets out to prove who’s behind the smuggling plot and distance himself from the violence that has spawned havoc on the island.
Soon, Key West starts to look like the Wild West as bodies are scattered in the streets and businesses get shot up. Murphy and his ragtag army do their best to survive and strike back, but stopping the drug delivery becomes impossible when the smugglers outgun Murphy’s crew in a grisly battle on the water. Back in Key West, Murphy escapes more mayhem and confronts the conspirators, with devastating results.
Liam “Mick” Murphy had a career in journalism that took him all over the world. After a devastating event cause him to quit full time reporting, he semi retired to the Florida Keys. There he works as a free lance writer and journalist for hire. A phone call from a friend causes him to be caught at the sight of that friend’s demise. He knows he shouldn’t lie to the cops, he knows that it will only come back to bite him in the rear. But he does it anyway because he also knows that his friend’s death is not a suicide.
Within days of his friend Jay Bruels’ death he is caught up in what turns out to be a very nasty murder and conspiracy operation by elected local officials, bought Federal Agents and a South American Drug cartel. These people were using the Keys as their entry point to bring their drugs into the country, and now they also wanted to bring in an extremely cheap and extremely deadly new drug.
Mick and his on again off again girl friend Tita Toledo (a very sought after attorney) are going to have their lives and their relationship stretched well past the breaking point. With the help of a rag tag group of friends, (who by some coincidence are all agents, former agents) plan and run their own investigation into the murders and drugs. There will be shoot outs, high speed boat chases, and well… You’ll just have to read the book to find out who does what to whom, and who wins out at the end.
This was my first taste of a Mad Mick Murphy book and I love it. Mick reminds me a little of Travis McGee what with the way he gets involved in things and helping friends. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series for as long as the author offers stories to read.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the author who only asked for a fair and honest review.
By: Michaels Haskins
Copyright February 2011
Publisher Five Star
When journalist Liam “Mick” Murphy lies to the chief of police in order to get a story, he uncovers a conspiracy to smuggle a cheap, lethal cocaine-based drug through Key West. Before long, local authorities, federal agents and drug cartel hit men are looking for Murphy because of what they think he knows. With help from an eclectic group of friends, including an old black[ops acquaintance from Central America, Murphy sets out to prove who’s behind the smuggling plot and distance himself from the violence that has spawned havoc on the island.
Soon, Key West starts to look like the Wild West as bodies are scattered in the streets and businesses get shot up. Murphy and his ragtag army do their best to survive and strike back, but stopping the drug delivery becomes impossible when the smugglers outgun Murphy’s crew in a grisly battle on the water. Back in Key West, Murphy escapes more mayhem and confronts the conspirators, with devastating results.
Liam “Mick” Murphy had a career in journalism that took him all over the world. After a devastating event cause him to quit full time reporting, he semi retired to the Florida Keys. There he works as a free lance writer and journalist for hire. A phone call from a friend causes him to be caught at the sight of that friend’s demise. He knows he shouldn’t lie to the cops, he knows that it will only come back to bite him in the rear. But he does it anyway because he also knows that his friend’s death is not a suicide.
Within days of his friend Jay Bruels’ death he is caught up in what turns out to be a very nasty murder and conspiracy operation by elected local officials, bought Federal Agents and a South American Drug cartel. These people were using the Keys as their entry point to bring their drugs into the country, and now they also wanted to bring in an extremely cheap and extremely deadly new drug.
Mick and his on again off again girl friend Tita Toledo (a very sought after attorney) are going to have their lives and their relationship stretched well past the breaking point. With the help of a rag tag group of friends, (who by some coincidence are all agents, former agents) plan and run their own investigation into the murders and drugs. There will be shoot outs, high speed boat chases, and well… You’ll just have to read the book to find out who does what to whom, and who wins out at the end.
This was my first taste of a Mad Mick Murphy book and I love it. Mick reminds me a little of Travis McGee what with the way he gets involved in things and helping friends. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series for as long as the author offers stories to read.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the author who only asked for a fair and honest review.
September 3, 2012
The story begins "Tina and I walked the short block from Key West Island Books...".
While I was in Key West, I visited the famous Key West Island Book store and picked up a few books of local interest. The author lives in Key West and the story takes place in Key West. The book incorporates many of the streets, bars, restaurants, and people from Key West. It was cool to be staying on Duval Street not far from where all of the action takes place.
That being said, even without the personal experience of Key West, the book was enjoyable, the quirky characters were entertaining, and the story line was unique enough that it did not feel like every other action/mystery book I have read lately. I recommend it.
I might have rated it higher except for the typos in the book. There were about 15 cases where the wrong word was used (loser instead of looser, angles instead of angels, your instead of you're). If there is a reprint I would suggest finding a new proof reader. :)
Note that if you are Kindle Owner & Amazon Prime member you can read this book for free.
While I was in Key West, I visited the famous Key West Island Book store and picked up a few books of local interest. The author lives in Key West and the story takes place in Key West. The book incorporates many of the streets, bars, restaurants, and people from Key West. It was cool to be staying on Duval Street not far from where all of the action takes place.
That being said, even without the personal experience of Key West, the book was enjoyable, the quirky characters were entertaining, and the story line was unique enough that it did not feel like every other action/mystery book I have read lately. I recommend it.
I might have rated it higher except for the typos in the book. There were about 15 cases where the wrong word was used (loser instead of looser, angles instead of angels, your instead of you're). If there is a reprint I would suggest finding a new proof reader. :)
Note that if you are Kindle Owner & Amazon Prime member you can read this book for free.
June 7, 2020
The setting of Key West was well described, and drew me to this book. The story flowed, and had some quirky characters, and good twist to figure out. The narration was enjoyable. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 4, 2022
I enjoyed listening to this book. I was drawn into the book from the very beginning and couldn't stop listening. I was never able to figure out what was happening next and it kept me wanting more.
The narrator did a wonderful job. You will not be disappointed in this book.
The narrator did a wonderful job. You will not be disappointed in this book.
March 15, 2017
Good yarn.
Really needs more proof reading than spell checker. Very distracting: bacon v beacon, angel v angle and too many others.
Really needs more proof reading than spell checker. Very distracting: bacon v beacon, angel v angle and too many others.
February 8, 2012
I received this book through a Goodreads First-Reads Giveaway. Thank you! The author even signed it and wrote a note. Very thoughtful :)
I enjoyed this book. I was in Key West last year, and so it was nice to be familiar with the locations in the story.
This is a read if you're looking for something light and fast-paced...perfect to read on the beach in Key West! The chapters are very short, which makes it easy to pick up and read in short spurts.
I enjoyed this book. I was in Key West last year, and so it was nice to be familiar with the locations in the story.
This is a read if you're looking for something light and fast-paced...perfect to read on the beach in Key West! The chapters are very short, which makes it easy to pick up and read in short spurts.
February 10, 2024
The Key West part was fun, but the typos were really annoying. Hazard of self-publishing, I guess.
December 13, 2014
easy read, so interesting. wonderful characters
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews