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Matt Royal Mystery #1
Longboat Blues
A RIVETING MYSTERY SET IN THE SIZZLING HEAT OF A FLORIDA SUMMERWhen his girlfriend's body is discovered on the balcony of his condo overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Logan Hamilton is indicted for murder. His friend Matthew Royal, a burned out trial lawyer living in an island paradise in Florida, reluctantly comes out of early retirement to represent Logan. The tale twists and turns as Matt travels to Iowa, Chicago and South Florida, trying to save Logan from the death penalty pursued by a hard nosed female prosecutor who never loses. The secrets revealed in the climatic trial stun the people of the island and reverberate around the world. It's a great ride, from the pristine beaches of Longboat and Egmont Keys to the cities of South Florida and the Mid-West. The author spins a tale of mystery and intrigue, peopled with characters you won't soon forget.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2005
262 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
H. Terrell Griffin
18 books91 followersAward-winning novelist H. Terrell Griffin is a board-certified trial lawyer who practiced in Orlando for thirty-eight years. He and his wife, Jean, divide their time between Longboat Key, Florida, and Maitland, Florida. Griffin is also the author of Blood Island, Murder Key, and Longboat Blues. Blood Island was named an award-winning finalist in the 2008 National Best Books Awards, Fiction & Literature: Mystery/Suspense category.
Series:
* Matt Royal Mystery
Series:
* Matt Royal Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 14, 2018
I'm a big fan of Florida authors - Hall, Hiaasen, Barry, Dorsey,Swain, Corcoran and others. Having lived here for 35+ years, and working with folks from the panhandle to the keys I get a charge out of the sense of place these authors are able to deliver. Well, my brother in law mentions that he found a new author on his kindle library program and is enjoying it since it takes place in our area - Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton and Sarasota - not exactly a well know part of the sunshine state so not too prominent in the world of literature.
The story concerns a burned out lawyer whose friend's girlfriend is found strangled on his friend's condo balcony. Naturally, the man is indicted then disappears after paying his attorney friend with a delivery pizza to seal the deal and ensure attorney-client privilege. The attorney, who is not thrilled at having to get back into the business then attempts to clear his buddy's name.
Lots of twists and turns to the story, many stretching credulity, coincidences abound conveniently and the tale is a bit too overpopulated. Still, it moves along and is quite entertaining and a perfect beach read.
"I was floating in my boat on a flat sea, the Sunshine Skyway bridge shimmering in the distance. Sun reflected off the gray water of Tampa Bay.
I was fishing quietly, sipping a cold beer, watching the thunderheads build to the north over St. Pete Beach. It would soon be time to run south for home, and away from the lightning that always stalks ahead of the storms. The tide was low and I could smell the mud flats, a melange of seaweed and shellfish and drying mud roasting in the sun."
See what I mean about sense of place? He is describing a place a couple of miles from my house. Almost jumped it to 5 stars just for that but then remembered not everyone is a Florida lover. (By the way, we are closed, it is time to raise the drawbridge - go south to Naples or over to Miami!)
I was impressed enough that when visiting a unique bookstore in Delray Beach called "Murder on the Beach" yesterday- you'll recognize it from all the bloody handprints authors have placed on the window during book signings- that I bought two autographed copies of H. Terrell Griffin's books and hope to enjoy those as much as I did this one.
The story concerns a burned out lawyer whose friend's girlfriend is found strangled on his friend's condo balcony. Naturally, the man is indicted then disappears after paying his attorney friend with a delivery pizza to seal the deal and ensure attorney-client privilege. The attorney, who is not thrilled at having to get back into the business then attempts to clear his buddy's name.
Lots of twists and turns to the story, many stretching credulity, coincidences abound conveniently and the tale is a bit too overpopulated. Still, it moves along and is quite entertaining and a perfect beach read.
"I was floating in my boat on a flat sea, the Sunshine Skyway bridge shimmering in the distance. Sun reflected off the gray water of Tampa Bay.
I was fishing quietly, sipping a cold beer, watching the thunderheads build to the north over St. Pete Beach. It would soon be time to run south for home, and away from the lightning that always stalks ahead of the storms. The tide was low and I could smell the mud flats, a melange of seaweed and shellfish and drying mud roasting in the sun."
See what I mean about sense of place? He is describing a place a couple of miles from my house. Almost jumped it to 5 stars just for that but then remembered not everyone is a Florida lover. (By the way, we are closed, it is time to raise the drawbridge - go south to Naples or over to Miami!)
I was impressed enough that when visiting a unique bookstore in Delray Beach called "Murder on the Beach" yesterday- you'll recognize it from all the bloody handprints authors have placed on the window during book signings- that I bought two autographed copies of H. Terrell Griffin's books and hope to enjoy those as much as I did this one.
February 27, 2016
I found this book in a house we rented near Longboat Key, and couldn't resist diving in, despite the rather cheesy cover. It was an enjoyable read, helped by the fact that we recognized many places mentioned and even went to eat at a restaurant (Marina Jack in Sarasota) because of a mention in the book. Longboat Blues is far better written than the average self-published book, and if the characters seem somewhat stock and/or wish fulfillment at times, it didn't detract from the experience a great deal. What did ruin it for me a little bit was the overly complicated mystery at the heart of the story, a not-very-believable resolution to that mystery, and an even-more-unbelievable denouement. Overall, though, I enjoyed reading it. The author does an excellent job of capturing the rhythm of island life and bringing his sun-drenched setting to life.
March 5, 2019
Good first book in the series set in and around Long Boat Key, FL. You can’t help but to root for Matt as he works to prove the innocence of his good friend Logan in the death of another friend, Connie. I was surprised at the twist at the end, guess it is not over till it’s over! Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
March 11, 2020
Quick read, decent story, more fun because author uses area settings and people in the story.
February 12, 2010
When I was given “Wyatt’s Revenge”—also by Griffin—to review, I was unaware it was the last in a four-book series. Many times, you read a book and knowing a sequel or a trilogy is planned—much the way it is with movies—you worry the subsequent books won’t be as good as the original. When Terry Griffin writes a book, nothing could be further from the truth. Not yet having read the two in the middle—I just finished “Longboat Blues” the first in the series—I am filled with anticipation for the second and third.
Matt Royal is a retired attorney whose friend Logan Hamilton finds himself in a heap of trouble when he’s accused of killing his now-and-then girlfriend, Connie Sanborne. In true mystery fashion, not everything is as it seems. There are little twists and turns that bring Matt on a convoluted ride involving drugs, a three million dollar airplane, a dirty politician and a surprise in the shape of a very special woman.
I love the way Royal is so hands on when defending his friend. He finds more information than any guy with a badge ever could. Right up to the end, Griffin kept me guessing what was going to happen and when I found out why Logan “ran” I was astounded and very happy.
This book truly fits its subtitle, ‘A Mystery’, and if that’s what you enjoy, you’ll love this. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. You won’t be sorry.
www.suspensemagazine.com
Matt Royal is a retired attorney whose friend Logan Hamilton finds himself in a heap of trouble when he’s accused of killing his now-and-then girlfriend, Connie Sanborne. In true mystery fashion, not everything is as it seems. There are little twists and turns that bring Matt on a convoluted ride involving drugs, a three million dollar airplane, a dirty politician and a surprise in the shape of a very special woman.
I love the way Royal is so hands on when defending his friend. He finds more information than any guy with a badge ever could. Right up to the end, Griffin kept me guessing what was going to happen and when I found out why Logan “ran” I was astounded and very happy.
This book truly fits its subtitle, ‘A Mystery’, and if that’s what you enjoy, you’ll love this. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. You won’t be sorry.
www.suspensemagazine.com
February 1, 2015
This book has been hiding on the shelf for several years. Embarrassing how that happens. This is Mr. Griffin's first mystery; I must imagine he has become better in the ten years since he published it and I bought it.
It is subtitled "A Mystery", a more truthful subtitle than many. "Longboat Blues" belongs to the classic mystery genre, notably the ones featuring court room scenes.
Here we have a middle aged retired lawyer whose best friend finds a corpse on his balcony one morning. The corpse is that of his friend's 'woman friend' and occasional sex partner. Whoops.
Following the well worn path of getting a reluctant party involved in a dicey situation, Griffin proceeds with a sure hand, marching through his client's back story, tracking down surprise after twist, and finally unveiling the mastermind toward the very end.
My respect for what was being accomplished grew chapter by chapter, and while I had, as is usual for me, figured mostly everything out well in advance, the writing, while not brilliant, was engaging, as was the protagonist.
Altogether a pleasurable experience and one which I plan on repeating with more of the offerings from H.T. Griffin.
Recommended.
It is subtitled "A Mystery", a more truthful subtitle than many. "Longboat Blues" belongs to the classic mystery genre, notably the ones featuring court room scenes.
Here we have a middle aged retired lawyer whose best friend finds a corpse on his balcony one morning. The corpse is that of his friend's 'woman friend' and occasional sex partner. Whoops.
Following the well worn path of getting a reluctant party involved in a dicey situation, Griffin proceeds with a sure hand, marching through his client's back story, tracking down surprise after twist, and finally unveiling the mastermind toward the very end.
My respect for what was being accomplished grew chapter by chapter, and while I had, as is usual for me, figured mostly everything out well in advance, the writing, while not brilliant, was engaging, as was the protagonist.
Altogether a pleasurable experience and one which I plan on repeating with more of the offerings from H.T. Griffin.
Recommended.
January 16, 2026
Pretty good! Made me miss FL, lots of familiar places in here. :,)
December 16, 2013
This is the first book in the Matt Royal mystery series by H. Terrell Griffin and it has a copyright date of 2005. At the time of this review there are 8 entries in the series, which is set in the present day.
Griffin’s main character, Matt Royal, calls himself a retired attorney. However, the reality is that he is a forty-ish burn out who had, several years prior, dropped out of the law game – and life – for two reasons. First, he could no longer reconcile the inequities between enacted law, practiced law and the concept of justice. Secondly, after letting his highly profitable career deny his wife both his time and the possibility of children for years, she left him. No ultimatum, no argument – she just requested a divorce one evening when he finally deigned to come home from work and was gone.
So, betrayed by his profession and having betrayed the most important person in his life, Matt drops out of his career as one of the most successful criminal defense attorneys in Florida. He then betrays himself by moving onto his boat on the southwest coast of Florida and becoming a nearly destitute drunk. Then a chance to right one of those legal injustices drops into his lap and a year later he has won more than the case. He is again financially secure, reasonably sober and determined to be the friend to his neighbors on the island that he had never been to his wife.
And then one of those friends, Logan Hamilton, finds the body of his occasional sexual partner on his balcony. Logan asks Matt to represent him on the murder charge, and reluctantly, it’s game on for Matt.
From this point on, the author weaves a well-told story of murder, con games, mysterious disappearances, another murder, drugs, identity theft, yet another murder, domestic abuse, politics and more murder. Since Griffin tells the tale by way of Royal’s first person POV, we only get the clues to it all as fast or as clearly as Royal decides to voice them.
By the time the story reached the trial stage, I was absolutely riveted to my seat. And the author does not disappoint here either. The proceedings feel realistic, and everything does not go Royal’s way. We are treated to the nuances of the game-playing that constitutes a trial in which a person’s life is at stake. And we are introduced to the caliber of attorney that Matt Royal was – and still is. Through the twists and turns of the trial, the author brings home to the reader the type of friend and the type of character that we will be reading about in future books.
But the end of the trial is not the end of the book. Even the least experienced reader can see that there are too many pages left for just an epilogue. However, by the time the blood pressure returns to normal on the last page, the reader should be satisfied. There is no cliffhanger for an ending and all but one of the plot threads are tied up. Just a little hanging thread, leading us on to the next book.
Griffin’s main character, Matt Royal, calls himself a retired attorney. However, the reality is that he is a forty-ish burn out who had, several years prior, dropped out of the law game – and life – for two reasons. First, he could no longer reconcile the inequities between enacted law, practiced law and the concept of justice. Secondly, after letting his highly profitable career deny his wife both his time and the possibility of children for years, she left him. No ultimatum, no argument – she just requested a divorce one evening when he finally deigned to come home from work and was gone.
So, betrayed by his profession and having betrayed the most important person in his life, Matt drops out of his career as one of the most successful criminal defense attorneys in Florida. He then betrays himself by moving onto his boat on the southwest coast of Florida and becoming a nearly destitute drunk. Then a chance to right one of those legal injustices drops into his lap and a year later he has won more than the case. He is again financially secure, reasonably sober and determined to be the friend to his neighbors on the island that he had never been to his wife.
And then one of those friends, Logan Hamilton, finds the body of his occasional sexual partner on his balcony. Logan asks Matt to represent him on the murder charge, and reluctantly, it’s game on for Matt.
From this point on, the author weaves a well-told story of murder, con games, mysterious disappearances, another murder, drugs, identity theft, yet another murder, domestic abuse, politics and more murder. Since Griffin tells the tale by way of Royal’s first person POV, we only get the clues to it all as fast or as clearly as Royal decides to voice them.
By the time the story reached the trial stage, I was absolutely riveted to my seat. And the author does not disappoint here either. The proceedings feel realistic, and everything does not go Royal’s way. We are treated to the nuances of the game-playing that constitutes a trial in which a person’s life is at stake. And we are introduced to the caliber of attorney that Matt Royal was – and still is. Through the twists and turns of the trial, the author brings home to the reader the type of friend and the type of character that we will be reading about in future books.
But the end of the trial is not the end of the book. Even the least experienced reader can see that there are too many pages left for just an epilogue. However, by the time the blood pressure returns to normal on the last page, the reader should be satisfied. There is no cliffhanger for an ending and all but one of the plot threads are tied up. Just a little hanging thread, leading us on to the next book.
April 1, 2022
Matt is a retired lawyer in Longboat Key, Florida (a real place). He burnt out, and now he whiles away the days drinking and fishing and spending time with local friends. One friend is accused of killing another friend, and Matt reluctantly comes out of retirement to help him.
Longboat Key and the surrounding area (and the Florida humidity) is a character itself in the book. The lifestyle and experience of living there shines through and grounds the story. Matt is world weary and still searching for some meaning in his life. The mystery is solid, but if you're paying attention, there is enough information for the reader to suspect who is behind the killing early on (about a third of the way in).
It's a good start to a series. And now I want to move to Longboat Key.
Not family friendly due to adult situations.
Longboat Key and the surrounding area (and the Florida humidity) is a character itself in the book. The lifestyle and experience of living there shines through and grounds the story. Matt is world weary and still searching for some meaning in his life. The mystery is solid, but if you're paying attention, there is enough information for the reader to suspect who is behind the killing early on (about a third of the way in).
It's a good start to a series. And now I want to move to Longboat Key.
Not family friendly due to adult situations.
July 9, 2021
Although I have read others in this series, decided to go back and fill in the spaces. This is a good introduction to Matt Royal and the regulars on Longboat Key. Each book stands on it's own so not necessary to read in order. Events that happen in previous books are mentioned so you don't feel like you missed something. These are quick and easy to read, just get lost in the plot and forget to put them down.
March 13, 2019
This book was in our condo written by a local author. Since it was set in Bradenton Beach where we were staying I gave it a go. It was a decent book but what held my interest was the locale. I had been to many of the places in the book. I see that this has become a series maybe I will pick up another one at some point.
September 22, 2020
Pretty Good
This is my first book by this author and it took some getting into. I'm glad I persevered because it was pretty good. I like Matt Royal okay. The way the story turns out stretches the imagination but most mysteries do. I'll read the next one to find out if I've found another character I want to follow. He's no Harry Bosch but then who is.
This is my first book by this author and it took some getting into. I'm glad I persevered because it was pretty good. I like Matt Royal okay. The way the story turns out stretches the imagination but most mysteries do. I'll read the next one to find out if I've found another character I want to follow. He's no Harry Bosch but then who is.
March 26, 2019
Fun book. Good read
I really enjoyed this book. Especially since I grew up in Bradenton and now live on the Key. The writing was good and the plot easy to follow. Will be reading more of these.
I really enjoyed this book. Especially since I grew up in Bradenton and now live on the Key. The writing was good and the plot easy to follow. Will be reading more of these.
May 5, 2020
Good book. I do like the way Mr. Griffin writes and the details he includes set the scenes so well, you feel like you are there. Great story with a few surprises. I did guess part of the ending, but it didn't diminish the final ending at all. I plan to read the next book in the series.
June 23, 2020
A really good lawyer mystery to enjoy in the summer. I like Matt, a laid back retired attorney who gets pulled into helping his friend. Lots of twists and turns. So glad I found this author when I traveled to Anna Marie Island. Looking forward to reading another Royal adventure!
November 2, 2020
A first in a series legal thriller based out of Longboat Key, Florida. I'm familiar with many of the locales in the book and really enjoyed reading this book, although the plot finale was a rather unrealistic.
April 20, 2022
Start of an eleven book series. I read mainly for the local color, having dated not one but two women from Longboat Key. But not much characterization and too much plot. Might need a rainy day to try the next one.
April 23, 2024
Fun to read since Longboat is now just 30 mins down the road from me. I loved the Chicago references and the protagonist. Its his first book and I heard he got better and am looking forward to reading more from him.
February 12, 2019
First in an enjoyable series about a retired Florida lawyer
August 25, 2020
I loved it! Great who done it and set in a place near and dear to my heart. I could perfectly picture waiting for the boats to pass on the Cortez Bridge!
September 26, 2020
Light, cozy mystery with enjoyable lwad character and the locals. Really enjoy the Longboat Key backdrop.
Read
December 19, 2020Easy and enjoyable read
June 27, 2021
Would have liked more courtroom action instead of the lawyer doing dectective work but still enjoyed the story.
Read
April 17, 2022Quick interesting read
This was a short read that kept my attention and was quick. Great beach read that I enjoyed thoroughly, I definitely recommend
This was a short read that kept my attention and was quick. Great beach read that I enjoyed thoroughly, I definitely recommend
November 30, 2022
Extremely well written book but somewhat slow-moving.
January 27, 2025
Florida and Iowa connection for the win. Matt helps a local key mate, Logan, charged of a fellow key lady.
August 21, 2023
This was a fast read and a good yarn. Matthew Royal, a young retired lawyer is asked to defend a friend on a murder charge. He doesn't really want to get back into the courts as he burned out there once before, but he decides too as his friend has no resources. It doesn't look good for the friend
though.
It was an interesting investigation with lots of twists and turns and in working to keep his friend Logan out of jail, he solves a couple other murders along the way.
I liked the characters and I liked the descriptions of different areas of Florida. I did laugh, I was just telling a friend that it rains every afternoon in Florida and yes, that came up in the book, I didn't just dream it.
I guess there eleven Matthew Royal books out there. I am glad that so far, they are on Kindle Unlimited.
though.
It was an interesting investigation with lots of twists and turns and in working to keep his friend Logan out of jail, he solves a couple other murders along the way.
I liked the characters and I liked the descriptions of different areas of Florida. I did laugh, I was just telling a friend that it rains every afternoon in Florida and yes, that came up in the book, I didn't just dream it.
I guess there eleven Matthew Royal books out there. I am glad that so far, they are on Kindle Unlimited.
November 27, 2018
Well, it's not Harlen Coben or John Sanford, but it's a pretty good read. I think because I live in the area where the book takes place I enjoyed it more than someone who has never been to that area. Especially good are his descriptions of things -- landscape, geography, and so forth. His writing is good and there are a couple of twists I didn't see coming. I love finding an author I like who has a whole series of books. Since this is the first in the Matt Royal series I can enjoy the next 10 books.
November 18, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author ( H. Terrell Griffin} and it was a very good story and a very interesting main character ( Matt Royal ). Royal is a retired lawyer ( retired early due to burn out) and lives in a small sleepy Florida town. The kind of town that everyone knows and looks out for each other. The storyline murder in a small town has been done before , but the author was able to make it very interesting and it kept me guessing until the very end.
December 31, 2023
Blue World Without You
This is not my first Royal read, but I believe Longboat Blues is Griffin’s first Royal novel. As one can expect a retired lawyer must include a trial in his first attempt. And a helluva trial it is. Griffin has fully developed cast of characters, some decent detective work and shares a little of the trial lawyer’s experience. All in all it’s a good read. The reader can well understand where Matt comes from and possibly where he’s going.
This is not my first Royal read, but I believe Longboat Blues is Griffin’s first Royal novel. As one can expect a retired lawyer must include a trial in his first attempt. And a helluva trial it is. Griffin has fully developed cast of characters, some decent detective work and shares a little of the trial lawyer’s experience. All in all it’s a good read. The reader can well understand where Matt comes from and possibly where he’s going.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews