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Big Ben Mysteries #1
Sarasota Sunrise
A fashion shoot on the powdery beaches of southwest Florida goes awry when a supermodel is found dead in her penthouse suite at the Ritz-Carlton. Chief suspect - ex-boyfriend and renowned designer, Dodge Maddison. But there are others: a new lover; a devious business partner; a bloodthirsty model; an ambitious photographer; and a mysterious designer - all with one thing in common - an uncontrollable lust for fame and fortune.
Called to the rescue is best friend Ben Benson, chief of police of Dodge's small hometown outside Boston. Big Ben's no nonsense, bull-in-the-china-shop method of investigation promises to flush out the real killer and bring a quick resolve. Instead, he finds some treacherous goings-on in the fashion world; simmering rivalries, deadly jealousies and ruthless power plays for control of a multi-million dollar enterprise. And with more murder on the horizon, Big Ben cannot help but wonder if his best friend isn't designing it all.
Called to the rescue is best friend Ben Benson, chief of police of Dodge's small hometown outside Boston. Big Ben's no nonsense, bull-in-the-china-shop method of investigation promises to flush out the real killer and bring a quick resolve. Instead, he finds some treacherous goings-on in the fashion world; simmering rivalries, deadly jealousies and ruthless power plays for control of a multi-million dollar enterprise. And with more murder on the horizon, Big Ben cannot help but wonder if his best friend isn't designing it all.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
9 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 28, 2017
Many twists and turns.
December 22, 2025
Sarasota Sunrise by Donn Fleming is a slick, fast-moving mystery that pulls readers straight into the sunlit glamour and hidden rot of the high-fashion world. What begins as a glamorous photo shoot on Florida’s pristine beaches quickly curdles into something far darker when a supermodel is found dead in her luxury penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton.
At the center of the storm is Dodge Maddison, a celebrated designer with fame, money, and plenty of enemies including an ex-lover, ruthless rivals, and ambitious insiders hungry for power. Fleming smartly layers the suspect list, revealing a fashion industry driven as much by jealousy and ego as by creativity and style.
Enter Ben Benson “Big Ben” a blunt, old-school police chief from a small town outside Boston. His no-frills, charge-ahead approach is a sharp contrast to the polished world he’s forced to navigate. What makes the story compelling is not just the mystery itself, but the personal stakes: the prime suspect is his best friend. As Big Ben digs deeper, the case becomes less about solving one murder and more about uncovering a web of ambition, betrayal, and carefully concealed motives.
At the center of the storm is Dodge Maddison, a celebrated designer with fame, money, and plenty of enemies including an ex-lover, ruthless rivals, and ambitious insiders hungry for power. Fleming smartly layers the suspect list, revealing a fashion industry driven as much by jealousy and ego as by creativity and style.
Enter Ben Benson “Big Ben” a blunt, old-school police chief from a small town outside Boston. His no-frills, charge-ahead approach is a sharp contrast to the polished world he’s forced to navigate. What makes the story compelling is not just the mystery itself, but the personal stakes: the prime suspect is his best friend. As Big Ben digs deeper, the case becomes less about solving one murder and more about uncovering a web of ambition, betrayal, and carefully concealed motives.
June 19, 2024
This book is about Big Ben a cop and his best friend Dodge Maddison a famous fashion designer. The book takes place in Sarasota Florida. It is a fast pace murder mystery.
I just love these books. They are so easy to read. Since I live in the area I recognize some the landmarks! These books catch your attention from the first page. They are hard to put down!
I just love these books. They are so easy to read. Since I live in the area I recognize some the landmarks! These books catch your attention from the first page. They are hard to put down!
June 4, 2017
Summer reading at it's finest. The twists and turns keep you turning the pages. Being familiar with SWFL, this book held additional interest for me. Looking forward to reading another by Donn Fleming!
April 2, 2018
Good story..Great read unless you are a retired CSI from Sarasota, then descriptions of places made me wast to scream
.hey, that isn't quite right..., but a good story.
.hey, that isn't quite right..., but a good story.
December 30, 2021
Since I live in Sarasota, I was motivated to read this novel that revolved around landmarks familiar to me. In my opinion, it read like a trashy soap-opera not worthy of its exquisite setting.
June 13, 2022
I wrote a review, but I guess I'm saving it for a Florida fiction blog I'll probably never actually start?
April 11, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book while on vacation in Sarasota, FL.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2016
Fun read for anyone that has been to the area and from a local author.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews