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Daytona Beach #3
The Cuban Who Paid Dearly
It's Thursday morning, the 2nd of October in 1947, and Ronnie Grisham and his pal, Tom Jarrell, are now married... To women, of course...
And, for appearance's sake and to get a much-needed break from work, Ronnie figures they really should go on a honeymoon.
So, the two couples board the southbound Champion for Miami. It's all aboard for romance! But not in the way their fellow passengers would imagine, no doubt.
Once there, they get a chance to see Miss Doris Day, who is touring with Les Brown and his Band of Renown. And a good time is had by all!
But all good things must come to an end and, after dropping the gals off at the airport, the guys rent a car and hit the Overseas Highway to head down into the Florida Keys.
Just when it looks like Tom and Ronnie will finally get some time to themselves, a friend of theirs comes across a dead Cuban and is found holding the gun. He says he didn't do it, but the State's Attorney isn't convinced...
Looks like it's back to work for Daytona Beach's most infamous lawyer and his private dick!
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2018
21 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Frank W. Butterfield
123 books106 followersFrank W. Butterfield, not an assumed name, loves old movies, wise-cracking smart guys with hearts of gold, and writing for fun.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 31, 2019
Key West in 1947 - fascinating.
March 22, 2019
I like this book. It’s the third in a series set in post WWII Daytona and Florida. The characters are quite well developed and they complement each other well. The mystery element is fun and cleverly executed. It’s eye opening to be reminded of a world pre cell phone, internet and Bank Machine. Having gay sex was still a criminal offence. It’s a different world than now but somehow recognizeable. All three books are a quick read. They’ll lift your spirits and you’ll laugh and cry just a little.
May 22, 2023
The Cuban Who Paid Dearly (Daytona Beach 3)
By Frank W. Butterfield
Published by the author 2018
Five stars
Set in the immediate aftermath of the second book, this installment finds our heroes, Tom and Ronnie, on the road (by train) to Miami, where they and their brides (oy vey) are headed for a sort of honeymoon. Our fearless foursome manage to unwind from the stresses of murder and homophobia in Daytona.
That’s a lot to unpack, isn’t it? And the story gets even weirder as Tom and Ronnie head down into the Florida keys, which bear no resemblance to the jam-packed tourist areas they are today. Not only do we get another murder, but we learn a lot about Cuba before any of us was born, and also the idea that the keys were a safe place for people to hide from the less attractive realities of late 1940s America.
Tom and Ronnie grow ever more endearing to me, as they face challenges and begin to ponder the realities of their future together. Each episode of this series pulls us a little deeper into the historical context of 1940s Florida, and immerses us more fully in the gentle hearts of these two ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances.
By Frank W. Butterfield
Published by the author 2018
Five stars
Set in the immediate aftermath of the second book, this installment finds our heroes, Tom and Ronnie, on the road (by train) to Miami, where they and their brides (oy vey) are headed for a sort of honeymoon. Our fearless foursome manage to unwind from the stresses of murder and homophobia in Daytona.
That’s a lot to unpack, isn’t it? And the story gets even weirder as Tom and Ronnie head down into the Florida keys, which bear no resemblance to the jam-packed tourist areas they are today. Not only do we get another murder, but we learn a lot about Cuba before any of us was born, and also the idea that the keys were a safe place for people to hide from the less attractive realities of late 1940s America.
Tom and Ronnie grow ever more endearing to me, as they face challenges and begin to ponder the realities of their future together. Each episode of this series pulls us a little deeper into the historical context of 1940s Florida, and immerses us more fully in the gentle hearts of these two ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances.
January 8, 2019
Epub from author, 149 pages
In southern Florida on their 'honeymoon' our intrepid heroes find their notoriety has pursued them - and they are precipitated into another murder investigation.
Doris Day makes a cameo appearance and Hemingway is mentioned... Part of th charm of these series is the period detail, as well as plot.
In southern Florida on their 'honeymoon' our intrepid heroes find their notoriety has pursued them - and they are precipitated into another murder investigation.
Doris Day makes a cameo appearance and Hemingway is mentioned... Part of th charm of these series is the period detail, as well as plot.
January 29, 2019
Enjoyed the mystery and interaction of the people
February 9, 2019
Oddly Conflicted
The story for this one has a few conflicted mo ents, where the plot seems to jump a bit. The denouement is quite convenient and the ending just sort of slides in.
The story for this one has a few conflicted mo ents, where the plot seems to jump a bit. The denouement is quite convenient and the ending just sort of slides in.
June 9, 2019
Good quick read
A very enjoyable read but not of the fast-paced quick drama of one's leading up to it . That being said I can't wait for the next one
A very enjoyable read but not of the fast-paced quick drama of one's leading up to it . That being said I can't wait for the next one
July 5, 2020
These books are so addictive-- couldn't stop reading. I loved this chance to see what Key West was like in 1947 as well.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews