A Step Beyond Chaos: An Alex Rutledge Mystery

by Tom Corcoran

A Saturday stroll on Duval, camera in hand, leads Alex Rutledge to helping Key West Police Detective Dexter Hayes in checking out the scene where a suspected heart attack victim shot a handgun to draw help. Meanwhile, Alex’s friend, Detective Beth Watkins, investigates a drive-by shooting in the Old Town area. Thus begins a string of odd deaths with few clues, little evidence, and unrelenting pressure.

A freelance magazine and ad agency photographer, Rutledge doesn’t go searching for police work. But the combo of his insight and ready help from The Aristocrats—offbeat private eyes Dubbie Tanner and Wiley Fecko—has built him a solid reputation for crime solution. When things look helpless, he gets the call.

Close friends, friends of friends, photographic clues, murderers killing murderers, and a growing list of suspects challenge the police in Key West and the Sheriff’s Office in the Lower Keys. When the jumble of crimes and criminals—living and dead—reaches a step beyond chaos, Rutledge wonders whether a calm approach will work better than a gun battle or a car chase. Maybe it won’t.

Genres: Mystery

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2022

About the author

There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Tom Corcoran first moved to Florida in 1970. He has been a disc jockey, bartender, AAA travel counselor, U. S. Navy officer, screenwriter, freelance photographer, automotive magazine editor, computer graphic artist, and journalist.

Reviews

[Fred Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an avid photographer, I was taken in early by the scenes of Rutledge ambling along, taking pix for the fun of it as this is a pastime I enjoy. Unfortunately, I can lift this from my review of his last one -Guess I am one of the few who found this story excessively populated, overly complicated, and reading more like a street gazetteer of Key West. Rutledge can't leave the house without telling you every street he crosses, the names of shops and restaurants and businesses, brands of cars and stories of neighbors. Random plot elements arise, extremely unlikely and repetitive. I enjoy the Rutledge character as a serious photographer and Key West is one of my favorite towns. I just never know when Corcoran is going to deliver a winner or a dud. This one is the latter.

Same issues, same rating.

[Bonnie Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Random shootings and not so random murders are plaguing Key West, and it appears that both the KWPD and the sheriffʻs office have given up on their official photographer, so Alex is getting more than his share of business, keeping him in tasty breakfasts and lunches as part of his payment.
I love the fact that most of the law enforcement officers in these novels are secure enough in their work that they can invite a civilian in to ask for advice. Probably breaking all kind of confidentiality rules, but they have learned that Alex has a keen mind and knows enough about the place that his instincts are usually spot on. Really liked this one!

[Thad Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another nice visit to the island of Key West. Yes, I know murders were involved. My friend Alex Rutledge and crew had everything under control as usual. These books are wonderful because the characters actually visit real places in the city. I feel like I have returned to the island I love. The changes are even noted so you feel they are for real.

If you are a fan of the keys or like your mysteries on a somewhat light hearted side, then I highly recommend this book.

[Tom Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely enjoy an Alex Rutledge book, but sometimes got lost in the descriptive narrative of the streets traveled to get to the various destinations. I say this while enjoying the description of the homes and businesses along these short walks. Now one needs to read this book, as it’s a good one to understand my one little problem with a good read.

[Paul McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly this was the last book in this extremely enjoyable series, as well as the last book the author wrote before dying from cancer in 2023.
I highly recommend the series but start with the first book. The lead character Alex is a very likable photographer and part time detective and all of the books take place in Key West.

[Diane Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Alex Rutledge

I absolutely love how Tom Corcoran writes. Having been to Key West several times, I can visualize the land marks,the bars,the restaurants. The title is perfect and this story with its many layers was a joy to read.

[Rick Cass · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not vintage Corcoran

Though there was a strong ending, it was work.to.get through the beginning of this book. I suspected that someone had kidnapped Corcoran and replaced him with a bot. Just not much pizzas with this one. Still a fan, though.

[Steven Conger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the Alex Rutledge series, with the death of author Tom Corcoran. I enjoyed the series immensely, and hate to see it end. This book seemed a little disjointed at times (compared to the others) but it was still a fun read. Any excuse to escape to Key West is alright by me!

[Rob Garretson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Alex Rutledge story!

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Corcoran is one of my favorite authors. It is especially fun to read his Alex Rutledge mysteries while vacationing in Key West where the books take place.

[Brian Wessner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Alex Rutledge mysteries and this one did not disappoint.