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The Romantical Adventures of Whit & Eddie #14
Philadelphia Freedom
Monday, July 4, 2022
It's the Fourth of July and Whit and Eddie suddenly find themselves back in the good ole U. S. of A. just in time for a pool party in Daytona Beach.
Waking up in time to see the dawn from the back patio of their brand-new house on the beach is a wonderful way to start the day.
But then a wayward beach ball suddenly causes the day to take a turn for the irritating as they meet four guys who aren't quite as thrilled to meet Whit and Eddie as one might expect.
Being the richest men in the world doesn't guarantee undying affection, after all. In fact, it can mean the exact opposite and does more often than not.
In any event, the day continues and brings friends and family poolside for a festive gathering.
It's all fun and games until the phone rings and it's the Daytona Beach police.
A man seen entering Whit and Eddie's house earlier has been found murdered and the most likely suspect is the man's husband.
The questions keep piling up.
Is the husband who he claims to be?
Who dumped the body and why?
How was he really killed?
Why was the body left right by Whit & Eddie's house?
None of the answers are obvious until the one key slides into place and the whole truth comes rushing out.
It's the Fourth of July and Whit and Eddie suddenly find themselves back in the good ole U. S. of A. just in time for a pool party in Daytona Beach.
Waking up in time to see the dawn from the back patio of their brand-new house on the beach is a wonderful way to start the day.
But then a wayward beach ball suddenly causes the day to take a turn for the irritating as they meet four guys who aren't quite as thrilled to meet Whit and Eddie as one might expect.
Being the richest men in the world doesn't guarantee undying affection, after all. In fact, it can mean the exact opposite and does more often than not.
In any event, the day continues and brings friends and family poolside for a festive gathering.
It's all fun and games until the phone rings and it's the Daytona Beach police.
A man seen entering Whit and Eddie's house earlier has been found murdered and the most likely suspect is the man's husband.
The questions keep piling up.
Is the husband who he claims to be?
Who dumped the body and why?
How was he really killed?
Why was the body left right by Whit & Eddie's house?
None of the answers are obvious until the one key slides into place and the whole truth comes rushing out.
570 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2022
3 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 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 24, 2022
It's always such a joy to come back to these beautiful, well-loved characters =D
Whitt and Eddie are back and they are settling in their Florida's James Bond’s pad (at least, according to Whitt *laughs*). But, of course, troubles soon arrive at their door and they get involved in a murder case that proves to be very complicated. Look, everybody has a theory but they can't agree about the suspect, and that's great :P
It's really engaging, with quite a bit of action and that wonderful feeling of friendship and community that you always find in Mr Butterfield's books.
I loved it :D
Whitt and Eddie are back and they are settling in their Florida's James Bond’s pad (at least, according to Whitt *laughs*). But, of course, troubles soon arrive at their door and they get involved in a murder case that proves to be very complicated. Look, everybody has a theory but they can't agree about the suspect, and that's great :P
It's really engaging, with quite a bit of action and that wonderful feeling of friendship and community that you always find in Mr Butterfield's books.
I loved it :D
September 21, 2022
What a wonderful story. I especially appreciated the longer length of the book. There was plenty of action to keep the reader engaged. The story also showed how much Whit and Eddie have grown in their relationship. Once again it was like catching up with old friend's life. Definitely recommend reading.
June 6, 2024
Youse Don’t Wanna Miss This!
Whit and Eddie are back in the U.S. and settling into their new Daytona Beach home, which Whit describes as “James Bond’s pad in Key West.” A tossed beach ball bounces their return to normalcy right out the window, though. A murder ensues, leaving a body in a parked car adjacent to their home. Coincidence?
Daytona PD liaison, Lt. Michael Rossi, a southern boy with a South Philly accent, is on the case and investigating. Simultaneously, everyone seems to have a theory as to who killed Tommy Whittaker, complete with their own observations and logic to support their accusations.
Lots of action in this story, including white-knuckle, run-for-your-life car chases with Eddie and Mario stomping on the gas as getaway drivers.
WilliamsJones receives a new, unofficial corporate motto, reflecting the staff effluence of emotion. It’s courtesy of Eddie and soundly describes all owners and staff, including the original gang of Consolidated Security.
Bob and Mario have flown the island coop, following an update on the indictment for which they were charged with murder.
And a marvelous tip of the hat to J. B. Sanders’ Glen and Tyler. Our guys remark how much they love those characters, with Eddie clarifying, “Unlike Tyler, I am a real person.”
Finally, someone might be getting a Florida P.I. license. Hmmm… very interesting.
This is a winding tale of murder with red herrings galore, yet rich in emotional depth, which so characterizes the Whit and Eddie stories. This one kept me guessing to the very end. It’s a great read and packed with mystery, intrigue, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Not to be missed!
Whit and Eddie are back in the U.S. and settling into their new Daytona Beach home, which Whit describes as “James Bond’s pad in Key West.” A tossed beach ball bounces their return to normalcy right out the window, though. A murder ensues, leaving a body in a parked car adjacent to their home. Coincidence?
Daytona PD liaison, Lt. Michael Rossi, a southern boy with a South Philly accent, is on the case and investigating. Simultaneously, everyone seems to have a theory as to who killed Tommy Whittaker, complete with their own observations and logic to support their accusations.
Lots of action in this story, including white-knuckle, run-for-your-life car chases with Eddie and Mario stomping on the gas as getaway drivers.
WilliamsJones receives a new, unofficial corporate motto, reflecting the staff effluence of emotion. It’s courtesy of Eddie and soundly describes all owners and staff, including the original gang of Consolidated Security.
Bob and Mario have flown the island coop, following an update on the indictment for which they were charged with murder.
And a marvelous tip of the hat to J. B. Sanders’ Glen and Tyler. Our guys remark how much they love those characters, with Eddie clarifying, “Unlike Tyler, I am a real person.”
Finally, someone might be getting a Florida P.I. license. Hmmm… very interesting.
This is a winding tale of murder with red herrings galore, yet rich in emotional depth, which so characterizes the Whit and Eddie stories. This one kept me guessing to the very end. It’s a great read and packed with mystery, intrigue, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Not to be missed!
October 6, 2022
Back from Poland (reluctantly) Eddoe and Whit move into the new house in Daytona - initially not too thrilled by it - but are soon embroiled in a mystery...
A rather longer and more complex episode than usual - and all the more welcome! - we cover a lot of ground (ending up in back in Texas for the new season, with the Matadors expected to do well) and there are a number of car chases to add a bit more spice. It was also delightful to have some 'ghost' encounters with past cast members (and a rather splendid 'noir' interview between Eddie and Nick) as well as some references to past events. Oh - Bob and Mario make it back from Henry's Island!
Another most excellent volume (number 14!) in this series - and highly recommended, as are all the Frank W Butterfield books!
A rather longer and more complex episode than usual - and all the more welcome! - we cover a lot of ground (ending up in back in Texas for the new season, with the Matadors expected to do well) and there are a number of car chases to add a bit more spice. It was also delightful to have some 'ghost' encounters with past cast members (and a rather splendid 'noir' interview between Eddie and Nick) as well as some references to past events. Oh - Bob and Mario make it back from Henry's Island!
Another most excellent volume (number 14!) in this series - and highly recommended, as are all the Frank W Butterfield books!
October 1, 2022
5 stars! Like sitting with old friends
Like sitting with old friends and catching up; this one continues all the good, comfort feelings that come with Whit and Eddie and their vast array of secondary characters in their every day lives, both mundane and extraordinary. This one also includes serious bad guys and a dangerous, exciting car chase.
What else can I say? I love these guys and this series!
Like sitting with old friends and catching up; this one continues all the good, comfort feelings that come with Whit and Eddie and their vast array of secondary characters in their every day lives, both mundane and extraordinary. This one also includes serious bad guys and a dangerous, exciting car chase.
What else can I say? I love these guys and this series!
January 6, 2023
Philadelphia Freedom (Whit and Eddie 14)
By Frank W. Butterfield
Published by the author, 2022
Five stars
This was an especially long and rich episode in the saga of Whit Hall and Eddie Smith. I somehow read it out of order, having already finished book 15 in the series (Rock the Boat). Philadelphia itself seems irrelevant (other than being a song title), other than the fact that a Daytona Beach detective, Mike Rossi, speaks with a Philadelphia accent, even though he’s not from there. I have no idea.
This book starts with our boys being ousted from their castle in Poland, and the details of that incident resonate through the story. Mostly, things take place in Florida, with some time at the farm in Texas – the season being that of the transitional switch to the San Antonio area with the start of the Matadors training season.
The story, however, is all about complications that arise following a seemingly innocent visit by four gay men to the heavily-guarded new compound custom-built for Whit and Eddie (lovingly referred to as the Beach Fortress). There is a moment in the story where Eddie wryly realizes how accustomed to being a billionaire he has become, with all its conveniences and attendant dangers. The bizarreness of being constantly surrounded by people who are paid to protect you is mitigated by the fact that Whit and Eddie actually love many of those people, and see them as both friends and family.
As always, this story is all about relationships, brought to the fore of the narrative arc by the appearance of such welcome characters as Beverly Showalter, Whit’s adoptive grandmother (known as Mee-Maw), and her husband Jack (who once played football with Whit). Importantly, we have the long-absent denizens of Henry’s Island in the South Pacific, Mario Ossler and Bob Jenkins, who finally pay a visit. Whit and Eddie’s evolving marriage partnership is at the heart of the book, but their attachments, emotional and professional, to many of the people around them are crucial both to the mood of the book and our understanding of the characters.
Two instances here struck me, both of them having to do with Eddie’s dislike of a character he’s dealing with. One is a young employee at Monumental Picture’s Daytona studio, and while I’ve forgotten the character’s name, it’s a clear moment when Eddie realizes that his dislike comes from not just letting that person be himself, and giving him what he needs to do his job—which entirely defuses the dislike. The bigger version of this is with the Dayton detective, Mike Rossi, to whom Eddie takes an immediate dislike. A great deal of the murder mystery plot, and a complex one it is, too, involves Eddie and Mike Rossi working together. Watching the development of their relationship is splendid.
As is true in many of these books, and the Nick & Carter series that preceded it (of course Nick and Carter appear in this book, too), family is a big notion. Plot aside, this book continues explore the many ways one can define, love, grieve for, and resent family.
Frank Butterfield carries us over familiar ground, but never fails to surprise us.
By Frank W. Butterfield
Published by the author, 2022
Five stars
This was an especially long and rich episode in the saga of Whit Hall and Eddie Smith. I somehow read it out of order, having already finished book 15 in the series (Rock the Boat). Philadelphia itself seems irrelevant (other than being a song title), other than the fact that a Daytona Beach detective, Mike Rossi, speaks with a Philadelphia accent, even though he’s not from there. I have no idea.
This book starts with our boys being ousted from their castle in Poland, and the details of that incident resonate through the story. Mostly, things take place in Florida, with some time at the farm in Texas – the season being that of the transitional switch to the San Antonio area with the start of the Matadors training season.
The story, however, is all about complications that arise following a seemingly innocent visit by four gay men to the heavily-guarded new compound custom-built for Whit and Eddie (lovingly referred to as the Beach Fortress). There is a moment in the story where Eddie wryly realizes how accustomed to being a billionaire he has become, with all its conveniences and attendant dangers. The bizarreness of being constantly surrounded by people who are paid to protect you is mitigated by the fact that Whit and Eddie actually love many of those people, and see them as both friends and family.
As always, this story is all about relationships, brought to the fore of the narrative arc by the appearance of such welcome characters as Beverly Showalter, Whit’s adoptive grandmother (known as Mee-Maw), and her husband Jack (who once played football with Whit). Importantly, we have the long-absent denizens of Henry’s Island in the South Pacific, Mario Ossler and Bob Jenkins, who finally pay a visit. Whit and Eddie’s evolving marriage partnership is at the heart of the book, but their attachments, emotional and professional, to many of the people around them are crucial both to the mood of the book and our understanding of the characters.
Two instances here struck me, both of them having to do with Eddie’s dislike of a character he’s dealing with. One is a young employee at Monumental Picture’s Daytona studio, and while I’ve forgotten the character’s name, it’s a clear moment when Eddie realizes that his dislike comes from not just letting that person be himself, and giving him what he needs to do his job—which entirely defuses the dislike. The bigger version of this is with the Dayton detective, Mike Rossi, to whom Eddie takes an immediate dislike. A great deal of the murder mystery plot, and a complex one it is, too, involves Eddie and Mike Rossi working together. Watching the development of their relationship is splendid.
As is true in many of these books, and the Nick & Carter series that preceded it (of course Nick and Carter appear in this book, too), family is a big notion. Plot aside, this book continues explore the many ways one can define, love, grieve for, and resent family.
Frank Butterfield carries us over familiar ground, but never fails to surprise us.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews