True Secrets of Key West is WONDERFUL! I lived in Key West for years and was always annoyed by all the books people wrote that didn't know the REAL story. Books that claimed to be the real story...but they changed the names, dates and circumstances. This is one that got it right AND it was very funny to read. I give True Secrets of Key West my highest recommendation.

True Secrets of Key West is GREAT! I lived in Key West for years and was always annoyed by all the books people wrote that didn't know the REAL story. Books that claimed to be the real story...but they changed the names, dates and circumstances. This is one that got it right. I give True Secrets of Key West my highest recommendation.

Read this book prior to or contemporaneously with a trip to Key West. It gives you the full scoop on all of the santized facts from your tour guides. This book added a new dimension to our visit and was funny to boot. While it is somewhat hard to locate, it is well worth the effort. Also check out the website maintained by the authors.

Conch Shell Murder keeps you guessing from start to finish. Marvelous characters jump right off the page. The author's great sense of place makes you feel you are there, pulling for Katie Hassworth to solve the murder of Alexa Chitting a colorful, controversial Key West figure. A suspenseful, fun read.

This is a fast-paced read with a real-life
main character. Former teacher-turned-detective
Katie Hasworth must overcome inexperience,
adversity, and even a romance! And what's
not to love about the glamorous backdrop of
Key West, Florida? Unlike too many of the
haunted, super-human sleuths of today's whodunnits,
Katie is someone we can all relate to -- and cheer for.

Though she has partnered with former Miami cop Mac McCartel for two years, former schoolteacher Katie Hasworth has been bonded and licensed as a private detective for a few months. Her confidence is limited so she is hesitant to take on a murder investigation especially with her mentor out of town even though her landlady and friend Diane Dade asks her to look into the death of her mother Alexa Chitting. Reluctantly Katie agrees to investigate the homicide ruled a robbery gone bad by the Key West police and concurred with by Mac.

Katie begins her inquiries at the scene of the crime, Alexa's office, where the culprit killed the victim using a conch shell that ironically symbolizes birth. Katie finds an obscure bullet that the cops overlooked and believes more than just a robbery occurred as Alexa was changing her will. However, she wonders who were the losers if Alexa had signed her revised will and would one of them kill to keep his or her inheritance? Katie learns the answer as she becomes a target when she gets too close.

This engaging private investigative tale hooks readers because the heroine lacks confidence yet courageously seeks to solve the homicide against staggering professional odds. The story line reads more like an amateur sleuth cozy as the violence is left off the pages and Katie is learning on the job. Katie is a delightful individual and the support cast enables the audience to understand her, especially her fears, much better even when they fail to cooperate. Fans will enjoy Dorothy Francis' straightforward Florida (no major whackos) mystery.

Harriet Klausner

I'm usually a "nibbler" at books, reading a little now and a little later, whenever I have time, but with Cetacea I kept reading practically without pause. This was an interesting, informative book with exotic locales, well-developed characters, dramatic tension, and realistic dialogue. For the duration of the story, I felt as if I were in it -- seeing, feeling, hearing it all. Besides the gripping story line, Theresa Foley has called up an intriguing image of Key West that makes me want to visit her island at the southeast tip of the United States and perhaps do some dolphin-watching, myself. This is one of those enjoyable books that I'm sharing with my friends!

Cetacea was a real page-turner for me: I found myself holding my breath while cheering and fearing for the dolphins. The variety and depth of Ms. Foley's characters, the richness of her story line, and her knowledge of diving, dolphins, and dialog make this book a fine showcase of her exceptional writing skills. Cetacea truthfully captures the flavors and eccentricities of living and working in the Southernmost City-90 miles from Cuba, while skillfully and passionately blending equal amounts of suspense, ecological awareness, and mysticism. An impressive and hopeful message is conveyed to the reader in a very palatable form. I sincerely hope that Ms. Foley is working on a sequel.

You don't have to know Key West to enjoy this novel by an exciting new novelist because the drama beginning on page one quickly encaptures you. One of these "I couldn't put it down" books. Ms. Foley takes an allegation of training dolphins (cetacean) to kill and writes an intriguing mystery involving national and international politics mixed with adventures of the sea, including sailing and diving, plus a love story to capture your heart. Ms. Foley's skill in developing the characters is exceptional and the dialogue allows you to easily enjoy the story as it unfolds throughout the book to a climatic unexpected ending. Clearly the potential for a movie or TV special.

The Conch That Roared is a must-read book if you're traveling to the Florida Keys or are just an armchair reader! Why? This is the only book available which gives the visitor/reader a taste of the real flavor of Key West...and I'm not talking just key lime pie and conch fritters (both recipes and more are included in the back of the book).

Author Gregory King must have visited every bar up and down the the scenic area... from Key West, past Key Largo and to the Last Chance Saloon as well as the politico's to write with such flair and flavor. He captured the essence...the soul and spirits of those citizens who declared war on the United States.

This is a great gift to give to someone visiting the Key West. Include a bottle of Cuban rum (which presently is illegal), two cheap glasses, and Coke, as well as Nellie & Joe's Famous Key West Lime Juice. 1/2 pund of minced conch, or an equal amount of clams. This will make a great going-away gift as well as provide ingredients for wonderful Key West entertaining when your friends return.

Put on your favorite Jimmy Buffett album and read the book.The characters in King's book are delightful and colorful enough to make a movie. King did a wonderful writing job of introducing them all to the rest of us! Thanks for taking a bit of history and bringing it to life for the rest of us conch-heads!

I was getting so tired of stories on Miami. I had almost decided that Florida was now permanently off my personal "place to visit" list. That was before this delightful story, TRUE story, THE CONCH THAT ROARED arrived at my place. The well researched (and well illustrated) book took me on a magical if not bizarre journey to the end of Highway 1 in an explanation of how Key West became the Conch Republic and proceeded to seceed from the Union. Obviously author Gregory King is not only well verse with the place but also a most erudite interpretor of its story. He has made me want to drive (at least once) to Key West and experience what makes these folks so special. A word of warning though: you might have to use the recipe in the back of the book for Key Lime Pie to munch while reading this story. Or maybe drinking the Cuba Libre would be more appropriate?

Key West secedes from the Union, declares its independence -- and it's not fiction, it's history. King captures the quirky heart and spirit of Key West and reports from the insider's view the events that led to revolution. I was in Key West to celebrate the secession anniversary a few years ago. This book brings the story to life with a lot grins along the way. It is fun to learn the strategic thinking and ingenuity that went into the battle with the US government -- a credit to Key West islanders and a tribute to the American way! Pick it up, put on Jimmy Buffet and enjoy the ride.

This is a great book for the first time visitor to the Keys. It gives great tips on where to go to see the Keys from the locals veiw. It tells how to avoid the beaten paths (and tourists!) and see more of the history of the Keys. It has great reviews of the restaurants, entertainment, shopping and hotels available in all price ranges. The book gives great tips for any budget for travelling to the Keys. Its a must for any first time Keys visitor. Best book I've read about the travelling to the Keys.

Candace Leslie's Hidden Florida Keys And Everglades is a compact and reliable guide to the unique attractions and outdoor activities of Florida. Complete travel information is provided for sightseeing, lodging, dining, shopping, and urban nightlife. For the outdoor enthusiast there is sound advice and suggestions for camping, hiking, diving, canoeing, horseback riding, biking, and fishing. For the truly adventurous there are "hidden locales" where you can find such time capsules as the Historic Smallwood Store Museum, built in 1906 as a trading post for settlers and Seminole Indians; underwater attractions such as the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve where an 18th-century galleon went down in a hurricane; and Civil War sites such the Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Site featuring the remains of an 1845 fort. If you are Florida bound, begin your trip with a copy of Hidden Florida Keys And Everglades.

This book was great bringing us to some of the most interesting spots in Florida. Highly recommended for the person looking to get off the beaten track.

This is the best book for snorkeling I've ever found. The other books are so vague, they don't tell me much of anything. This one describes all the neat places to walk in from the beach and go snorkeling, how rough or calm the area is, how to get to various snorkeling beaches once I get there, whether the kids can safely swim in each area. It also has all the resorts that have snorkeling off their beaches, which is really nice for people traveling with small children and the airlines and travel stuff we need.

My wife and I found this book to be one of the best, Snorkeling guides we have ever used. We find all of the Huber's books to be informative, thorough, accurate, and fun to read as well. We love it! We buy new ones every time they update them with new info.

My wife and I, both avid snorklers, picked up a copy for our trip to the British Islands and found some really neat new spots. This is a terrific resource.

Considering we live in Key West, when I go into the book store I rarily if ever look at the 'touristy' books. While standing in line waiting to pay for my daughters new books, there was "Confessions of a Key West Cabby" next to the register. I flipped through it while waiting to be rung up and at the last second threw it in the pile. When I got home I started reading and did not put the book down till I was finished. Mr. Suib managed to introduce me to people and places in Key West that I never knew existed, or that I took for granted every day. Now I have his book in the back seat of my car as I drive around on daily errands I look around for that Pink Cab (and they are EVERYWHERE) with Michael Suib so I can score and autograph. Worth a read, over and over again for visitors, locals and wishful thinkers everywhere.

Michael Suib deftly captures the essence of humanity, one fare at a time, from the driver's seat of a Key West cab. Each story in this enchanting book delivers an insightful, humane and witty glimpse into the inhabitants of this wacky world we share. If you've never been to Key West, no worries! Michael's words will transport you. And for those who've been, one story and you'll feel like you're standing in the middle of Duval Street again. Waste no time in getting your copy--it'll put a smile on your face.

I began visiting Key West in 1979 before moving here permanently in 2001. I guarantee you Michael Suib has captured the true flavor of this "One Human Family" community, plus a univeral understanding of everyone's psyche, no matter where you live. Each vignette is right on the money. And, each one had me saying, "Oh, this is the best one in the whole book," to be followed by, "No it's this one; no, that one!"

Michael has the uncanny talent of getting to the very base of the human experience, and through humor, pathos, empathy and love of his fellow humans, shows us the best and worst of the human condition.

This book is a triumph of the human spirit. Michael Suib, poet, soul-searcher, talent extraordinaire, a giver and one of the "good people," of this world (along with his soulmate, Nancy Butler-Ross), has captured the soul of Key West and the human race wherever. Relish, savor, bathe in this book in which you will often see yourself. It doesn't get any better than this.

Of all the major "Keys" writers, Corcoran seems least frequent in publication, and this pays off in well written novels, or at least fast moving novels. He really is fun to read. Additionally, if you are "into" Key West, he's your writer. While there are actually two trips up and down to Miami, and a couple of "off island" forays, this book is centered in and plays on the ambience of that "last place in America." Alex Rutledge, Corcoran's photographer hero, tools up and down Simonton on his Cannondale or strolls the sidewalks of Duval, avoiding the overflow from Sloppy Joe's, dodging into Captain Tony's around the corner for an early beer. Certainly the Key West life style. There are many other little treasures: remembered sidewalk restaurants, cascades of bouganvillia on corners, the ocean mist, happy hour at Hog's Breath, regularly painted empty buildings. These are the observations of someone who knows the streets over time.

Dirty deeds in this novel, surprise, are linked to real estate development and illegal immigration. The two plots work, but are not systematically linked to each other. These are mingled with the unraveling of a relationship between Rutledge and his "roomie" Teresa, that not unfrequent disaster that comes about when two decide to live as one and abandon the freedom of separate apartments. As the novel drew to a close, I had the feeling that there were three distinct stories, all joined at Alex Rutledge. Still, both mystery plots are exciting, and enough to keep anyone reading the novel awake an extra hour. The romance ends, as is common in "Keys" novels with a promise of future solace.

For those who remember the days of clearing the pier of ships for sunset, or "tank" island (before the "condofying" of the island perimeter) wise contemporaries who bought Conch cottages for a song seem just a little long in the tooth. Such folk, also, have to be in their mid to late fifties and for we less lucky mortals self-knowledge forms plausability questions. One bit of K.W. zaniness, which someone eventually will seriously propose is a developer's Malory Square Dome with recorded projected sunsets to allow tourists to view the ten best in history. No mention of a guaranteed green flash, however.

I was an inhabitant of the islands in the early 80's before the place got popular and crowded. Corcoran's description of the characters and the long term residents of the keys are dead on. If you know the keys and key west well, you will really enjoy this book and the other Rutledge novels. Fans of the Travis McGee series and Carl Hiassen's books would really enjoy this story as well as the others Corcoran mysteries. Keep them coming Tom!

I have read all of the Alex Rutledge novels by Corcoran and this one beats them all. I felt as if I were on the streets of Key West. The dialogue is gutsy and dead on, characters to love and hate. Tom Corcoran spins a murder mystery with the best of them.

If you want a guide book with more than the basic superficial run of the mill tourist info this book is for you.

Lots of maps, tips and explanations of the deeper meaning behind the sites you're visiting.

I'm bringing this book with me on my trip!

Now in a updated and expanded new edition, John West's The Traveler's Key To Ancient Egypt continues to be the definitive guide to all of the sacred places of ancient Egypt. The ideal traveler's guidebook is enhanced with maps, diagrams, and photos to accompany the history and spiritual significance of Egypt's art, architecture, mythology, religion, and ritual practices. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, this traveler's guide reveals the hidden meaning of monuments, ancient city sites, as well as new research on the dating of the Sphinx. Travel tips include tour information, Nile cruises, what to bring and what to wear, shopping advice, as well as information on money, hotels, and restaurants. If you are planning a trip to the Land of the Pharaohs, beginning with a thorough perusal of John West's The Traveler's Key To Ancient Egypt!

This book is essential for any traveller to Egypt with a mind that is even slightly ajar, let alone open.

West gives an alternative account of the meaning of the monuments and antiquities to be seen in Egypt, more esoteric (though certainly not more difficult to understand) than that which is usually presented in guide books. He points out the details which brought him to the conclusion that the Giza Sphinx is in fact closer to 13,000 years old than the 4,500 years old that has been traditionally believed, and has a different viewpoint to the orthodox school in many cases. He presents both sides of the argument, and gives the information necessary to make up one's own mind based on observation of what is actually there to be seen.

On my first visit to Egypt, my companions and I felt rather sorry for tourists in groups with official guides, because they seemed to be missing out on at least half of the story, and in many cases the whole point.

I was particularly impressed with West's analysis of the architecture of the Temple of Luxor, based on the work of Schwaller de Lubicz, and once it was pointed out how the whole building maps onto a plan of the human skeleton, I found it very difficult to refute.

Whilst I did not always agree with his conclusions on every occasion, it cannot be disputed that West has raised thoroughly pertinent questions which conventional Egyptology has either glibly brushed under the carpet or failed to address at all.

another well-written bio on the one and only ernest hemingway. key west was/is a colorful place and so was ernie. i enjoyed this one. damn near felt like almost being there and enjoying a beer with ernie.

Of the many books about Hemingway, this is one of the most enjoyable I have yet found.

I discovered it when I was living in Eanes Lane, about 2 houses away from the Hemingway House, in Key West.

This book is one of the few that is really able to convey the atmoshphere of the place--imagine how quiet it must have been down there in the 30's, before A1A connected the Keys and EVERYBODY could get down there; Think of the parties Papa threw for his pals who came to visit; the sometimes beautiful, sometimes brutal weather; the sunsets, the fishing, the original Sloppy's.

I lived in Key Wierd for a couple years, and love it, but Papa's days MUST have been THE days! --Imagine bar hopping with Dos Passos or being able to sail over to Havana--the music! The nightclubs! The beaches! The Girls!--I digress, but you get the point. The recent release called "Hemingway's France" does very well describing the atmoshere of his Paris days. "Papa, Hemingway in Key West" does the same justice to the very productive and legend-shaping time he spent in Key West.

As well, there are several pages featuring a very good selection of photos from those days; including a couple black and white reproductions of great Waldo Peirce paintings in his typically loose, energetic style.

This is one of my favorite Hemingway references, and I turn to it repeatedly.

This is the first book review I've ever written, and it is because I know Hemingway fans will really enjoy Mr. McLendon's book.

The best book I have ever read on the life and times of Hemingway. Extremely insightfull into the man and his life after key west.