Customer Reviews

Key West Connection

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Randy Wayne White has carved his own little niche in crime fiction with his Doc Ford novels, a series of stories that are the worthy successors to John MacDonald's Travis McGee books. Long before Doc Ford, however, White wrote a different series: a set of throwaway thrillers featuring ex-SEAL Dusky MacMorgan. As White relates in the introduction to the first MacMorgan novel, Key West Connection, these were books that were written quickly and were not intended to be great literature. And he is right: this book isn't great, but for what it is, it's actually good.

Key West Connection introduces MacMorgan as a charter fisherman out in Key West, happily married and with two kids. When his best friend (and former SEAL buddy) is killed by pirates, MacMorgan seeks revenge and in the process runs into an old nemesis from his Navy days. This foe escapes death (and police custody) and tries to kill MacMorgan; the plan misfires and MacMorgan's wife and kids are killed instead. (For this type of adventure series, it is almost essential to free the hero of any committed relationships; the character needs to be something of a loner who can charm and sleep with a bevy of beauties.) MacMorgan, after a brief mourning period, is driven to violent vengeance, which occupies the bulk of the novel.

This is not War and Peace; it is not even the quality of a Doc Ford novel, but I have read other books that have aimed higher than Key West Connection and have fallen flat. As a quick, lightweight thriller, this is entertaining and fans should see the beginnings of the writer that White would become.

As the author (who has become one of the top action writers practicing today) points out in his preface, this was a first novel written under spec deadlines. Juvenalia is a speciality of scholarly study. Any of us who teach literature and creative writing classes love getting hold of this kind of piece. It's all here - outline plot, boldly drawn characters, unambiguous actions : no confusion, no subtlety. This is what beginning writers need to write. But not what readers need to read. I am sure that Mr. White will grab a new group of fans; they will not be the same ones who appreciate the Doc Ford novels, unless they want to know how far this artist has progressed. So, the middle ranking. If you expect the complexities of White's mature novels, don't go here. If you are curious about his early work, or if you want a demolition derby of an action novel, this is it.

It's always fun to see a writer grow. Doc Ford didn't spring, full grown, with that first story. As the author explains in the foreword, some needed money was raised the old fashoned way, pulp heroes. As many of the greatest writers did, White churned out a he-man adventure series, with plenty of knowing references to many of those writers. You'll have fun.

This may not be Doc Ford, but it's still compelling fiction. Randy Wayne White has certainly found the right way to fill the long gaps between his best-selling Doc Ford novels. This series was actually written in the early 80s, prior to his Sanibel-based series. Writing as Randy Striker,he found a great way to hone his talents in preparation for Doc Ford et al. Striker's Key West Connection is a little more hard-nosed, a bit more violent, even more action-packed than his other novels. For a first series, it still grabs your attention and keeps it until the last page. (I missed the tongue-in-cheek repartee between Tomlinson and Ford, and the good-hearted folks of Dinkin's Bay.) If you like Doc Ford, you will probably enjoy Dusky MacMorgan. Looking forward to the next title in the series.

I never knew about this series of books until last week. I was at the beach and ran to the book store, and found this book. It is by all means a page turner and a good summer beach read. I have read all of Randy's books, and I think these are (and going to be) great reads. I came home to by all six of Amazon, only to find out I guess they aren't all available yet. Darn, I thought I had the summer reading material all booked up. Guess I'll have to wait!!

A readable page-turner but White's Doc Ford series is much more advanced as far as characters, plot & writing style. Still this book is a good page-turner & reminiscent of the John D. McDonald series of the 70's and 80's. Nice nostalgia, but not in the same class with his more recent books.

I am very glad to have read the entire Doc Ford series before coming across this book. I certainly would not have bothered with anymore of Mr. White's novels if this were my first experience. Having said that, I did enjoy the book for what it was. A first effort.

Written in the style that was popular during the early 80's it is fast moving and doesn't require concentration. Anyone who read pulp fiction in the 80's remembers The Executioner series by Don Pendelton or The Survivalist series by Jerry Ahern. Same type novel, fast paced and entertaining, but not going to win any literary awards.

The plot is simple. Revenge, old nemesis, killings, sex, etc. To Mr. White's credit, his introduction to this reprint edition explains the circumstances behind the publication.

Perfect read during a plane flight. As I said, no concentration needed.

The hero in this book is a bit like Lee Child's Jack Reacher, but the plot is simpler than Child's typically is.

Anyone who travels the Keys will enjoy this book. Fast read, good traveling book.

If you like action and adventure then this is your book. If you are looking for the great American classic this may not be for you. The McMorgan series is much like Zane Gray and Louis L'amour novels. They are quick reads and fast paced stories with action and mystery from the first page to the last. White's McMorgan charater is a smart ex Navy SEAL, a loner who has high morals and a mean streak for the bad guys. It's all in what you want here folks. Randy Wayne White books would make a good Fathers Day gift or good vacation beach read for the guys.