The mix of tropical sunshine and the intention of murder wrangles usually within the vision of Carl Hiassen down on the South Shores of Miami. Taking the angle from a more Western Florida standpoint, the visage of Matt Royal in “Fatal Decree” [H. Terrell Griffin/Oceanview/336pgs] gives the pulp element a good run for its money. Having not read previous incarnations of the character, “Decree” provides a good starting point progressing the man in question as a young retired beach bum who was one of the best lawyers in his day. The only questionable idea in the concept that isn’t quite explained is the money allowing for his laid-back existence. The progression of eat, sleep, drink and catch a murderer is quite smooth although the presence of never-ending sandwiches and new cocktail bars to show the geography is complete yet all the more suitable. That progression aside, the humor and pace of the book balanced with the darkness of what is transgressing with the murders of local women in Sarasota Bay ritual-style definitely creates a certain mood. The continuing element of Matt’s love unrequited for a local detective is both interesting but ultimately too 21st century. Matt is ever the gentleman even when his G-Man confidant and would-be partner-in-crime Jock gives him grief for it. Jock is the go-to guy in the book simply because he operates on the predication of “no rules” because of the agency he works for. The balance works for the most part but the passivity within this man comes out disgenuine at times. The best scenes in the book is when Matt is out of his comfort zone because that is when it screams Elmore Leonard. Both when he and his sometimes sidekick Logan are attacked at a mobile home on the edge of a sugar cane field and then during a drug kingpin attack just east of the Everglades get the blood flowing. The balance here motivates the rest of the book. The story strands including a back story of Guatamalan hitmen, a serial killer, a would-be Ponzi scheme and other threads simply are par for the course. Ultimately the revolutions come back to Matt and his pals hanging on the beach hoping to relax a little bit to find this side of paradise.

B

Tim Wassberg