Sunset Island Paperback – January 10, 2015

SUNSET ISLAND is Elliott Mackle's third "Caloosa Club Mystery." It is as engaging as his first two, with its clear historical and cultural perspectives, and its microcosm of relatively free thinkers. Although third by publication date, it's story is the second -- fitting seamlessly between IT TAKES TWO and ONLY MAKE BELIEVE.The three novels' characters are three-dimensional. From major to minor, they are unique yet familiar; they have clear motivations, but can surprise you; they grow from beginning to end. Their voices are individual, their speech colloquial and colorful, and their behaviors are genuinely human and sometimes humane. When we see them alone or together, we know them physically and psychologically.Major plot lines in the series, are engaging mysteries. Incidents and circumstances are centered around that mystery. Even that which may seem inconsequential figures in, and the mystery in each novel reiterates Elliott's major themes of battling oppression,seeking truth, and remaining loyal to and protecting love..The setting is a “secret”, near-mystical place, in a legendary time. Mid-twentieth century Ft. Myers, Florida, is “out there”, and the Caloosa Club is “in here.” It is a community created for the pleasure, possibilities, and peace of mind of it's members/residents. It withstands upheaval, and it changes sooner than “out there” can or will.Mackle is very specific about the atmosphere of the Club – from the interior design, to the music that's played, the meals that are served, and the mechanics of how it functions. The images that his writing conjures are vibrant and sentimental.Of course, none of this is new. The best authors, playwrights, screenwriters, and television writers have been crafting stories like these for a very long time. Mackle succeeds in creating a complete world that readers should visit as often as possible, or in which they'll wish to live.

I've read the Captain Harding books and enjoyed them all so I bought Sunset Island and also enjoyed it. Eventually, I will read the other books in that series too. There were times when it got complicated by referring to the characters one time by first or last name or another time by rank or in some other form so it seemed as if there were more characters than the actually were. I also enjoyed the historical content because I like history.

Elliott Mackle is a treasure and always a pleasure. I love all of his series books ( Captain Harding...) the Caloosa Club mysteries are great !! As always...best to read the first one first. Mr. Mackle always has interesting plot twists and " I never saw it coming " endings. If you enjoy a good mystery and enjoy a gay male couple as heroes and lovers...you will LOVE this series. Thank you, Mr. Mackle for hours of reading enjoyment !

This is the first time I read a book by this Author, I loved it. A good murder mystery, with strong characters. I enjoyed Bud, and Dan they were strong characters. I loved the storyline of this book of stolen art. I have to get the other books in this series.

Fortunately, I caught this at a time when it was free (but I wouldn't pay $7.99 for an author unknown to me anyway). Unfortunately, I was unaware that this was the 3rd in the series (didn't read the description close enough). The book starts out with only a tiny amount of character development and setting up time and place, but clearly it makes a difference when you haven't read the other 2 books. And just within the first 8% of the book I had already had to go back several times to recall who was who, because there were 20 different characters introduced already. Keep in mind that 8% equals page 11. There's too much going on and too much drama, and this may be why it didn't hold my interest enough to keep reading. Or just the fact that it just wasn’t that interesting; it was too much like a soap opera.

Terrific story involving World War Two secrets, stolen art, illegal immigrants and murder, set in late 1940s South Florida. Couldn't put it down.

Another smashing success from Elliott Mackle. Why, oh WHY don't we get great dramas like this on Logo and QTv instead of those tired old drag race shows! These characters are exciting and well-formed. This is #3 of Mackle's books in this story line that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

A romp through Post WWII Florida, good plot, well written, hard to put down.