Before hitting the beach or lounging in the summer sun, grab one of these books written by Florida authors — many of them Bay-area residents. Enjoy these picks by Alsace Walentine, owner of St. Petersburg’s Tombolo Books, and Ben Montgomery, New York Times best-selling author and visiting professor at the University of South Florida.
Cigar City: Tales from a 1980s Creative Ghetto
By Paul Wilborn
Through connected short stories, Tampa native Paul Wilborn explores the lives of young writers, musicians and other artists who developed Ybor City’s surreal art scene in the 1980s.
Sunset Beach
By Mary Kay Andrews
This novel follows Drue Campbell’s journey from cubicle rat at her father’s law office to full-time investigator when a suspicious death uncovers possible corruption in the firm. Mary Kay Andrews, born and raised in St. Petersburg, packs the pages with landmarks from her hometown. “This is the perfect summer read for locals,” says Alsace Walentine.
Worm Fiddling Nocturne in the Key of a Broken Heart: Stories
By Kimberly Lojewski
Kimberly Lojewski, an Ocala resident, stretches the boundaries of reality with 11 short stories of fairy tales, folktales and dark, whimsical oddities that are tied together with magical realism.
Gone Too Long
By Lori Roy
Get lost in this thriller that tangles readers in family secrets and a deep-rooted hatred that leaves two women fighting for their lives. A resident of St. Pete, Roy puts a Southern twist on this gothic thriller (out June 25).
Miraculum
By Steph Post
When Ruby Chole, a tattooed snake charmer working in her father’s carnival, falls for a new employee, she is forced to act when her newfound lover turns out to be an inhumane murderer. Post, now living in Brooksville, constructs a Southern fantasy set in 1922.
Arthur Ashe: A Life
By Raymond Arsenault
University of South Florida St. Petersburg professor Raymond Arsenault details the life of Arthur Ashe, an iconic American tennis player who doubled as an influential civil rights activist.
