Town: Paradise Springs, Florida
Author: J.C. Kenney
Small-Town Life & Community
What’s the very first thing a newcomer learns about this town… whether they want to or not?
There are a lot of unusual residents, shall we say. The guy who runs the bodega at the Paradise Springs Marina may be 100 years old, but nobody really knows. There’s a recluse who lives on the edge of town who goes around after dark collecting recyclables who’s rumored to be a vampire. Oh, and don’t forget about the three sisters who own the Magnificent Marlin restaurant and entertainment center. Rumor has it that they may be witches.
Who unofficially runs the town, and do they know it?
I don’t know that he officially runs the town, but Goob’s been behind the counter at his bodega for as long as anyone can remember. Folks come to him for advice and to catch up on the latest news. His influence has been literally decades in the making, so when he speaks, people listen.
If the town had a motto, what would it really be?
“Welcome to Paradise Springs, where being weird is normal.”
What smells, sounds, or sights instantly tell you that this place is home?
Ah, the sound of the waves crashing against the sugar sand beaches. It’s so soothing that it’ll put you to sleep. In a good way!
What’s the most beloved comfort food in town—and who makes it best?
The Rip Tide Barbeque Shack serves up the best barbeque east of the Mississippi and side dishes, like homemade cornbread and country-style green beans, can’t be topped.
Where would I go to spend a lovely day reading a good book—and where would I pick up lunch to enjoy with it?
For lunch, I’d say The Lah-Di-Dah Cafe. It’s an adorable casual restaurant situated a stone’s throw from the ocean. The food tastes great, the staff is friendly, and the drinks are cold!
Secrets, Gossip & Suspicion
What’s the town’s worst-kept secret?
Pretty much anything, both legal and not-so-legal, can be obtained for the right price. Cash only, though. Cash is king in Paradise Springs.
Is there someone who insists they “never gossip,” but somehow knows everything?
That would be Elmo’s mom, Annabelle. She doesn’t even live in Paradise Springs. She lived in Indianapolis. Thanks to the friends she’d made over the years visiting Elmo, she knows every single thing that goes on in the town.
Traditions, Events & Seasons
What annual event brings out the best in everyone?
The holiday season, especially Christmas. It’s said that the residents of Paradise Springs spend the month of December doing good deeds to make up for the other eleven months spend misbehaving.
Which season defines this town, and why?
Halloween! Paradise Springs locals of all ages love to dress up. The more elaborate costume the better. Yards and porches are decorated to excess. While the kiddos devour gobs and gobs of candy, the grownups devour adult beverages in mass quantities. Overindulgence is not a thing in the Springs. Especially at Halloween.
What tradition would confuse outsiders but is perfectly normal to locals?
The annual Christmas boat parade. Dozens of vessels of all sizes and decorated in all fashions gather at the Paradise Springs Marina for a celebratory flotilla that the crowds enjoy watching from the short. It’s great fun and doesn’t get any more Paradise Springs-y than including a Santa wearing wraparound shades, smoking a stogie, and piloting a cigarette boat!
Insider Information
What’s the unspoken rule no one explains, but everyone expects you to follow?
You don’t ask about someone’s past. Never. Just don’t do it.
Is there someone who always finds themselves in the middle of the town’s shenanigans?
James Edison Gates, known to the locals as “Fibbin’ Jimmy” always has some kind of get rich quick scam going on. Watch your back when you’re dealing with him. He’ll try to steal the shirt off your back and then sell it at his T-shirt shop.
This is Our Town
What would locals say is the best thing about living here?
The weather’s great, the beaches are fantastic, and the people accept you for who you are. As long as you don’t start asking too man questions about your new friends.
PANIC IN THE PANHANDLE by J.C. Kenney
Elmo Simpson Mysteries #1
An alligator. A missing man. A murder that won’t stay buried.
In the sleepy panhandle of Florida, Benjamin “Elmo” Simpson has carved out a comfortable niche as the go-to wild animal removal specialist. Life is sweet until a peculiar service request takes him to a local condo and an unexpected scene. Retired lawyer Fran Cohen is missing and in his apartment is a well-fed alligator that appears to have enjoyed a nice breakfast with…or rather, of…Fran.
All evidence points toward murder, and local alligator farmer, Waldo “Rambo” Quigley has the motive and the means. When Rambo pleads for help to clear his name, old debts and a history of friendship leave Elmo no choice but to investigate. With his girlfriend, Nicola, by his side, and Rambo’s freedom on the line, Elmo’s on the hunt for the real killer, but don’t panic…Elmo’s got a plan…sort of. Maybe.
Reptilian clues lead to unexpected allies, and the call of danger is addictive. Can Elmo uncover the identity of Fran’s killer before becoming the next victim, removed from the scene like an unwanted pest?
Mystery Cozy [ Tule Publishing, On Sale: September 26, 2024, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781965640104 / ]
Buy PANIC IN THE PANHANDLE: Amazon.com | Kindle | BN.com | Books-A-Million | Indie BookShops | Ripped Bodice | Walmart.com | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
About J.C. Kenney
J.C. Kenney is the Agatha Award winning and bestselling author of mysteries full of oddball characters in unusual settings. “Panic In the Panhandle,” book 1 of his Elmo Simpson Mysteries series, was named one of the Ten Best Cozy Mysteries of 2024. He’s also the co-host of The Bookish Hour and A Bookish Moment webcasts. When he’s not writing, you can find him following IndyCar racing or listening to music. He has two grown children and lives in Indianapolis with his wife.
AMAZON
About Annie McEwen
Annie McEwen writes the Northwoods Mysteries, inspired by the pine forests and sparkling lakes of northern Wisconsin, where she spent childhood vacations and still visits family today.
A former farm kid, Annie now lives in rural Indiana with her husband. Their children and two young grandsons live nearby, making grandparenting her favorite role. Their home also includes four fur babies—two of whom appear in her books.
When she isn’t writing, Annie enjoys trash-to-treasure projects, gardening, working as a radiological technologist, and connecting with readers and fellow authors.
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