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Laurence Shames

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 26 Books

4
Series
26
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books
Start with: Florida Straits (1992)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Angels' Share (2012)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: The Big Time (1986)

About Laurence Shames

Laurence Shames is one of the noteworthy authors of America who is famous for writing his novels based on the mystery, humor, thriller, and nonfiction genres. But, before going on to taste success in his writing career, he used to work in different jobs. Some of them included working as a taxi driver, furniture mover, dishwasher, shoe salesman, lounge singer, and lifeguard. When Laurence failed to make a name for himself in any of these professions he decided to turn towards writing full time in the year 1976. Since then, he has never done a day’s work other than writing. During the course of his writing career, author Laurence has published around 20 books and close to hundreds of articles and essays for various magazines. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series, Laurence Shames has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Laurence Shames

Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books
19 books 1992–2024
1

Florida Straits

Florida Straits is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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1992
2

Scavenger Reef

Scavenger Reef is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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1994
3

Sunburn

Sunburn is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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1995
4

Tropical Depression

Tropical Depression is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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1996
5

Virgin Heat

Virgin Heat continues the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books story arc with Laurence Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
6

Mangrove Squeeze

Mangrove Squeeze is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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1998
7

Welcome to Paradise

Welcome to Paradise continues the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books story arc with Laurence Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
8

The Naked Detective

The investigation intensifies in The Naked Detective, as this installment of the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Laurence Shames's creation.

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2000
9

Shot on Location

Shot on Location continues the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books story arc with Laurence Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
10

Chickens

Chickens continues the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books story arc with Laurence Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
11

Tropical Swap

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books with Tropical Swap, another outstanding contribution from Laurence Shames.

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2014
12

Key West Luck

Key West Luck is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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2015
13

One Strange Date

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books with One Strange Date, another outstanding contribution from Laurence Shames.

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2017
14

One Big Joke

One Big Joke continues the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books story arc with Laurence Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
15

Nacho Unleashed

Nacho Unleashed continues the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books story arc with Laurence Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
16

The Paradise Gig

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books with The Paradise Gig, another outstanding contribution from Laurence Shames.

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2020
17

Key West Normal

Key West Normal continues the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books story arc with Laurence Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
18

Relative Humidity

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books with Relative Humidity, another outstanding contribution from Laurence Shames.

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2023
19

Sunset Bluff

Sunset Bluff is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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2024
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 2012–2014
1

The Angels' Share

The Angels' Share continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Laurence Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
2

Money Talks

Money Talks is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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2014
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
4 books 1986–2006
1

The Big Time

The Big Time is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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1986
2

The Hunger for More

The Hunger for More is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Laurence Shames have come to expect.

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1989
3

Not Fade Away

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Not Fade Away, another outstanding contribution from Laurence Shames.

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2003
4

Living Large

Living Large continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Laurence Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 2001–2001
1

Natural Suspect

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Natural Suspect, another outstanding contribution from Laurence Shames.

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2001

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Laurence Shames?

Laurence Shames is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 26 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Laurence Shames series to start with?

For readers new to Laurence Shames's work, the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 19 books. Begin with Florida Straits to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Laurence Shames written?

Laurence Shames has written over 26 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Laurence Shames books in order?

Yes, reading Laurence Shames's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Laurence Shames write in?

Laurence Shames writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 26 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Laurence Shames's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Laurence Shames's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Laurence Shames's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Laurence Shames's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Key West Mysteries Books series. The first book, Florida Straits, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.