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Laurence Shames Books in Order
Laurence Shames is a prolific author with a diverse background, having previously worked as a New York City taxi driver, lounge singer, furniture mover, lifeguard, dishwasher, gym teacher, and shoe salesman. However, it was in 1976 that he turned to writing full-time, and he has been a full-time author ever since. With over twenty published books and hundreds of magazine articles and essays to his name, Shames is best known for his critically acclaimed Key West Capers series, which consists of 14 titles and counting. He has also achieved success as a collaborator and ghostwriter, penning four New York Times bestsellers that have appeared on four different lists under various pseudonyms. Born in 1951 in Newark, New Jersey, Shames graduated summa cum laude from NYU in 1972 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. His writing career has been marked by a dedication to creative storytelling and a willingness to challenge conventional norms.
Bibliography verified: April 2026
Quick Answer
What are all of Laurence Shames's book series? Laurence Shames has written 4 book series. The most notable is the Key West Mysteries series.
Complete series list with all books in reading order below.
Book Series by Laurence Shames
- #1
Florida Straits(1992) - #2
Scavenger Reef(1994) - #3
Sunburn(1995) - #4
Tropical Depression(1996) - #5
Virgin Heat(1997) - #6
Mangrove Squeeze(1998) - #7
Welcome to Paradise(1999) - #8
The Naked Detective(2000) - #9
Shot on Location(2013) - #10
Chickens(2014) - #11
Tropical Swap(2014) - #12
Key West Luck(2015) - #13
One Strange Date(2017) - #14
One Big Joke(2017) - #15
Nacho Unleashed(2019) - #16
The Paradise Gig(2020) - #17
Key West Normal(2021) - #18
Relative Humidity(2023) - #19
Sunset Bluff(2024)
- #1
Endangered Species (By: Catherine Hapka)(2005) - #2
Secret Identity (By: Catherine Hapka)(2005) - #3
Signs of Life (By: Frank T. Thompson)(2006) - #4
Bad Twin (As: Gary Troup)(2006) - #5
Natural Suspect(2001)
- #1
The Big Time(1986) - #2
The Hunger for More(1989) - #3
Not Fade Away(2003) - #4
Living Large(2006)
- #1Bad Twin (As: Gary Troup)(2006)
- #2
The Angels' Share(2012) - #3
Money Talks(2014)
About Laurence Shames
Laurence Shames is a prolific author with a diverse background, having previously worked as a New York City taxi driver, lounge singer, furniture mover, lifeguard, dishwasher, gym teacher, and shoe salesman. However, it was in 1976 that he turned to writing full-time, and he has been a full-time author ever since. With over twenty published books and hundreds of magazine articles and essays to his name, Shames is best known for his critically acclaimed Key West Capers series, which consists of 14 titles and counting. He has also achieved success as a collaborator and ghostwriter, penning four New York Times bestsellers that have appeared on four different lists under various pseudonyms. Born in 1951 in Newark, New Jersey, Shames graduated summa cum laude from NYU in 1972 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. His writing career has been marked by a dedication to creative storytelling and a willingness to challenge conventional norms.
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