A quirky, character-driven Florida mystery with humor, heart, and a delightfully oddball cast, Rip Tide Retired blends cozy sleuthing with Gulf Coast absurdity in a way that feels both exaggerated and strangely familiar. As a former Florida resident, I found myself laughing at the chaos while nodding at the reality beneath it — red tide, leaky boats, fire ants, and small-town gossip included.
About the Book
Daniel “Gumbo” Malone didn’t expect early retirement to involve exploding khakis, a questionable boat named Second Wind, or a rum-soaked marina bum with dubious Navy SEAL credentials. But Cedar Key, Florida has a way of turning even the most ordinary man into a reluctant detective.
What begins as a simple case, recovering a kidnapped lawn flamingo, quickly spirals into a bizarre mystery involving cryptic notes, glitter-bombed crime scenes, an obsessive fan club, and hints that the infamous Palm Frond Killer may not be guilty after all. With help from his iguana-toting librarian neighbor Margot and hindered by Flip’s chaotic “investigative techniques,” Gumbo stumbles through one mishap after another, trying to untangle a case that’s far stranger than anything actuarial tables ever prepared him for.
BookHookUp Review: Red Tide Retired
This book is funny, easy to read, and packed with character-rich humor. Gumbo is instantly likable; a man with the bumbling finesse of Inspector Jacques Clouseau but enough self-awareness to recognize when he’s made a mess of things. You root for him because he’s earnest, well-meaning, and wonderfully human.
The Florida absurdity is spot-on. The author pokes fun at small-town Gulf Coast life in a way that feels affectionate and familiar: everyone knows everyone’s business, the quirks are endless, and even fire ants become comedic weapons. The marina antics, the leaky boat, and the red tide references all rang true.
The humor shines brightest in the situational mishaps and character banter. A few moments felt contrived, a clue too convenient here, a decision not fully earned there, but the steady pacing, engaging mystery, and consistent laughs more than made up for it. The showdown at the end is imaginative, suspenseful, and still sprinkled with humor, delivering a satisfying conclusion while setting the stage for more Gumbo adventures.
A delightful blend of cozy mystery charm and Florida satire.
***
I received a free copy of this book through Book Funnel. No compensation was received for this review; all thoughts are my own. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Book HookUp participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
BookHookup Content Note
Clean fiction. No graphic violence, language, or adult content. Humor-forward with light suspense and quirky characters.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
Alpacas and Alibis by Ramey James — A charming cozy mystery where small-town quirks, gentle humor, and an alpaca farm set the stage for a light, engaging whodunit.
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun — A classic mystery featuring a journalist and his uncannily perceptive cat, unraveling local secrets with wit and warm, character-driven sleuthing.
Florida Roadkill by Tim Dorsey — A wild, satirical ride through Florida’s strangest corners, packed with eccentric characters, sharp humor, and over-the-top misadventures.
Let’s connect!
I focus on clean fiction across genres, historical romance, fantasy, suspense, crime, children’s, and more. When books include content that may not be suitable for all readers, I provide clear disclaimers so you can choose wisely.
📖 Read more book reviews on Book Hookup
⭐ Follow me on Goodreads for updates and reviews across all genres - Goodreads Books I've read📸 Join me on Instagram for quotes, bookish highlights, and behind-the-scenes posts My Instagram
🐦 Follow me on X (Twitter) for quick book insights and discussion as well as news about my own books. Donna Sundblad
👍 Share this review with readers who enjoy thoughtful, clean, and engaging fiction!