Rating: 
Summary: Tedious and confusing
Review: I loved the Travis Mcgee series from John D. MacDonald and was hoping Alex Rutledge could come close. While the main character Alex was tolerable, the story line was confusing due to the number of characters and the number of law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. Other than Alex, I did'nt feel that the characters were well developed and by the end did'nt know whether they were good guys or bad guys. Despite this, due to the setting of Key West, I would be willing to give another shot to an Alex Rutledge story.
Rating: 
Summary: Beach Reading
Review: I will keep this short, but if you are heading for a winter trip to the islands, this is a great read. Just take this mystery to Key West for a long weekend and enjoy. This is how I expect to enjoy my second read of this KW local novel. -- Have Fun --
Rating:
Summary: Beach Reading
Review: I will keep this short, but if you are heading for a winter trip to the islands, this is a great read. Just take this mystery to Key West for a long weekend and enjoy. This is how I expect to enjoy my second read of this KW local novel. -- Have Fun --
Rating:
Summary: 'The Mango Opera' Sure To Please Parrot Heads.
Review: If you're a Jimmy Buffett fan and like whodunnits, you're about to become a Tom Corcoran fan. This debut novel by the long time Key Wester and Buffett pal instantly transports the reader "down island", leading them through the streets and alleyways of Old Town. Like the unlikely heroes of Carl Hiaasen, freelance photographer Alex Rutledge finds himself embroiled in murder and mystery as several former girlfriends are found dead in gruesome circumstances. Corcoran skillfully leads the reader through a plot that twists and turns as often as the Florida weather changes. As the hero becomes the suspect, he also becomes detective as he tries to cope with the deaths of his former lovers and how to warn those who are still alive that someone may be after them. An engrossing tale complete with good and bad cops, Cuban expatriates, various thugs and a few good friends, 'The Mango Opera' delivers an excellent whodunnit experience.
Rating:
Summary: 'The Mango Opera' Sure To Please Parrot Heads.
Review: If you're a Jimmy Buffett fan and like whodunnits, you're about to become a Tom Corcoran fan. This debut novel by the long time Key Wester and Buffett pal instantly transports the reader "down island", leading them through the streets and alleyways of Old Town. Like the unlikely heroes of Carl Hiaasen, freelance photographer Alex Rutledge finds himself embroiled in murder and mystery as several former girlfriends are found dead in gruesome circumstances. Corcoran skillfully leads the reader through a plot that twists and turns as often as the Florida weather changes. As the hero becomes the suspect, he also becomes detective as he tries to cope with the deaths of his former lovers and how to warn those who are still alive that someone may be after them. An engrossing tale complete with good and bad cops, Cuban expatriates, various thugs and a few good friends, 'The Mango Opera' delivers an excellent whodunnit experience.
Rating:
Summary: Kudos to the Mango Opera!
Review: It's always a pleasure to become engrossed in a new author's first mystery: lose yourself in the intricacies of plot and characters; dawdle over the end, not quite wanting it to be over; and, finally, finish, looking forward to a new favorite sleuth's next case. Tom Corcoran's Alex Rutledge created indelible images of himself, his fellow Floridians, and of Key West itself. This was a fun, and highly recommended, read.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful read.
Review: Looking for a book for the plane ride home, I found Mango Opera on the last day of a recent stay in Key West. It hooks you early, moves fast, and it's difficult to put down. Tom Corcoran does a great job of capturing the offbeat flavor of Key West and the people who live there. If you don't know Key West it's a great read, if you do then Corcoran's descriptions will make you feel as if you're back there again. It's a great book with some unique twists and turns where the characters act like real people. I'm looking forward to his next book.
Rating: 
Summary: One great way to officially begin the summer "must reads"
Review: Now that summer is "officially" here and we have (or take) the time to read those books so often put away or put off until a better time, Mango Opera is a great book to top the "must read" list. Being a land-locked midwesterner that yearns for the spray of saltwater and the taste of fresh seafood, Alex took me on many a "tour" via motorcycle, bike, or on foot to these places. Unfortunately, hang around with Alex too long, and you might be taking the final tour, so to speak. This book's only flaw was the sometimes confusingly large cast of characters. I would find myself having to review by going back a few pages. But happily, once I began reading again, the characters and the plot all took shape nicely. It's a great first try by the author, and for this Parrothead, any reference to Jimmy Buffett, the sun, the sea, or Key West makes it a winner!
Rating:
Summary: Great find!
Review: Picked up this beauty during a recent week at the Simonton Court in Key West. What a great find! Strong characters. Intricate plot. Swirling conclusion. Hope Corcoran writes again (but not about Mustangs!). The pages of my copy of Mango Opera are are stained by margaritas, fishing bait, sunscreen, peel-and-eat shrimp and Corona. I can't think of a more appropriate tribute.
Rating:
Summary: Makes you want to go (and stay) in Key West and explore!
Review: The Mango Opera is a must for anyone who has aspirations to or has traveled to Key West, Florida. This book comes to life with mental pictures if you have visited the very establishments and streets mentioned in the adventures of Alex Rutledge. The essence of the culture of promiscuity, alcohol, and divergent thinking of Key West is painted well in this book. It is a soft, murder-mystery and an easy read. I especially recommend this as a vacation book or an airplane ride book.
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