Mangrove Lightning

A Doc Ford Novel, Book 24

By: Randy Wayne White

Narrated by: George Guidall

The ghosts of a 1925 multiple murder stalk Doc Ford in the electrifying new novel in the New York Times best-selling series.

Doc Ford has been involved in many strange cases. This may be one of the strangest.

A legendary charter captain and guide named Tootsie Barlow has come to him, muttering about a curse. The members of his extended family have suffered a bizarre series of attacks, and Barlow is convinced it has something to do with a multiple murder in 1925, in which his family had a shameful part.

Ford doesn't believe in curses, but as he and his friend Tomlinson begin to investigate, following the trail of the attacks from Key Largo to Tallahassee, they, too, suffer a series of near-fatal mishaps. Is it really a curse? Or just a crime spree? The answer lies in solving a near-hundred-year-old murder and probing the mind of a madman.

©2017 Randy Wayne White (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"White comes up with a novel way to re-examine historical crimes: reincarnate the criminals as fictional present-day killers. It's a crazy idea, and some crazy developments trail in its wake, but it works.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Showcases a quirky, ever-endearing cast...and, of course, White’s natural facility for old-school action. [P]lus there’s a spectacular face-off at the end ...that will have fans remembering some of John D. MacDonald’s grisliest villains. Hugely entertaining, especially for longtime fans.” (Booklist)

So, so

Not as good as last Doc Ford book. Vague and hard to follow. Thought more bootleg history would have been utilized. White seemed in a hurry to write this book. I was disappointed.

Not for the faint of heart

I’ve met the author in his travels. He’s a good man and a heck of a storyteller. This book is another home run. It’s not a towering shot over the green monster, but a line drive 10 ft off the ground that doesn’t drop for a second before it’s gone. One of his darker novels for sure. As usual, it was nice to hear from the old crew at Dunkin’s Bay, but this one isn’t just Key West and boats and exotic locations. It’s downright terrifying but it pays off in the end.

Not his best, very disjointed

I love Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford series but this one was very disjointed. The main story of the history of enslaved Chinese immigrants could have been better developed. And the secondary story was interspersed without enough detail. Not his best.

Scary Thriller.

The multiple voices in his head and story was super compelling. This book reminded me of a HBO TRUE DETECTIVE series. I liked the Hannah and Doc back story and Tommy finaly grabbing guns!

Too Many Concurrent Storylines

I'm a big fan but this one was hard to follow... too many separate storylines that didn't mesh smoothly...I had trouble keeping up with the story. Could've been 3 books!

Great!.

One of the better ones! A true Doc Ford disciple will appreciate White"s latest effort.

great read

Story moved around, well read. Living in FL, I know a lot of the locations and makes it very interesting.

Another great one

I always enjoy Doc Ford books, and this one is no exception. You can expect many twists and turns as always. The combo of Randy Wayne White and George Guidall can't be beat.

true to the Doc Ford tradition.

the only thing better would be a cool one in your hand, sitting next to Mr White at a ballgame. Great story.

Depressing

Gory and depressing with few lapses of the fun I associate with the Doc Ford novels.