He has blood on his hands, a mysterious poker chip in his pocket, shadows over his shoulder and a sexy cop in his bed. John Pilate is in trouble again--and the only way out is to find the key…Pilate's Key.
Life's A Beach for John Pilate…
On the mend from a near-death experience in the snowy Midwest, John Pilate is taking it easy on the sun-soaked beaches of Key West. Umbrella drink in hand, Pilate is writing a book and getting some much-needed therapy to deal with his imaginary friend Simon. He's also pondering the future with his new love, Kate. Life is looking up for John Pilate…until he is drawn into a world of murder, pirates, conch fritters and smart aleck remarks from invisible men.
He has blood on his hands, a mysterious poker chip in his pocket, shadows over his shoulder and a sexy cop in his bed. John Pilate is in trouble again--and the only way out is to find the key…Pilate's Key.
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This is Book Two in the acclaimed John Pilate series. Book One: "Pilate's Cross" is available now on Amazon in ebook and paperback.
A 2012 Kindle Book Award Semi-Finalist for Best Mystery/Thriller!
Professional Reviews
Tripping on Pilate's Key
Read Pilate's Key on a bumpy plane ride recently, and it completely took my mind off my white-knuckled peril. This book is a trip. There's just the right balance of drama, comedy, and intrigue to move the plot along quickly.
The characters are well drawn -- especially the protagonist John Pilate, who has a George Clooney (ala Coen Brothers) quality. The cast of supporting characters are equally compelling -- including a sultry bartender, a salty old coot named Taters, and Simon, the snarky voice in Pilate's head.
I loved the setting in Key West. Years ago, I spent a day there but remembered little -- except for Hemingway's 6-toed cats. This book is well-researched and provides a great sense of place.
Pilate's Key has hung with me -- long after that plane ride. I highly recommend it.
Great Becoming Greater
Pilate holds on to his oft intrusive demon ( at least when the meds don't wear off.). Here we meet the real hero - not a shining knight in armor, but with cleverly applied defenses like being clad in aluminum foil. Pilate's past and present conspire to move his future along in unusual and sometimes twisted ways. Well intentioned at every turn, Pilate makes a series of poor judgements which will affect his future choices on many levels. Mistakes, although altruistic, create fascinating challenges for John to resolve while the reader watches from the second seat of the roller coaster. This book will establish another fan base eager to see what will happen to Pilate - what he can get into - what he can get out of. Pilates will never recover from his adventures unscathed, but you, the reader, will relish ever step of how he deftly moves through each book with eager anticipation. You will walk away from this book unscathed, but upon reflection you'll say "I want more! And more you will receive. And soon!
Another fun adventure
love reading this series. I find myself thinking about the story line as I am driving down the road or waiting in the Doctor's office. The story becomes real enough that you actually start pondering what the next move should be for Mr. Pilate or if you should call up Kate and fill her in on what is going on.
Love it and cannot wait for Pilate's Ghost!
This cozy murder mystery takes place aboard luxury liner, Queen Elizabeth II, as wealthy couple celebrate their silver wedding anniversary with family and friends.
Revenge is Fun series. Publisher Vinny Vitali deserves to be whacked, but for some reason he's like a cat with 9 lives. He's holding a mob widow's memoir hostage and the authors want to kill him, but he won't die.
