Florida Retirement is Murder
The mythical “Sun-Gate,” retirement community is where the head of the Home Owners Association dies under “questionable circumstances. It fictitiously is located in Lakeland.
Rather than an edge of your chair thriller, it’s a “cozy mystery.” The hero-protagonist, Stewart Johnson, and a motley crew of snowbird residents flush out the perpetrator. They do it in an interesting – albeit amusing – course of events, clues and unusual circumstances.
“Honestly, I have had people ask me if this is based on their park, because some of the people in the book are a lot like their neighbors,” Courtney said. “Having lived in Florida in various places, you simply cannot help but run across people like these characters. They’re chocked full of jovial spirit and hilarious personalities.”
It’s a page-turner, but not because of the tension. It’s because readers cannot believe what will happen next. This snowbird comedy/mystery is a perfect fit into the genre of the Florida landscape. Readers say that Kris has the ability to have you ‘see and feel’ the Florida scenery. It’s so awesome you can almost smell the air and feel the humidity.
These are people you could hang out with.
Kris is a Fun Guy
In fact, Kris himself is pretty colorful. Now residing in Highlands County, he has had a rich view of the United States.
From his birthplace in Indiana, he has lived, worked and experienced alot. He’s lived in Ohio, California, New Mexico, Mississippi, Texas, Kentucky, and Georgia before landing in the Sunshine State.
Did we mention that in addition to his library of written works, Kris has an impressive collection of artwork?
His history of brilliant use of color, energetic imagery and talent has provided multiple awards. And, he’s showcased and presented his work in a host of juried shows and publications.
It has been a ten year journey. After working through multiple Fine Art Studios and Gallery facilities, his writing now has culminated in his latest Best-Seller.
Moreover, Kris has had several art galleries and has been the driving force behind a number of artistic endeavors.
There’s Even “Performance Art”
One of his most satisfying projects was the “Play Me I’m Yours” promotion. This public Fine Art Installation served as a global project by British Artist Luke Jerram. Courtney was tapped to coordinate the Oxford Ohio edition.
“That was a public art program that encouraged public pianos to be decorated and played. It was done throughout cities across the country including Cincinnati, Ohio,” he said.
The success of that project led Kris to a phase of sponsoring art and music festivals. Those included “Suitcase Full of Blues.” That series expanded off a local Blues Musicians concept of helping the Butler County Ohio Foster Care System.
“I have a deep desire to offer my talents for a benevolent purpose,” he said.
This particular event Kris described as an incredible and spiritual experience. It provided an opportunity to learn an in-depth view of the challenges for the Foster Care community. In the end, they were able to provide hundreds of personal suitcases for children who desperately hunger for personal identity and stability.
“I think my travels have helped to shape both my writing and my art,” said Kris, “I have always known that my talent was God-given. It’s not everyone’s flavor, but my Fine Art has typically been sold of the easel while still wet. A vast imagination fuels my expressionism.”
“I guess you could say I’ve been a busy fella,” Courtney said.
How He Got Started
His writing began with the autobiographical “Norma Jean’s Sun.” He then wrote other pieces. One, “Literally, an art book,” showcases his work on canvas. He also penned the fictional children’s book “It’s OK Scooter.”
Kris authored the first page to his Memoir when he was just 12 years old. He said he’d always felt and knew that his family life – and perhaps the decades to follow – would yield a story worth telling. He never suspected the impact of the discoveries would reveal themselves as the pages emerged.
It would not be until almost fifty years later that this book would supply the content for the Multi-Award Winning Screenplay, “Norma’s Sun”.
However it’s his most recent work, the award-winning humorous cozy snowbird mystery “Florida Retirement Is Murder,“ that’s gotten him the most attention. And it looks like there may be a sequel with a Krazy title to boot.
“My characters have been telling me there’s more going on at Sun-Gate than I realize,” he said. “Seems like the mind mapping of events, locations and even the subtle moments are exposing a whole host of new clues.
Our Challenge to You
The challenge to our readers now is to get a copy of this cozy mystery. Then you can become familiar with the current cast and be ready for the new people, places and things to come.
Those who want a copy of the book in any format that includes eBook, Audio, hardcover or Paperback can find all the information, social media and details at: https://www.cozycomedymystery.com
You can also find the entirety of his works at https://www.kriscourtney.com
