Cuba Straits

This book was my introduction to author Randy Wayne White, although he has apparently written a LOT of previous installments in the "Doc Ford" series. This is quite a wild ride and, although it would have been nice to have more of the background of the two main characters, it was still an enjoyable read. A wild ride, in fact. Doc is apparently a former CIA operative, now tentatively retired and sort of pursuing his other occupation as marine biologist. The book is set in southern Florida and, not surprisingly, Cuba. With the increased interest in visiting Cuba that follows the recent thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations, I imagine many would be interested in the book for that reason alone. What else? Well his long time pal, apparently, is a somewhat psychically tuned in and also frequently stoned PhD named Tomlinson. There is a lot of talk about baseball and both Ford and Tomlinson play in some senior tournaments. The story involves a former dictator of a small central American country, some stolen love letters from Castro (apparently both Raul and Fidel) to their shared mistress, an escaped from mental asylum in Havana shortstop named Figueroa, a motorcycle fanatic FSB (Russian secret police) bad guy, and of course a serial killer. You see what I mean about a wild ride. And I must not forget the two castaway young girls who are rescued by Ford from the Straits and returned home, only to fall into the hands of the serial killer. And the mistress of the Castros themselves plays a role, whether or not we choose to believe in power from the grave.  I would definitely read more from this guy. Quirky characters, wonderful setting descriptions, and plenty of action...absolutely!