Annotation for Thriller

Adapted from Saricks, Joyce G. and Nancy Brown. Reader’s Advisory Service in the Public
Library 2nd. Chicago: ALA, 1997.

Author: Randy Wayne White

Title: Mangrove Lightning

Publication Date: March 21, 2017

Number of Pages: 384 pages

Part of a Series: Yes. Number 24 in the Doc Ford Series.

Subject Heading(s): These are from the Hennepin Public Catalog: Cold Cases (Criminal
Investigation) –Fiction, Ford, Doc (Fictitious Character) – Marine Biologists – Florida –Fiction,
Sanibel Island (Fla.) –Fiction, Thrillers (Fiction).

Geographical Setting/Time Period: 2000s, Florida Coast.

Main Character(s): Marion “Doc” Ford- He is a marine biologist who lives on a boat near
Captiva Island, FL. He is a strong individual, works out daily, and solves crimes.

Thomlinson- He is a tall skinny hippie and ordained Buddhist priest yet seldom employed
because he inherited money. He lives on a boat and serves as Ford’s sidekick as he is very
intuitive and intelligent. He is kindhearted but sometimes bothersome to Ford. He enjoys drugs.

Hannah Smith- She is one of the descendants of the woman killed. She is also Ford’s ex-lover.
She is attractive, athletic, and smart.

Tootsie Barlow- He is a legendary charter captain whose niece has vanished. He is an older man
who is weathered from the sun. A determined man, he wishes to repair the damage caused to his
family and the Chinese immigrants through the stories of slavery.

Gracie- She is the 17 year old niece of Tootsie. She is naïve, wants to get married, and is the
girlfriend of Slaten.

Slaten: He is a tattoo artist and Gracie’s boyfriend. He is involved with Ivy Lambeth in the
kidnapping. He has a wicked demeanor.

Ivy Lambeth: She is the daughter of the legendary smuggler and one of the kidnappers of Gracie.

She appears older than her age because of living a “hard” life.
Plot Summary: Tootsie Barlow, boat captain, believes that a curse has been placed on his
family and comes to ask Doc Ford to help him solve a case. Tootsie believes that the spell has
something to do with multiple murders that occurred during prohibition in 1925. Bootleggers and
illegal activities, including human trafficking of Chinese, become key factors in solving the
crime. Thomlinson is off on his own investigation of a child porn ring and seeks Ford’s
assistance. The disappearance of Deputy Cox, who may have murdered a woman as well as his
entire family, is also examined. Ford and his best friend, Thomlinson, begin multiple
investigations that take them from Key Largo to Tallahassee. During their search for clues, they
suffer several near-fatal misfortunes.

Appeal:

Pacing-This book is very detailed yet fast-paced with a good amount of dialogue.

Characterization- The characters are eccentric and memorable. The recurring characters in the
series are likable and appear personal. The villains, however, are often bizarre and disturbing.

Tone/Mood- The story is humorous at times, but includes some dark and disturbing events.

Frame/Setting- Present Day. The story incorporates a strong sense of place. The adventure takes
place in Florida from Tallahassee to Key Largo. Water, crocodiles, and mangroves are abundant.

Language Style- The book employs detailed elements and ample conversations that assist in
understanding the personalities of the characters. Interesting facts about Florida and marine life
are explained as cases are solved.

Brief quote:

1- “When the deputy’s wife and kids disappeared, moonshiners might’ve dumped their
bodies in the lake- it was during Prohibition. It wouldn’t be the first time karma has
waited decades to boot justice in the ass.” ~ Tomlinson, page 1.
2- “He felt an electric chill, and focused on the railroad car. It was the size of a semi-trailer,
dwarfing him. He was that close. Nostrils flared, he waited, listened, all senses alert.” ~
Description of when Thomlinson was waiting to make a run for his van, page 24.

Prizes or Awards: None

Similar Works: I used Goodreads and the Hennepin County Library Public Catalog for my
similar works.
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen

Takes place in the Everglades and features a biologist. Both books use humor in their ability to
solve crimes.

The Deep Blue Good-by authored by John D. Macdonald

Similar to Doc Ford novels, this is number 1 in the Travis McGee series. McGee is a beach bum
who lives on a houseboat, similar to Ford. Both books include quirky characters and solve
mysteries through adventure.

This is my choice for my multicultural work.

Reviewer’s Name: Gail Currier