Longly Investigations is called into action again in D. P. Lyle’s third installment of his Jake Longly Thriller series. This one is bizarre to say the least. A serial killer in Florida, Billy Wayne Baker, wants Longly Investigations to clear him of two murders he plead guilty to but says he did not commit. He readily admits to the other five and is doing his time for them. Billy Wayne will not tell the team which two he did not commit in order to keep his “credibility.” After reviewing the facts during their preliminary investigation, the team thinks that all three murders committed in Pine Key were not by Billy Wayne.

After Jake visits Billy Wayne in Raiford Prison, he and Nicole head to Pine Key undercover, doing a documentary on the aftermath that occurs for the families and community where these killings took place. Ray Longly, Jake’s dad and owner of Longly Investigations, and Pancake, Ray’s best friend who works for Ray, join Jake and Nicole in this quaint little town. They all spend a few days interviewing the families and the police, trying to get a feel for what might really have happened here. They come to the conclusion that two of the murders that occurred here were not by Billy Wayne, but now they must find a connection and who really did commit these two killings.

SUNSHINE STATE by D.P. Lyle is not a fast-paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat or takes you for a wild ride. The plot is mostly conversation driven, yet it is a suspense-filled mystery that prods you along, wanting to help these four quirky investigators find the connection they need to prove a serial killer innocent of two of the murders he is doing time for. Pine Key is a charming setting for this small-town investigation, with some peculiar supporting characters to add to this enthralling story. Jake and Nicole always have some very interesting banter between them that brings a little humor into the narrative. I have been a fan of D.P. Lyle since I read his first book in this series. SUNSHINE STATE can be read as a stand-along, but why miss out on such a fun series. You will not be disappointed.

Book Summary