South by Southeast

Tennyson Hardwick, actor and private investigator, becomes entangled in a case involving sex trafficking after encountering a desperate woman in South Beach, Miami. The investigation leads him through the dark underbelly of Florida's nightclub scene and modeling industry. Ten must balance his acting career, personal relationships, and the mounting dangers of this investigation as he works to uncover the truth. His father, a former police officer, and his adopted daughter April provide support while he navigates increasingly treacherous waters. The novel blends elements of classic noir detective fiction with contemporary social issues and the unique backdrop of Miami's diverse cultural landscape. The story examines themes of family loyalty, justice, and the exploitation of vulnerable people in the entertainment industry.

Readers found this fourth entry in the Tennyson Hardwick series weaker than previous books. Several reviews note the story feels rushed and relies on coincidences to move the plot forward. What readers liked: - Fast-paced action sequences - Glimpses into Miami's Cuban community - Chemistry between Ten and Chela - References to classic noir films What readers disliked: - Predictable mystery elements - Underdeveloped side characters - Jumps in timeline that create confusion - Abrupt ending that leaves threads unresolved Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (94 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (21 reviews) One frequent reader complaint, as noted by Goodreads reviewer Mark T.: "The plot twists feel forced and you can see them coming from miles away." Multiple reviews mention the book could have benefited from another round of editing to tighten the narrative and flesh out supporting characters.

Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley A Black private investigator navigates racial tensions and crime in 1940s Los Angeles while searching for a mysterious woman.

A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton A Detroit PI with a troubled past investigates murders in Michigan's Upper Peninsula while confronting his personal demons.

IQ by Joe Ide A high-school dropout uses his exceptional intelligence to solve crimes in East Long Beach as an unlicensed private detective.

Blanche on the Lam by Barbara Neely A domestic worker becomes an amateur sleuth while hiding from the law in North Carolina's wealthy white society.

Casanegra by Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes An actor-turned-security-specialist investigates murder in Los Angeles's entertainment industry while dealing with his past.

🔍 Blair Underwood co-wrote this novel with Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes, making it part of a collaborative effort in the Tennyson Hardwick mystery series 📚 The book follows actor-turned-detective Tennyson Hardwick as he investigates a case in South Beach, Miami, blending Hollywood glamour with gritty noir elements 🌴 South by Southeast is the fourth installment in the Tennyson Hardwick series, which began with Casanegra and continued through In the Night of the Heat and From Cape Town with Love 🎭 Blair Underwood, primarily known for his acting career (including roles in L.A. Law and Quantico), used his insider knowledge of Hollywood and the entertainment industry to add authenticity to the story 🏆 The Tennyson Hardwick series has received praise for its unique blend of contemporary African-American culture, classic noir storytelling, and insider perspectives on the entertainment industry