The Fun in Key West Book Club
Welcome to the book club that reads with sunshine in one hand and a cocktail in the other! Whether you’re dreaming of island breezes or already sipping margaritas on your porch, this is your space to explore stories with Florida flavor and Key West charm.
Every month, we dive into a new book — some are set in the Keys, others are full of tropical twists, mysterious marinas, or salty humor. Want to join the fun? Click here to sign up for the club!
Below you’ll find our current and past reads — and yes, these are affiliate links (so if you buy through them, we may earn a little commission… which helps keep the book and drink recs coming).
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This Month’s Pick
To Have and Have Not by Ernest Hemingway
A Key West classic. Smuggling, survival, and struggling in paradise — Hemingway’s only novel set in the U.S. (and yes, it’s a little gritty).
Paired with: Hemingway Daiquiri – white rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, maraschino liqueur. Strong, smart, and a little sharp — just like the man himself.
Get the book on Amazon
Past Book Club Picks
Here’s what we’ve read so far — a mix of local legends, hurricane heroes, shady monkeys, and historic railroads. Catch up anytime (cocktail in hand encouraged).
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille
Cuba. Conspiracies. Cocktails. This fast-paced adventure takes us from Key West to Havana with a brooding war vet, a mysterious woman, and a boat full of secrets.
Paired with: A Classic Mojito – rum, mint, lime, sugar, soda. Refreshing and oh-so-Cuban.
Get the book on Amazon
The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
Three women. One hurricane. A powerful story set during the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, blending history, heartache, and hope.
Paired with: Rum Punch – the tropical vacation in a glass. Light rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange
Get the book on Amazon
Last Train to Paradise by Les Standiford
This nonfiction gem tells the true story of Henry Flagler’s legendary railroad to Key West — an engineering marvel that defied hurricanes, swamps, and skeptics.
Paired with: Red Sangria – wine, brandy, citrus, and fruit. A simple, sippable nod to timeless travel.
Get the book on Amazon
Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen
Murder. Corruption. And yes… a monkey. This offbeat Florida noir is equal parts laugh-out-loud and “wait, what just happened?”
Paired with: Banana Daiquiri – light rum, banana liqueur or banana, lime juice, and ice. Slightly chaotic. Totally fitting.
Get the book on Amazon
Want to Join the Book Club?
We’d love to have you!
Click here to sign up for our monthly email, filled with new book picks, discussion invites, and the occasional cocktail recipe inspired by the story.