Things You Don't Need to Know to Enjoy Murder on the Mullet Express

One of the most off-putting ideas about historical fiction is that one has to know a lot about history to enjoy historical fiction. Worse, that the story is going to be stuffed with as many things to remember as a Christmas card list, which would make for a turgid read! Fortunately, there are many things you won’t need to know to enjoy Murder on the Mullet Express.

Do I need to know Florida’s history?
The characters didn’t need to know it. You’re safe.

Are there historical figures I need to be familiar with to follow this book?
Some of the people are real. If you understand words like “sheriff” and “gangster”, you’ll be fine. There are cheat notes in the back of the book if you get curious.

Do I need to know what the Mullet Express is?
It’s the quickest haircut you can get in Alabama. Okay, we're fibbing. It’s a train that hauls fish and land speculators, but all you need to know is contained in the book title: it’s The Scene of the Crime.

Do I need to know much about the 1920s?
Just pretend that your phone is out of data and you’re too young to drink. And everyone talks like they’re in a Cagney movie.

Do I need to know anything about Homosassa, Florida?
The address contains the magic word: “Florida”. It’s all the information the land speculators needed. As they say: location, location, location.

Do I need to know how a steam engine works?
No, but you’ll learn how to annoy neighbors with a steam radiator.

What does Gertrude Stein write about?
We don’t know either, but it can give you a headache.


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A Warm Exchange

I've had a few days off, so I soon found myself in one of my favorite time-sinks: Twitter. One of the trending hashtags was #NewYearsResolutionIn5Words. Most of them were the usual: exercise more, eat healthy, write more, etc. One was a PSA, though:

#NewYearsResolutionIn5Words Test your smoke alarms monthly.

— Denver Fire (@Denver_Fire) December 30, 2015

Well, I couldn't resist. I replied:

That's called "Cook hamburger." https://t.co/xyE8P5iQ3m

— SarahG (@SarahEGlenn) December 30, 2015

The response:

@SarahEGlenn There is also a "test" button on the back of the alarms.

— Denver Fire (@Denver_Fire) December 30, 2015

My comeback:

;-) I suppose that works, too. But it's more convenient for telling when the burgers are done. https://t.co/beM9kaA8at

— SarahG (@SarahEGlenn) December 30, 2015

Their suggestion:

@SarahEGlenn https://t.co/0AxybQO0vb

— Denver Fire (@Denver_Fire) December 30, 2015

Which goes to...

Made me laugh, so I shared it.

A book from some good sports who know how to take the heat. https://t.co/3uMZ7gSwbF

— SarahG (@SarahEGlenn) December 30, 2015