Vicki Hendricks Boeken

Exploring the Southern Gothic genre, these eleven stories set in diverse Florida landscapes delve into themes of the grotesque, intertwining crime, violence, and sexuality. Unique narratives include a woman yearning to reunite with her dolphin lover after giving birth to a mermaid, and conjoined twins experiencing their first sexual encounter. Other tales feature a petty thief's secret life within a couple's home and a dark exploration of greed and murder involving apes. Each story presents original plots and eccentric characters, showcasing a vivid and unsettling world.

Sherry Parlay has lived in Miami for two years but seen nothing except the insides of bars. When she gets a job at a dry cleaners she meets Payne, the bosses son, who sounds legit when he says he loves her, but soon finds a way to tap her most violent and cold-blooded impulses.

Ramona thrives on thrill-seeking adventures, excelling in scuba diving and bodybuilding, ultimately becoming stronger than most men. Her life takes a turn when she encounters a man who challenges her dominance, igniting a passionate yet tumultuous connection. The narrative unfolds with intense themes of obsession, drugs, and murder, showcasing a gripping blend of sex and violence that propels the fast-paced story forward.

Evicted from her home for her extensive collection of pets, Sunny Lytle embarks on a journey to establish a no-kill animal rescue in her hometown of DeLeon Springs, Florida. Facing the harsh realities of camping in the woods and the challenges posed by a well-meaning veterinarian, she finds an unexpected ally in Buck, a quirky homeless man. The story intertwines true anecdotes of animal-human connections, with each pet name honoring beloved deceased animals, adding depth and warmth to her struggle for survival and her dream of rescue.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Key West, two young lovers embark on a wild year filled with creative escapades and reckless adventures. As they attempt to fund their bohemian lifestyle, their antics escalate, culminating in a dramatic climax during Fantasy Fest. With a unique cast of characters, including a mischievous Yorkie and a local witch, the story explores themes of love, fate, and the consequences of their choices. This unconventional coming-of-age tale blends romance, graphic elements, and a touch of magic.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Beach, Miami, the novel explores the tumultuous life of Renata and her relationships with various lovers. It delves into themes of love intertwined with violence, drugs, and the bizarre realities of the sex industry, where unexpected elements like a friendly python and a "torture box" exist. Renata's quest for love is marked by chaos and intrigue, culminating in a gripping narrative that earned recognition as a finalist for the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award in 2008.