John Keyse-Walker's "Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed"

John Keyse-Walker practiced law for 30 years, representing business and individual clients, educational institutions and government entities. He is an avid salt- and freshwater angler, a tennis player, kayaker and an accomplished cook. He and his wife divide their time between homes in Ohio and Flordia.

Here Keyse-Walker dreamcasts an adaptation of his latest novel, Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed:

Beach, Breeze, Bloodshed is the second book in the Teddy Creque mystery series. Like the first, it takes place in the British Virgin Islands, specifically on the islands of Anegada and Virgin Gorda. And, as with Sun, Sand, Murder, the location is almost a character in and of itself, so when I think of the books being turned into movies, the principle requirement in my mind is that the film be shot on location in those islands. Who knows, it might be easier to cast the film with quality actors when they know they will be working in a tropical paradise.

Denzel Washington would play main character Teddy Creque, a now older-but-wiser part-time cop, part-time fishing guide. He is the person I think of when I write the character.

Vanessa Williams seems fitting for the role of Jeanne Trengrouse, mother of child-witness Jemmy Trengrouse and Teddy’s love interest in the book. As Jeanne is of mixed African and Cornish ancestry, with striking blue eyes, Williams has the physical attributes in addition to the acting capabilities for the role.

Anthony Wedderburn, aka De White Rasta, would be played by Johnny Depp. Depp is a natural for the part of the ganja-smoking, ex-pat British aristocrat who is Teddy’s sidekick in both books.

The late, great Adolph Caesar would be perfect for the role of Sergeant Isaac Chalwell. Caesar’s talent was unappreciated when he was alive and he died too young at age fifty-six. His bantamweight bluster, gravelly voice, and pencil-thin mustache are Chalwell personified.

Constable Tybee (Bullfoot) George needs a big, amiable actor to play him. Forest Whitaker, he of soft voice and large stature, fits the bill, and could bring a special depth to the supporting but important role.

The right child actor for the role of eight-year-old autistic witness Jemmy Trengrouse is problematic for me. Child actors grow out of roles so quickly. This difficult part may be one for a talented unknown to fill.

The easiest character to cast is that of Deputy Commissioner Howard T. Lane. James Earl Jones’ stentorian voice and skeptical demeanor make him the only possibility to play Teddy’s spit-and-polish boss.

Visit John Keyse-Walker's website.

My Book, The Movie: Sun, Sand, Murder.

--Marshal Zeringue