Called a “boundary-cracking lit professor” by the Orlando Weekly, Maurice J. “Socky” O’Sullivan is an award-winning teacher, columnist, writer, and filmmaker. He has written extensively on literature, Florida, popular culture, Shakespeare, religion, Irish culture, education, and current events. The Friends welcome him on Saturday, January 17, 2026, when he presents Florida Noir: Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem in the Crime Fiction of the Sunshine State at 11 a.m. at HQ-Ocala Public Library, Meeting Room C. In his book, O’Sullivan and co-writer Steve Glassman examine the rich legacy of fictional detectives that Florida has developed. They also discuss how Florida has become the home of perhaps the greatest number and variety of mystery writers in America, including such greats as Carl Hiaasen. There is also a chapter on Florida film noir and a comprehensive bibliography of mysteries set in Florida. A big bonus for all attendees to this program: A copy of his book will be raffled off to a lucky winner who is present at the program.

Free parking and handicapped accessible. For more information, call 352-789-7276.

Funding for this program was sponsored in part through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the aforementioned entities.