My work includes original oil paintings that have been shown abroad, won multiple awards & recognition in artistic genre application of watercolor, acrylic and multimedia. After a successful early career in Engineering & Robotics, I found through the ashes of a divorce the inspiration and purpose to begin writing and painting. Since then, I have been honored to have Fine Art Studios' & Gallery locations across the US in Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida.

Artist & Author Kris Courtney

Please take time to enjoy all of my Artistry & Publications, Including the latest Award-Winning Cozy Florida Snowbird Murder Mystery 'FLORIDA RETIREMENT IS MURDER' Available Everywhere - Wake Up, Earl! ©

Thank you for taking time to visit and I hope you can find something here that brings joy to your heart and a smile to your face - Blessings,  Kris
Blue Island - Fine Art Lost Painting
Mazzo Fine Art Original
Italy
Accidentals - Fine Art Original piano painting by American Artist Kris Courtney
Winter Haven Florida BayView Abstract Fine Art Original Painting by American Artist Kris Courtney

Join Artist and Author Kris Courtney on The Barry Foster Show as they discuss his hit book, Florida Retirement Is Murder, featuring hilarious antics of grey-haired sleuths in a fictional town called Lakeland.

Discover how Kris merged his successful career in fine art with a passion for storytelling, culminating in the 2023 breakout cozy murder mystery. Tune in for a blend of laughter and intrigue!🕵️‍♂️
Listen Now

International Award-Winning Screenplay

​"NEVER IN OUR SILENT MOMENTS OF ILLUSION DO WE SENSE THE DARK PARALLEL THAT LIVES BESIDE US. NOR DO WE SUSPECT THE CARRIER"

Winner ~ Featured Screenplay

LOGLINE
With the birth of a severely disabled son and family history of imposing choices, a Statuesque Mother must navigate through heartache and divorce to discover her true love on a journey of alcoholism, secrets and uncertain reality to an ending that will touch your core!

Norma's Sun - Full Feature Film

This Full Feature, Family history of choices, imposing consequences and the people who survive with grace and unparalleled ability! A dramatic journey of secrets, the carrier unknown and the burden imposed. Norma will stride through the illumination of what is possible and the shadow of reality to raise a child with special needs, all while searching for her own true love.

Norma’s Sun is more than a movie!

Our aim is to inspire, engage and participate through awareness, community & personal involvement. Percentage of Proceeds from the movie will go to the Riley Children’s Hospital Fund, Ruth Lyons Foundation of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, March of Dimes, St. Jude and mutual Advocacy for many!

Press Room

Top 5 Cozy Mysteries Set in Florida – Featuring Florida Retirement Is Murder

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 01:45 am

Florida is known for its sunshine, sandy beaches, and...murder? The Sunshine State has become the perfect backdrop for thrilling yet lighthearted cozy mystery novels.

International Award Winning Book Series Announcement ~ Florida Retirement Is Murder

Saturday, January 20, 2024, 03:30 pm

Bestselling American Artist & Author Kris Courtney announces the New Release of his second addition to the Award Winning Hilarious Snowbird Cozy Mystery Series - FLORIDA RETIREMENT IS MURDER

One Million Pages Read in the First Year !!

Friday, December 1, 2023, 12:50 pm

FLORIDA RETIREMENT IS MURDER (Cozy Satire Murder Mystery) has surpassed the One Million Pages read mark and we are Celebrating!

Audiobook is a Masterpiece of Voice Acting

Monday, March 13, 2023, 08:13 pm

Mari Oyaizu Carson masterfully kept the voices perfect for all the characters...that makes listening easy and impossible to pause.

As Seen On PublishersWeekly - New Title

Monday, February 27, 2023, 05:15 pm

New Release 'Florida Retirement Is Murder' by Kris Courtney Bestselling Author & Artist Kris Courtney has published a new (Fictional Satire Murder Mystery) novel available immediately on Amazon and Barnes&Noble.

AUDIOBOOK Release & Distribution through ACX

Thursday, January 12, 2023, 02:00 pm

Florida Retirement Is Murder - Best Fiction Satire Mystery Novel Audiobook by Mari Oyaizu Carson (Narrator)

Immediate Release:  Vol25, Issue 8 - Golf Central Magazine

International Magazine Feature Article

Golf Central Magazine

Read the Full Article and get your Limited Copy Today of this Hilarious Cozy Florida Snowbird Mystery that appeals to all who enjoy Florida Snowbird Mysteries, Cozy Comedy Mystery Novels, Bestselling Cozy Murder Mysteries, Kris Courtney Novels, Silver Haired Sleuths, Florida Retirement Adventures, Amateur Sleuth Stories, Cozy Mysteries Set in Florida, Retirement Life Mysteries, Humorous Cozy Mysteries and all Genre's of Gumshoe Detectives...

Updates & Blog

Central Florida's most colorfully quirky community

Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 09:31 pm

 

Florida Retirement Is Murder

An Award-Winning Cozy Comedy Mystery by Kris Courtney



Dive into the whimsical world of Florida Retirement Is Murder, where retirement isn't just about rest and relaxation but an unexpected adventure into the heart of Central Florida's most colorfully quirky community. 

Follow Stewart Johnson, a recently widowed retiree, as he navigates the hilarious antics of his fellow snowbirds in a gated retirement community filled with mystery and laughter. Mischievous Community of Snowbirds who refuse to act like grown-ups...The mystery is particularly well designed and developed with many twists and turns. Florida Retirement is Murder celebrates the joy of retirement with characters that will have you pausing your read to finish laughing, and tells an engaging mystery adventure whilst doing it. It is a book that is highly recommended to all readers.




Podcast ~ The Barry Foster Show with American Author Kris Courtney 'Florida Retirement Is Murder'

Thursday, April 24, 2025, 01:35 pm

 


Florida Retirement Is Murder

Podcast & Appearance on The Barry Foster Show


Florida's vibrant retirement communities are often filled with lively characters, but what happens when they become the backdrop for a cozy mystery? 🕵️‍♂️ Join artist and author Kris Courtney on The Barry Foster Show Show as they discuss his hit book, Florida Retirement Is Murder, featuring hilarious antics of grey-haired sleuths in a fictional town called Lakeland. 

Discover how Kris merged his successful career in fine art with a passion for storytelling, culminating in the 2023 breakout cozy murder mystery. Tune in for a blend of laughter and intrigue, and learn how art and literature can intersect in unexpected ways! 🎨📚




Learn More: www.cozycomedymystery.com



#comedy #humorous #podcast #floridaretirement #snowbird #series #hilarious #cozycomedymystery #murder #dead #book #fiction #setinflorida #whodunit #international #awardwinner #audiobook #awards #funnybook #paperback #floridalife #comedyshow #bookcommunity #cozymysterybookclub #bookpals #justcomedy #cozymystery #filmisnotdead

A Masterpiece of Voice Acting

Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 07:08 pm

BEST COZY MYSTERY as Award by AudiobookReviewer ⭐💥🕵️‍♂️🏆




The antics of these silver-haired, opinionated relics will keep listeners, and readers, laughing aloud, hoping they can have this much fun in retirement. These are the ultimate unfiltered comments from those who know better but don’t care. You’ll pray your inner child will enjoy this much freedom while getting into this much trouble.

The author, Kris Courtney creates a fun, light cozy mystery with well-developed characters. The story will most likely elicit at least a chuckle if not a full-on belly laugh at the fun. He creates a story around people and issues that we can all relate to one way or another – memories, experiences, etc. This is definitely a fun and light read.

The narration by Mari Oyaizu Carson masterfully kept the voices perfect for all the characters. The story’s pace added to the excitement and tension of this satirical murder mystery. A masterpiece of voice acting that makes listening easy and impossible to pause.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Florida Retirement Is Murder Audible Audiobook (Unabridged)


BUY NOW:

https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Florida-Retirement-Is-Murder/dp/B0BS2CSJX5/

Award-Winning International Bestseller
FLORIDA RETIREMENT IS MURDER Snowbirds do more than just Flock Stewart Johnson, a recently widowed retiree, expected nothing more than to settle quietly into his new life at Sun Gate, surrounded by the warmth of the Florida sun and the company of fellow snowbirds. Yet, life has other plans. Drawn into a community bursting with vibrant personalities and capricious intrigues, Stewart finds himself at the center of a laugh-out-loud mystery that will challenge his perceptions of friendship and fun. This fictional satire comedy cozy mystery novel is not just a book but an experience, inviting listeners of all ages to revel in the humorous dysfunctions of a group of overgrown children retirees whose antics and mysteries provide endless entertainment. From the first moment to the last, listeners will encounter a saga filled with suspense, laughter, and a series of shockers that will keep them on their toes. Whether youre considering the snowbird lifestyle or simply looking for your next book club treasure, "Florida Retirement Is Murder" is your passport to a world where old age meets golden opportunities to laugh, solve mysteries, and maybe even act a little mischievous. Perfect for your summer beach book list, this colorful story is poised to become a favorite on every bookshelf and screen, captivating you with its creative metaphors and the genuine camaraderie of Sun Gate. Laugh, guess, and reminisce with "Florida Retirement Is Murder," where snowbirds do more than just flock—they turn every day into an unforgettable adventure. AWARD-WINNER: 'Best Cozy Mystery Team' 2023 Audiobook Reviewer—"OUTSTANDING FUN!... Unchaperoned children at a never-ending Sadie Hawkins dance with a spiked punch... You'll pray your inner child will enjoy this much freedom while getting into this much trouble... (Narrator Mari Oyaizu Carson)—a masterpiece of voice acting that makes listening easy and impossible to pause... A fun, light cozy mystery with well-developed characters." Best for FANS of Carl Hiaasen and Kris Courtney Florida Mystery Novels and Humor
Exit Painting from Paducah Kentucky - PONY UP
Beach Chait in the Ocean on the Sea Shore Beach - Original Art
An Act of Identity Honorable Speaker of the United States House of Representatives John Boehner recognizes American Artist Kris Courtney and "Proudly Displays" ACT (Original Oil Painting - First Issue AP) in West Chester Ohio Office. In notice of the January 5th, 2011 swearing in as Speaker of the House, Courtney delivered this 'One of a... Kind'
Artist BIO
My work includes original oil paintings that have been shown abroad, won multiple awards & recognition in artistic genre application of watercolor, acrylic and multimedia. After a successful early career in Engineering & Robotics, I found through the ashes of a divorce the inspiration and purpose to begin writing and painting. Since then, I have been honored to have Fine Art Studios' & Gallery locations across the US in Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida.

As well, I have penned an Award Winning International Screenplay (Norma’s Sun) and other various publications that include a personal memoir as well a collection of self published children’s books. This new publication is a rebirth of creativity from a series of setbacks that left me in a deep depression and writers block as I began to emerge with an Award-Winning 2023 New Release as Florida Retirement Is Murder - The Perfect Gumshoe Sleuth Detective Adventure in a Florida Snowbird Mobile Home | Trailer Park Retirement Community. A Hilarious Laugh Out-Loud Florida Snowbird Murder Mystery.


These paintings shown now all reside in beautiful homes across the United States. Many Fans will often request signed prints of many images but these are just a few that people request the most.

Enjoy  😁
Buy Prints More info
Norma Jean's Sun (Retired Publication) True Story Memoir by Kris Courtney Few could survive so many torturous years of surgical intervention and a ensuing lifelong struggle with drugs and alcohol addiction and come out ahead. This moving tale reveals not only the struggle and heartrending elements of generational lives gone wrong, but also the love and growth of a human being overcoming the odds and determined to find a way to live life to the fullest. Based on a true story, the author s unapologetic prose prompts enduring ethical questions and makes a gripping, personal read.
Review Ability is As Ability Does ... "Author Inspires Kids" - Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Sun From the Author "The Message I wanted to extend is that it's OK to be You, and it's OK to be Different." From the Back Cover On a cold and windy day, the Indiana Farm is Alive with Magic when Sally the Beagle gives birth to a litter of 5 new puppy's ! Each named proudly, Farmer Rick takes a shine to one that catches his heart and admiration of all the creatures in attendance. But soon the brood would be one less as no means to care for the Runt as he is cast aside to discover his own journey. Not knowing what to do, Scooter will soon discover, thats just the way 'It is suppose to be... We are all more alike than we are Different! About the Author Drawn to benevolence and disability awareness by his personal experience, an artist in spirit and gift, Courtney is dedicated to service and participation beyond disabilities. His canvas derives from images that move him to allow freedom of spirit in both paint and words. Find More Information: www.KrisCourtney.com
LIVE Studio Art , Nude Models are captured with body paint transferred to canvas. As #1 in a Series of 3, Unity offers an Erotic and Sensual expression of Female Body Art. Often compared to Yves Klein’s Blue period ...

Excellent Adventure!!
FIVE STAR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I was looking for a humorous mystery...so glad I found this one ! The characters are endearing, the story is quite interesting.... A good read!!"

 Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2025
FLORIDA RETIREMENT IS MURDER Snowbirds do more than just Flock Dive into the whimsical world of "Florida Retirement Is Murder," where retirement isn't just about rest and relaxation but an unexpected adventure into the heart of Central Florida's most colorfully quirky community. Every lifestyle imaginable can be found in this funny cozy retirement village from the hilarious antics of 'Micah' down to the straight lace Marine Corp Sergeant, Police Detective or the Flirtatious 'Jodi' and her tight fitting mini skirts... Stewart Johnson, a recently widowed retiree, expected nothing more than to settle quietly into his new life at Sun Gate, surrounded by the warmth of the Florida sun and the company of fellow snowbirds. Yet, life has other plans. Drawn into a community bursting with vibrant personalities and capricious intrigues, Stewart finds himself at the center of a laugh-out-loud mystery that will challenge his perceptions of friendship and fun. This fictional satire comedy cozy mystery novel is not just a book but an experience, inviting readers of all ages to revel in the humorous dysfunctions of a group of overgrown children—retirees whose antics and mysteries provide endless entertainment. From the first page to the last, readers will encounter a saga filled with suspense, laughter, and a series of shockers that will keep them on their toes. Praise for 'Florida Retirement Is Murder': "Great Book!!! Loved the characters who all feel like family!! The ending was a shocker!!!" "I want them as my friends!!! I swear this would make a great weekly TV show." – Reader Feedback. "The character development is top-notch, and the suspense paired with hilarious antics makes for an unforgettable journey." Whether you’re considering the snowbird lifestyle or simply looking for your next book club treasure, "Florida Retirement Is Murder" is your passport to a world where old age meets golden opportunities to laugh, solve mysteries, and maybe even act a little mischievous. Perfect for your summer beach reading list, this colorful story is poised to become a favorite on every bookshelf and screen, captivating you with its creative metaphors and the genuine camaraderie of Sun Gate. Engage with the residents of Sun Gate—where every chuckle and plot twist promises that old age retirement in Florida doesn’t get any better than this. Join Stewart as he evolves from a grieving widower to a champion of the eccentric and endearing seniors, ensuring everyone’s welfare with wit and a keen detective’s eye. It’s a place you'll wish to live, as long as you have Stewart looking after your welfare. Laugh, guess, and reminisce with "Florida Retirement Is Murder," where snowbirds do more than just flock—they turn every day into an unforgettable adventure.
Award-Winning Audiobook
Funny and intriguing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The story was funny and intriguing. The characters were all very real. The ending is surprising! Totally entertaining and worth listening to or reading. This would make an awesome movie with the correct casting!" (Audible.com - 9.22.2024)
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