LAKELAND, Fla. — Retired Hillsborough County Fire Rescue member Thad Diaz is embarking on his next chapter, literally. This year, Diaz self-published the first in a series of books set in Tampa that highlight some of the city's landmarks and history.

"I've always liked storytelling," he said. "It's always been fun to me, and I've had a vivid imagination."

The first three books in Diaz's "Cigar City Case Files" series are "Tampa Heat," "The Gasparilla Job," and "The King of West Tampa." They follow Logan Walsh, a Hillsborough firefighter and private investigator. Diaz describes the books as detective noir — and his passion project.

"There's a ton of really cool characters. I like to revisit them," he said.

Diaz said he retired in 2021 after a 25-year career: four spent with Pasco County Fire Rescue and the remaining 21 with Hillsborough. 

"It gives me a lot of experience to draw on," he said. "I've seen a lot of stuff, and that's good and bad."

But that wasn't his only inspiration.

"I worked very hard to make Tampa more character than setting," Diaz said. "I grew up here. I've been here for 50 years. So, I like including landmarks and a lot of cultures and personalities that are unique to the city."

As for the reaction from readers, Diaz said it's been mostly positive. At Pressed LKLD on Friday, he learned the local bookstore had sold out of copies.

"It's a good feeling. I've had some really good responses," he said.

Diaz said book four is coming in January, and he's in the process of writing the fifth. Diaz also said he plans to have a booth at the Ybor City Saturday Market every weekend during the first three months of 2024. "Cigar Cities Case Files" is available from Amazon and Goodreads.