Author, Historian & Retired Investigator
Forgotten Southern Stories. Memorable Gatherings
Bring an Evening of Authentic Southern Crime History to Your Town
Step inside the archives. Retired homicide detective and author Michael Earl Simmons leaves dry lectures and PowerPoint slides behind to sit with your audience, open the old case files, and tell the true stories of the South as only a natural-born Southern storyteller can.
Every Southern town has stories that have slipped from memory—a mysterious disappearance, a crime that shook the community, a courtroom drama that once filled the newspapers.
Michael Earl Simmons brings those stories back to life. A retired police sergeant, author, and criminal justice historian, Michael combines careful research with the warmth and suspense of Southern storytelling. His presentations take audiences into another time, introducing the people, places, and circumstances behind forgotten crimes and mysteries.
Available for historical societies, museums, libraries, civic organizations, conferences, and special events throughout the South.
[Inquire About Booking Michael]
Give Your Audience a Story to Remember
A lamp glows beside a small table. A straw fedora hangs nearby. Michael steps forward, and an old Southern story begins.
Through vivid descriptions and an easy, conversational delivery, he guides listeners through the events as they unfolded—the early suspicions, the unexpected discoveries, and the questions that lingered afterward. His programs offer suspense, historical insight, and moments of appropriate humor, with respect for the people whose lives became part of the story. Presentations contain no profanity or graphic descriptions.
Choose the Experience for Your Gathering
Historical Crime Storytelling – Bring your audience a carefully researched account of Southern crime, mystery, and justice. Choose from Michael’s available stories for a program suited to your gathering.
Dinner and a Story – Pair your organization’s dinner or reception with an atmospheric storytelling presentation. Your organization hosts the evening; Michael provides the story.
Your Town’s Forgotten Past – Explore the possibility of a presentation connected to your community. Michael can discuss researching a local historical case, subject to available records and sufficient preparation time.
Keynotes for Criminal Justice and Professional Audiences – Drawing on decades of police service and criminal justice education, Michael uses historical cases to explore leadership, professional identity, responsibility, and public trust.
Presentation length, audience questions, and other arrangements can be discussed when planning your event.
Experience Behind the Storytelling
Michael Earl Simmons served thirty years with the Pensacola Police Department. His assignments included patrol, homicide, and crimes against persons.
An author and longtime criminal justice educator, Michael brings an investigator’s attention to detail and a storyteller’s understanding of people to his work.
Through his books, speaking engagements, and Sweet Tea Murders experiences, he helps audiences discover the remarkable history beneath familiar Southern streets.
Bring Michael to Your Event
Michael is based in Pensacola, Florida, and welcomes inquiries from organizations across the South.
To begin planning, share your organization’s name, event location, preferred date, expected audience size, and the type of program you have in mind. Include your speaker budget, if available.
We’ll discuss availability, program options, fees, travel, and presentation needs.
[Ask About Availability]Discover what your audience’s next favorite story might be.