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An RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery #1
Deadly Currents
A new series from award-winning author Beth Groundwater
The Arkansas River, heart and soul of Salida, Colorado, fuels the small town's economy and thrums in the blood of river ranger Mandy Tanner. When a whitewater rafting accident occurs, she deftly executes a rescue, but a man dies anyway. Turns out, it wasn't the rapids that killed him―he was murdered. Tom King was a rich land developer with bitter business rivals, who cheated on his wife, refused to support his kayak-obsessed son, and infuriated environmentalists.
Mandy's world is upended again when tragedy strikes closer to home. Suspicious that the most recent death is connected to Tom King's murder, Mandy goes on an emotionally turbulent quest for the truth―and ends up in dangerous waters.
"Groundwater kicks off a new series that combines outdoor action with more than a modicum of old-fashioned detection."―Kirkus Reviews
"With a fresh locale and a spunky if at times too emotional heroine, this is a promising new series by the author of the gift-basket designer Claire Hanover mysteries (A Real Basket Case)."―Library Journal
"Readers who enjoy fast-moving stories and wilderness environments will keep turning the pages of this promising series debut."―Booklist
"The amiable cast, along with Groundwater's fascinating firsthand knowledge of rafting, makes this a series worth watching."―Mystery Scene
"An entertaining read...[Deadly Currents is] a classic and well-written murder mystery, you won't be able to put it down."―Colorado Country Life
"Groundwater's novel is filled with river lore, vivid descriptions, and loving depictions of the varied characters who make up the tight-knit community."―Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine
"A remarkable book by an author who clearly knows and loves her territory. Don’t miss it!"―William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author
"Comes rushing at you from the first page like roiling whitewater, and culminates in a riveting climax that lives up to this book's name. If you like outdoor adventure and gripping characters, this one's a must-read."―Sandi Ault, Mary Higgins Clark and WILLA Award-winning author of the Wild Mystery Series
"A heart-racing debut with as many twists and turns and unexpected upsets as a ride through the rapids itself."―Margaret Coel, author of The Silent Spring
The Arkansas River, heart and soul of Salida, Colorado, fuels the small town's economy and thrums in the blood of river ranger Mandy Tanner. When a whitewater rafting accident occurs, she deftly executes a rescue, but a man dies anyway. Turns out, it wasn't the rapids that killed him―he was murdered. Tom King was a rich land developer with bitter business rivals, who cheated on his wife, refused to support his kayak-obsessed son, and infuriated environmentalists.
Mandy's world is upended again when tragedy strikes closer to home. Suspicious that the most recent death is connected to Tom King's murder, Mandy goes on an emotionally turbulent quest for the truth―and ends up in dangerous waters.
"Groundwater kicks off a new series that combines outdoor action with more than a modicum of old-fashioned detection."―Kirkus Reviews
"With a fresh locale and a spunky if at times too emotional heroine, this is a promising new series by the author of the gift-basket designer Claire Hanover mysteries (A Real Basket Case)."―Library Journal
"Readers who enjoy fast-moving stories and wilderness environments will keep turning the pages of this promising series debut."―Booklist
"The amiable cast, along with Groundwater's fascinating firsthand knowledge of rafting, makes this a series worth watching."―Mystery Scene
"An entertaining read...[Deadly Currents is] a classic and well-written murder mystery, you won't be able to put it down."―Colorado Country Life
"Groundwater's novel is filled with river lore, vivid descriptions, and loving depictions of the varied characters who make up the tight-knit community."―Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine
"A remarkable book by an author who clearly knows and loves her territory. Don’t miss it!"―William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author
"Comes rushing at you from the first page like roiling whitewater, and culminates in a riveting climax that lives up to this book's name. If you like outdoor adventure and gripping characters, this one's a must-read."―Sandi Ault, Mary Higgins Clark and WILLA Award-winning author of the Wild Mystery Series
"A heart-racing debut with as many twists and turns and unexpected upsets as a ride through the rapids itself."―Margaret Coel, author of The Silent Spring
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2011
24 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Beth Groundwater
9 books581 followersI write two mystery series, the Claire Hanover gift basket designer series and the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Adventures series starring whitewater river ranger Mandy Tanner. The first book in my Claire Hanover series, A REAL BASKET CASE, was released in hardcover in 2007 and re-released in trade paperback and ebook in November, 2011. It finaled for the 2007 Best First Novel Agatha Award. The second book in the series, TO HELL IN A HANDBASKET, was released in hardcover in 2009 and re-released in trade paperback and ebook in 2012. The third book, A BASKET OF TROUBLE, was released in November, 2013.
The first book in my Rocky Mountain Outdoor Adventures series, DEADLY CURRENTS, was released in trade paperback and ebook by Midnight Ink in 2011 and became an Amazon bestseller. The second book, WICKED EDDIES, was released in 2012 and was a finalist for the Rocky Award, for the best mystery set in Western North America. The third book, FATAL DESCENT, was released in June, 2013. DEADLY CURRENTS was re-released in September, 2020 by Speaking Volumes.
I was an avid "river rat" in the 1980s, running whitewater rivers in the eastern US, and enjoyed reacquainting myself with that subculture while researching this series. In June, 2011, I was the parade VIP for the First in Boating on the Arkansas River (FIBArk) whitewater festival in Salida, Colorado, which is featured in DEADLY CURRENTS. I live in Colorado and enjoy its many outdoor activities, including skiing and whitewater rafting.
My science fiction novella, THE EPSILON ERIDANI ALTERNATIVE, was released in ebook and paperback 2009. Also, I have published nine short stories, many multiple times in various formats, including audio. I enjoy meeting with book clubs in person or via Skype or speakerphone to discuss my books. Visit my website at http://bethgroundwater.com/ and my blog at http://bethgroundwater.blogspot.com/ for more information.
The first book in my Rocky Mountain Outdoor Adventures series, DEADLY CURRENTS, was released in trade paperback and ebook by Midnight Ink in 2011 and became an Amazon bestseller. The second book, WICKED EDDIES, was released in 2012 and was a finalist for the Rocky Award, for the best mystery set in Western North America. The third book, FATAL DESCENT, was released in June, 2013. DEADLY CURRENTS was re-released in September, 2020 by Speaking Volumes.
I was an avid "river rat" in the 1980s, running whitewater rivers in the eastern US, and enjoyed reacquainting myself with that subculture while researching this series. In June, 2011, I was the parade VIP for the First in Boating on the Arkansas River (FIBArk) whitewater festival in Salida, Colorado, which is featured in DEADLY CURRENTS. I live in Colorado and enjoy its many outdoor activities, including skiing and whitewater rafting.
My science fiction novella, THE EPSILON ERIDANI ALTERNATIVE, was released in ebook and paperback 2009. Also, I have published nine short stories, many multiple times in various formats, including audio. I enjoy meeting with book clubs in person or via Skype or speakerphone to discuss my books. Visit my website at http://bethgroundwater.com/ and my blog at http://bethgroundwater.blogspot.com/ for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
October 10, 2013
I really wanted to like this book. I've spent quite a bit of time in Colorado and love most places in the state, so the setting of this book appealed to me. However, Mandy, the main female character, was too immature and too prickly to like. She constantly lashed out at her boyfriend and her brother. The plot was just OK and I had the killer figured out well before the end. I certainly could have done without the "dumb blonde" jokes.
I've also become tired of what seems to be a trend in current fiction of authors creating similies to describe their characters' emotions and actions. For example, being dried out "like a neglected houseplant" or saying something insistently "like a child pulling on his mother's skirt." The story would have moved along just as well without these similies. Toward the end of the story, one character dismisses Mandy's apology by saying "that's water under the dam." I thought the saying was either water under the bridge or water over the dam. These may be minor points, but they detract from the book. I won't be looking for any more from this author.
I've also become tired of what seems to be a trend in current fiction of authors creating similies to describe their characters' emotions and actions. For example, being dried out "like a neglected houseplant" or saying something insistently "like a child pulling on his mother's skirt." The story would have moved along just as well without these similies. Toward the end of the story, one character dismisses Mandy's apology by saying "that's water under the dam." I thought the saying was either water under the bridge or water over the dam. These may be minor points, but they detract from the book. I won't be looking for any more from this author.
March 18, 2011
Deadly Currents – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat
‘This was her second week on patrol as a brand-new seasonal river ranger, still under the supervision of Steve, the head river ranger. Sure, she had run all the whitewater sections of the Upper Arkansas for years as a rafting guide… But now guides like Gonzo relied on her to rescue their customers who’d been snatched out of their grasp by the river. Slowly Mandy gained on the second swimmer, a young woman. The man in front of her must have fallen out of the raft first or been swept up by the main current sooner. Though Mandy couldn’t see his face, the man seemed strangely calm, unmoving. In contrast, the woman’s arms and legs flailed in the seething whitewater. She bounced off a rock and got smacked in the face with backwash from a hole… “Grab on!” Sputtering, the woman slung an arm over the nearest pontoon… Nearing the man, Mandy blew on her whistle, but he didn’t respond… “Looks like he’s unconscious,” Mandy shouted to the woman. “I’m going to need your help pulling him in.”
Mandy Tanner has just made her first rescue as a river ranger. Hannah Fowler and Tom King were both knocked out of the raft while going through some class IV rapids. Hannah will survive from her scrapes and bruises but Tom King is another story. He has a slight pulse but even with the CPR Mandy gives him, he’s too far gone. King and Hannah’s father are both bidders for water rights needed for their developments. Fowler will hopefully give some of the rights back for recreational purposes but King will need his rights to water the help water the greens of the golf course he plans to build. The trip down the Arkansas was planned by environmentalist Lenny Preble in hopes of opening the eyes of both men to just how important the river in its natural state really is, not just for recreational purposes but also for the wild and plant life of the area.
Mandy’s real problem comes in when King’s wife decides to sue the outfitter’s owner who just happens to be Mandy’s uncle. The only way to help out Uncle Bill will be when the Medical Examiner discovers that King died of a heart attack and not something stemming from neglect on the part of Bill’s company. But… he didn’t have a heart attack. He was actually murdered. Who did it? Why did they do it? How did they do it? These are the questions Mandy must find answers to before someone else dies and her suspect list took off with leaps and bounds right from the beginning.
I’ve read Beth Groundwater’s books A Real Basket Case and To Hell in a Handbasket, enjoying both tremendously. Now she has taken me on a trip down the Arkansas River in a fast moving raft. In Deadly Currents you will be taken through the rapids just as fast and just as deadly as the river itself. She will also give you one last Class IV ride at the very end as she reveals the true killer. Reading Deadly Currents has made me feel as though I’ve actually ridden the river myself.
2011
Midnight Ink
300 pages
ISBN# 978-0-7387-2162-0
Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat
‘This was her second week on patrol as a brand-new seasonal river ranger, still under the supervision of Steve, the head river ranger. Sure, she had run all the whitewater sections of the Upper Arkansas for years as a rafting guide… But now guides like Gonzo relied on her to rescue their customers who’d been snatched out of their grasp by the river. Slowly Mandy gained on the second swimmer, a young woman. The man in front of her must have fallen out of the raft first or been swept up by the main current sooner. Though Mandy couldn’t see his face, the man seemed strangely calm, unmoving. In contrast, the woman’s arms and legs flailed in the seething whitewater. She bounced off a rock and got smacked in the face with backwash from a hole… “Grab on!” Sputtering, the woman slung an arm over the nearest pontoon… Nearing the man, Mandy blew on her whistle, but he didn’t respond… “Looks like he’s unconscious,” Mandy shouted to the woman. “I’m going to need your help pulling him in.”
Mandy Tanner has just made her first rescue as a river ranger. Hannah Fowler and Tom King were both knocked out of the raft while going through some class IV rapids. Hannah will survive from her scrapes and bruises but Tom King is another story. He has a slight pulse but even with the CPR Mandy gives him, he’s too far gone. King and Hannah’s father are both bidders for water rights needed for their developments. Fowler will hopefully give some of the rights back for recreational purposes but King will need his rights to water the help water the greens of the golf course he plans to build. The trip down the Arkansas was planned by environmentalist Lenny Preble in hopes of opening the eyes of both men to just how important the river in its natural state really is, not just for recreational purposes but also for the wild and plant life of the area.
Mandy’s real problem comes in when King’s wife decides to sue the outfitter’s owner who just happens to be Mandy’s uncle. The only way to help out Uncle Bill will be when the Medical Examiner discovers that King died of a heart attack and not something stemming from neglect on the part of Bill’s company. But… he didn’t have a heart attack. He was actually murdered. Who did it? Why did they do it? How did they do it? These are the questions Mandy must find answers to before someone else dies and her suspect list took off with leaps and bounds right from the beginning.
I’ve read Beth Groundwater’s books A Real Basket Case and To Hell in a Handbasket, enjoying both tremendously. Now she has taken me on a trip down the Arkansas River in a fast moving raft. In Deadly Currents you will be taken through the rapids just as fast and just as deadly as the river itself. She will also give you one last Class IV ride at the very end as she reveals the true killer. Reading Deadly Currents has made me feel as though I’ve actually ridden the river myself.
2011
Midnight Ink
300 pages
ISBN# 978-0-7387-2162-0
Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat
February 24, 2012
I really hated this book. The main character seemed to be bipolar and totally irrational. Every choice she made and emotion she expressed was completely off base in terms of normal human beings. Her motivation was ok but her responses were from another planet. I don't think I'll read anything by this author again in case her other characters are also like this. Plot was ok.
November 14, 2011
With rookie River Ranger Mandy Tanner and her boss Steve Hadley watching, things are about to get very dangerous on the Arkansas River in Colorado. One of the river rafts has flipped and tossed equipment and passengers into the swirling river churning towards some deadly rapids. With odds against them before they start, Tanner and Hadley start trying to rescue as many they can as fast as they can. That results in Mandy Tanner performing her first river rescue in increasingly dangerous conditions as she breaks protocol to save lives.
Her second week patrol proves that sometimes doing things in an orthodox way is at times very necessary. She successfully pulls in two passengers, one female and one male. The woman, Hannah Fowler, is shaken but, all things considered, okay. The man, a local land developer named Tom King, was dead by the time she got him out of the water to a river bank.
With a wrongful death lawsuit in the early stages and her Uncle’s river rafting business at stake, Mandy Tanner decides to investigate and ask questions of anyone involved with that river trip. Her questions annoy a long list of suspects especially when it becomes clear Tom King was a victim of foul play. Still reeling from her guilt over Tom King’s death and a second much closer to home tragedy, Mandy Tanner does not know when to shut up and enjoy the river while leaving the case to the law enforcement professionals. If she isn’t careful and very lucky, her career, her young life might be over before it starts.
Reminiscent of early Nevada Barr novels and not just because of the outdoor setting, this cozy style read is the start of a new series featuring River Ranger Mandy Tanner. Known for her novels A Real Basket Case and To Hell in a Hand Basket this novel is far different in style and tone. Along with a detailed and obvious appreciation of the outdoors, author Beth Groundwater has created an interesting core group of characters, a complex mystery, and plenty of action and adventure.
The start of a new series, “Deadly Currents” is not only good but puts down an excellent foundation to build on. In will be very interesting to see how this develops further with “Wicked Eddies” slated for publication next year.
Deadly Currents: A RM Outdoors Adventures Mystery
Beth Groundwater
http://bethgroundwater.com/Home.html
Midnight Ink (Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.)
http://www.midnightinkbooks.com
March 2011
ISBN# 978-0-7387-2162-0
Paperback (also available in the Kindle)
300 Pages
$14.95
Material supplied by the author quite some time ago in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2011
More reviews and news at http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/
Her second week patrol proves that sometimes doing things in an orthodox way is at times very necessary. She successfully pulls in two passengers, one female and one male. The woman, Hannah Fowler, is shaken but, all things considered, okay. The man, a local land developer named Tom King, was dead by the time she got him out of the water to a river bank.
With a wrongful death lawsuit in the early stages and her Uncle’s river rafting business at stake, Mandy Tanner decides to investigate and ask questions of anyone involved with that river trip. Her questions annoy a long list of suspects especially when it becomes clear Tom King was a victim of foul play. Still reeling from her guilt over Tom King’s death and a second much closer to home tragedy, Mandy Tanner does not know when to shut up and enjoy the river while leaving the case to the law enforcement professionals. If she isn’t careful and very lucky, her career, her young life might be over before it starts.
Reminiscent of early Nevada Barr novels and not just because of the outdoor setting, this cozy style read is the start of a new series featuring River Ranger Mandy Tanner. Known for her novels A Real Basket Case and To Hell in a Hand Basket this novel is far different in style and tone. Along with a detailed and obvious appreciation of the outdoors, author Beth Groundwater has created an interesting core group of characters, a complex mystery, and plenty of action and adventure.
The start of a new series, “Deadly Currents” is not only good but puts down an excellent foundation to build on. In will be very interesting to see how this develops further with “Wicked Eddies” slated for publication next year.
Deadly Currents: A RM Outdoors Adventures Mystery
Beth Groundwater
http://bethgroundwater.com/Home.html
Midnight Ink (Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.)
http://www.midnightinkbooks.com
March 2011
ISBN# 978-0-7387-2162-0
Paperback (also available in the Kindle)
300 Pages
$14.95
Material supplied by the author quite some time ago in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2011
More reviews and news at http://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/
March 1, 2011
White water rafting anyone? The novel itself moves like a category five: raging, foaming, and churning all the way to the end. Hold on to the covers of this novel, the pages turn quickly, as racing through this whodunit is not an option. Beth herself will be stopping by the blog on occasion today to check comments so she can respond to them, so feel free to ask away. Enough already, what is between the covers on this one:
“The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It fuels the small town's economy and thrums in the blood of twenty-seven-year-old Mandy Tanner, a river ranger. When a whitewater rafting accident occurs, she deftly executes a rescue, but a man dies anyway. But it wasn't the river rapids that killed him, it was poison. Tom King was a rich land developer with bitter business rivals, who cheated on his wife, refused to support his kayak-obsessed son, and infurtiated enviromentalists.
Mandy's world turns upside down when her beloved Uncle Bill—the respected owner of a raft outfitting business—dies of a heart attack. Suspicious that his death is somehow connected to Tom King, she goes on an emotionally turbulent quest for the truth—and ends up in dangerous waters.”
The description of the scenery is rich and inviting, you can tell Beth Groundwater did her research. The tourist bureau of the area should be happy that she did such a nice job. I can see people planning vacations there after reading this, it is that good. Beth should start to write tourist books now as a side job. Back to the novel: the characters are fun, the settings intense, and there are enough subplots and backdoors placed in here to carry this new franchise for a while thankfully. The cover art is excellent also. Deadly Currents is the total package. Gift wrap it for yourself and put on your PFD.
What are you reading today? Have you checked out our new blogtalk radio show The G-ZONE? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, The Novel Spot &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It fuels the small town's economy and thrums in the blood of twenty-seven-year-old Mandy Tanner, a river ranger. When a whitewater rafting accident occurs, she deftly executes a rescue, but a man dies anyway. But it wasn't the river rapids that killed him, it was poison. Tom King was a rich land developer with bitter business rivals, who cheated on his wife, refused to support his kayak-obsessed son, and infurtiated enviromentalists.
Mandy's world turns upside down when her beloved Uncle Bill—the respected owner of a raft outfitting business—dies of a heart attack. Suspicious that his death is somehow connected to Tom King, she goes on an emotionally turbulent quest for the truth—and ends up in dangerous waters.”
The description of the scenery is rich and inviting, you can tell Beth Groundwater did her research. The tourist bureau of the area should be happy that she did such a nice job. I can see people planning vacations there after reading this, it is that good. Beth should start to write tourist books now as a side job. Back to the novel: the characters are fun, the settings intense, and there are enough subplots and backdoors placed in here to carry this new franchise for a while thankfully. The cover art is excellent also. Deadly Currents is the total package. Gift wrap it for yourself and put on your PFD.
What are you reading today? Have you checked out our new blogtalk radio show The G-ZONE? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari, The Novel Spot &Twitter. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Amazon Banner on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
February 27, 2011
Mandy Tanner is on her second week of serving as a seasonal river ranger on the Arkansas River, a fantastic location for whitewater rafting. Mandy is still under the supervision of Steve Handley, head river ranger, when both Mandy and Steve realize that Gonzo Gordon, a rafting guide, was in trouble with the three-raft pod he was leading down river.
Steve and Mandy both spring into action in an attempt to rescue the occupants of the rafts. Mandy manages to reach the woman who had taken a spill but there is still a man who needs to be rescued. Once Mandy has the woman secure, she moves towards the man who appears to be unresponsive. Mandy manages to get to get the man somewhat secured and after fighting the current finally made it to shore. Mandy immediately began CPR but her efforts were useless. The man was dead.
The deceased is identified as Tom King, a real estate developer in Salida, the town where Mandy lives and her Uncle Bill owns a rafting business. The first indication was that King’s death was due to a heart attack. As soon as the news of Tom King’s death gets around town people start cancelling trips booked with her Uncle’s business. To make matters even worse, King’s widow filed suit against Mandy’s uncle.
When the autopsy revealed that King’s death was due to poison Mandy was relieved and hoped that the news would make customers realize that the death had nothing to do with her Uncle’s business. Detective Quintana warned Mandy that she should stay out of the murder investigation and keep quiet about the poison.
Rob Juarez, Mandy’s boyfriend, was no stranger to Mandy’s stubborn side and was not at all surprised when Mandy begins to do her own investigation. Mandy’s questions not only make a number of people mad but also actually puts Mandy’s life in danger.
The scenery around Salida and descriptions of all the activities based on the nearby Arkansas River make for an interesting and exciting read. Beth Groundwater has introduced a number of interesting characters in Deadly Currents. I hope to meet some of these same characters in future additions to this series.
Steve and Mandy both spring into action in an attempt to rescue the occupants of the rafts. Mandy manages to reach the woman who had taken a spill but there is still a man who needs to be rescued. Once Mandy has the woman secure, she moves towards the man who appears to be unresponsive. Mandy manages to get to get the man somewhat secured and after fighting the current finally made it to shore. Mandy immediately began CPR but her efforts were useless. The man was dead.
The deceased is identified as Tom King, a real estate developer in Salida, the town where Mandy lives and her Uncle Bill owns a rafting business. The first indication was that King’s death was due to a heart attack. As soon as the news of Tom King’s death gets around town people start cancelling trips booked with her Uncle’s business. To make matters even worse, King’s widow filed suit against Mandy’s uncle.
When the autopsy revealed that King’s death was due to poison Mandy was relieved and hoped that the news would make customers realize that the death had nothing to do with her Uncle’s business. Detective Quintana warned Mandy that she should stay out of the murder investigation and keep quiet about the poison.
Rob Juarez, Mandy’s boyfriend, was no stranger to Mandy’s stubborn side and was not at all surprised when Mandy begins to do her own investigation. Mandy’s questions not only make a number of people mad but also actually puts Mandy’s life in danger.
The scenery around Salida and descriptions of all the activities based on the nearby Arkansas River make for an interesting and exciting read. Beth Groundwater has introduced a number of interesting characters in Deadly Currents. I hope to meet some of these same characters in future additions to this series.
January 11, 2013
Beth Groundwater was a rafting guide on the Arkansas River in Colorado & wrote a mystery featuring a rafting guide turned river ranger.
It's a bit rough around the edges, but given the author is a Coloradan writing about Colorado, there's no confusion about the setting (I'm thinking of a show we watched last night where the characters went to the Colorado Mountains and were so very clearly in a Pacific NW forest).
The mystery itself I liked, and I also agree with others that the author has nailed the eclectic flavor of Colorado mountain towns and life, as well as some interesting River Life 101 for Newbies in there (I'm amused that she worked in pet peeves about rafting customers - I guess I know what not to do now...), but lines like this made it darned near impossible to continue reading:
"I'm as mad as a weasel in mid-war dance." - and she's really mad here, she's not being sarcastic or cracking a joke.
"Mandy stood paralyzed, trembling, staring at the back of her uncle's head like a pronghorn antelope staring at the headlights of an approaching Mack Truck."
The main character was difficult to sympathize with. She's young and emotionally immature: self-centered, erratic and overall uncomfortable to read. I wanted to take her out of the mystery and let all the sideline characters work on it instead. Make the story about Rob, the nice thoughtful guy she was dating and having tantrums at every 2 seconds for "taking care of her" (picking up your sloppy drunk girlfriend from a bar and driving her home to tuck her in is a bad thing, just fyi).
She should be more careful...in a murder mystery, anyone could be the bad guy...he could "take care of her" and she'd be washing up downriver the next morning.
If you can deliberately ignore the main character, the book is fine. That's a little problematic, so I'll pass this on to folks who like nature mysteries and rafting with the disclaimer that Mandy (main character) is a bit of a frustration.
It's a bit rough around the edges, but given the author is a Coloradan writing about Colorado, there's no confusion about the setting (I'm thinking of a show we watched last night where the characters went to the Colorado Mountains and were so very clearly in a Pacific NW forest).
The mystery itself I liked, and I also agree with others that the author has nailed the eclectic flavor of Colorado mountain towns and life, as well as some interesting River Life 101 for Newbies in there (I'm amused that she worked in pet peeves about rafting customers - I guess I know what not to do now...), but lines like this made it darned near impossible to continue reading:
"I'm as mad as a weasel in mid-war dance." - and she's really mad here, she's not being sarcastic or cracking a joke.
"Mandy stood paralyzed, trembling, staring at the back of her uncle's head like a pronghorn antelope staring at the headlights of an approaching Mack Truck."
The main character was difficult to sympathize with. She's young and emotionally immature: self-centered, erratic and overall uncomfortable to read. I wanted to take her out of the mystery and let all the sideline characters work on it instead. Make the story about Rob, the nice thoughtful guy she was dating and having tantrums at every 2 seconds for "taking care of her" (picking up your sloppy drunk girlfriend from a bar and driving her home to tuck her in is a bad thing, just fyi).
She should be more careful...in a murder mystery, anyone could be the bad guy...he could "take care of her" and she'd be washing up downriver the next morning.
If you can deliberately ignore the main character, the book is fine. That's a little problematic, so I'll pass this on to folks who like nature mysteries and rafting with the disclaimer that Mandy (main character) is a bit of a frustration.
April 15, 2011
This is a new series for Beth Groundwater and it is as good as her earlier one.
Mandy Tanner is a river ranger working along the Arkansas river in Colorado. When she rescues a man from an upended raft and gets him to land she discovers he is in serious distress and works to save him. When he dies anyway and it is determined to be murder, not a water accident, Mandy is on the case to try and find out who killed him, and why.
As a first book in the series this one takes a fair amount of time to set the stage, introducing characters, describing the history of recreation on the white water rivers and the history of river rangers and guides.
I didn't figure out "who dunnit" until Groundwater was ready to let me, which is always a good thing.
Now, waiting impatiently for her next book.
Mandy Tanner is a river ranger working along the Arkansas river in Colorado. When she rescues a man from an upended raft and gets him to land she discovers he is in serious distress and works to save him. When he dies anyway and it is determined to be murder, not a water accident, Mandy is on the case to try and find out who killed him, and why.
As a first book in the series this one takes a fair amount of time to set the stage, introducing characters, describing the history of recreation on the white water rivers and the history of river rangers and guides.
I didn't figure out "who dunnit" until Groundwater was ready to let me, which is always a good thing.
Now, waiting impatiently for her next book.
June 7, 2014
Mandy Tanner, River Ranger, rescues a man in a white-water river rafter accident who turns out to die, and it turns out he was murdered. Mandy and the sheriff's office work to solve this crime. The victim, Tom King, a local developer has lots of enemies, but the question is just who exactly sent him to his death.
I really liked this book, lots of colorful characters and likeable characters. I found that I really cared about what happened to them, and to the river-rafting company that Mandy and her brother inherited when their uncle died. I'm looking forward to getting the next book in the series.
I really liked this book, lots of colorful characters and likeable characters. I found that I really cared about what happened to them, and to the river-rafting company that Mandy and her brother inherited when their uncle died. I'm looking forward to getting the next book in the series.
August 27, 2014
Beth Groundwater is a new author for me. I have read 2 RM mysteries and will others. Mandy is a ranger for the Arkansas Headquarters Recreational Area (AHR There is a lot of information of the work the rangers do. RM is a combination of her boy friend and her first initial. White water rafting and fly fishing is the major activity of the area.
Mandy is on river patrol watching the rafters. A boat collapses and there people to recuse. Her partner heads for the woman and Mandy goes to help the man. He is unconscious. There is a problem getting the man a shore. She later learns he has been murdered. A close friend is a suspect and Mandy must find the answer to save her friend
Mandy is on river patrol watching the rafters. A boat collapses and there people to recuse. Her partner heads for the woman and Mandy goes to help the man. He is unconscious. There is a problem getting the man a shore. She later learns he has been murdered. A close friend is a suspect and Mandy must find the answer to save her friend
March 22, 2014
Deadly Currents was a very good read. The mystery lasted throughout out the whole book and there were enough suspects to keep you guessing. The characters were well developed, relationships have room to grow in future books. The setting descriptions were very well written and descriptive, so much so that at times I felt I was right there. The writing style flowed easily and editing was good. There was humor, sadness and mystery all contained within the book and in my opinion, that makes for a great read. I would recommend this book to those who like a good mystery and descriptive writing. Check out Deadly Currents, you won't be disappointed.
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January 20, 2011The author of this title is an RMFW member. For that reason, we do not rate these selections. We’re kind of biased. However, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t have them on our shelves. And you’ll see this message on any other titles that come from our members. We do hope that you’ll consider reading it, though. ;)
Gusto Dave, Publicity Chair for RMFW
Gusto Dave, Publicity Chair for RMFW
January 12, 2012
I loved this book. Having lived in Colorado for 35 years, I took great pleasure in reliving my own Arkansas river adventures while reading this book. I can't wait for the next in the series to come out. What wild, white water ride!
April 19, 2015
Love this Colorado author - has a great sense of place, well developed western women, fun reading.
June 24, 2012
Goodreads Description- The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It fuels the small town's economy and thrums in the blood of twenty-seven-year-old Mandy Tanner, a river ranger. When a whitewater rafting accident occurs, she deftly executes a rescue, but a man dies anyway. But it wasn't the river rapids that killed him, it was poison. Tom King was a rich land developer with bitter business rivals, who cheated on his wife, refused to support his kayak-obsessed son, and infuriated environmentalists. Mandy cooperates with the local sheriff's department to solve the murder. But little does she know how greatly the case will affect those she loves, including her beloved Uncle Bill—the respected owner of an outfitting business, out of whose raft Tom King fell. She goes on an emotionally turbulent quest for the truth—and ends up in dangerous waters.
Deadly Currents is the first in a new cozy mystery series by author Beth Groundwater. As most cozys do, this series has a focus, the town of Salida, Colorado on the banks of the Arkansas River and the types of sports that are prevalent in that area. In this particular edition the backdrop is the white water rafting tourist industry. The main character, Mandy Tanner, in the book is a seasonal river ranger on the Arkansas, and a former rafting guide for her Uncle Bill's rafting company. I normally don't like cozys and was particularly worried because I don't know anything about whitewater rafting, but the author definitely did her homework for this book. There is quite a bit of techinical information about the rafting industry including equipment, safety techniques, the importance of water levels and flows, as well as some fun trick rafting that can be done in contests. The author also includes a wonderful description of the Arkansas River and the surrounding area. These technical and ecological information was pretty much the best part of the book because I learned so much about a sport that I had little to no knowledge. As far as the plot goes, it seems like a pretty standard plotline for the cozy genre. A town big wig is killed during a whitewater rafting tour and Mandy is the river ranger who pulls him from the river and tries to revive him with no success. Mandy then feels guilty and questions her abilities as a ranger. When autopsy results show that he was poisoned an investigation is done and the reader finds out that Tom King isn't the greatest guy in the world. He was cheating on his wife, has basically disowned his son, and was in a messy bidding war with another developer over property that has river rights. There is a long description over why the water rights were important and that was one part of the book that I just didn't get and basically skimmed over. Due to her guilt and then the death of a family member, Mandy begins her own investigation into Tom's murder and in the process annoys several possible suspects and ends up putting herself in harm's way. The characters were all pretty good. I could tell what kind of personality each one had thus they were well developed. However, Mandy's boyfriend, Rob, rubs me the wrong way. I just didn't see why Mandy wanted to be involved with him. He seems too macho, untrustworthy, and pushy for a girl like her but it is what it is and maybe I will see more of his good attributes in the second book. Overall I would recommend this book to others simply because I learned so much about a rafting, a foreign subject to me, and it was a good solid mystery with some good twists and turns. It kept me wanting to read more so that is always a sign of a good book for me. 4 stars.
Deadly Currents is the first in a new cozy mystery series by author Beth Groundwater. As most cozys do, this series has a focus, the town of Salida, Colorado on the banks of the Arkansas River and the types of sports that are prevalent in that area. In this particular edition the backdrop is the white water rafting tourist industry. The main character, Mandy Tanner, in the book is a seasonal river ranger on the Arkansas, and a former rafting guide for her Uncle Bill's rafting company. I normally don't like cozys and was particularly worried because I don't know anything about whitewater rafting, but the author definitely did her homework for this book. There is quite a bit of techinical information about the rafting industry including equipment, safety techniques, the importance of water levels and flows, as well as some fun trick rafting that can be done in contests. The author also includes a wonderful description of the Arkansas River and the surrounding area. These technical and ecological information was pretty much the best part of the book because I learned so much about a sport that I had little to no knowledge. As far as the plot goes, it seems like a pretty standard plotline for the cozy genre. A town big wig is killed during a whitewater rafting tour and Mandy is the river ranger who pulls him from the river and tries to revive him with no success. Mandy then feels guilty and questions her abilities as a ranger. When autopsy results show that he was poisoned an investigation is done and the reader finds out that Tom King isn't the greatest guy in the world. He was cheating on his wife, has basically disowned his son, and was in a messy bidding war with another developer over property that has river rights. There is a long description over why the water rights were important and that was one part of the book that I just didn't get and basically skimmed over. Due to her guilt and then the death of a family member, Mandy begins her own investigation into Tom's murder and in the process annoys several possible suspects and ends up putting herself in harm's way. The characters were all pretty good. I could tell what kind of personality each one had thus they were well developed. However, Mandy's boyfriend, Rob, rubs me the wrong way. I just didn't see why Mandy wanted to be involved with him. He seems too macho, untrustworthy, and pushy for a girl like her but it is what it is and maybe I will see more of his good attributes in the second book. Overall I would recommend this book to others simply because I learned so much about a rafting, a foreign subject to me, and it was a good solid mystery with some good twists and turns. It kept me wanting to read more so that is always a sign of a good book for me. 4 stars.
September 22, 2013
Running the Arkansas River rapids in the Colorado Rockies is not for the meek. A Class V rapid can toss a raft and its riders head-over-heels into the foaming water and turn them into human debris dodging rocks and other dangers in the whitewater.
Deadly Currents protagonist, Mandy Tanner, has left her river guide job to turn to law enforcement as a river ranger. In her twenties and new to the profession, she has much to learn, both on the job and in her personal relationships. But she is gutsy and hardworking, so the reader feels she can tackle any task she takes on. Except for one. Struggling to rescue two whitewater “swimmers,” she’s only able to save one. The other, Tom King, dies.
At first, King’s death looks like possible negligence on the part of the rafting company, owned by Mandy’s Uncle Bill. She’s grateful to learn that it wasn’t Bill’s fault because King was murdered.
Even though Mandy is warned to stay out of King’s death investigation, the young woman gets involved with the possible suspects, stirring up more turmoil than even a Class V rapid can cause. King, a rich developer, had no love for the river or the natural beauty near Salida, Colorado, which earned him enemies. He also had business rivals. Plus a wife, a mistress and a son, who all had problems with him. There’s a virtual plethora of people who could have wanted him dead. And some of them don’t like Mandy asking questions.
The author creates colorful characters to people this small Rocky Mountain town. My only dislike with characterization was that sometimes Mandy’s reactions to her boyfriend and brother were on the immature side. On the other hand, that makes her more human and leaves her room to grow in future books.
Groundwater has definitely done her research in the world of rafting on the Arkansas near Salida. She brings it to a frothy, churning life, which is one reason I loved the book. My husband and I have rafted the Arkansas through the Royal Gorge twice, having exciting incidents happen each time, once culminating with my husband becoming a “swimmer.” Even though Mandy wasn’t there to pull him out of the water, he survived. Deadly Currents makes me wish I could go again, but with a bum knee, that’s out of the question for me. So when I get the urge to go for another wild ride, I’ll just have to pick up a Mandy Tanner RM Outdoor Adventure Mystery.
Deadly Currents protagonist, Mandy Tanner, has left her river guide job to turn to law enforcement as a river ranger. In her twenties and new to the profession, she has much to learn, both on the job and in her personal relationships. But she is gutsy and hardworking, so the reader feels she can tackle any task she takes on. Except for one. Struggling to rescue two whitewater “swimmers,” she’s only able to save one. The other, Tom King, dies.
At first, King’s death looks like possible negligence on the part of the rafting company, owned by Mandy’s Uncle Bill. She’s grateful to learn that it wasn’t Bill’s fault because King was murdered.
Even though Mandy is warned to stay out of King’s death investigation, the young woman gets involved with the possible suspects, stirring up more turmoil than even a Class V rapid can cause. King, a rich developer, had no love for the river or the natural beauty near Salida, Colorado, which earned him enemies. He also had business rivals. Plus a wife, a mistress and a son, who all had problems with him. There’s a virtual plethora of people who could have wanted him dead. And some of them don’t like Mandy asking questions.
The author creates colorful characters to people this small Rocky Mountain town. My only dislike with characterization was that sometimes Mandy’s reactions to her boyfriend and brother were on the immature side. On the other hand, that makes her more human and leaves her room to grow in future books.
Groundwater has definitely done her research in the world of rafting on the Arkansas near Salida. She brings it to a frothy, churning life, which is one reason I loved the book. My husband and I have rafted the Arkansas through the Royal Gorge twice, having exciting incidents happen each time, once culminating with my husband becoming a “swimmer.” Even though Mandy wasn’t there to pull him out of the water, he survived. Deadly Currents makes me wish I could go again, but with a bum knee, that’s out of the question for me. So when I get the urge to go for another wild ride, I’ll just have to pick up a Mandy Tanner RM Outdoor Adventure Mystery.
January 16, 2016
The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It also is a great tourist attraction for fishermen and white water rafting adventurists. For Mandy Tanner it is home. She grew up in Salida, raised by her Uncle Bill and working as a river guide for his white water rafting business. This Summer she is a Seasonal River Ranger for Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA). She has completed her training and into her second week on the river when she takes part in tricky river rescue. She is able to get two people to shore but one of them dies anyway. Land developer Tom King died in the water but it wasn't the rapids that killed him. There was nothing Mandy could have done to save him because he was murdered and there are a lot people that may have wanted him dead.
Mandy world is then turned inside out when tragedy hits closer to home. Could the events be connected? Mandy has to find out, the answers may be found in the Deadly Currents of the river.
Dollycas's Thoughts
I love the way Beth Groundwater writes. You ride the rapids from the first page until the last.
The only rapids I have ran outside of a book have been at an amusement park or the family friendly ones in a canoe on the Crystal River here in Wisconsin. Groundwater's descriptions are so vivid you can feel the bumps, currents and eddies.
She has created flawed protagonist we can genuinely get behind and want to read about. Mandy has dealt with a lot in her life leaving her with commitment issues and she has a bit of a chip on her shoulder when people offer to help her. The supporting characters are all real and very believable. I absolutely love Cynthia with her blonde jokes.
It was really interesting to read a story where law enforcement actually worked together with the main character instead of all the random sleuthing going on behind the scenes. I am sure this relationship was embellished a bit for the story but it seams credible that the Park Service would work together with the Sheriff's Office.
The groundwork has been laid in this debut for what I know will be an exciting series. I know I am ready to hit the rapids again.
Mandy world is then turned inside out when tragedy hits closer to home. Could the events be connected? Mandy has to find out, the answers may be found in the Deadly Currents of the river.
Dollycas's Thoughts
I love the way Beth Groundwater writes. You ride the rapids from the first page until the last.
The only rapids I have ran outside of a book have been at an amusement park or the family friendly ones in a canoe on the Crystal River here in Wisconsin. Groundwater's descriptions are so vivid you can feel the bumps, currents and eddies.
She has created flawed protagonist we can genuinely get behind and want to read about. Mandy has dealt with a lot in her life leaving her with commitment issues and she has a bit of a chip on her shoulder when people offer to help her. The supporting characters are all real and very believable. I absolutely love Cynthia with her blonde jokes.
It was really interesting to read a story where law enforcement actually worked together with the main character instead of all the random sleuthing going on behind the scenes. I am sure this relationship was embellished a bit for the story but it seams credible that the Park Service would work together with the Sheriff's Office.
The groundwork has been laid in this debut for what I know will be an exciting series. I know I am ready to hit the rapids again.
April 10, 2013
As a survivor of Seidel's Suckhole myself, I can tell you that Beth Groundwater paints a very realistic picture of whitewater rafting in that section of the Arkansas River, and she does a great job bringing the towns of Salida and Buena Vista to life on the page. Our sleuth Mandy, a seasonal river ranger, at times seems a bit immature to me, but I have to remind myself that she is quite young. Or maybe I'm just that old. ::sigh::
The story kicks off with a daring river rescue in which Mandy hauls two rafters out of the water, only to have one die as soon as they reach the shore. At first she is worried that her uncle's rafting company will be blamed for the man's death, but it soon comes out that it was no accident. The man was murdered, and there is no shortage of people with motives. As the ranger on scene, Mandy becomes involved in the murder investigation.
While Mandy is hunting down the killer, we also get to know her uncle, his river guides, Mandy's boyfriend, Mandy's best friend, and various movers and shakers in Chaffee County, Colorado. Sometimes the introductions flow very well, but other times they feel a bit forced. Likewise, some of the characters are complex and interesting, but others seem to be there to perform their functions in the plot and that's all. I was a little bothered by Mandy's conflict with her boyfriend, in that it seemed a little too much conflict for the sake of conflict, which is my biggest gripe about the few romance novels I've read. But again I must remind myself: They are young; I am old.
Bearing that in mind, however, I'm still bothered by some particularly foolish actions Mandy and her best friend take. And even more bothered that they don't land her in more trouble than they do.
I have already read the second book in the series (which was nominated for the Rocky this year), and I look forward to reading more. I would definitely recommend this series to anybody who likes outdoorsy mysteries or stories with Rocky Mountain settings.
The story kicks off with a daring river rescue in which Mandy hauls two rafters out of the water, only to have one die as soon as they reach the shore. At first she is worried that her uncle's rafting company will be blamed for the man's death, but it soon comes out that it was no accident. The man was murdered, and there is no shortage of people with motives. As the ranger on scene, Mandy becomes involved in the murder investigation.
While Mandy is hunting down the killer, we also get to know her uncle, his river guides, Mandy's boyfriend, Mandy's best friend, and various movers and shakers in Chaffee County, Colorado. Sometimes the introductions flow very well, but other times they feel a bit forced. Likewise, some of the characters are complex and interesting, but others seem to be there to perform their functions in the plot and that's all. I was a little bothered by Mandy's conflict with her boyfriend, in that it seemed a little too much conflict for the sake of conflict, which is my biggest gripe about the few romance novels I've read. But again I must remind myself: They are young; I am old.
Bearing that in mind, however, I'm still bothered by some particularly foolish actions Mandy and her best friend take. And even more bothered that they don't land her in more trouble than they do.
I have already read the second book in the series (which was nominated for the Rocky this year), and I look forward to reading more. I would definitely recommend this series to anybody who likes outdoorsy mysteries or stories with Rocky Mountain settings.
June 4, 2011
I have to admit I'm not really a water person. I don't even like to soak in a bath. My idea of enjoying the water is listening to it babble in brooks and writing insipid poetry about it.
But that didn't keep me from being sucked under by this book and becoming totally immersed in learning about white water rafting and the people who are involved in it. I immediately liked the protagonist, and though I was a bit suspicious of the love interest for awhile, I'm sure that was intentional, and by the end, I approved of the relationship. I took longer than usual to figure out who the villain was, yet when I did figure it out, it was logical and believable. (I did suspect, but just couldn't let go of my favorite pick for the role.)
In short, this is an action-filled and involving mystery with believable characters in an interesting setting that most of us have little or no experience with. I recommend it for summer vacation reading.
But that didn't keep me from being sucked under by this book and becoming totally immersed in learning about white water rafting and the people who are involved in it. I immediately liked the protagonist, and though I was a bit suspicious of the love interest for awhile, I'm sure that was intentional, and by the end, I approved of the relationship. I took longer than usual to figure out who the villain was, yet when I did figure it out, it was logical and believable. (I did suspect, but just couldn't let go of my favorite pick for the role.)
In short, this is an action-filled and involving mystery with believable characters in an interesting setting that most of us have little or no experience with. I recommend it for summer vacation reading.
January 18, 2017
Beth Groundwater has written one strong mystery and her knowledge of whitewater rafting and river lore brings her Colorado setting to life.
No matter how strong the mystery or how vivid the setting, I am a character-driven reader, and I have to admit that I had a couple of problems with Mandy Tanner. For one thing, she's too emotionally immature for me. She blew up at the slightest provocation even before the second death in the book. She's also one of the clumsiest investigators I've ever seen. Out of that long suspect list, I don't think there's a one of 'em that she didn't antagonize. Last but not least, there's a killer on the loose and she's going around town making everyone furious, but Mandy is very lackadaisical about getting that large broken window fixed in her house.
As good as the mystery and setting are, it will probably be a while before I read further into this series. Mandy simply didn't make a good first impression.
No matter how strong the mystery or how vivid the setting, I am a character-driven reader, and I have to admit that I had a couple of problems with Mandy Tanner. For one thing, she's too emotionally immature for me. She blew up at the slightest provocation even before the second death in the book. She's also one of the clumsiest investigators I've ever seen. Out of that long suspect list, I don't think there's a one of 'em that she didn't antagonize. Last but not least, there's a killer on the loose and she's going around town making everyone furious, but Mandy is very lackadaisical about getting that large broken window fixed in her house.
As good as the mystery and setting are, it will probably be a while before I read further into this series. Mandy simply didn't make a good first impression.
June 8, 2011
Ms. Groundwater has done it again--she kept me guessing until the very end! For those who enjoy mysteries, and for those who enjoy river rafting, this is the book for you. River ranger Mandy has already pulled one dead body out of the water; a local man poisoned at the start of his river rafting adventure. As she rescues others from kayaks and rafts tipping over, she searches for clues leading to the identity of the man's killer. Along the way, more tragedies befall her that lead to a heart-stopping, nail-biting climax. Mystery, a bit of romance, and everything that can go wrong, and right, during the course of a river ranger's day packs with novel with near non-stop action. And will keep you guessing, as I did, until the very end.
March 5, 2013
This was an entertaining, fast-paced, traditional, outdoor adventure-and-mystery novel, which I quite enjoyed. In it, a local developer on a group whitewater-rafting expedition falls off a raft, and despite river ranger Mandy Tanner's best efforts to save him, does not survive.
It turns out he was poisoned, and Mandy is determined to find out whodunit. On the whole I liked the heroine, though she does have a tendency to overreact to things and is much too easily offended. But she is going through some rough times, so perhaps this behavior isn't typical of her.
I liked learning about whitewater rafting, a sport I've never experienced, and I'm looking forward to finding out about more outdoor wilderness sports in future installments of this promising series.
It turns out he was poisoned, and Mandy is determined to find out whodunit. On the whole I liked the heroine, though she does have a tendency to overreact to things and is much too easily offended. But she is going through some rough times, so perhaps this behavior isn't typical of her.
I liked learning about whitewater rafting, a sport I've never experienced, and I'm looking forward to finding out about more outdoor wilderness sports in future installments of this promising series.
June 10, 2013
Beth Groundwater's Deadly Currents introduces the reader to a new protagonist Mandy Tanner. Many is a river guide turned river ranger and gets her first mystery when a raft over turns and dumps the riders into the river. Mandy attempts to save two of the passengers but one dies as she gets him to shore. The dead man is a rich developer named Tom King. When it is discovered he was murdered Mandy's uncle is the suspect.
I really enjoyed reading about rafting on the river and the outdoors and that it was a mystery made it even better. I can see where there is room for the writer to tighten up her writing and I look forward to the next book in the series knowing it can only get better.
I really enjoyed reading about rafting on the river and the outdoors and that it was a mystery made it even better. I can see where there is room for the writer to tighten up her writing and I look forward to the next book in the series knowing it can only get better.
March 3, 2014
When a man dies on new river ranger Mandy Tanner's watch, she's naturally upset. But when it turns out to be murder, she feels compelled to investigate.
I enjoyed this first book in a series if for no other reason because I enjoyed the river rafting background. I did find Mandy a little too hard to take at times as she seemed to overreact to those around her. I could see her side, but even so it seemed like a bit much. Still, I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I enjoyed this first book in a series if for no other reason because I enjoyed the river rafting background. I did find Mandy a little too hard to take at times as she seemed to overreact to those around her. I could see her side, but even so it seemed like a bit much. Still, I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 15, 2011
**Received this book as an author donated copy**
When I read the premise for Deadly Currently, I was immediately intrigued - the idea of a river ranger - which we normally don't see as a job occupation and then a mystery to book - I was excited. And Ms Groundwater did not let me down. From the beginning to the end, there were twists and turns that I couldn't predict (although i'm discovering more and more that I suck about identifying those twists before they happen ;) ). A satisfying conclusion and i'll def. be looking forward to more in this series as they are released and will be taking a look at her backlist.
When I read the premise for Deadly Currently, I was immediately intrigued - the idea of a river ranger - which we normally don't see as a job occupation and then a mystery to book - I was excited. And Ms Groundwater did not let me down. From the beginning to the end, there were twists and turns that I couldn't predict (although i'm discovering more and more that I suck about identifying those twists before they happen ;) ). A satisfying conclusion and i'll def. be looking forward to more in this series as they are released and will be taking a look at her backlist.
September 21, 2011
Just a really cool book with a really cool main character and setting!! I really enjoyed mostly everything about this book. I was a bit apprehensive going into this book, because this book was classified as a cozy, which can really be hit or miss with me. In my opinion, it isn't. The other thing is that this book is really, really well written. What I loved most about it, is the outdoor setting. Beth did an awesome job of taking the readers to the town of Salida Colorado!
Most def. a series I would continue with!!
Most def. a series I would continue with!!
August 29, 2011
This is a good mystery, fast-paced with interesting characters in the different setting of river rafting. I liked this book a lot, and I like author Beth Groundwater's writing. I still like her Clare Hanover mystery series better, but this was enjoyable as well. I know she's coming out with two more books in this series and I plan on reading them as well! If you like outdoor aventures and mysteries, I recommend this book!
April 12, 2011
I went to high school in Colorado... and I just loved learning about the culture of river rafting... something I am deathly afraid of since I can't swim! I thought the characters were great and loved how Groundwater pegged the stereotypical Coloradoan! The storyline was great too! It kept me guessing...I look forward to some more books by this author.
June 18, 2011
I was surprised by how much I liked this one. It was given to me and I'm not into rafting at all. Well, at least I wasn't. Now I'd like to try. Along with the rafting and scenery details, the mystery was well crafted and pulled me along at a great pace. I thought the main character was very fleshed out. I'll read more of this series.
May 30, 2011
Now you can enjoy whitewater rafting to your heart’s content—from the cozy comfort of home! This book had everything: a spunky protagonist, a picturesque Colorado setting, and a plot that kept me twisting in the wind (or churning in the water . . .?) until the final chapter. I predict that this will be another winning series for Beth Groundwater.
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