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Misty Pines Mystery #2
Deadly Tides
A missing surf legend. Waterlogged clues. Can he trust his gut instincts to end the wave of murder? Sheriff Jax Turner is learning to live again. Holding tight to the hope of reconciling with his FBI agent ex-wife, the wary man is determined to keep his focus on his coastal Oregon community. And after a concerned brother requests a welfare check, Jax is troubled to find the absent surf shop owner's tracks lead to a pool of blood. Now investigating a potential homicide, Turner chases a tip from his former spouse about a severed foot found on the beach. But when a torrent of leads links the victim to a politician's son, a jealous competitor, and a get-straight program for youth, the steadfast lawman fears layers of lies and secret agendas will keep him from stopping a vicious killer. Can he unravel the fatal agenda before he's the next corpse to wash ashore? If you like flawed heroes, gritty crimes, and dark twists and turns, then you'll love Deadly Tides, the chilling second book in Mary Keliikoa's Misty Pines Mystery Series.
302 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2023
9 people are currently reading
3544 people want to read
About the author
Mary Keliikoa
8 books787 followersMary Keliikoa is the author of DON'T ASK, DON'T FOLLOW, a domestic thriller, and the award-winning HIDDEN PIECES, DEADLY TIDES and KILLER TRACKS novels in the Misty Pines mystery series. In addition, she is the author of the PI Kelly Pruett mystery series, which includes the Shamus Finalist and Lefty, Agatha and Anthony award-nominated DERAILED for best debut.
A Pacific NW native, she admits to being that person who gets excited when called for jury duty. When not in Washington, you can find Mary with toes in the sand on a Hawaiian beach. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.
www.marykeliikoa.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/marykel...
A Pacific NW native, she admits to being that person who gets excited when called for jury duty. When not in Washington, you can find Mary with toes in the sand on a Hawaiian beach. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.
www.marykeliikoa.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/marykel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
April 13, 2023
I can easily see why Mary Keliikoa is on her way up, headed for the big leagues of mystery/thriller authors. Deadly Tides is a great read. The best books are character driven and keep the reader thinking about the people long after the book is finished. Deadly Tides is that kind of book. The writing craft is impeccable.
Another favorite attribute of a great read is if the setting carries equal weight to a main character, as it does in this book. Keliikoa, knows the geography; the sea coast, the forests and even the weather. You can almost smell the salt air.
The scenes are designed in a way to best display the characters (instead of the story), which drops the readers into the “fictive dream,” and holds them there. At the same time, like a master juggler, Keliikoa blends the multi-layered plot with three-dimensional characters.
The strong writing craft, the three-dimensional characters, the great setting all give the story a sense of irresistible realism. A great combination.
David Putnam Author of the Bruno Johnson series (and now the Dave Beckett series).
Another favorite attribute of a great read is if the setting carries equal weight to a main character, as it does in this book. Keliikoa, knows the geography; the sea coast, the forests and even the weather. You can almost smell the salt air.
The scenes are designed in a way to best display the characters (instead of the story), which drops the readers into the “fictive dream,” and holds them there. At the same time, like a master juggler, Keliikoa blends the multi-layered plot with three-dimensional characters.
The strong writing craft, the three-dimensional characters, the great setting all give the story a sense of irresistible realism. A great combination.
David Putnam Author of the Bruno Johnson series (and now the Dave Beckett series).
November 4, 2023
After the brother of a local surf shop owner requests a welfare check on that brother, Sheriff Jax Turner finds the missing man's tracks leading to a pool of blood. At the same time the sheriff follows up on a tip from his ex-wife, an FBI agent, about a severed foot found on the beach on the Oregon coast.
This is the second book in the author's Misty Pines series and I enjoyed it more than the first book. It seems to be more tightly written without much meandering from the main threads of the story. Sheriff Jax Turner is mentally and emotionally stronger and is determined to keep his community safe. I kinda wish he'd quit trying to get back together with his ex-wife though. She's obviously not that into him any more. With many viable suspects in the story, I was kept guessing right to the end. As other reviewers have pointed out, this book can be read as a standalone. I plan to read the author's newest standalone novel "Don't Ask, Don't Follow" before it publishes in June 2024 and I'd definitely read another book in the Misty Pines series. 3.5 Stars rounded up.
My thanks to Level Best Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication: October 24, 2023
AFTERTHOUGHT: It wasn't until a couple of days after I finished this book that I realized the fact that the author's last name is Kelikoa, Sheriff Turner's ex-wife's surname is Kanekoa and Rachel's search and rescue dog is named Koa. Is there some relevance to the "koa" moniker?
This is the second book in the author's Misty Pines series and I enjoyed it more than the first book. It seems to be more tightly written without much meandering from the main threads of the story. Sheriff Jax Turner is mentally and emotionally stronger and is determined to keep his community safe. I kinda wish he'd quit trying to get back together with his ex-wife though. She's obviously not that into him any more. With many viable suspects in the story, I was kept guessing right to the end. As other reviewers have pointed out, this book can be read as a standalone. I plan to read the author's newest standalone novel "Don't Ask, Don't Follow" before it publishes in June 2024 and I'd definitely read another book in the Misty Pines series. 3.5 Stars rounded up.
My thanks to Level Best Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication: October 24, 2023
AFTERTHOUGHT: It wasn't until a couple of days after I finished this book that I realized the fact that the author's last name is Kelikoa, Sheriff Turner's ex-wife's surname is Kanekoa and Rachel's search and rescue dog is named Koa. Is there some relevance to the "koa" moniker?
October 14, 2023
Deadly Tides is the second book in this series, but can easily read as a standalone. A great part of the story in Deadly Tides revolves around Jax Turner and his ex-wife Abbey Kaneoka but the case they have to solve this time has nothing to do with the earlier book.
So, this makes for my only comment on this story: for me, there is a little too much emphasis on the relationship between Jax and Abby. The other main story is that of the missing surfer and the foot that was found on the beach – but is this foot part of the missing surfer? What links Jax’ and Abbys’ story with the crime is the fact that Abby’s mother wandered out to the beach one night – the poor woman is suffering from Alzheimer's and was not happy with the food she was served one night in the care home where she lives.
What follows is a slow-burning mystery that picks up the pace at the surprising end. I loved the description of the coastal town, the woods, the ocean and how living in a place like that influences the people. So, we have two stories, a couple of bodies, several very different motives, al thrown together in what turned out to be an interesting and very readable book. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, because I think the author still has some surprises in mind for her readers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Level Best Books for this review copy. This review is my 500th review for Netgalley!
So, this makes for my only comment on this story: for me, there is a little too much emphasis on the relationship between Jax and Abby. The other main story is that of the missing surfer and the foot that was found on the beach – but is this foot part of the missing surfer? What links Jax’ and Abbys’ story with the crime is the fact that Abby’s mother wandered out to the beach one night – the poor woman is suffering from Alzheimer's and was not happy with the food she was served one night in the care home where she lives.
What follows is a slow-burning mystery that picks up the pace at the surprising end. I loved the description of the coastal town, the woods, the ocean and how living in a place like that influences the people. So, we have two stories, a couple of bodies, several very different motives, al thrown together in what turned out to be an interesting and very readable book. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, because I think the author still has some surprises in mind for her readers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Level Best Books for this review copy. This review is my 500th review for Netgalley!
October 9, 2025
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: A missing surf legend. Waterlogged clues. Can he trust his gut instincts to end the wave of murder?
Sheriff Jax Turner is learning to live again. Holding tight to the hope of reconciling with his FBI agent ex-wife, the wary man is determined to keep his focus on his coastal Oregon community. And after a concerned brother requests a welfare check, Jax is troubled to find the absent surf shop owner's tracks lead to a pool of blood.
Now investigating a potential homicide, Turner chases a tip from his former spouse about a severed foot found on the beach. But when a torrent of leads links the victim to a politician's son, a jealous competitor, and a get-straight program for youth, the steadfast lawman fears layers of lies and secret agendas will keep him from stopping a vicious killer.
Can he unravel the fatal agenda before he's the next corpse to wash ashore?
If you like flawed heroes, gritty crimes, and dark twists and turns, then you'll love Deadly Tides, the chilling second book in Mary Keliikoa's Misty Pines Mystery Series.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Local surfer dies mysteriously; unconnected human foot washes up on local beach, handled by Jax's much pined-after ex-wife the FBI agent, who knows he can handle it so hands responsibility over; lying liars lie and abuse people...okay, it's Misty Pines. Good to be back.
Abby, the ex-wife and FBI agent, gets a third person PoV like Jax because we need to know things he couldn't and she feels reluctant to tell his simping-for-her self. It helped me keep details clear in my head. I can't help but wonder why her FBI partner Olek is so present...but I like Jax getting the eager young Rachel onto his deputeam. He's settling in to the job of being The Crime Solver for Misty Pines. He's not as unsure of himself. It begins to feel more like a set team is forming.
I confess I do not see Abby's side of their divorce. It doesn't matter much because, unless decades of series-mystery reading and recognizing the need for ma'at to be restored, they *will* get back together. In their profession of law enforcement, each is the other's ideal mate. This time apart will, I predict, pay dividends.
You will pay an attention tax. This book does not hold to a spanking pace as it privileges introspection and the unending process of grieving. Rather we're shown the emotional gyrations in Jax and, to a lesser extent, Abby, as they circle each other simply by virtue of sharing the most important trait of them all: Values.
I think this book would be so fraught as to be meaningless if one had not read book one, Hidden Pieces (q.v.). The cast, the pace, the fuller backstory, all help defray the attention cost of the story's inward focus. Not to be skipped, but don't start here.
The Publisher Says: A missing surf legend. Waterlogged clues. Can he trust his gut instincts to end the wave of murder?
Sheriff Jax Turner is learning to live again. Holding tight to the hope of reconciling with his FBI agent ex-wife, the wary man is determined to keep his focus on his coastal Oregon community. And after a concerned brother requests a welfare check, Jax is troubled to find the absent surf shop owner's tracks lead to a pool of blood.
Now investigating a potential homicide, Turner chases a tip from his former spouse about a severed foot found on the beach. But when a torrent of leads links the victim to a politician's son, a jealous competitor, and a get-straight program for youth, the steadfast lawman fears layers of lies and secret agendas will keep him from stopping a vicious killer.
Can he unravel the fatal agenda before he's the next corpse to wash ashore?
If you like flawed heroes, gritty crimes, and dark twists and turns, then you'll love Deadly Tides, the chilling second book in Mary Keliikoa's Misty Pines Mystery Series.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Local surfer dies mysteriously; unconnected human foot washes up on local beach, handled by Jax's much pined-after ex-wife the FBI agent, who knows he can handle it so hands responsibility over; lying liars lie and abuse people...okay, it's Misty Pines. Good to be back.
Abby, the ex-wife and FBI agent, gets a third person PoV like Jax because we need to know things he couldn't and she feels reluctant to tell his simping-for-her self. It helped me keep details clear in my head. I can't help but wonder why her FBI partner Olek is so present...but I like Jax getting the eager young Rachel onto his deputeam. He's settling in to the job of being The Crime Solver for Misty Pines. He's not as unsure of himself. It begins to feel more like a set team is forming.
I confess I do not see Abby's side of their divorce. It doesn't matter much because, unless decades of series-mystery reading and recognizing the need for ma'at to be restored, they *will* get back together. In their profession of law enforcement, each is the other's ideal mate. This time apart will, I predict, pay dividends.
You will pay an attention tax. This book does not hold to a spanking pace as it privileges introspection and the unending process of grieving. Rather we're shown the emotional gyrations in Jax and, to a lesser extent, Abby, as they circle each other simply by virtue of sharing the most important trait of them all: Values.
I think this book would be so fraught as to be meaningless if one had not read book one, Hidden Pieces (q.v.). The cast, the pace, the fuller backstory, all help defray the attention cost of the story's inward focus. Not to be skipped, but don't start here.
October 29, 2023
How did Nora get out of the facility, walk three miles away, and end up with a bloody tennis shoe in her hands?
Meanwhile, not much farther away a famous surfboard designer is missing and a bloody tennis shoe is also found somewhere on the scene.
We meet Jax, Abby, Margot, and a full cast of characters in this tense thriller that also has some romance involved.
Abby and Jax were married and now divorced, but they still work together. In comes Margot who was the nurse for Abby and Jax's daughter who passed away from Leukemia.
What was Margot doing here? What made her move to the sleepy town of Misty Pines?
Jax found out she recently moved here and next to one of the murder victims. Margot is also "after" Jax even though Jax still loves Abby.
Lots going on and lots of tension that will keep your interest.
Will the murders be solved, and will they find out what Nora saw and why she had the bloody tennis shoe in her hand and what the significance of the severed feet on the murdered victims means?
Even though this was the second book in the series, it worked well as a stand alone. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Meanwhile, not much farther away a famous surfboard designer is missing and a bloody tennis shoe is also found somewhere on the scene.
We meet Jax, Abby, Margot, and a full cast of characters in this tense thriller that also has some romance involved.
Abby and Jax were married and now divorced, but they still work together. In comes Margot who was the nurse for Abby and Jax's daughter who passed away from Leukemia.
What was Margot doing here? What made her move to the sleepy town of Misty Pines?
Jax found out she recently moved here and next to one of the murder victims. Margot is also "after" Jax even though Jax still loves Abby.
Lots going on and lots of tension that will keep your interest.
Will the murders be solved, and will they find out what Nora saw and why she had the bloody tennis shoe in her hand and what the significance of the severed feet on the murdered victims means?
Even though this was the second book in the series, it worked well as a stand alone. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2023
Misty Pines Mystery book#2
A Psychological suspense
This is a satisfying whodunit mystery and a well-crafted page-tuner. It brings Jax Turner, a small seaside town sheriff, to focus on his community while holding tight to the hope of getting back with his FBI agent ex-wife, Abby Kanekoa.
After looking into the request to make a welfare check on his brother a surf shop owner’s, Jax sets out only to find the man absent, looking further he finds tracks leading to a pool of blood and a severed foot on the beach...The find is not the only one recovered...FBI needed to be called bringing Jax” former wife into the picture.....and a dual investigation is launched.
What is not to like, this story is simply a fantastic read. We follow two interesting threads that eventually mesh together. While Jax does his investigation Abby’s troubles continues with her mother who has Alzheimer’s and needed to be place in a nursing home. Things turned not to be as simply as one thought. The story goes back and forth between the two and sometime crosses path when Abby works with her ex or vice-versa. But as more severed feet are found and more people go missing in the surfing community Jax suspect a serial killer is on the loose and as readers we are at the sea coast, the forest in all kind of weather and of course into an exceptional setting. Ms. Keliikoa’s writing is clear and powerful, she is a master shuffling a multi layered plot with characters that are complex, unique and seem like real people. Jax has a hard time facing his separation and the loss of his child while Abby still has mixed feelings about her ex and keeps her sorrow to herself. The narration is moving and will hit close to home for those who suffered the same experiences. In the words we sense their struggles and their pain we can only hope for a better outcome in the end. It really evokes sympathy... The writing craft is superb, the characters three-dimensional and the setting is a dream...What a combination. Well-said and well-done.
This is another wonderful ARC I received from Level Best Books via Netgalley
A Psychological suspense
This is a satisfying whodunit mystery and a well-crafted page-tuner. It brings Jax Turner, a small seaside town sheriff, to focus on his community while holding tight to the hope of getting back with his FBI agent ex-wife, Abby Kanekoa.
After looking into the request to make a welfare check on his brother a surf shop owner’s, Jax sets out only to find the man absent, looking further he finds tracks leading to a pool of blood and a severed foot on the beach...The find is not the only one recovered...FBI needed to be called bringing Jax” former wife into the picture.....and a dual investigation is launched.
What is not to like, this story is simply a fantastic read. We follow two interesting threads that eventually mesh together. While Jax does his investigation Abby’s troubles continues with her mother who has Alzheimer’s and needed to be place in a nursing home. Things turned not to be as simply as one thought. The story goes back and forth between the two and sometime crosses path when Abby works with her ex or vice-versa. But as more severed feet are found and more people go missing in the surfing community Jax suspect a serial killer is on the loose and as readers we are at the sea coast, the forest in all kind of weather and of course into an exceptional setting. Ms. Keliikoa’s writing is clear and powerful, she is a master shuffling a multi layered plot with characters that are complex, unique and seem like real people. Jax has a hard time facing his separation and the loss of his child while Abby still has mixed feelings about her ex and keeps her sorrow to herself. The narration is moving and will hit close to home for those who suffered the same experiences. In the words we sense their struggles and their pain we can only hope for a better outcome in the end. It really evokes sympathy... The writing craft is superb, the characters three-dimensional and the setting is a dream...What a combination. Well-said and well-done.
This is another wonderful ARC I received from Level Best Books via Netgalley
November 14, 2023
I was drawn into the mystery by the cover for Deadly Tides by Mary Keliikoa. Isn’t it gorgeous? And, the man is silhouetted on the beach. Oh yeah, I’m in.
Abby has a lot on her plate. Her grief over the loss of her daughter to leukemia and her mother’s early onset Alzheimer, at times overwhelms her. It is her job with the FBI that keeps her moving through the days.
Jax is the Sheriff of Misty Pines. When his and Abby’s cases intersect, they struggle to keep their personal lives separate from their professional lives. This is where I feel I missed out by not reading the first book in the series, Hidden Pieces. Does this affect my review? Yes, it did, so keep that in mind.
Abby’s mother had found a shoe…with a severed foot in it and wanted to keep it. I remember seeing TV shows with this as the subject and I even surfed the web to find out more. Do you ever do that? Read something in a novel, then have to do your own research to satisfy your curiosity? That’s a definite plus.
I love when Rachel comes into the picture, with her failed K9 partner, Koa. She wants a job, away from her parents. She is gay and her father thinks he can fix her. I love that Jax supports her and calls out his friend, her father, about his opinions. After all, Jax had lost a daughter, and Jameson still has one, if he would get over being so judgmental. I love a character like Rachel who marches to her own drum and makes the best of a bad situation.
We have lots of suspects…and motives, so solving the mystery is not simple.
I found myself picking up the book and putting it down. Was it too wordy? Too all over the place? Was it me? The pace and tension picked up near the end of the book and that left me with a feeling of satisfaction. I did waiver between a three and a four rating and I think that’s because of my confusion from not reading Book I, Hidden Pieces. So, if you are interested in the series, I highly recommend beginning with Book I.
Abby has a lot on her plate. Her grief over the loss of her daughter to leukemia and her mother’s early onset Alzheimer, at times overwhelms her. It is her job with the FBI that keeps her moving through the days.
Jax is the Sheriff of Misty Pines. When his and Abby’s cases intersect, they struggle to keep their personal lives separate from their professional lives. This is where I feel I missed out by not reading the first book in the series, Hidden Pieces. Does this affect my review? Yes, it did, so keep that in mind.
Abby’s mother had found a shoe…with a severed foot in it and wanted to keep it. I remember seeing TV shows with this as the subject and I even surfed the web to find out more. Do you ever do that? Read something in a novel, then have to do your own research to satisfy your curiosity? That’s a definite plus.
I love when Rachel comes into the picture, with her failed K9 partner, Koa. She wants a job, away from her parents. She is gay and her father thinks he can fix her. I love that Jax supports her and calls out his friend, her father, about his opinions. After all, Jax had lost a daughter, and Jameson still has one, if he would get over being so judgmental. I love a character like Rachel who marches to her own drum and makes the best of a bad situation.
We have lots of suspects…and motives, so solving the mystery is not simple.
I found myself picking up the book and putting it down. Was it too wordy? Too all over the place? Was it me? The pace and tension picked up near the end of the book and that left me with a feeling of satisfaction. I did waiver between a three and a four rating and I think that’s because of my confusion from not reading Book I, Hidden Pieces. So, if you are interested in the series, I highly recommend beginning with Book I.
November 22, 2023
Deadly Tides, by Mary Keliikoa, is an intriguing, fast paced police suspense with a lot of heart. Though there isn't a lot of romance, per say, there is plenty of love in this story. Though the main focus is on the interconnected mysteries.
A surf legend is missing and Sheriff Jax Turner is on the case. He's been a little preoccupied with doing the work so he can reconcil with his ex-wife. Despite the challenge, he's working hard and keeping a sharp eye on his community.
When a worried family member alerts Jax's precinct about his missing brother, Jax and his team go to his house. They're alarmed at when they find the house open and a pool of blood. Now it looks like they're investigating a possible homicide.
Will Jax be able to solve the mystery before they find more unsettling evidence.
A surf legend is missing and Sheriff Jax Turner is on the case. He's been a little preoccupied with doing the work so he can reconcil with his ex-wife. Despite the challenge, he's working hard and keeping a sharp eye on his community.
When a worried family member alerts Jax's precinct about his missing brother, Jax and his team go to his house. They're alarmed at when they find the house open and a pool of blood. Now it looks like they're investigating a possible homicide.
Will Jax be able to solve the mystery before they find more unsettling evidence.
April 10, 2023
This is the second book in this series, and I have been anxiously waiting for it to be published. I was glad to find it on NetGalley. This is a police procedural novel. The main character, Sheriff Jax, is a suffering soul who is very likable. He has a crew of reserve policemen who help him solve the mysteries. He is divorced, due to their child dying of leukemia, but he still loves his ex-wife. She is an FBI agent who is frequently involved in the same cases. This book is about feet, different men, that wash up 0n the shore. Are these two cases related? One of them is a surfboard builder whose blueprints are highly desirable. There is also the nurse who helped take care of Jax’s child. She has moved into the area and has a crush on Jax. She also keeps appearing in places she shouldn’t. What evolves is a well developed story where you feel the sympathies of the characters involved. I’m guessing there will be more adventures with Jax in the future!
October 14, 2025
A well-constructed and engaging thriller with solid pacing and believable relationships. Severed feet point to a serial killer — or do they? Rejection sensitivity suggests an inability to handle life’s disappointments, but can it lead to murder?
The story weaves an intriguing web where several characters had interacted with the victims. I enjoyed guessing at who did it. The writing flows easily, and I found nothing technically wrong with it.
However, I never felt truly gripped or emotionally invested. The villain’s motivations, while tragic, felt a little too thin to sustain the level of violence perpetrated.
It’s a competent and enjoyable read. Just not one that swept me away.
I thank Level Best Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
The story weaves an intriguing web where several characters had interacted with the victims. I enjoyed guessing at who did it. The writing flows easily, and I found nothing technically wrong with it.
However, I never felt truly gripped or emotionally invested. The villain’s motivations, while tragic, felt a little too thin to sustain the level of violence perpetrated.
It’s a competent and enjoyable read. Just not one that swept me away.
I thank Level Best Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
October 16, 2023
Severed feet washing up on the beach leads Sheriff Jax Turner back, at least for the moment, to his wife Abby, an FBI SA. They split in the wake of the death of their child from leukemia, the grief making life just so difficult for them. Now, though, they're healing- separately- and this case, involving two different men (and their feet) sees them use their individual strengths together to find the villain. It's nicely atmospheric (a beach town!) and the relationship feels authentic. And they're mystery- well no spoilers from me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
December 4, 2023
Always love a twisty novel!
December 4, 2023
I found this to be enjoyable mystery. Well written and developed characters that you felt like you were involved. Missing people, found body parts added to-the story.. sheriff Jax has to deal with his small team and large crimes in their quiet town. This is book 2 in a series but I did not read book one yet. A recommended author and read.
October 13, 2023
Wow! Absolutely loved this book! Mary had me guessing until the very end. Mystery/crime books have always been my first love and boy did this book deliver. The story was great and really grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Mary for allowing me the privilege of reading this book. I can’t wait to read wait else Mary will write. Highly recommend.
July 29, 2023
This police thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through and will have you questioning everything you know about grief management.
Sheriff Jax Turner is a well-respected cop in Misty Point, Oregon. He's returning from a traumatic case (Misty Pines Mystery #1) and is still dealing with his divorce from Abby, who is an FBI agent, and the death of their 5-year-old daughter.
Jax and Abby's lives will be thrown back together when a surf legend in the town of Misty Pines goes missing, and only his foot is found. They go through many leads: a former surfing competitor turned surfboard business owner, an employee that wanted to make more money, and a scared-straight program for troubled youth - all have motives, and keep adding mud to the already muddy waters.
What I enjoyed about this novel was that you (at least I didn't) see who the killer was and what their motives were. It was heavily implied, but I kept doubting it due to their relationship with everybody. I also enjoyed that the chapters were written in a dual-point-of-view style, which not might be for everyone, but it worked for this story.
I also enjoyed that the story didn't end with Jax and Abby getting back together, to me that was satisfying. Their grief was so impenetrable that they still needed time away in order to, maybe, get back together.
What I didn't like about the novel was that it was very description heavy. I would get bored reading it and would skip a few pages and didn't feel like I was missing much in those few pages.
For not one who reads police thrillers or mysteries, I did really enjoy this novel and I think it is a good stepping stone for getting into police-themed stories.
Sheriff Jax Turner is a well-respected cop in Misty Point, Oregon. He's returning from a traumatic case (Misty Pines Mystery #1) and is still dealing with his divorce from Abby, who is an FBI agent, and the death of their 5-year-old daughter.
Jax and Abby's lives will be thrown back together when a surf legend in the town of Misty Pines goes missing, and only his foot is found. They go through many leads: a former surfing competitor turned surfboard business owner, an employee that wanted to make more money, and a scared-straight program for troubled youth - all have motives, and keep adding mud to the already muddy waters.
What I enjoyed about this novel was that you (at least I didn't) see who the killer was and what their motives were. It was heavily implied, but I kept doubting it due to their relationship with everybody. I also enjoyed that the chapters were written in a dual-point-of-view style, which not might be for everyone, but it worked for this story.
I also enjoyed that the story didn't end with Jax and Abby getting back together, to me that was satisfying. Their grief was so impenetrable that they still needed time away in order to, maybe, get back together.
What I didn't like about the novel was that it was very description heavy. I would get bored reading it and would skip a few pages and didn't feel like I was missing much in those few pages.
For not one who reads police thrillers or mysteries, I did really enjoy this novel and I think it is a good stepping stone for getting into police-themed stories.
February 26, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
This is the second in the Misty Pines series.
Sheriff Jax Turner is called into investigate when a surf shop owner and ex surfing legend goes missing. A huge blood pool is found but no sign of the missing man. When his ex mother in law Dora finds a severed leg all signs point to things being related.
Wow this was a good one. It kept me guessing right until the end and just when you thought Jax had the guilty party there was a twist in the tale.
I loved the relationships in this story. Firstly between Jax and his ex (and FBI agent) Abby. The will they won’t they was a big theme and you can’t help but hope for a happy ending.
I also liked the dynamic between Jqx and his ex partner Jameson. Someone who really did not want Jax to employ his daughter Rachel as deputy. I look forward to seeing how Rachel and her dog continue to be involved in the next book.
5 stars!
This is the second in the Misty Pines series.
Sheriff Jax Turner is called into investigate when a surf shop owner and ex surfing legend goes missing. A huge blood pool is found but no sign of the missing man. When his ex mother in law Dora finds a severed leg all signs point to things being related.
Wow this was a good one. It kept me guessing right until the end and just when you thought Jax had the guilty party there was a twist in the tale.
I loved the relationships in this story. Firstly between Jax and his ex (and FBI agent) Abby. The will they won’t they was a big theme and you can’t help but hope for a happy ending.
I also liked the dynamic between Jqx and his ex partner Jameson. Someone who really did not want Jax to employ his daughter Rachel as deputy. I look forward to seeing how Rachel and her dog continue to be involved in the next book.
5 stars!
July 10, 2023
Sherrif Jax turner & his team have certainly grown on me & I read just 1 book before this. Deadly Tides was similar in suspense and really high in atmospheric chills & tension. Misty Pines might be fictional but I feel like I've walked through the dark forests with Jax because that's how powerful Mary Keliikoa's writing is. Although Jax seems to now be healing in many ways, his running away from his demons, juggling a high-demanding job & trying to put back together a broken family make him so human & realistic that I almost lost myself in the world of Misty Pines when I picked up this book. I loved every aspect of this book & although I shouldn't I tried guessing early on, on the who & why but I got it only half right. Even then this book was compelling! Plus now we have a new character! I cant wait to see what's next for Jax.
Thank you NetGalley, IBPA & Mary Keliikoa for this arc!
Thank you NetGalley, IBPA & Mary Keliikoa for this arc!
July 30, 2023
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Jax who is the sheriff receives many calls on a shift. When a person goes missing, he is left with little to go on. The more he learns, the more questions he has. This book kept me guessing until the end.
March 12, 2023
4.5 stars.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, the author and level best publishing for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
Before I read it I went and purchased the first in the misty pines series to read which I really enjoyed.
But I loved this second book in the series. I really enjoy the main character Jax. I also loved that you saw more of Abby in this book.
The story is fast paced and well written. There are lots of possible suspects to keep you on your toes. I won't give away who the culprit is but it's cleverly exposed at the end.
If you like a good crime book look no further.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, the author and level best publishing for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
Before I read it I went and purchased the first in the misty pines series to read which I really enjoyed.
But I loved this second book in the series. I really enjoy the main character Jax. I also loved that you saw more of Abby in this book.
The story is fast paced and well written. There are lots of possible suspects to keep you on your toes. I won't give away who the culprit is but it's cleverly exposed at the end.
If you like a good crime book look no further.
November 3, 2023
Though the second book in the series, Deadly Tides can be read as a standalone read.
A slow burn mystery with a very surprising ending.
The suspenseful pacing of this police thriller will definitely keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A slow burn mystery with a very surprising ending.
The suspenseful pacing of this police thriller will definitely keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 23, 2023
An Intriguing Complex Police Procedural
FBI SA Abby Kanekoa goes looking for her mother, an early onset Alzheimer's patient who had walked away from her assisted living facility. Kanekoa drives to a beach that should have been too far for her mother to walk. She climbs to the top of a tall mound and looks. She sees something red among some logs in the distance. As she approaches, it looks like red hair that her mother has. When she approaches, her mother quite wet. She is hunched over something. When her mother stands, there is a lot of blood on her clothes. It is not hers; it is from the severed foot in a sneaker that she is holding. This is a case for her ex-husband, Sheriff Jax Turner. Another foot in a sneaker is found up the coast. From this start, an intriguing story proceeds.
The main storyline becomes complex very quickly. A welfare check requested by a brother reveals a bloody scene without a body in a forested area behind the residence. Then, a body is found at the bottom of the cliff further behind the residence. The body is not the missing person. The investigation begins. The missing person is a premier surfboard designer and builder. His latest design has large financial potential. There are several people who could profit from selling the design to a major manufacturer. There are multiple issues that make this investigation more difficult. The best witness is mother of SA Kanekoa, Sheriff Turner’s ex-wife. The mother is suffering from dementia. Also, the sheriff becomes the love interest of a woman. This is driving a wedge between Turner and Kanekoa. There is a second main storyline thread. That was finding the owner of the second foot, and what caused him to lose his foot. This one is headed by SA Kanekoa. Her personal problems in caring for her mother do not allow her to focus on and contribute to this investigation. This main storyline captured my interest and kept it until the end.
There are two B-storylines that contribute to the background on both Turner and Kanekoa. Both are inextricably integrated with the main storylines. The first was the relationship between Kanekoa and her mother. Trying to ensure that her mother is safe in her assisted living facility and in her role as a witness. This significantly affects her job as an FBI agent and her investigation. The second is Turner hiring a new deputy. The best candidate is the daughter of his former partner in the Portland Police Department. He doesn’t want his daughter, an officer on the Portland police department, to leave Portland. He expects Turner not to hire her. This thread provides insight into how Turner makes a difficult decision of his work or his friendship with his old partner who had helped him so much in the past. For general background, the history of Turner’s and Kanekoa’s marriage a more intimate view into both of those characters. Both characters were well rounded for me. These aspects of the novel enhanced my reading enjoyment.
For aspects of a novel that some readers have serious objections, first there are not any intimate scenes. For vulgar and rude language, this novel has the fewest of both that I have seen in quite a while. Much violence is described in the less edgy after the fact. There should not be any issues in this novel for readers. It is the second novel in the Misty Pines Mystery series. I have read the first novel and found no aspects of this novel that required the knowledge learned by reading the first novel.
This novel is what I call a thinking novel. I enjoy complex and twisty novels. This criterion was met with spades. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel. I like this novel better that the first novel in this series. Based upon the two novels of the author that I have read, she has earned a spot in my Must-Read authors. I recommend reading this novel. I rate it with five stars.
I received a free prepublication e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Level Best Books. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Level Best Books for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
FBI SA Abby Kanekoa goes looking for her mother, an early onset Alzheimer's patient who had walked away from her assisted living facility. Kanekoa drives to a beach that should have been too far for her mother to walk. She climbs to the top of a tall mound and looks. She sees something red among some logs in the distance. As she approaches, it looks like red hair that her mother has. When she approaches, her mother quite wet. She is hunched over something. When her mother stands, there is a lot of blood on her clothes. It is not hers; it is from the severed foot in a sneaker that she is holding. This is a case for her ex-husband, Sheriff Jax Turner. Another foot in a sneaker is found up the coast. From this start, an intriguing story proceeds.
The main storyline becomes complex very quickly. A welfare check requested by a brother reveals a bloody scene without a body in a forested area behind the residence. Then, a body is found at the bottom of the cliff further behind the residence. The body is not the missing person. The investigation begins. The missing person is a premier surfboard designer and builder. His latest design has large financial potential. There are several people who could profit from selling the design to a major manufacturer. There are multiple issues that make this investigation more difficult. The best witness is mother of SA Kanekoa, Sheriff Turner’s ex-wife. The mother is suffering from dementia. Also, the sheriff becomes the love interest of a woman. This is driving a wedge between Turner and Kanekoa. There is a second main storyline thread. That was finding the owner of the second foot, and what caused him to lose his foot. This one is headed by SA Kanekoa. Her personal problems in caring for her mother do not allow her to focus on and contribute to this investigation. This main storyline captured my interest and kept it until the end.
There are two B-storylines that contribute to the background on both Turner and Kanekoa. Both are inextricably integrated with the main storylines. The first was the relationship between Kanekoa and her mother. Trying to ensure that her mother is safe in her assisted living facility and in her role as a witness. This significantly affects her job as an FBI agent and her investigation. The second is Turner hiring a new deputy. The best candidate is the daughter of his former partner in the Portland Police Department. He doesn’t want his daughter, an officer on the Portland police department, to leave Portland. He expects Turner not to hire her. This thread provides insight into how Turner makes a difficult decision of his work or his friendship with his old partner who had helped him so much in the past. For general background, the history of Turner’s and Kanekoa’s marriage a more intimate view into both of those characters. Both characters were well rounded for me. These aspects of the novel enhanced my reading enjoyment.
For aspects of a novel that some readers have serious objections, first there are not any intimate scenes. For vulgar and rude language, this novel has the fewest of both that I have seen in quite a while. Much violence is described in the less edgy after the fact. There should not be any issues in this novel for readers. It is the second novel in the Misty Pines Mystery series. I have read the first novel and found no aspects of this novel that required the knowledge learned by reading the first novel.
This novel is what I call a thinking novel. I enjoy complex and twisty novels. This criterion was met with spades. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel. I like this novel better that the first novel in this series. Based upon the two novels of the author that I have read, she has earned a spot in my Must-Read authors. I recommend reading this novel. I rate it with five stars.
I received a free prepublication e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Level Best Books. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Level Best Books for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
November 5, 2023
I was pulled in from the start! Even though this is book two in the series I never felt lost or confused. This character-driven novel makes you become invested quickly in Sherriff Jax Turner and his FBI Agent ex-wife Abby Kanekoa's lives. Several murders are at the heart of this novel as both Jax and Abby are investigating separate murders. Soon, the two investigations start merging and that's when readers guessing "who did it" expands.
The author brings the setting alive in the vivid descriptions of the Oregon Coastal community. The setting was just as important to the overall plot as were other clues. As Jax and Abby start working together again, we learn more about their past heartache of losing their young daughter to cancer. The cast of characters was well-rounded and gave you so many people to ponder their involvement in the murders. Truly I was stumped until the last chapter of the book. The Red Herrings were running rampant in this book and they kept pace with the almost non-stop action. The twists and turns in the novel are as crazy as the winding, mountain roads described in the book.
Deadly Tides does come to a good ending but leaves many things open for the next book. This novel is one that all mystery suspense readers will love. I know I want to read more books written by Author Mary Keliikoa and so will you.
The author brings the setting alive in the vivid descriptions of the Oregon Coastal community. The setting was just as important to the overall plot as were other clues. As Jax and Abby start working together again, we learn more about their past heartache of losing their young daughter to cancer. The cast of characters was well-rounded and gave you so many people to ponder their involvement in the murders. Truly I was stumped until the last chapter of the book. The Red Herrings were running rampant in this book and they kept pace with the almost non-stop action. The twists and turns in the novel are as crazy as the winding, mountain roads described in the book.
Deadly Tides does come to a good ending but leaves many things open for the next book. This novel is one that all mystery suspense readers will love. I know I want to read more books written by Author Mary Keliikoa and so will you.
October 24, 2023
Mary Keliikoa's second mystery in Misty Pines, Oregon finds FBI profiler, Abby Kanekoa, searching for her mother who has left her Alzheimer’s care facility. Luckily her mother is found on the beach, unfortunately she is holding a tennis shoe with a severed foot. The foot belongs to Terry Chesney, a local surfing legend and designer of surf boards.
Sheriff Jax Turner, who happens to be Abby's ex-husband, finds himself dealing with more than one severed foot and missing person from the surfing community as he works with Abby to find this serial killer. There are plenty of suspects and secrets to be revealed.
This is an atmospheric read, the author's descriptions of the beach and the forests take you there. The characters are well developed. Jax and Abby are each working on moving forward from their shared loss. This is a satisfying read and I enjoyed the mystery. The author had me guessing. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the previous book for more on the Jax and Abby relationship and, of course, for the excellent mystery. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Level Best Books, and Swell Media for an ARC. The review is my own.
Sheriff Jax Turner, who happens to be Abby's ex-husband, finds himself dealing with more than one severed foot and missing person from the surfing community as he works with Abby to find this serial killer. There are plenty of suspects and secrets to be revealed.
This is an atmospheric read, the author's descriptions of the beach and the forests take you there. The characters are well developed. Jax and Abby are each working on moving forward from their shared loss. This is a satisfying read and I enjoyed the mystery. The author had me guessing. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the previous book for more on the Jax and Abby relationship and, of course, for the excellent mystery. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Level Best Books, and Swell Media for an ARC. The review is my own.
November 21, 2023
Deadly Tides by Mary Keliikoa is the second book in the Misty Pines Series along the Oregan coast. The first was Hidden Pieces. Each book can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Returning is Sheriff Jax Turner, his ex Abby who is an FBI officer. They are still not able to get back together, they are both still mourning the loss of their child to cancer. Abby is also dealing with her mother who has Alzheimer's and gets away from the place where she lives.
Basically, this story is about two brothers, the surfer one seems to be missing and the other wants Jax to make a welfare check on his brother. Could someone be after his blueprints for a board? The outcome of the check is not great, there is a lot of blood and a foot turns up. Enter Margot, she was the nurse at the hospital where Jax and Abby's daughter was. Always ready with a kind word or deed. Always around. She has a penchant for the wrong men, or they are just not into her. What is her deal? Can she be a suspect?
Rachel is new to the department, along with her dog Koa, who comes to help Jax with the investigation and Jax would like to hire her to the department full-time. It was good to see another character introduced into the department. Plus having a dog that can sniff out whatever you want it to sniff out. Especially something dead.
So now it is up to Jax and Abby to get to the bottom of, number one, whose feet are turning up and why? It takes all of the resources that they both have at their disposal to solve this mystery. They also need to get their stuff together and get back together so they can grieve the loss of their daughter together.
This is another psychological thriller by a talented author. I intend to read more by Mary Keliikoa in the future, plus curious to see how Jax and Abby's relationship goes.
5 stars for sure!
I received a copy of the book from Partners in Crime for review purposes only and was not monetarily compensated for said review.
Returning is Sheriff Jax Turner, his ex Abby who is an FBI officer. They are still not able to get back together, they are both still mourning the loss of their child to cancer. Abby is also dealing with her mother who has Alzheimer's and gets away from the place where she lives.
Basically, this story is about two brothers, the surfer one seems to be missing and the other wants Jax to make a welfare check on his brother. Could someone be after his blueprints for a board? The outcome of the check is not great, there is a lot of blood and a foot turns up. Enter Margot, she was the nurse at the hospital where Jax and Abby's daughter was. Always ready with a kind word or deed. Always around. She has a penchant for the wrong men, or they are just not into her. What is her deal? Can she be a suspect?
Rachel is new to the department, along with her dog Koa, who comes to help Jax with the investigation and Jax would like to hire her to the department full-time. It was good to see another character introduced into the department. Plus having a dog that can sniff out whatever you want it to sniff out. Especially something dead.
So now it is up to Jax and Abby to get to the bottom of, number one, whose feet are turning up and why? It takes all of the resources that they both have at their disposal to solve this mystery. They also need to get their stuff together and get back together so they can grieve the loss of their daughter together.
This is another psychological thriller by a talented author. I intend to read more by Mary Keliikoa in the future, plus curious to see how Jax and Abby's relationship goes.
5 stars for sure!
I received a copy of the book from Partners in Crime for review purposes only and was not monetarily compensated for said review.
October 30, 2023
Mary Kelikoa's DEADY TIDES was the best kind of mystery with layers of secrets, revelations, and twists and turns I never saw coming. Up too late reading, I was entranced by the back story of a divorced couple continuing to serve as FBI agent Abby and local police officer Jax, points of view that expanded and deepened a story grounded in the misty fall coast of Oregon and centered on how we love, envy, lie, and build our lives with the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and one another. The deeply developed supporting characters never got in the way of a mystery that offers secrets from the deep in well-paced, wonderfully wrought events and concludes with a satisfying, entirely logical and yet not obvious conclusion.. I especially enjoyed the dynamic flow between individuals devoted to solving the mystery and also forwarding their own agendas. Now that I've enjoyed Kelikoa's storytelling, I cannot wait to read the first book in the series. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.
October 18, 2023
The second installment in the Misty Pines series puts Mary Keliikoa's name in neon lights. Sheriff Jax Taylor and his deputies investigate a missing surf legend as Jax attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife, an FBI agent who is investigating her own case, which may be connected. Keliikoa's characters are uniquely flawed, heartfelt, and authentic. Her ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats is flawless. The writing is suspenseful and cleverly engages. I love how the Oregon setting deepens the story and mood. The ending was a good reveal that also moved the relationship between Jax and his ex a little closer to resolution. Thank you, Netgalley and publisher, for this ARC and opportunity to read Deadly Tides.
October 24, 2023
Book 2 in the Misty Pines series finds Sheriff Jax Turner trying to turn his life around after spending years heavily mourning the loss of his young daughter to cancer. His inability to move forward cost him his marriage, but he hasn't given up hope of reconciling with his ex, FBI agent Abby Kaneoka. The plot alternates between these two characters as they navigate life and parallel cases involving missing persons and severed feet. There are so many things I like about this book: it is well written with likeable, multidimensional main and secondary characters, a unique plot, and lots of twists and suspects. I can't wait for book 3!
November 5, 2023
After finishing this book I realized that it is the second in a series, I didn't have any trouble getting into it, so it can definitely can be read as a stand alone.
I love police procedurals and this one didn't disappoint. It had just enough creep factor and investigation. I thought the mix of a couple one a local police officer and the other an FBI agent was great.
The author did a great job of bringing in the characters back stories and weaving them into this mystery. The story had a lot of twists that lead you down one path and the ending definitely caught me off guard.
I will definitely be checking out book one.
I love police procedurals and this one didn't disappoint. It had just enough creep factor and investigation. I thought the mix of a couple one a local police officer and the other an FBI agent was great.
The author did a great job of bringing in the characters back stories and weaving them into this mystery. The story had a lot of twists that lead you down one path and the ending definitely caught me off guard.
I will definitely be checking out book one.
November 14, 2023
This put takes place in Littletown in Oregon and had a lot of crazy characters. And it was interesting because everybody seemed to know everybody was tied together somehow. A b b y was A fbi agency working on a case in the small town. Her ex husband was named J a n was a Deputy in this town. Abby's mother was Named DO. N. N. And was in a nursing home because she had Memory problems. I Abby and her husband lost their daughter to cancer. They tried to get along but it was really hard.. There was a nurse I worked in the Hospital on the council W W a n d. This place is very important part of the story. Because it seems like it've got tied in with this woman. This man named Terry was the surfboard person who ran a shop. But he was an expert at it. His brother also lived in this town as well. He also had a different side. It's all started with the murderer, killing these people and he was the first 12 go. Things got really crazy because the kids were involved. And they're part of the plot as well. Twas over Is luprints terry was trying to sell to a corporation. There is another man also had a shop in town too. But he wasn't doing as well. The nurse had grudges against men because she broke up with her husband and she also lost He Son cancel. There's a lot of twisting turns in this book but well orchestrated and there's a lot of surprises as well.
October 21, 2023
Deadly Tides the second i stallment in the Misty Pines series puts Mary Keliikoa's name in neon lights. Sheriff Jax Taylor and his deputies investigate a missing surf legend as Jax attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife, an FBI agent who is investigating her own case, which may be connected. Keliikoa's characters are uniquely flawed, heartfelt, and authentic. Her ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats is flawless. The writing is suspenseful and cleverly engages. I love how the Oregon setting deepens the story and mood. The ending was a good reveal that also moved the relationship between Jax and his ex a little closer to resolution. Thank you, Netgalley and publisher, for this ARC and opportunity to read Deadly Tides.
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