No Wake Zone

Marley Clark Mysteries #2

by Linda Lovely

A murderer taps exotic biotech know-how to kill a billionaire and a passel of his heirs. Does greed fuel the killing spree or is it something more sinister? Visiting her crusty 79-year-old aunt in northern Iowa, Marley Clark tries to save a billionaire when he tumbles from an excursion boat captained by Marley's cousin. But the victim-founder of a biotech empire-is dead before his body hits the water. Soon Marley is consoling the widow, an old college friend and prime murder suspect. As Marley becomes embroiled in the investigation, members of the tycoon's family perish faster than overripe fruit, and the arrogant head of a security firm renews a vendetta. Once the murder spree is linked to biological weapons, Marley's former Pentagon boss joins the probe. To unmask the villains and protect her kin, Marley taps homegrown resources and debates the wisdom of trusting a handsome attorney with a suspicious past and a killer smile.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2012

About the author

A native of Iowa, Linda has called the South home for more than forty years.

Her eleventh novel, A KILLER APP, will be released November 7, 2023 by publisher Level Best Books. It's the third book in a new HOA (homeowner association) Mystery Series set in the South Carolina Lowcountry and featuring heroine Kylee Kane, a retired Coast Guard investigator.

New editions of Linda's cozy Brie Hooker Mysteries will be released fall/winter 2023 by Level Best Books. The humorous mysteries are set in a fictitious county near Linda's current Upstate South Carolina home. The heroine is a vegan chef who lives on a goat dairy farm with her aunt, a cantankerous carnivore. BONES TO PICK, PICKED OFF, and BAD PICK are the titles.

Linda has published books in two other series. Her Marley Clark Mysteries dish up a main course of suspense, action and adventure with a generous side of humor and romance. DEAR KILLER and NO WAKE ZONE feature Marley Clark, a kick-ass, 52-year-old heroine.

Linda's Smart Women, Dumb Luck romantic thrillers chronicle the adventures of smart women, who became friends through dumb luck, but now depend on each other when luck turns bad. DEAD LINE, the first "Smart" novel, was honored as a finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards and the published Maggies. DEAD HUNT, second in the series, is set in Upstate South Carolina.

Prior to landing her first publishing contract, Linda's manuscripts made the finals in 15 contests, including RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart and Daphne du Maurier competitions and mystery contests such as Deadly Ink, Murder in the Grove and Malice Domestic.

The author belongs to Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. For several years, she helped organize the Writers' Police Academy. She feels lucky to have found close friends and exceptional critique partners—snarky, funny, talented and generous—through these organizations.

Linda lives with her husband beside a South Carolina lake, where she regularly perturbs the geese and one honking big turtle by jumping off her dock for a swim or pedaling (yes, pedaling not paddling) her kayak.

Linda can’t imagine going to bed without a book nightcap. Thankfully, her husband shares her passion for reading so she doesn’t have to use a miner’s light.

Reviews

[Leiah Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Second Installment to the Series My review of "No Wake Zone" by Linda Lovely was published in Audiobook Monthly Magazine! Like Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto my review was featured in Volume 2 of this wonderful new magazine.And here is my review of "No Wake Zone":"In the nearer term, I think various developments in biotechnology and synthetic biology are quite disconcerting. We are gaining the ability to create designer pathogens, and there are these blueprints of various disease organisms that are in the public domain – you can download the gene sequence for smallpox or the 1918 flu virus from the Internet." -Nick Bostrom"Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire." – Solomon Ibn GabirolMarley is more than ready for a vacation. After her adventures in "Dear Killer", the first in the Marley Clark mystery series, going home to visit her 79-year-old feisty aunt May and her much-loved cousin Ross in small-town Iowa seems just the thing to relax. Boy, has Marley got it wrong.Volunteering at the last-minute to waitress for Cousin Ross on his double-decker excursion boat, “The Queen”, Marley is surprised to find that the wedding reception for local billionaire Jake Olsen is to celebrate his marriage to her best friend from college, Darlene Sherbert. But the surprises don’t stop there as Marley witnesses Jake flying over the stern of the Queen and into the icy Okoboji lake waters. Diving to the rescue Marley, a 52-year-old retired Army colonel, finds herself not thanked for her attempted rescue, but instead relegated to leading the suspect list. What’s a retired Army intelligence officer to do, but investigate?Convoluted, vicious family battles over the will lead police on a wild chase, as family members drop dead one after the other. Things get worse when one of Marley’s old enemies, Quentin Hamilton, arrives on the scene. Tasked with protecting not only Jake, but also his biotech empire, losing his client is sure to drive Hamilton wild. And who better to subject to his ire than Marley, whose recommendation he believes cost Hamilton an important military contract?While furiously jealous heirs brawling over a billion dollar inheritance seems the most logical reason for bodies falling left, right, and sideways, all is not as it seems. For the situation is much direr than first assumed. Jake’s firm conducts biological materials research for the military – and missing materials are killing the heirs."Our conversation veered to the topic of scientific advances and their potential for good or evil."With help from her cousin Ross, her former Pentagon boss, General Irvine, and FBI agent Sherry Weaver, Marley must help find the murderer before more die, and before the biologicals originally meant to save lives instead slaughter millions. At the same time Marley must protect her aunt, while also enjoying a blooming relationship with local attorney Duncan James.What happens, and why, makes for an edge-of-your seat thrill ride which will keep you guessing. Linda Lovely balances suspense and thrills with a strong theme of family, both the good aspects and the bad. Marley is one of my new favorite heroines. Sure, she is a retiree, but she is still a vivacious and active woman, with a healthy sex drive to boot. Marley, all of us “Boomer Ladies” salute you!__________________________________I received No Wake Zone from the author via Audiobook Monthly in return for my honest review. As you can tell, I enjoyed the book immensely. I have spent hundreds of hours enjoying audio books, from literary classics like "Frankenstein" and "Little Women" to modern stories of the quirky, the romantic, the terrifying and everything in between. What is not to like? I can listen to my books while doing other things such as quilting or knitting, or even working in my flower beds. Or I can simply curl up in a chair with a quilt and a cup of tea, close my eyes, and enter a new and wonderful world.The pleasure of an exceptional narrator can add further levels of enjoyment, actually making me part of the story. Sadly, the narrator for "No Wake Zone" falls into the “not as pleasurable” zone for this reader, however this is solely a case of personal preference.Overall, I truly enjoyed Linda Lovely’s No Wake Zone and have purchased "Dear Killer" the first in the Marley Clark series. However, I purchased the electronic version rather than the Audible edition to increase my reading pleasure. I will also be watching closely for Ms. Lovely’s next Marley Clark adventure, "With Neighbors Like These."I received No Wake Zone from Susan Keefe, CEO of Audiobook Monthly in return for a realistic review for her magazine. All thoughts are my own.Check out the Linda’s commentary on Audiobookmonthly (dot) comAuthor Information: A native of Iowa, Linda Lovely has called the South home for more than thirty years. She lives with her husband beside a peaceful South Carolina lake, where she regularly perturbs the geese and one honking big turtle by jumping off her dock for a swim or pedaling (yes, pedaling not paddling) her kayak.Linda is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the South Carolina Writers Workshop. She feels quite lucky to have found both close friends and exceptional critique partners—snarky, funny, talented and generous—through these writer organizations.

[Shayla Drumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book since it was set in the area where I grew up. I absolutely loved how the author used the local landmarks and restaurants in the story! When you live in the city, it is common to read about the chain stores or major highways in a book. But coming from a small town in Iowa, it is rare to read about a one-and-only restaurant (like Mrs. Lady's)in a novel. Having lived in Iowa for 18 years I could tell the author had spent a lot of time in Iowa as well by how she cleverly captured the flavor of the Iowa Great Lakes. I felt like I was home!
The story itself was true to life and an enjoyable read. It had plenty of action and some romance too! The characters were well developed, unique, and identifiable. The setting was perfect and the author used the lake and surrounding area to its utmost potential. I have already posted a recommendation for this book to all my friends on Facebook and will be telling many more.

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written mystery set in Iowa with an extremely likeable main character. There were a lot of plot twists and turns that kept me interested. It was refreshing to have an atypical heroine. The book has a lot of action, some humor, and even a little romance. While this was the first book that I have read by this author, it will not be the last one.

[Fara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Marley Clark Series - great to see an older character with a strong sense of herself and what she wants, as well as good mystery. Solid whodunit with good and strong characters.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Marissa
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

When I reviewed the Marley Clark Mystery #1, Dear Killer, I was impressed with Linda Lovely’s writing and with the fact that she chose as her heroine a 52-year old retired Army colonel. Most writers take a character of this age and have them pining for a simple and cozy love, spending the evening watching television and being happy with a peck on the cheek. Not Lovely. She has made Marley true-to-life, with a healthy sexual appetite and a curiosity that sometimes lands her in trouble.

In Dear Killer, Marley was attracted to (and slept with) a somewhat younger man. By the time we reach No Wake Zone, that relationship has wound down and Marley finds herself attracted to a new man, an attorney she meets while visiting her aunt in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Marley also finds herself diving into the river to rescue a man already dead and instantly becomes one of several on the suspect list. So what’s a girl to do? Investigate, of course! Along with cousin Ross, friend Darlene, and current romance Duncan, Marley delves into the world of biological weapons, wooden speedboats, and amusement parks.

The final chapters – you know, where they confront the bad guys and save the world? – were riveting. I found myself holding my breath in the final chase scene, but even in the midst of all the action Lovely found eloquence in her words:

The sinking sun lit a layer of high white clouds from beneath, painting them lavender, pink, red and purple. The clouds shimmered with an inner glow as the twilight deepened. To our left, the harbor’s antique boats twinkled, the colored lights winking as the boats bounced in our wake.

Lovely has become one of my “to watch” authors, her name now on the list where I keep tabs of up-coming books. If you’re a fan of mysteries and spunky heroines, this is your book.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a bit hard to get into at first. The book did turn out to be very exciting. The language at times and the lusty thoughts of romance at times tried to take away from the story line. The best part of the book was her knowledge and feel for this little IA community not far from the northern lakes region. I very much enjoyed the fact that this former military intelligence offer was able to reclaim a friendship from her youth, and be there for the woman, now wealthy by the death of her newly married husband. While I suspected who did it a quarter of the way into the book, you do not really know until you know. The intensity and humor was perfect. A cast of characters that kept the reader juggling for conclusion. I enjoyed this book a great deal.

[LAWonder10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me awhile to 'get into' this author's storyline. I didn't appreciate the profanity.
That distracted me a lot. At least the sex scenes were done tastefully and eliminated unnecessary detail - which was appreciated.
After a few chapters the story became better and kept the suspense until the very end.
The mystery took some interesting twists and there was light romance and light humor woven into it.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and appreciate the opportunity to read and review the books authors and publishers offer. However I will not be adding this book to my library for the above reasons.

[Wendy Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a compelling mystery with an intelligent female sleuth, No Wake Zone doesn't disappoint. Really, how can you not love a woman who wishes she had her Glock instead of a platter of tricked-out wieners? :) Chock-full with interesting, well-crafted secondary characters (loved May!), sparkling dialogue, and a wonderfully rich Iowa setting, No Wake Zone is a fabulously entertaining and suspenseful thrillride with twists and turns that will keep you guessing whodunit right to the very end. I'll definitely be looking forward to the next installment of the Marley Clark Mystery series!

[LLona Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

No trouble getting started here -- retired military Marley was a delightful character in 'Dear Killer', so it was great to join her again in her 'No Wake Zone' adventure. Her approach to everything is both believable and logical, especially when dealing with members of her own family, and the almost forgotten long-ago college friend at the center of the murder investigation. I did get worn down in the last 15% of the story when it felt a little like running in circles. I was ready for it to end already. Even the exciting climax seemed to drag, but I won't discount much for that. It's an interesting premise and I enjoyed it.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. It starts off with Marley helping out her cousin on his boat as a waitress and she dives off the boat to save the man who fell overboard. Turns out that man was the groom, Jake, who had just married one of her friends, Darlene, a week prior and this cruise was a wedding reception. Also he was dead before he hit the water. Who would want to kill the groom, who also just happened to be filthy rich? Can Marley help her old friend Darlene or did Darlene have a motive for killing Jake? Very fast paced with lots of twists and turns.

[Chi Dubinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifty-something Marley Clark is a retired military intelligence officer now working part time in security. When she helps out waitressing on an excursion boat in Spirit Lake, Iowa, a billionaire falls overboard and she’s the one to dive in, hoping to rescue him. But it’s too late, and Marley finds herself helping the widow, an old school friend, to discover who wanted her husband dead. Marley is a capable, strong character with an interesting background—I’ll be reading others in this series.

[Carla Latham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in the Goodreads book giveaway.

This was a great book to read. I really liked the characters and the descriptions of everything from the characters to the scenery. I have never been to Iowa but after reading this book, I feel like I have a good idea of what it would be like to visit there.

[Bonnie Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one word fraze for Linda Lovely's Mystery Series A Marley Clark Mystery would be ALL SOME. Book #2 NO WAKE ZONE had me on edge all the way through the book. The book has strong Character base that really helps the Characters tell the story. If only I had a Family like Marley's I would be happy

[BJ King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the continuing exploits of Marley. The suspense kept you turning pages! Anxiously awaiting the next book with Marley.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book- I didn't get a chance to read the first one but it was still easy to get into and easy to follow. I received this book from GoodReads first reads.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to start but good read once you get into it.

[Yvonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bodies stack up in this mystery full of evil. One hopes to meet these characters again in a future outing.

[Karen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well paced mystery thriller with a refreshingly mature and human heroine. Location details and characters ground the story solidly in the Midwest. Entertaining and engrossing.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: A Marley Clark Mystery