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Brady Coyne #23
Nervous Water
In one of the finest novels yet in Tapply's long-running series, Nervous Water explores the previously hidden past of his much beloved character, Boston attorney Brady Coyne. Contacted by an aged relative with whom he'd long lost touch, Brady agrees to help his Uncle Moze with a sensitive family matter. Having received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, Moze is looking to mend fences with his only daughter. But the daughter seems to have simply disappeared, leaving no clues or hints as to her whereabouts. As Brady tackles the seemingly impossible task of finding his cousin - a case that looks less and less like a simple missing person case - it becomes clear that whatever is going on now is related to a dark, undiscussed episode in his family's past: the brutal, still unsolved murder of another of Brady's uncles.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
14 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
William G. Tapply
79 books88 followersWilliam G. Tapply (1940–2009) was an American author best known for writing legal thrillers. A lifelong New Englander, he graduated from Amherst and Harvard before going on to teach social studies at Lexington High School. He published his first novel, Death at Charity’s Point, in 1984. A story of death and betrayal among Boston Brahmins, it introduced crusading lawyer Brady Coyne, a fishing enthusiast whom Tapply would follow through twenty-five more novels, including Follow the Sharks, The Vulgar Boatman, and the posthumously published Outwitting Trolls.
Besides writing regular columns for Field and Stream, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and American Angler, Tapply wrote numerous books on fishing, hunting, and life in the outdoors. He was also the author of The Elements of Mystery Fiction, a writer’s guide. He died in 2009, at his home in Hancock, New Hampshire.
Besides writing regular columns for Field and Stream, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and American Angler, Tapply wrote numerous books on fishing, hunting, and life in the outdoors. He was also the author of The Elements of Mystery Fiction, a writer’s guide. He died in 2009, at his home in Hancock, New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 3, 2018
It's always a bit surprising to open a book that's around the twentieth in a series and suddenly discover a family and a backstory of the protagonist that you've never heard before. William G. Tapply's previous Brady Coyne novels (this is the twenty-first or the twenty-third, depending on how you're counting) have always focused on Coyne in the present day. There's been no mention of any family aside from his ex-wife, his two sons, and the various girlfriends he's had along the way.
Now we suddenly learn that Brady's father was also a Boston lawyer. Unlike Brady who has a small, quiet solo practice and who flies mostly under the radar, his father was a high-powered lawyer in a large firm who drove a big, black Cadillac apparently in the hope of impressing people. Brady's mother came from a small town in rural Maine and occasionally the family would jump into the Cadillac and drive up for a visit with his mother's brother--Brady's uncle--Moze.
The young Brady loved these excursions because Uncle Moze was a lobster fisherman who would take Brady out fishing with him. But then, for whatever reason, they fell out of touch and Brady hasn't seen Uncle Moze for thirty years. Not only that, but as much as he loved fishing with him, through twenty-three novels, Brady hasn't given the poor old guy even a single thought!
But never mind all that. When Uncle Moze calls Brady out of the blue, thirty years down the road, and asks him if he wants to come up and go fishing, of course Brady is only too happy to do so. He realizes, of course, that Uncle Moze has a reason for inviting him up, and it turns out that Moze is unable to contact his daughter, Cassie, Brady's cousin. Cassie is several years younger than Brady, and he barely remembers her.
Cassie and her father were once very close, but then had a falling out for reasons that Moze won't get into. He hasn't heard from her in a year and a half and is anxious to contact her, also for reasons he won't get into. He wants Brady to find Cassie and put them back in touch. It seems like a relatively easy task for a lawyer like Brady, but of course, it won't be easy at all. Mysteries, family secrets, and danger abound as Brady takes up the hunt.
It's always fun to settle in with one of Tapply's novels and this is among the better ones in the series. The reader can't help feeling a bit blindsided by all the information that Tapply has withheld for so long about Brady's origins, but you can't hold that against a guy who produces a book as entertaining as this one.
Now we suddenly learn that Brady's father was also a Boston lawyer. Unlike Brady who has a small, quiet solo practice and who flies mostly under the radar, his father was a high-powered lawyer in a large firm who drove a big, black Cadillac apparently in the hope of impressing people. Brady's mother came from a small town in rural Maine and occasionally the family would jump into the Cadillac and drive up for a visit with his mother's brother--Brady's uncle--Moze.
The young Brady loved these excursions because Uncle Moze was a lobster fisherman who would take Brady out fishing with him. But then, for whatever reason, they fell out of touch and Brady hasn't seen Uncle Moze for thirty years. Not only that, but as much as he loved fishing with him, through twenty-three novels, Brady hasn't given the poor old guy even a single thought!
But never mind all that. When Uncle Moze calls Brady out of the blue, thirty years down the road, and asks him if he wants to come up and go fishing, of course Brady is only too happy to do so. He realizes, of course, that Uncle Moze has a reason for inviting him up, and it turns out that Moze is unable to contact his daughter, Cassie, Brady's cousin. Cassie is several years younger than Brady, and he barely remembers her.
Cassie and her father were once very close, but then had a falling out for reasons that Moze won't get into. He hasn't heard from her in a year and a half and is anxious to contact her, also for reasons he won't get into. He wants Brady to find Cassie and put them back in touch. It seems like a relatively easy task for a lawyer like Brady, but of course, it won't be easy at all. Mysteries, family secrets, and danger abound as Brady takes up the hunt.
It's always fun to settle in with one of Tapply's novels and this is among the better ones in the series. The reader can't help feeling a bit blindsided by all the information that Tapply has withheld for so long about Brady's origins, but you can't hold that against a guy who produces a book as entertaining as this one.
February 6, 2022
Brady Coyne is a Boston attorney with a very egalitarian clientele. Coyne makes his living being the general practitioner of law for everyday people. He makes a good living at it, even though his personal life is often very disorganized. His life as a crime-solver is often serendipitous and he never considers himself a “private eye,” nor does he believe he could be.
“I went back to the list. Mostly first names, nicknames, and initials that meant nothing to me. A diligent investigator would start at the beginning, and he would call them all, and he’d interrogate everybody intensely, on the assumption that any one of them might have the answers he was looking for, and he’d make a note of those he didn’t reach so he could call them again.
“Not me. I couldn’t do that. There had to be a better way…
“I leaned back in my chair, blew out a breath, and stretched my arms over my head. I’d been sitting there for about an hour, had made five or six calls, and I was exhausted. How the hell did the private investigators do it, hour after boring hour, day after excruciating day, year after interminable year?”
Lest you think that this is some “New Age guy,” Tapley brings us back to the traditional virtues: “I keep my .38 Smith & Wesson Chief’s Special revolver in the safe in my office. I leave it loaded, except for the empty chamber under the hammer. I’ve killed two men with that gun. Both were evil men who would have killed me. I’ve never regretted killing either of them. Not that I don’t think about it sometimes.”
I find Coyne an interesting and engaging character. William Tapply has written a score of novels about him. This one begins way back in Coyne’s childhood up in Maine.
We learn of a relative’s death when Brady was a pre-teen and that he was there when the body was discovered. His Uncle Moze and Aunt Lillian lived up there and raised a child who has recently been out of touch. Uncle Moze is very concerned about it (for a variety of reasons) and he phones Brady (whom he hasn’t seen in thirty years). Then, of course, things get much more complicated. For fans of this series, you will learn a lot more about Brady Coyne’s growing up and his complicated family relationships.
Tapply is very skilled with plotting, characterization and journey is always an interesting one. I’ve skipped a number of books in the series and my enjoyment of this one reminded me to schedule another.
“I went back to the list. Mostly first names, nicknames, and initials that meant nothing to me. A diligent investigator would start at the beginning, and he would call them all, and he’d interrogate everybody intensely, on the assumption that any one of them might have the answers he was looking for, and he’d make a note of those he didn’t reach so he could call them again.
“Not me. I couldn’t do that. There had to be a better way…
“I leaned back in my chair, blew out a breath, and stretched my arms over my head. I’d been sitting there for about an hour, had made five or six calls, and I was exhausted. How the hell did the private investigators do it, hour after boring hour, day after excruciating day, year after interminable year?”
Lest you think that this is some “New Age guy,” Tapley brings us back to the traditional virtues: “I keep my .38 Smith & Wesson Chief’s Special revolver in the safe in my office. I leave it loaded, except for the empty chamber under the hammer. I’ve killed two men with that gun. Both were evil men who would have killed me. I’ve never regretted killing either of them. Not that I don’t think about it sometimes.”
I find Coyne an interesting and engaging character. William Tapply has written a score of novels about him. This one begins way back in Coyne’s childhood up in Maine.
We learn of a relative’s death when Brady was a pre-teen and that he was there when the body was discovered. His Uncle Moze and Aunt Lillian lived up there and raised a child who has recently been out of touch. Uncle Moze is very concerned about it (for a variety of reasons) and he phones Brady (whom he hasn’t seen in thirty years). Then, of course, things get much more complicated. For fans of this series, you will learn a lot more about Brady Coyne’s growing up and his complicated family relationships.
Tapply is very skilled with plotting, characterization and journey is always an interesting one. I’ve skipped a number of books in the series and my enjoyment of this one reminded me to schedule another.
March 25, 2023
Another excellent Brady Coyne story, wherein he gets a call from an Uncle he had not seen for 30 years about a missing cousin
July 18, 2023
(3). Life is good. Another Brady Coyne book in my rear view mirror. Life is bad. I believe I only have 3 more of these left in the series. The is a really fun story, Brady getting pulled in to family matters, and trying to figure out things at home with Evie. Lots of layers, a few twists and turns and a great reveal at the end. Some of the best quality comfort reading on the planet. If you have not gotten into this series you have missed something worthwhile. Good stuff.
December 31, 2017
As noted in my other review comments I am a fan of the late William G. Tapply and his clever protagonist Brady Coyne.
July 5, 2022
This 23rd outing, “Nervous Water,” in Tapply’s Brady Coyne series is yet another pleaser, threatening to spill over from the classic mystery to the modern thriller genre! Brady, a concierge attorney to the Boston-area elite rarely darkens a courtroom, but rather actually spends most of his days investigating various puzzles brought to him by his demanding clients, using his doggedness and clever wits to solve them all.
In this one, it’s all about family, as his long-lost uncle invites him fishing, only to ask Brady to find his estranged daughter Cassie, Brady’s long-lost cousin. The uncle is ill and wants a last reunion, but soon enough is attacked and winds up at virtually death’s door in the hospital. As always, Brady chases relentlessly any minute clue to where his cousin might be, finding a suspicious set of circumstances with first her latest husband and then a former college professor love interest. A dangerous denouement puts a cherry on top of the well-designed tale.
There was an odd aside about Brady serving as a divorce mediator -- something new -- was Tapply trying to make a point? That was offset when we get tons of back story about Brady’s earlier life never revealed in the numerous opportunities in the past, which only added to the fun. Meanwhile, his now two-year live-in status with Evie sounds pretty wonderful, and we’re glad for a man who has had “women trouble” in the past. All in all, a very entertaining entry in the set.
In this one, it’s all about family, as his long-lost uncle invites him fishing, only to ask Brady to find his estranged daughter Cassie, Brady’s long-lost cousin. The uncle is ill and wants a last reunion, but soon enough is attacked and winds up at virtually death’s door in the hospital. As always, Brady chases relentlessly any minute clue to where his cousin might be, finding a suspicious set of circumstances with first her latest husband and then a former college professor love interest. A dangerous denouement puts a cherry on top of the well-designed tale.
There was an odd aside about Brady serving as a divorce mediator -- something new -- was Tapply trying to make a point? That was offset when we get tons of back story about Brady’s earlier life never revealed in the numerous opportunities in the past, which only added to the fun. Meanwhile, his now two-year live-in status with Evie sounds pretty wonderful, and we’re glad for a man who has had “women trouble” in the past. All in all, a very entertaining entry in the set.
June 12, 2018
Another satisfying Brady Coyne mystery. In this one, Brady is contacted by his uncle, who he hadn't seen in 30 years for help in finding his lost "daughter" who is afraid has come into some misfortune. Brady starts looking, and the murders start to add up. Brady's extended family dynamics seem ever more complicated, the farther he gets in the investigation. The murders naturally involve the police, including his old friend in the state police, among others. The book starts rather slowly, but picks up toward the conclusion. Enjoyable, satisfying to read. And of course fishing comes into it (Lobsters and striped bass, this time).
July 18, 2022
I'm not sure I'll work backwards on these Coyne mysteries but I will look for the next several in the series. This one was very suspenseful and sad but there was a good mending of family relationhips in the end.
September 7, 2024
Brady Coyne is a lawyer who is now forced to become a detective as he searches for his cousin to reunite her with her father. Along the way there are a few attacks, murders, working with the police as he traces his cousin's whereabouts. Surprise ending.
November 5, 2017
Simple as usual, but getting too simple, where the entire story is fluff
November 5, 2018
Good. Not as good as others.
I may have read it before.
I may have read it before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2019
An entertaining and quick read. Reminiscent of Philip R. Craig, with whom Tapply has written. I will read more of this series!
October 2, 2019
Loved it! Kept me on my toes throughout the book.
August 29, 2020
Great twist!!!
July 1, 2025
I am getting toward the end of the Barry Coyne mysteries. This one is very good as always. I will certainly miss the series when I finish. I highly recommend.
December 12, 2025
It was a relaxing, easy read. The plot and the characters kept the book moving along.
August 25, 2007
NERVOUS WATER (Amateur Sleuth-New England-Cont) – VG
Tapply, William G. – 21st in series
St. Martin's Minotaur, 2005- Hardcover
Attorney Brady Coyne hasn't seen his elderly Uncle Moze in many years when he receives a call inviting him to visit him in Maine. The old lobsterman is dying of cancer and wants to reconcile with Brady's cousin, Cassandra, who Mose raised as his daughter. When Mose has a heart attack after being attacked, Brady becomes determined to find Cassie. But her husband isn't talking and her ex-husband is murdered.
*** I've only read one other in this series, so far, but really appreciate that each book stands on this own and I don't feel lost for not having read the previous books. Tapply's characters are real; human and fallible. Because Brady is not a criminal attorney, there are no courtroom scenes, which is refreshing. Instead, the characters drove the story and the focus was family and relationships. The plot was solid and definitely kept me turning the pages, his dialogue is spot-on. Although there were a couple loose threads, this was a very enjoyable read. I'm delighted there are 19 other books in the series awaiting me.
Tapply, William G. – 21st in series
St. Martin's Minotaur, 2005- Hardcover
Attorney Brady Coyne hasn't seen his elderly Uncle Moze in many years when he receives a call inviting him to visit him in Maine. The old lobsterman is dying of cancer and wants to reconcile with Brady's cousin, Cassandra, who Mose raised as his daughter. When Mose has a heart attack after being attacked, Brady becomes determined to find Cassie. But her husband isn't talking and her ex-husband is murdered.
*** I've only read one other in this series, so far, but really appreciate that each book stands on this own and I don't feel lost for not having read the previous books. Tapply's characters are real; human and fallible. Because Brady is not a criminal attorney, there are no courtroom scenes, which is refreshing. Instead, the characters drove the story and the focus was family and relationships. The plot was solid and definitely kept me turning the pages, his dialogue is spot-on. Although there were a couple loose threads, this was a very enjoyable read. I'm delighted there are 19 other books in the series awaiting me.
January 16, 2015
This is one of the many Brady Coyne mysteries written by Tapply, and the only one I have read. Coyne is a lawyer with roots in Maine' and the love of fishing his forebears had lives on in his heart. After many years away his Uncle Moze draws him back into his family when he calls and asks Coyne to find his estranged daughter Cassandra. Thus ensues the mystery - is she alive or dead; if so, who killed her and why. The writing has a nice flow and you grow to really like many of the characters and get a sense of their unique New England personalities. I especially liked Henry, the ever loving, hopeful, understanding dog.
June 5, 2011
I like these Brady Coyne novels. In this one, Brady is called to see his uncle Moze in Maine, with whom he and his father used to go lobstering. In one of these trips, they found the dead body of Uncle Norman, the husband of Brady's youngest aunt, Mary, who was married at 16, pregnant, and was beaten by her husband. Mary had given her baby, Cassandra to Uncle Moze and his wife. Now Moze had lost touch with Cassandra, and wanted Brady to try to find her. As with Brady's other projects, this turns out to be a dangerous task.
September 5, 2012
I'm not going to recap the book - others have already done that. What you need to know is that Brady Coyne is one of the best, most human characters in contemporary fiction. Read his books in order - this is one of the last few as the author died a couple of years back. These novels are of the amateur sleuth genre; Brady is a lawyer who would rather be fishing than lawyering. Periodically, he gets caught up in a situation he can't bring himself to avoid and the results are very entertaining. Great, great series. Every one of the books will get top ratings from me.
July 27, 2015
#21 in the Brady Coyne series (treating the collaborations with Philip R. Craig as a separate series). Brady is a Boston lawyer with an avocation of fly fishing.
Brady Coyne gets a call from his Uncle Mose, who he hasn't seen in over 30 years. Mose wants Brady to find his daughter, Cassandra, who broke off contact with Mose after he criticized her marriage to a much older dentist. Now Cassandra has disappeared and the dentist is uncooperative. Significant other, Evie, is being touchy and secretive.
Brady Coyne gets a call from his Uncle Mose, who he hasn't seen in over 30 years. Mose wants Brady to find his daughter, Cassandra, who broke off contact with Mose after he criticized her marriage to a much older dentist. Now Cassandra has disappeared and the dentist is uncooperative. Significant other, Evie, is being touchy and secretive.
July 10, 2011
Pretty good, actually - I try to never anticipate people's intentions and motivations, since foresight tends to spill a good mystery, and that was really easy in this book. Coyne acts as human as any character would in the same situation, and it's more fun to follow a human through a mystery than a plot-driven robot.
July 13, 2010
Another great Brady Coyne novel by William G. Tappley.
Brady is tasked by his Uncle Moze with finding his cousin Cassie
who seems to have disappeared. A well written story that gives
Brady a chance to do some "Lobstering" and to catch up with family
that he hasn't seen in over thirty years.
Brady is tasked by his Uncle Moze with finding his cousin Cassie
who seems to have disappeared. A well written story that gives
Brady a chance to do some "Lobstering" and to catch up with family
that he hasn't seen in over thirty years.
August 20, 2010
- A good story of a man who’s life unfolded because of a murder in his own family. This keeps the story close. The women being the most involved with the murder is even more interesting. Also, it has a good ending with the storyteller’s search bringing the family together.
August 16, 2009
Very Good; Continuing character: Brady Coyne; when his uncle (who he hasn't seen in 30 years) calls, Brady knows his help is needed, this time to track down his missing cousin
December 22, 2009
Always a lovely read, very enjoyable, Boston location
December 15, 2010
Tapply is no wordsmith but his character development is convincing and, along with his plot development, demonstrates the importance of variety, balance and contrast in both fiction and art.
March 30, 2015
Another great mystery. I had a hint who dunnit but still a great story.
July 30, 2011
Great book about Brady Coyne's family. I got to know him better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews