Deep Shadow

Doc Ford #17

by Randy Wayne White

Many dangers lurk in the deep-the worst of them are human.

Thirty minutes into what should have been an easy, beginner-level dive in a remote Florida lake, the rim of a cave collapses, trapping two of Doc Ford's friends. Ford himself manages to escape and quickly surfaces to find help-but that's when his troubles only begin.

Two men are waiting for him on the shore, and they are not the kind of men you want to meet at any time. Murderers and ex-cons, they're intent on diving to the bottom of the very deep lake and uncovering the remains of a legendary plane wreck there, supposedly loaded with Cuban treasury gold. Ford's ex­pertise is just what they need. And if he doesn't want to help? He can die. His friends? They can die, too. In fact, they can die right now. . . .

As the hours tick away, two mortal struggles unfold simulta­neously, one above and one below. Neither outcome is certain, no man is safe . . . and in the deep shadow, only death awaits.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Adventure, Mystery Thriller, Crime

Hardcover

First published March 9, 2010

About the author

aka Carl Ramm, Randy Striker

Randy Wayne White (born 1950) is an American writer of crime fiction and non-fiction adventure tales. He has written best-selling novels and has received awards for his fiction and a television documentary. He is best known for his series of crime novels featuring the retired NSA agent Doc Ford, a marine biologist living on the Gulf Coast of southern Florida. White has contributed material on a variety of topics to numerous magazines and has lectured across the United States. A resident of Southwest Florida since 1972, he currently lives on Pine Island, Florida, where he is active in South Florida civic affairs and with the restaurant Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar & Grill on nearby Sanibel Island.

Series:
* Doc Ford Mystery

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

White moves the action from Sanibel Island to one of Florida’s inland lakes. Doc Ford, Tomlinson, Arlis Futch and the teenager Will Chaser have chosen to scuba dive the waters in search of a plane from Batista’s Cuba that crashed in Florida in 1959. It is a treasure hunt as the plane was supposed to have carried valuables.

This ends up being the scuba dive from hell. There is an underwater rock ledge that collapses trapping Tomlinson and Will Chaser. Can Ford help dig them out before they run out of air? Well—that gets more difficult when two murderers ‘on the run’ wait for him on shore. And then White adds more danger by including meat-eating reptiles living in the lake.

White includes a lot of information about the geography of Florida which I enjoyed [it’s the science nerd in me], and there is considerable ink spent on scuba diving. Maybe too much—but I have friends who dive so didn’t mind the digressions. Enjoy!

[Janny]

Once past the truly horrifying and harrowing start (I hate the grim and gristly, it makes me flinch too much!) this book was a top notch thriller, superbly researched, with edge-of-the-seat suspense. Not easy to do, carrying multiple view points, but this author knows his stuff, and created believable, fleshed out characters. I experienced this story in audio book, and the narrator is first rate.

[Mike French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another GREAT book in the Doc Ford series!Non-stop action from start to finish. This is my favorite book of the series so far!

[wally · Rating 4 out of 5]

six oh nine ay em, the 22nd of december 2017, early friday morning, just finished, intense, good read, four stars, i really like it, kindle, library loaner and the 3rd from white for me...and another with will chaser included...he was in the last i'd read, as well. seems white includes something from the world around us in his stories...dragons, lizards, in this one. there was something...what was it? in that other, maybe the first...some sort of...fish...or not. should get the terminology right, to avoid the notzees...but that first had something, dolphins? feeding on shore somehow...and i recall a note from white that perhaps explained the truth behind the phenomenon. wish the digital library had more on offer but i can always recommend, see what happens. 'til then.

[Jay Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In anticipation of our recent visit to Sanibel and Capitiva islands off the coast of Florida, I picked up the most recent Doc Ford book by Sanibel resident, Randy Wayne White. I was not disappointed. Not only did "Deep Shadow" put me in an island mood, but it also played off the recent concerns of invasive species -- like South American pythons -- climbing to the top of the Florida swamp and cavern predator pyramid and crowding out all sorts native animals.

Ford stayed fairly close to home for this installment of the popular series. Thus, the enjoyable mix of characters and crackers (like Thomlinson), who are usually relegated to the back story as Ford gets set to head to some exotic location, were featured to the benefit of the story. I'd love a story where Ford, and thus the gang of misfits, never cross the causeway off Sanibel. I can envision them at the Island Bean discussing some mystery emanating from Ding Darling only to find, with the help of a dolphin-traumatized golden retriever, the culprit moored off a Marina Villa at the South Seas Resort on Captiva.

Now there's the book for my next visit.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reunion of Doc Ford with Will Chaser who played an important role in his previous Dead Silence along with the ever present Tomlinson, and an old fishing guide named Arlis Futch make for a humorous read. You have so many different types of characters mingling together to search for a plane thought lost to the world along with it's supposed immense treasure make for an interesting read. Throw in 2 killers on the run who happen to come across these defenseless "treasure hunters" in the middle of nowhere with no civilization close by, and they all are at the bottom of mother nature's food chain as soon becomes evident. Doc Ford with his glasses tied around his neck with fishing line, Tomlinson the skinny as a flamingo hippy, Will Chaser the hot blooded Indian, Arlis Futch the grumpy old fishing guide, and King and Perry at an isolated, desolate, body of water with hot tempers, itchy trigger fingers, bad tempers, and a tendency for violence make for a volatile combination. Have as much fun as I did keeping up with these characters, and story line!

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of his best books. Started off pretty good but then he started getting into lots of detail that kind of dragged on. I ended up skimming through lots of the book. Way more about diving then really had to be in the book. Cutaway the fluff and it's more of a novella in there. There was some good suspense though.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought Randy got a bit off character on this one when he had doc Ford tied up by a couple of dumb young criminals, one that was a killer, and the other a wannabe. Plus all the underwater stuff got a bit too much, but I had to see it to t he end, and make sure all my characters make it through and/or how they did it.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather disturbing start sets the stage for a fast paced thriller involving Doc, Tomlinson, Arlis and Will Chase in a fight for their lives on a small island . They arrive at Arlis's newly purchased property, ready to dive in search of a long lost plane, and possible treasure. What they find are two criminals who will stop at nothing in their own quest for riches, as well as to escape from the law. Much of the book takes place underwater, and is a fascinating look at the dangers of diving. The two criminals and underwater perils, however, are not the only obstacles Doc and the rest face, as they discover there are also huge predatory lizards in the area. It is definitely a book that will keep you on the edge of your sear from beginning to end! I enjoyed it!

[Dennis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those books you can predict whats coming only you have no idea how long its going to get there. I kept finding myself saying out loud "oh give me a break, how many near endings can there be".

[Kathy Brzostowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Would read other stories by this author.

[Redbird · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook review. I chose this book because it is narrated by George Guidall, who could make the dictionary sound riveting. He did an excellent with this novel. As for the substance of the book, it was okay. I’m giving it three stars.

This is a story about men going scuba diving in a lake, but they encounter two criminals on the run who turn their outing into a nightmare. The POV switches between first person narrative through Doc, a marine biologist, to various other characters. Sometimes parts of the story are replayed through different characters’ eyes. This doesn’t really add to the story and feels weird, at least in audiobook format, to go from first to third and back again.

The criminals were good comic relief characters. Guidall reads them brilliantly, bringing them to life. The other characters were decently developed. Where I’m holding back stars is in the changing POVs and the often detailed scuba talk. Perhaps divers would enjoy listening to all the details about gear, tanks, etc. but I didn’t. Some of it is essential to the story but I could have passed on the rest.

I may try another audiobook if available.

Note: some profanity

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger runs rampant in this thriller. In a race against time, it is a tossup as to what is most life-threatening. Is it the lake where underwater caves may prove to be treacherous? Is it a couple of on-the-run killers who will do anything to get what they want? Or is there an even more threatening being that has no restraints at all? In this adventure story, Doc Ford’s diving companions are trapped beneath the water and time and air are running out for them. But above ground, Doc and his friend Arlis are being held captive by two men who only want gold and the keys to Arlis’s truck. The playing ground evens out somewhat when a third menace is thrown into the mix – a creature whose only thought is to feed. Tension builds slowly but consistently in this suspenseful tale. Because this is the 17th installment in the series, people who have not been following the characters from the beginning may think it lacks character development or has some unanswered questions. All the more reason to read the rest of the series! A gripping tale.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Doc Ford books. It's really very different from the others as it takes place almost entirely under water. What could have been a pretty easy scuba dive in a Florida lake for Doc Ford, Tomlinson, and young Will becomes a very dangerous experience when they encounter some criminals on the run. Not terribly appealing characters, the criminals. What's fun is getting inside the heads of the various characters as they find themselves trapped under water with time running out. I was tense the whole way. Doc Ford has still got tons of edge to him. This is a great installment in the series. I finished the book while headed to Sanibel for vacation, and picked up the next book in the series the following night while having dinner (the Shrimp and Grits dish is one of my favorites) at Doc Ford's Rum Bar and Grill (http://www.docfordssanibel.com/ ) on the island. Highly recommended!

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series. Each time Doc Ford goes out, something untoward happens. This time Doc goes with a small group to see about a possible sighting of airplane wreckage and its cargo. Gold....
It seems like a normal dive until catastrophe in the form of two escaped prisoners and a rock slide while in the lake. And there is also the possibility of large man-eating critters in the area.
Very suspenseful and it all happens in the course of a few days. Very well told so the reader feels the claustrophobia of the aftermath of the rockslide and the casual evil of the escapees.
Definite recommend.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to every "Doc Ford" mystery...in my mind this is a very close approximation to my favorite, John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee novels...As with all of White's Ford stories lots of Florida history, flora and fauna...as always Doc Ford and friends rise to the occasion...I hope to have the time to encounter Mr. White the next time he is in the Davenport area again...I can never find the free time to get to the signings

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story full of thrills. What should have been a simple lake dive gets two of Doc Ford's friends trapped underwater with a minimal amount of air left in their tanks. When Ford reaches shore, he discovers two murderers who need his expertise for their own selfish needs. He bargains with them, so that he can save his friends. Meanwhile, while his friends try to save themselves, something that is big enough to eat cows is swimming and living underwater. And it's not an alligator.

[Kathey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooo, now this new one of Randy Wayne White was a very interesting departure in the way the story was told. At first it frustrated me but then I found I just couldn't put it down! With his same central characters of Doc Ford and his buddy Tomlinson, Randy tells the story of the happenings of one afternoon as a psychological thriller. If you're a Doc Ford fan and haven't read this one, I highly recommend it!

[Bill O'Hanlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randy Wayne White tells a compelling tale and like some other writers whose books are based in place and culture (like Tony Hillerman in Navajo and Hopi country), you get the added benefit of learning a lot about fish, the undersea and aboveground world and culture of Florida. This new one is as good as the best of the Doc Ford series. Highly recommended.

[Muld00n · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all... Adventure, Suspense, Excitement, and a predictable ending. The ending is the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 stars. The books is well written and holds your interest.

This book has to be based on a true story. I don't think that the human mind can contrive such events of strictly fiction.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are at all claustrophobic, do not start this book.

Doc Ford and all the usual Dinkin's Bay regulars show up for an exciting trip to find Baptista's stolen gold. They get a whole lot that they bargained for in their easy dive into a small lake.

Lots of excitement, crazed killers, wild animals and nature's usual threats.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read from Randy Wayne White. He is a master of suspense, all the more chilling because he weaves the suspense of the storyline with his detailed knowledge of the predators found in the Florida environment. The combination provokes fear on several levels making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read Randy Wayne White for awhile, but the quirky characters came right back to me. Lots of suspense that made me want to keep reading. Interesting use of seeing the same thing from different characters' points of view. I learned about Florida's underground water caves and structure - always good to learn while you read!

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hated the beginning with its graphic descriptions of the brutal crimes but became engrossed with the fast passed storyline. Randy has written the best Doc Ford thriller yet. Expect rough language and nothing sugar coated. Literature genius from North Central High School, Pioneer Oh resides in Florida.

[Anderson's Bookshops · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe said: "Not as well known as Michael Connelly or Robert Crais but definitely in the same league, White hits a home run with his 17th Doc Ford crime thriller. The book finds Ford battling dangers human and animal, on land and on and under water. Nail-biting suspense from beginning to end, the book is capped by an exciting and fitting climax."

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first of White's novels that I have read....and I will now go get the rest. I got hooked from the first page and spent a nice Sunday afternoon finishing it. Great plot, terrific character development (I really want to know more about Doc Ford and his cronies) and a conclusion that will satisfy the most discriminating reader.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned more about the creatures living in the swamps of Florida. I enjoy the series featuring Doc Ford. Did not enjoy the graphic killing of children in the beginning of the book.....I live in Florida so enjoy writings about Florida.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun break from heavier reading keeping me at the edge of my seat with the pages turning. This author also has such a great knowledge of Florida's geology and aquatic life that one can always learn new things from his novels. The author loves his characters and it shows.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marine biologist, Doc Ford, gets into some pretty hair-raising situations but this one tops them all as he tries to rescue his friends who are trapped in a cave-in underwater while outwitting psycho killers. There is even a sea monster to contend with. Loved this one!

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love the Doc Ford books by Randy Wayne White, but this one was a snoozer! It seems as though White has just taken up cave diving and needs to fill the reader in on all the technical details that have nothing to do with the story. Boring!