A Single Deadly Truth

by John Urban

A Single Deadly Truth -- Amazon Top-5 Hardboiled Best Seller for more than eight weeks.

* * * * *
"Single Deadly is a fast read that blends sunken treasure, deep-sea diving, fast boats and a cast of characters that run from bad guys to real bad guys to really really bad guys. (And that doesn't even count the shark.)" Author Frank Cook.

Urban sets the story on the waters of Cape Cod and Buzzards Bay and gives the reader a rewarding blend of adventure, seaside escapism, and maritime history. Fans of Clive Cussler, Peter Benchley, and Randy Wayne White will find a new hero in Steve Decatur.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Adventure, Suspense

262 pages, ebook

First published December 28, 2010

Reviews

[Jim A · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading new authors and Indie authors are a great way to find them. Sometimes the plots and characters click and sometimes they don't.

The story line from this book was not all that great and entirely too predictable. Really no pizzazz to the main character, Decatur.

On the plus side, it's a very quick read so I can't say I wasted a lot of time reading it.

[Siesta · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Thomas A Brannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

hooked you quickly

Enjoyed the book and I hope you continue to write more - as I will be sure to read all future books

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban is a new author for me. His protagonist, Steve Decatur is a College Professor/Boat Person. He started his career in the Coast Guard and left before he completed the Academy, although he did graduate. The story is about Decatur's friends, a former Hockey pro and his nephew, who both die mysteriously and Decatur's decision to investigate their deaths. The plot is complex and fast moving. The characters interesting enough to make you want to know more about them (Decatur's adventures are going to become a series). There are places where the transitions didn't move at a pace that pleased me, but I am sure this will disappear in future books. The Author writes very visually. While reading, I could actually anticipate a movie version of the book. It would make a great action film. Steve Decatur is a protagonist I will continue to follow and I fully expect each ensuing novel to be even better than the last.

[Cathy DuPont · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books...all kinds. However, my favorite genre and the ones I read most are writers such as John D. MacDonald, Robert Parker, Robert Crais, Randy Wayne White, Robert W. Hall, John Sandford. Not sure if these would be considered mysteries, thrillers or what. The book spine in some cases simply says fiction. Because of my enjoyment of these books, A Single Deadly Truth was recommended.

Wish I had liked this book more than I did because I like indies and like to support the authors.

With some writers, their first book is always their best; with others the writing gets better with each book written. I hope John Urban falls in the latter group and his next book which is already out, is better. I'll read it but won't be scrambling to get it any time soon.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I probably would have given this three stars yesterday, because I won't say there's anything particularly wrong with it...except my husband decided to go to bed early and I was 83% done so I thought, "I'll finish this book tonight!" And then I had to drag myself through it. Either the last few chapters of this book are actually the worst, or I realized that it was all gathering toward a depressingly predictable climax and gave up. I'm not sure.
Seriously if you'd asked me yesterday about this book, I would have said "not bad," but either I'm in a mood today or the ending is as disappointingly blah as I think.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me of a cross between Lee Child and Clive Cussler. The main character is Steve Decatur, assistant harbor master and professor. A lobsterman who is an old friend is found dead in the water. It appears to have been an accidental drowning, but Decatur has reason to believe he was murdered. A mysterious Frenchman announces the same day that he has uncovered a wreck and treasure off the coast. Decatur believes that his friend had discovered this wreck and was murdered for the treasure. He and friends set out to uncover the truth.

[Lori Henrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ok story. I was glad I read it, not to sure if I want to read the new one that is supposed to be coming out.

The main character is a professor and part-time harbor master. Steve helps a good friend who is trying to find out why his nephew was killed. The story is fast paced and flows pretty good. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the romance scene was left out. It just didn't seem to fit.

[Mike Jastrzebski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunken treasure, modern day pirates and and boats, what more could you ask for in a thriller. It's obvious that John Urban knows boats and the area he writes about. This is a fast moving nautical thriller and I for one enjoyed it. Keep 'em coming, John.

[Carol E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

When it started I was a little bit interested and hopeful that the story would grab me, but it turned into a regular mystery book, which in general I don't like. I'm just not a fan of mysteries. Every once in a while I try one, but so far I'm still not fond of mysteries.

[sherrie miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really couldn't put it down!! Non stop action with a terrific story

Enough boating information to enhance a mystery that requires the reader to became a New England water lover. Great yarn.

[Nour]

i like it so far..we'll see.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it! Very believable characters and plot, great action. Will be looking for more by this author

[Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Not great. Excellent ending. A fun read.

[Lin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Abandoned this one.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I put this book down a lot and to be honest didn't miss it. I can't explain why, it just didn't hold or capture my inner imagination enough to make me want to read it I'm sorry to say.

[Mac Riddel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent first-rate book. One of those books that's hard to put down. Felt I was right out there with the protagonist on the water. And there were surprises to behold. Good read.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery/adventure with boats, planes, and subs.

[Ken Weinert]

False

[GB reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read, good mystery book. Perfect for summer.