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Chesapeake Bay Monsters
In the murky depths of the Chesapeake Bay, something sinister lurks.
Scott, a devoted husband and father, is desperate to provide for his family, but always feels like he's falling short. Roc, a divorced former lawyer whose drug abuse and womanizing cost him dearly, is eager to rebuild his reputation while turning a profit. And John, a money-hungry businessman, sees only dollar signs. Together, they stumble upon a discovery that could change their lives: creatures in the Bay that can unlock fantastic riches.
But their lucrative business venture quickly turns dangerous as they come to believe the creatures are responsible for the deaths of several men in the area. Convinced they're doing the world a favor by killing the creatures and cashing in, they soon realize they're in over their heads. As their obsession with wealth and power takes over, they risk losing everything-including their own lives.
Filled with twists and unexpected revelations, Chesapeake Bay Monsters is a gripping tale of greed, friendship, and the dark secrets that hide in plain sight.
Scott, a devoted husband and father, is desperate to provide for his family, but always feels like he's falling short. Roc, a divorced former lawyer whose drug abuse and womanizing cost him dearly, is eager to rebuild his reputation while turning a profit. And John, a money-hungry businessman, sees only dollar signs. Together, they stumble upon a discovery that could change their lives: creatures in the Bay that can unlock fantastic riches.
But their lucrative business venture quickly turns dangerous as they come to believe the creatures are responsible for the deaths of several men in the area. Convinced they're doing the world a favor by killing the creatures and cashing in, they soon realize they're in over their heads. As their obsession with wealth and power takes over, they risk losing everything-including their own lives.
Filled with twists and unexpected revelations, Chesapeake Bay Monsters is a gripping tale of greed, friendship, and the dark secrets that hide in plain sight.
268 pages, Paperback
Published October 12, 2023
38 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 15, 2024
Having lived in Maryland for over 30 years, I'm drawn to stories set in this area. Chesapeake Bay Monsters fit the bill.
The story started off strong, grabbed my attention. Other reviewers liked the character development, but I didn't see it. I didn't really feel like i was in any of the character's heads (except for maybe Kyra and Aria). Other than being motivated by money ...
The story was interesting, definitely different. The climax was too weird for me, but the [very] end was good -- no surprise there, I had it figured out by around 60%.
The story started off strong, grabbed my attention. Other reviewers liked the character development, but I didn't see it. I didn't really feel like i was in any of the character's heads (except for maybe Kyra and Aria). Other than being motivated by money ...
The story was interesting, definitely different. The climax was too weird for me, but the [very] end was good -- no surprise there, I had it figured out by around 60%.
April 21, 2024
Like ghostbusters…but with mermaids…
Chesapeake Bay Monsters by Pete Kramer is a grim horror comedy about hunting water creatures for profit…
An odd Craigslist add leads three middle aged men to start an unusual business focused on hunting the mermaids, siren, water fey, or whatever it is that’s been killed men around Chesapeake bay.
“If you think you’ve seen a mermaid, then you should call…The Wet Squad!!”
It’s completely ridiculous as this group uses modern technology, a few unusual daggers of unknown metal, and a prototype water gun to expose marine predators active on land.
Meanwhile, local law enforcement isn’t sure what to do with these guys (as there aren’t proper bodies involved), and the mermaids naturally have a vested interest in people hunting them, but there might also be a serial killer also targeting men unrelated to the fish women.
It’s all quite crazy and well developed…a comedy of errors about hunting aquatic humanoids just to try and make some money…
Chesapeake Bay Monsters by Pete Kramer is a grim horror comedy about hunting water creatures for profit…
An odd Craigslist add leads three middle aged men to start an unusual business focused on hunting the mermaids, siren, water fey, or whatever it is that’s been killed men around Chesapeake bay.
“If you think you’ve seen a mermaid, then you should call…The Wet Squad!!”
It’s completely ridiculous as this group uses modern technology, a few unusual daggers of unknown metal, and a prototype water gun to expose marine predators active on land.
Meanwhile, local law enforcement isn’t sure what to do with these guys (as there aren’t proper bodies involved), and the mermaids naturally have a vested interest in people hunting them, but there might also be a serial killer also targeting men unrelated to the fish women.
It’s all quite crazy and well developed…a comedy of errors about hunting aquatic humanoids just to try and make some money…
February 3, 2024
An Enjoyable Read on A Cold Damp Night
I bought this book on Kindle because I have been a lover of the horror/ fantasy genre for many years. If this is the author's first novel,I will have to click follow so that I can read more of his work. Chesapeake Bay Monsters begins with a married man disappearing. Then three friends (whose friendship seems more like brothers who really don't like each other much) have a disturbing encounter with an unusual woman . The reason I gave the book four stars, was the character development, pace of the story, and the author's style. Real fantasy lovers would probably want the "monsters' story fleshed out better. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a crime thriller mixed with some fantasy and horror.
I bought this book on Kindle because I have been a lover of the horror/ fantasy genre for many years. If this is the author's first novel,I will have to click follow so that I can read more of his work. Chesapeake Bay Monsters begins with a married man disappearing. Then three friends (whose friendship seems more like brothers who really don't like each other much) have a disturbing encounter with an unusual woman . The reason I gave the book four stars, was the character development, pace of the story, and the author's style. Real fantasy lovers would probably want the "monsters' story fleshed out better. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a crime thriller mixed with some fantasy and horror.
November 27, 2023
There was an interesting twist at the end which could be an entire separate story.
January 2, 2024
If you like your creature features of the mermaid variety this is the book for you. When three men have an encounter with a beast from the water, they realize there's something "special" about the thing's blood. It acts almost like a fountain of youth. Thinking they're ridding the world of monsters they decide to kill more of them in order to market the mermaid blood and get rich.
But everything is not quite what it seems. There are missing people, bodies and body parts showing up, and reports of seeing these creatures dragging people into the depths. But there might be something else at play and these "monsters" might be something else.
The three men are friends and their relationship is going to have its ups and downs throughout the book. They're Rach different and have distinct personalities. As certain information comes to light the question of morality comes into play. Should they be killing a living thing in the name of profit? What if these creatures aren't the bloodthirsty beasts they originally thought? And what's going to happen when these things want to get revenge against the men murdering their kind?
I really loved the twists involved here. We'll find out what happened to the dead and it's not what you might think. The characters are likeable sometimes and unlikeable at other times. Their motivations are going to swing and by the end, it's a very tense situation as events come to a head.
This book is also darkly humorous. The banter between the characters with their diverse personalities will provide a lot of laughs in between the horrors of the water.
This is an enjoyable, easily read, and engaging novel and I highly recommend it.
But everything is not quite what it seems. There are missing people, bodies and body parts showing up, and reports of seeing these creatures dragging people into the depths. But there might be something else at play and these "monsters" might be something else.
The three men are friends and their relationship is going to have its ups and downs throughout the book. They're Rach different and have distinct personalities. As certain information comes to light the question of morality comes into play. Should they be killing a living thing in the name of profit? What if these creatures aren't the bloodthirsty beasts they originally thought? And what's going to happen when these things want to get revenge against the men murdering their kind?
I really loved the twists involved here. We'll find out what happened to the dead and it's not what you might think. The characters are likeable sometimes and unlikeable at other times. Their motivations are going to swing and by the end, it's a very tense situation as events come to a head.
This book is also darkly humorous. The banter between the characters with their diverse personalities will provide a lot of laughs in between the horrors of the water.
This is an enjoyable, easily read, and engaging novel and I highly recommend it.
August 2, 2023
At the time of this review, the book is available to pre-order. I received an advanced copy from the author.
The pacing of the book keeps the reader engaged, and the gradual unveiling of information adds an element of suspense that is sure to keep the pages turning. The story is about a group of friends, and as you get to know these characters, some you will root for and some you will root against. The author gives life to these characters, where they all have strengths and weaknesses, but manage to maintain a friendship and level of support for each other as they navigate changes in their lives and a new business venture. The book is filled with twists and it leaves the reader guessing as to if the friends are right, wrong, or somewhere in between, as they gain a deeper understanding of what they have actually gotten themselves into.
I will admit, this isn't my typical genre of a book to pick to read. While there was an element of "fantasy" don't let the title dissuade you from reading. Who/what is a monster is not always what it seems as the story progresses. The author keeps you guessing! I also wasn't sure I would be engaged regarding a book about a group of male friends. From a women's perspective, some of the character's behavior towards women was not positive, but that context actually kept me engaged and outcomes did come full circle. I wanted to find out what happened to each main character in the end and know that people would get what was coming to them, so to speak ;) I really enjoyed how the story concluded!
The pacing of the book keeps the reader engaged, and the gradual unveiling of information adds an element of suspense that is sure to keep the pages turning. The story is about a group of friends, and as you get to know these characters, some you will root for and some you will root against. The author gives life to these characters, where they all have strengths and weaknesses, but manage to maintain a friendship and level of support for each other as they navigate changes in their lives and a new business venture. The book is filled with twists and it leaves the reader guessing as to if the friends are right, wrong, or somewhere in between, as they gain a deeper understanding of what they have actually gotten themselves into.
I will admit, this isn't my typical genre of a book to pick to read. While there was an element of "fantasy" don't let the title dissuade you from reading. Who/what is a monster is not always what it seems as the story progresses. The author keeps you guessing! I also wasn't sure I would be engaged regarding a book about a group of male friends. From a women's perspective, some of the character's behavior towards women was not positive, but that context actually kept me engaged and outcomes did come full circle. I wanted to find out what happened to each main character in the end and know that people would get what was coming to them, so to speak ;) I really enjoyed how the story concluded!
October 7, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This was a good book! I quite liked how the author set up the plot and I thought the premise was creative and unique. For the most part, I think the pacing was well done. Information was doled out steadily and this really helped maintain my interest – I was constantly looking for more to see what happens next. I also thought the characters were crafted well. They were all flawed and I found they were the kind that readers love to hate. Honestly, I was surprised at how much happens in the last few chapters, but I do have to say that it was a satisfying ending.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Pete Kramer for my copy! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a good book! I quite liked how the author set up the plot and I thought the premise was creative and unique. For the most part, I think the pacing was well done. Information was doled out steadily and this really helped maintain my interest – I was constantly looking for more to see what happens next. I also thought the characters were crafted well. They were all flawed and I found they were the kind that readers love to hate. Honestly, I was surprised at how much happens in the last few chapters, but I do have to say that it was a satisfying ending.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Pete Kramer for my copy! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 3, 2023
I received an advanced coffee and while not my normal read I’ll do anything to ignore other people’s kids running wild on the beach. I was shocked at how much I liked the book. There’s times where I hated the characters, but as I kept going I realized this is what the author wants. The book kept me hooked with surprising turns and was a fun read.
March 5, 2025
I went to school with Pete and that is the reason I decided to read this book. I have told say that I enjoyed this book very much and I did not see the twists coming. I loath Roc and I am pretty sure that is how the reader is supposed to feel about that character. I 100% recommend this book for my friends who love paranormal books and mystery novels.
September 15, 2023
I received an advance copy of this book; it’s not a genre I would typically read, however, it was an engaging page turner! The unique storyline kept my interest and made for a fun (late) summer read. Definitely would recommend!
August 12, 2024
Was a great beach read, especially since I was I. The Chesapeake region.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews