One Deadly Eye: A Doc Ford Novel

Doc Ford #27

by Randy Wayne White

After the deadliest hurricane to hit Sanibel Island in a century, Doc Ford must stop a gang of thieves—and worse—during the twelve hours of chaos that follow the passing of a storm’s eye.

A month before a killer hurricane hits Florida, Doc Ford gets a heads-up from a state department pal that during recent natural disasters, a group of paramilitary contractors have used the poststorm chaos as a license to steal—and kill.

Doc doesn’t give the warning much thought until the night the big storm hits. He’s alone. The marina is a ghost town. Doc would have evacuated too but had to work a last-minute deal with the owner of the marina and some other stubborn liveaboards. They know the odds of being robbed after a storm spike. On barrier islands, there’s about a twelve-hour window before help of any type arrives. No law enforcement, no first responders. And very few residents to deal with because most have evacuated.

So, Doc stays. He isn’t worried about himself. But he does wonder about a new a British physician, inventor and possibly an MI-6 asset. The man lives in one of the expensive houses on Millionaires Row. In fact, it’s just down the shoreline from the retired N.S.A. Director’s home. This is no coincidence, and it begs the Will the storm bring out other new visitors to the island?

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

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 2024

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

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling book! It is non-stop action from beginning to end, as Doc Ford battles both a dangerous hurricane and a band of paramilitary, murderous thugs determined to wreak havoc and steal as much as possible while the hurricane rages. Doc Ford has remained on the island, despite the impending hurricane, concerned for those who were unable to evacuate, including an MI6 scientist. Randy Wayne White has vividly described the hurricane's wrath and its damage in chilling and realistic detail, based on the hurricane that devastated Sanibel and the entire gulf coast in 2022. The book is a brilliant combination of a chilling crime spree that pits Doc Ford against some of the most heinous criminals he has ever encountered, as well as a relentless hurricane on its own path of destruction. Although the violence is graphic at times, it is a book that I just could not put down, with exciting and unexpected plot twists throughout. This is one of my favorite book series, and this is an excellent addition to the series! Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.

[Pietro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read the latest thriller by Randy Wayne White after a recent visit to Sanibel island, where the damage from the 2022 hurricane was quite visible. The premise of White’s new “Doc Ford” novel involves gang of thieves and mercenaries who stalk the island during the storm, looting and killing while law enforcement is otherwise occupied. The descriptions of the island—before, during, and after the storm—are detailed and enveloping. White has employed very real details of this event to construct the setting for this book, and it is an incredibly vivid account—and the perfect environment for the events that take place. Doc Ford is a great protagonist, and his relationships with many islanders fill out the narrative here. The storm causes a lot of damage, which can be difficult to read, but the humans create much more, and the details are often gruesome. Overall, One Deadly Eye is a great addition to this series. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

VERY disappointed! Waaay too much sadistic violence in this book; it could easily been alluded to without ruining the book. IMHO, I think to not do so was the easy way out. I skipped as much of this as possible (probably 25-35% of the book) because it was just too violent and I didn't want those n images in my head. If this is the new direction RWW is going with this series, then I'll stop reading these books.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Randy Wayne White's "One Deadly Eye" is a gripping mystery novel that immerses readers in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane on Florida's Gulf Coast. As the tempest subsides, chaos ensues, and our protagonist, Doc Ford, finds himself entangled in a web of danger, deception, and dark secrets.

After the deadliest hurricane in a century ravages Sanibel Island, Doc Ford receives a cryptic warning from a state department contact. Paramilitary contractors have exploited post-storm chaos to commit crimes—stealing and killing with impunity. Doc dismisses the warning until the night the hurricane strikes. Alone in a deserted marina, he faces a twelve-hour window of vulnerability. No law enforcement, no first responders—just a ticking clock before help arrives.

But there's more at stake than survival. A British physician, an enigmatic inventor, and a possible MI-6 asset reside nearby. Their presence isn't coincidental. As the storm rages, Doc grapples with questions: Will other visitors emerge? What secrets lie hidden in the hurricane's wake?

White masterfully weaves suspense, intrigue, and atmospheric tension. The hurricane becomes a character—an unstoppable force that reshapes lives, unearths buried sins, and tests human resilience. Amid the chaos, Doc Ford confronts not only external threats but also his own vulnerabilities and loyalties.

Doc Ford, a retired NSA agent and marine biologist, is a compelling lead. His determination, resourcefulness, and moral compass drive the narrative. Supporting characters—each with their own agendas—add depth and complexity. The British inventor, the N.S.A. Director, and the criminal brotherhood known as Bratva collide in a high-stakes game where survival hangs in the balance.

White's prose is crisp, evocative, and unpretentious. He captures the raw beauty of Florida's coast, juxtaposing it with the storm's fury. Dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the pacing keeps readers on edge.

"One Deadly Eye" is a hurricane of suspense—a page-turner that explores human nature when pushed to its limits. Randy Wayne White delivers a thrilling mystery that lingers long after the final chapter. Whether you're a Doc Ford fan or a newcomer, this novel is a must-read for lovers of atmospheric thriller.

[Gary Anderson]

I’m twenty-seven books into Randy Wayne White’s Doc Ford series, so it’s too late to stop now, but One Deadly Eye is less satisfying than most of the others. This time Doc Ford is facing down a massive hurricane along with Russian mercenaries who pillage high-end areas during natural disasters before homeowners, insurance adjusters, and law enforcement can return to the prized real estate. Although One Deadly Eye features a memorably heinous villain, the novel suffers from too much technology and not enough Tomlinson.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intensely griping novel by White. A thrilling adventure in to hurricanes and intrigue. Each book outdoes the last. The characters and setting are amazing as always. A must read!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a hurricane headed for South Florida and it is bringing more than high winds and flooding. Years ago, a natural disaster in Kazakhstan allowed the most dangerous prisoners to escape. They’ve banded together with Wagner mercenaries to form a criminal organization. Now with a threatening storm, they are planning to rob abandoned beach houses on Sanibel Island immediately after the storm.

Doc Ford is waiting for them. He has stayed at his stilt house near the Dinkins Bay marina. After the storm has passed, Doc leads the rescue effort. What will happen when his path crosses that of the Russians?

Randy Wayne White has delivered another superb Doc Ford adventure. While the brawling criminals drive the action, the ferocious, category 5 hurricane dominates in One Deadly Eye. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Randy Wayne White for this ARC.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Doc Ford book l've read in years. Gripping action from start to finish.

Set 3 years after the previous book has Doc and the residents of Dinkins Bay preparing for a cat 5 hurricane headed their way. Doc is warned about a group of Russian escaped convicts who have been robbing houses in the midst of hurricanes, who have no qualms about killing those residents who chose to ride out the storm.

[Cynde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and thrilling, the author has described a real hurricane scenario with a plethora of really bad guys that are so heinous that you almost want to put the book down ,but you can't! This is a fabulous read! Non-stop action, danger, fear inducing terror as Doc Ford and other familiar characters face a tremendous hurricane and a gang of Russian killer/thieves who are there to rob the millionaire's houses of art and jewels but also to kill Doc and his "family".
The author is an accomplished writer on this topic because he actually lives and owns an establishment in the Sanibel area. This area of Florida was devastated by Hurricane Ian in 2003. This is the 27th book in the Doc Ford series, and they are all excellent, but this might be the best one yet.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

No doubt inspired by hurricane Ian that devastated Sanibel in 2022, One Deadly Eye finds Doc Ford weathering the storm while also trying to foil the plans of a group of Russian mercenaries and criminals that plan to rob wealthy homeowners during the aftermath.
This book does have one of the creepiest villains in the series to date, but most of the action consists of Ford navigating through the darkness.
Most of the marina residents, including Tomlinson, have left ahead of the storm, so Ford's main ally is a British agent and inventor, and the conclusion is open-ended.
Not one of my favorites in the series.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad guys, Cat 5 Storm, Doc – not sure which is toughest? At times, in this high octane thriller, the end may be in doubt, but the author once again puts together exciting action-filled episodes to create a quick, but satisfying read. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Matt S Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

[Ron · Rating 1 out of 5]

A far cry from the days of Sanibel Flats. This book was a slog and not full of the cast of entertaining characters we have come to expect from Randy White.
Disappointing.

[Lynn Mandaville · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I ever wanted one of White's books to take place in a Florida hurricane event I could relate to, this is it.
Hurricane Ian is never named, but the ferocity of it has been imagined ever since my cousins' homes were so thoroughly ravaged by it. And having seen some of the aftermath of it only a few weeks after it came ashore in Ft. Myers, I can better imagine what Doc Ford and the characters of White's new book went through in this novel.
I'm glad White is still able to write a book that challenges my mind a bit in addition to giving me a good yarn. And still be a book I get through in just a couple of days.
I recommend it, especially to all of my cousins who have spent time in Ft. Myers over their lifetimes.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and confusing story about Russians terrorizing and stealing in millionaires row in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

[Larry Fontenot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't read a Doc Ford book in probably ten years. Not much has changed, apparently. Doc still has his best buddy Tomlinson and is still pursuing Hannah. This time it appears that he is close to finally convincing her to marry him. But a big hurricane forces them apart and Tomlinson has taken off in his boat to avoid the storm. There is plenty of action; Ford books always have action. These are pleasant books and I have no real complaint, other than they all seem to be the same.

[Karen R]

The author has written a gripping, riveting mystery. I had no idea initially this is a successful 27 episode series, maybe more? I am looking forward to catching up on the ones I missed reading. Easy reading that pulled me in and not too many characters to keep track of. Pulled me in from page 1 to the very satisfying ending.

[Darby Calm · Rating 2 out of 5]

not like any hurricane I have ever been through...

[Michael Sill · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Randy Wayne novel. A good building plot with drama & intrigue.

[Stephanie Casimiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best RWW book EVER! I loved it.

[Kris Lanham]

This one gave me pause. Disturbing, idk Randy, this may be where we part our ways.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not kept up with the Doc Ford series, having missed the last two novels. However, given the devastating hurricane that hit Sanibel (home of Doc Ford) in 2022, I could not miss out on reading this novel. Set during that hurricane, Doc Ford is tasked with catching some real bad guys. And that, for me, was the problem. These bad guys were grotesque sexual torturers, in addition to being thieves and murderers. While the author spared the reader from complete descriptions of the crimes, enough was shared to make me cringe. I loved the Sanibel setting, but this is the end of this series for me.

[Terri Fielder · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this book. Did not finish.

[David Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

No mystery in this one.
Bad guys are known right away.
Definitely not as good as his other books.
Very predictable.
Seems like it was thrown together.

[Rob Smith, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially was reading through the series and, only now notice, I hadn't marked those in Goodreads. A bunch I don't remember which I read. I do recall I read the series out of order as I found the books. I was having a problem with the politics and other issues in content and I wasn't nutty of White's writing style.

That didn't stop me from gathering the entire series over the decades. I just hadn't read one in a long time and wasn't sure if I'd go back to reading the series.

When this became available through NetGalley.com, I thought it's time to read white again. It's the 27th entry. Authors lose a lot of steam at this point after 30 years of the dame character in novels. Starting the book, there were headwinds of still another Florida book shrouding a lousy book idea in a hurricane. Ugh!

I was wrong. The plot under it all is the standard bad guy thieves and the hero out to be the hero. It's the very involved plotting and storytelling that separates this as the very many before it.

Firs, the hurricane narrative: There are lots and lots and lots of Media that dip a tale in a Florida hurricane. Most do a poor to OK to good descriptions. The most portrayed narratives are of the storm coming and are usually the best of the coverage. The impact of storm is done next best. It's the aftermath that is nearly always a failure. That includes John D. MacDonald.

White does an outstanding job of depicting the entire storm, but goes beyond that involving the aftermath. As one who, like White, that has been through many a hurricane in Florida, the author goes above and beyond in his writing. I find it funny those reviewers who are taken aback by the dismal, violent writing White writes. What White has done is to have TWO adversaries in this book. The hurricane and the bad guys. The question should be which were the REAL bad guys and most violent? The mercenaries or the hurricane? White's narrative is brilliant in the reader considering the two.

Realize White doesn't leave a hurricane death toll. That is something hard to ever figure out in reality anyway. White also points to the likelihood that all dead, killed however, will be hurricane dead. Also, would one happen without the other?

There are a lot of characters strewn through the book. There's a needless side story of character Sammy and family, seemingly for emotional purposes. An unneeded distraction that impedes the flow of the book. Otherwise, the characters are quite a collection from all over the spectrum. One complaint I had with earlier books, I find here, too. The women are mostly all written the same. All tough broads to one degree or another that have very similar dialogue, though from different worlds.

It's the characters that I found of similar vein of Jame Hall's Thorn series. White's writing in certain ways is better and the story is far more far reaching. The cat and mouse chase spans chapters and well done. One complaint is a next to final encounter of good and bad, where the good could have pretty easily be sure bad is really gone. That's the biggest sloppiness I found.

Overall, this is the best of the series I've read and...

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 9 out of ten points.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the finest Doc Ford episode in a long line of great stories. In my mind the best writing that Randy Wayne White has produced yet. Obviously a subjective evaluation, and considering that I have been following Doc Ford for thirty-five years now, how accurate is this assessment? Doesn't really matter, not really. This story was a pulse pounding action story with a terrific ending.

As with almost every one of White's stories, there is an educational component. Reading about Florida and the Gulf of Mexico through the eyes of a marine biologist, Doc's cover identity, has been an added bonus. His knowledge of the water, Florida wildlife on land and in the sea, and its tropical weather, makes this series stand out. In, One Deadly Eye, Florida experiences a catastrophic category five hurricane.

We have all watched with horror as monster storms have ravaged coastal states. It seems like every year we are reading and hearing about once in a lifetime storms, or once in a hundred year storms. In Doc's latest adventure White takes his readers directly into the storm. From the forecast to the slow build up to the storm itself as it ravages Dinkins Bay, Doc's home base, and finally to the aftermath and the storm's impact on the land and it's inhabitants—human, animal, winged or reptilian.

The storm is bad enough, more than enough, but still there is more. A gang of ruthless thieves and killers is targeting the homes of millionaires and billionaires who live along Florida's coastal waters. A Russian oligarch has sent teams of mercenaries into the area to steal artwork, jewels and anything else of value—among them a failed novitiate, a serial killer who intends on leaving Florida a wealthy man.

The story starts slowly, just like the storm still many miles away. Little by little the tension begins to mount. The residents of Dinkins Bay, Doc's friends and neighbors, either pick up stakes or try to stake everything down. Doc's best friend, Tomlinson hauls up anchor and sails off on, No Más, to parts unknown. But Doc is not the kind of guy to abandon his friends and neighbors in their hour of need and he has no intention of leaving Dinkins Bay, at least not until he has done everything he can to help those who need it.

And then the storm hits and White is firing on all cylinders. The action is intense. The story howls with the force of hurricane winds. From then on it's non-stop can't put the book down reading—the storm, the thieves, the ruthlessness of both. And finally, the clean-up. The human capacity to survive and rebuild, the resiliency of nature. There is destruction and heartache for a lifetime, twists and turns, a few surprises, and even happy endings.

At first I was thinking that White was tying up all the loose ends in his long-running series, until the very end that is, when he left just a little wiggle room and the barest of hints that all was not lost in the storm.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal And Effective Violence That Jack Reacher Would Be Proud Of. Admittedly I stepped into this book not realizing when I signed up for the blog tour that this was number 27 in a series, so there are likely elements to this tale that I completely missed out on.

That noted, the tale as told works within itself to tell a complete tale + a couple of open ended teasers (not really "cliffhangers" as at least one other reviewer described them) such that it *is* possible to enjoy this book for itself, but obviously if you are an "absolutely no spoilers of any minute kind" type of reader... eh, start all the way back at book 1 here. :)

As for the story told... I wasn't joking in the title of this review. I've read more graphic violence than this (hello, Code Alpha by Joseph Massucci and Without Remorse by Tom Clancy), but this is certainly up there. Hell, even the modern Mortal Kombat games with their ultra-realism and X-ray moves sometimes seem less graphic than some of the violence White gives us here. And yet the expected quippy banter is still present as well, providing just enough smiles to keep this from going to near slasher level action.

Set during a Cat 5 hurricane, some of the stuff described seems a bit implausible... but then, this is an action book, so meh, already suspending disbelief for the rest of the plot, might as well suspend it a bit more there. Otherwise, the hurricane doesn't provide much "atmosphere" to the book, but *does* provide quite a few set pieces for the action sequences to look that much cooler.

Ultimately, this is one of those books that as long as you approach it as you would say WWE or the Fast and Furious franchise - ie, just go with the flow and enjoy the spectacle - it absolutely works. If you're looking for anything more serious than that, you're going to be disappointed.

Very much recommended.

[Linda Toft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first time I read a Doc Ford book at home in Ohio! I have read every book in the series while sitting on the lanai or a chair at the beach while on Sanibel Island! One Deadly Eye arrived at my door, unable to travel to Sanibel now, I sat out on my patio to read it! It was a beautiful breezy blue sky day, big glass of iced tea next to me! The breeze picked up and gust of wind rattled the awning over the patio. As I read, I felt the gusts of wind of the incoming hurricane! As the neighbors dogs barked and growled at passerby’s I could feel the glowing eyes of coyotes watching me. I got caught up in the fast paced time line with a hurricane bearing down on precious Sanibel. With determination and expertise Doc Ford faced the power of a devastating storm while dealing with evil outsiders as they used the storm as an opportunity to steal valuables.
I read the book in one day! Couldn’t put it down! I grieved once again for the unbelievable damage to Sanibel.
Heartbreaking devastation…but it is beginning to heal, rebuilding and coming back to life at the hands of those who respect and love her!
Thank you Randy Wayne White for all your stories that have provided endless entertainment during my stays on Sanibel over the last 40 years! Also, Thank You for all you do to provide information and educate folks to respect and care for Sanibel, (plus all the fragile beautiful places in Southwest Florida).
Someday soon, I hope to return to Sanibel! I can’t wait to stop by McIntosh Bookstore (hi to Rebecca!) have a delicious meal at Doc Fords Resturant, and sit on the beach and read about the next adventure of Dr.Marion Ford and the community of characters from Dinkin’s Bay!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

One Deadly Eye is the 27th (!!!) Doc Ford adventure thriller by Randy Wayne White. Released 4th June 2024 by Harlequin on their Hanover Square Press imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a very very well written thriller with an impressively palpable sense of dread throughout which the author ratchets up to a white-knuckle crescendo. The threats of a huge hurricane hitting his home area alongside trying to protect his family and friends from a vicious gang of paramilitary killers has Doc pressed to the limit.

Apart from saving his corner of the world from Eastern European thugs and assassins, he's got loads of personal troubles explaining to his fiance Hannah that he might just be a fixer and spy and *not* just a mild-mannered ecology minded professor of biology.

It's very well researched and the author does a fantastic job of scenery and settings, with hair-raising descriptions of the wildness and brutality of a raging hurricane.

Four and a half stars. This would be a good choice for fans of mystery thrillers, for public library acquisition, or for a binge/buddy read. Very high quality fiction.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Cindy Skiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me start off my saying that I am a huge fan of the Doc Ford series and live in Estero, which is about 3.5 miles due West of Sanibel Island. I have friends that live on the island and love to go out to visit and enjoy lunch at Doc Ford's.

I really loved this book, not just because the plot was intriguing and thrilling, but because of the accuracy of what it felt like to ride out Hurricane Ian. My husband and I (and our dachshund) ended up staying for the storm because we thought it was going to hit the Tampa area. It was too late to evacuate once we figured out it had turned. I have to say that it was one of the most terrifying days of my life. We spent 5.5 hours in the eye wall. There was just no break in the weather from midday Tuesday until about 6 p.m. Wednesday night. No tv, phone or cell service and we lost our local tv station (WINK) that was broadcasting on the radio when they flooded and had to go off the air. It was terrifying to be so isolated. We couldn't call or text our friend who was about 0.2 miles away. The damage was and still is lasting and the area will never be the same.

I know that RWW rode out the storm on the island and assisted in the evacuations of the remaining residents. His depiction of how it felt was spot on. Thank goodness, we really didn't have Russian bad guys in the mix (or did we???). I met RWW at the Ft. Myers location where he signed my book. He's a delight.

I recommend this book for anyone curious about what it feels like to brave a Cat 5 storm.