It’s been three months since Jesse McDermitt had any time off to go back home to Florida. When two surprise openings on the leave roster open up, he and his friend Rusty Thurman jump on it, and head back to the Keys for some scuba diving.
The husband of a local reporter’s friend has nearly been killed. Not once, but four times in less than a month. The reporter is Jesse’s new girlfriend and they become curious. How does a man survive four attempts on his life?
Meanwhile, the man Jesse helped put away is doing time in Florida State Prison, hundreds of miles to the north. But Bear Bering isn’t completely cutoff. His cousin, Chuck, is still working the tourist crowds in Key West and has learned that Jesse and Rusty are back in town.
Suddenly, Jesse and his friends are in danger, and once again they are forced to leave. A biker gang, under Chuck Bering’s direction, comes after Jesse and his friends. The leader, a mountain of a man named Sideshift, served time with Bear and both he and Chuck want to see Jesse and anyone around him crushed.
Jesse and friends sail to Key West to find out who the bungling would-be murderer is, and everything comes to a head on Mallory Square, when the bikers, the murderer, and Bear’s family all come at Jesse as one.
I'm a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and now, a full time novelist. Between those careers, I've also worked as a deckhand, commercial fisherman, divemaster, taxi driver, construction manager, and truck driver. I live in the Sea Islands, near Beaufort, SC, with my wife and youngest daughter. We also have three grown children, five grand children, three dogs and a whole flock of parakeets. I grew up in Melbourne, FL and have also lived in the Florida Keys and Cozumel, MX.
I really am enjoying Jesse's younger years and learning what made him into who he became. I also enjoy the time frame of the setting as it is the time I grew up in. He's young, full of life, smart and wise in many ways. I hope to see more of Billy Rainwater as the next young Jesse books evolve. And I can't wait for the "older" Jesse book set in Apalachicola with Dawn Lee McKenna's characters. She and Stoopid are sorely missed.
5 years ago I stumbled across Wayne Stinnett's Fallen Angel and couldn't stop reading every series. The storylines are riveting, characters colorful and alive, locations are real and the advancement of time brings everything together. I am thankful for my Fire platform to read these many books. If I forget who a character is all I have to do is highlight and the search come up with early mentions jogging my memory. If he uses an unfamiliar word it is a snap to bring up the definition. If i want more information on a boat, a plane, a place searching is at my fingertips. I can read anywhere, in any light, the pages don't get dog eared. I know most people enjoy the feel of the real book, but I just love the Kindle. I am anxiously awaiting the 3rd book of the Young Jessie.
Watching Young Jessie change physically with a little bit of time in rank, but that "old soul" holds him to the ideals of the greatest generation. He already has the marine ferver and will stop at nothing to protect those he loves! How I look forward to watching him become the point of the spear and to be first a PIG and then ultimately a HOG. Thank you for your talent in sharing these stories.
New Years Eve 1979, my family watched Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin Eve. Tanya Tucker strutted out in her black leather pants and as a nearly 14 year old boy, I thought she was hot. I vividly recall my dad saying that she wasn’t much of a dancer. The details, Wayne, are phenomenal. I’m enjoying these prequels which must be difficult to write both preserving character arcs but also because readers know the danger is real but in the end doesn’t kill.
After reading all of Wayne Stinnett books since Jesse retired from the Marine Corps I really enjoy the history of how Jesse started his Service. Being Retired Army myself I am fully convinced that Jesse is a very good person and wished I could shake his hand and say "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE"
Ooooh I’m disappointed that it’s only a 2 book series. That was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was hoping you would write about Jesse getting married and his trip assignment overseas. OK maybe, that will come up later in the McDermott novel. Thanks for an interesting two books.
Another terrific look at Jesse's younger life and development. Also, interesting learning more about Rusty and the other characters. Although, expectedly, there's not as much action in these earlier adventures they're still quite exciting! Yeah, keep'm coming, please!
It continues on nothing but great stories and lots of action as Jessie Gina Russ and the gang tackle adventures that will keep you remembering g the older Jessie and his life how it formed him ...ciao from CR Bobbie says her fourth birthday was a good one God bless her my best and only friend.
Interesting Retro version on the Jesse McDermott Character
This look back at a very young Jesse gives great insight to the character he will eventually become! A good read with enough action to keep it true to the character!
Wayne Stinnett is one of my favorite authors! I've read all of his books (many twice) and this one, chronicling Jesse's early life is another hit. You will not be disappointed!
I loved these "prequels". Having never read a Jesse McDermitt book before, I am now really interested in in reading more about him. Thank you to Wayne Stinnett for writing about such a remarkable character.
He is making his mark in the world, and Wayne is taking us along for the ride. Read them all. All of Waynes Jesse McDermitt series. Great adventures from first to the last one written.
Another great book. This one was super action packed with a great story. Makes the reader think a bit and for sure to await the next chapter in Jesse’s early life.
Knowing Jesse McDermitt like I do, it's been nice to see where so many of his ideals came from. What a great way to further illuminate his character for us...thanks, Wayne!
Excellent! A fresh new slant on Jessie’s life and of those around him. It captivated me and I couldn’t put it down. I was disappointed when it ended. I wanted it to go on and on.