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Storm Ketchum Adventures #1
Port Starbird
Storm Ketchum is a retiree who is discovering that life after your career may be even better than the crazy days of your twenties. After settling in Avon, North Carolina and purchasing the house of his realistic, fiscally responsible retirement beach dreams, Ketch is ready to live out the rest of his days quietly. However, his life takes a stressful turn when his home and habits are threatened by Bob Ingram, the dirtiest real estate mogul in Avon. In an effort to avoid Ingram's threats of eminent domain and save his home, Ketch becomes the secret detective that his parents had always hoped he would be. With his faithful canine sidekick by his side and the good-looking Kari in his bed, Ketch begins a journey that will bring secrets to the surface and make him into a different man with a different view of the world. - Red City Review
In this quirky low-key murder mystery/adventure, Storm Ketchum, a damaged emigre to the coastal town of Avon on North Carolina's Outer Banks, likes to mind his own business and isn't any kind of detective - until he's forced to become one by extraordinary circumstances. On the verge of losing his modest waterfront home to an unscrupulous developer, Ketch stumbles onto the scene of a crime that might expose the perpetrator of an unsolved murder and enable him to save not only his own home, but also the similarly threatened bohemian boatyard community he's inexorably drawn into. And in case Plan A fails, he's hard at work on a Plan B that's both laudable and pitiable - if he can't stop them from seizing his property and ruining what's left of his historic town, he's hell-bent on turning the event into a unique political statement that won't soon be forgotten. Together with his loyal dog, a salty charter boat captain, the sketchy denizens of the boatyard, and an alluring scuba diving instructor who may or may not have a hidden agenda, Ketch struggles to make sense of his new reality, while trying to save some of the things that really matter along the way.
From RED CITY REVIEW:
Dennis' novel could not be more of an enjoyable read unless you were receiving a massage while reading it. The storyline is engaging and Dennis' characters are so well written that you almost want to invite them to your next barbeque. Port Starbird should find a home on every shelf and become a yearly reading ritual.
FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
"When a wealthy developer suspected of murder comes offering money for the land, Ketch is the last to hold out. Ketch's knowledge of the island is professorial, something that will appeal to readers who adore a strong sense of place. The accented dialogue creates the right southern atmosphere... A good effort."
In this quirky low-key murder mystery/adventure, Storm Ketchum, a damaged emigre to the coastal town of Avon on North Carolina's Outer Banks, likes to mind his own business and isn't any kind of detective - until he's forced to become one by extraordinary circumstances. On the verge of losing his modest waterfront home to an unscrupulous developer, Ketch stumbles onto the scene of a crime that might expose the perpetrator of an unsolved murder and enable him to save not only his own home, but also the similarly threatened bohemian boatyard community he's inexorably drawn into. And in case Plan A fails, he's hard at work on a Plan B that's both laudable and pitiable - if he can't stop them from seizing his property and ruining what's left of his historic town, he's hell-bent on turning the event into a unique political statement that won't soon be forgotten. Together with his loyal dog, a salty charter boat captain, the sketchy denizens of the boatyard, and an alluring scuba diving instructor who may or may not have a hidden agenda, Ketch struggles to make sense of his new reality, while trying to save some of the things that really matter along the way.
From RED CITY REVIEW:
Dennis' novel could not be more of an enjoyable read unless you were receiving a massage while reading it. The storyline is engaging and Dennis' characters are so well written that you almost want to invite them to your next barbeque. Port Starbird should find a home on every shelf and become a yearly reading ritual.
FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
"When a wealthy developer suspected of murder comes offering money for the land, Ketch is the last to hold out. Ketch's knowledge of the island is professorial, something that will appeal to readers who adore a strong sense of place. The accented dialogue creates the right southern atmosphere... A good effort."
364 pages, ebook
First published March 3, 2014
334 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 28, 2021
Easy read that grows on you. The first hour in I was not impressed except for all the historical info about the OBX but I thought about not finishing it. The further I got, the more I liked Storm Ketchum! Even bought book 2 of the series! Nice find! Thanks to Michael’s review!
May 26, 2017
My Disclaimer: I received this ebook free on BookBub. This is my honest review for which I am not receiving any compensation. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My review:
It was just 364 pages. Something I should have been able to read in half a day with no trouble. But here I was on the third day just barely finishing it off. This book was so full of information that the pace of the book was slowed down so that it flowed like the waves of the ocean. There'd be action and then there'd be something like the information Ketch gave when he took Jack for his walk on the beach. He looked at the different colors of the sand to see how long before the tide would be back in and the height of the periwinkles on the sawgrass. He also provides law information and other types of info depending on when and what he needs as the story goes on. He shares whatever he has to Google.
Ketch is a really great character. He's smart, considerate, good looking, and lucky. He's got a new girlfriend, some good buddies, and a crime scene to keep him busy. He's a really interesting character but I decided he was just a touch naive about life. Pick up a copy of this fascinating book and see if you agree with me. I'll probably have to try another one of these to see how life goes on at Port Starbird after the storm.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My review:
It was just 364 pages. Something I should have been able to read in half a day with no trouble. But here I was on the third day just barely finishing it off. This book was so full of information that the pace of the book was slowed down so that it flowed like the waves of the ocean. There'd be action and then there'd be something like the information Ketch gave when he took Jack for his walk on the beach. He looked at the different colors of the sand to see how long before the tide would be back in and the height of the periwinkles on the sawgrass. He also provides law information and other types of info depending on when and what he needs as the story goes on. He shares whatever he has to Google.
Ketch is a really great character. He's smart, considerate, good looking, and lucky. He's got a new girlfriend, some good buddies, and a crime scene to keep him busy. He's a really interesting character but I decided he was just a touch naive about life. Pick up a copy of this fascinating book and see if you agree with me. I'll probably have to try another one of these to see how life goes on at Port Starbird after the storm.
August 18, 2014
Port Starbird is the slowest-starting book I have read in years. I almost gave up on it several times in the first few chapters. The language was beautiful and well-written, but just so incredibly long-winded and detailed. I'm glad I hung in there though; it was a very enjoyable read. There were occasional long passages that I learned to skip to get to the action, but the plot was well-crafted and the characters were developed, dimensional, and likeable.
August 31, 2014
A baby boomer's adventure. Hope there are more!
March 16, 2017
Not Kindle Unlimited, have read 1 & 2, probably freebies from somewhere.
PORT STARBIRD: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 1)
PORT OF REFUGE: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 2)
THE PORT FEE: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 3)
THE STORM KETCHUM ADVENTURES: Volumes 1 & 2
THE STORM KETCHUM ADVENTURES: Volumes 1-3
AN OLDE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 1) - THE SAD BLUE BOAT: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 2) - CORA'S TREE: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 3)
PORT STARBIRD: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 1)
PORT OF REFUGE: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 2)
THE PORT FEE: A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 3)
THE STORM KETCHUM ADVENTURES: Volumes 1 & 2
THE STORM KETCHUM ADVENTURES: Volumes 1-3
AN OLDE CHRISTMAS CAROL: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 1) - THE SAD BLUE BOAT: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 2) - CORA'S TREE: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 3)
April 6, 2021
This was such fun and comfort to read as we emerge from another New York winter and look forward to returning to the Outer Banks and maybe too that pre-COVID life. We've stayed in Avon for many years and I felt my burdens lift as I traveled there between the pages of this book, recognizing all the names and places. Don't come looking for a deep twisting mystery here, it is light hearted and fairly predictable, but at a time that I could not begin to focus on some of my other books, this was truly a balm for this beach loving reader's soul. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 21, 2017
A good story about the life of Storm Ketchem,
as he makes his way into retirement
on The Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Recommended.
I received a review copy, at no cost, in exchange for an
honest review and have no personal affiliation with the author.
as he makes his way into retirement
on The Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Recommended.
I received a review copy, at no cost, in exchange for an
honest review and have no personal affiliation with the author.
February 12, 2017
You won't be disappointed
I enjoy books with references about the locale. The outer banks is a favorite area of mine and the author did a great job of positioning the reader in the area.
This book had twists and surprises. Kept my interest to the very end. Highly recommend
I enjoy books with references about the locale. The outer banks is a favorite area of mine and the author did a great job of positioning the reader in the area.
This book had twists and surprises. Kept my interest to the very end. Highly recommend
December 21, 2017
What a great read!
This book was very well written and the action builds up slowly and then all hell breaks loose! Quite a first novel for an author to have.
This book was very well written and the action builds up slowly and then all hell breaks loose! Quite a first novel for an author to have.
January 2, 2018
I loved Port Starbird, and Ketch and the Captain tremendously! I got the book,free, from Garrett Dennis,for an honest review. I'm sorry it's taken so long to write it. Thank you Garrett,for sharing your talent and skills with your readers. We appreciate it.
October 12, 2017
This is not a frenetically paced tale, but one that flows smoothly and has twists and surprises and some really sneaky humor. The characters certainly are! No need to recap the book nor add spoilers, but the publisher's blurb gives hints that make sense. I enjoyed it a lot.
D J Holte certainly makes everything even better with his clear speech, character definition, and understated manner of narration.
D J Holte certainly makes everything even better with his clear speech, character definition, and understated manner of narration.
March 24, 2017
I enjoyed Port Starbird's story and narration. The characters, storyline, & plot are well developed. Held my interest from start to finish. Doc finds himself in some very interesting situations.
December 7, 2017
A great read!
I vacationed in the Outer Banks for 30 years! I felt right at home in this saga! A bit detailed at times but overall the story was engaging! Look forward to next book! Thank you
I vacationed in the Outer Banks for 30 years! I felt right at home in this saga! A bit detailed at times but overall the story was engaging! Look forward to next book! Thank you
May 18, 2018
Exciting and Environmentally Educational
Written in a concise style, this book packs lots of surprises. Storm Ketchum and his dog have many friends in Avon on the outer banks, and their interactions produce a good story. Some excitement and great descriptions of the environment make this a great book on many levels.
Written in a concise style, this book packs lots of surprises. Storm Ketchum and his dog have many friends in Avon on the outer banks, and their interactions produce a good story. Some excitement and great descriptions of the environment make this a great book on many levels.
July 7, 2018
Started a little slow, but then built as it went. The characters are interesting, and the location is fun. It was good enough to make me buy the set, so I'm going to read all 3.
April 16, 2015
PORT STARBIRD: Storm Ketchum Adventures: Book One
Author: Garrett Dennis
Type of Book: Audiobook - Unabridged
Narrator: DJ Holte
Length: 8 hours, 26 minutes
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Release Date: March 18, 2015
Publisher: TBD Press
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator has an amazing voice for this story. There is even a scene where Ketch sings an original song and plays guitar and the song and music sounded great. In fact, the tune is quite catchy. The narrator also does a terrific job of differing male voices and his voice of the older sea captain is exactly what I thought an 'ol sea dog' would sound like. Great job!
In the town of Avon on the coast of North Carolina's Outer Banks region people live a small town existence. There really isn't much for tourists to do except take in the local scenery and fish in the ocean. And that is exactly how the locals prefer it.
Storm Ketchum may not be from Avon originally, but he has adopted the town as his home and has lived there for the past three years. Ketch owns a house in an area that a local developer has big plans for. He has offered to buy Ketch's house and land but
Ketch does not want to sell his house which he has nicknamed "Port Starbird."
Most of the other homeowners have sold and the developer is not happy about Ketch being a holdout. He has threatened to use the law of "imminent domain" to take the house away from him if Ketch will not agree to sell.
Ketch dislikes the shady developer and has suspicions that he may have murdered both of his wives. But, suspicions are not facts.
Ketch has a plan. If he cannot save his home from being ripped out from under him, then he will make sure that he draws attention to the corruption of the law and the misuse of "Imminent Domain" by greedy politicians and developers.
Ketch's plan seemed fairly easy in the beginning, but when he stumbles upon some illegal activity he has a decision to make.
To complicate his life even further, throw in a love interest, some illegal toxic waste dumping, blackmail attempts, murder, missing wives and a girlfriend who may have something to hide.
This book is full of colorful and lovable characters. Jack the dog comes across as the perfect pet and anyone who has ever had a loyal pet will fall in love with him.
The story starts out slowly, but give it a chance. It gets better and better. This book is a great Spring or Summer read. You cannot help but imagine yourself sitting out on Ketch's deck enjoying the quiet summer night with a glass of wine. I found the conclusion a bit far-fetched, but it is fiction, so anything is possible.
I was entertained and I look forward to finding out whats next for our hero; Storm Ketchum.
I rate this audiobook as 4 out of 5 stars for the story and 5 out of 5 stars for the narration.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Garrett Dennis started out as a biologist and a computer scientist but has retired to dedicate himself to writing. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and two dogs. To learn more about him visit https://sites.google.com/site/authorg...
ABOUT THE NARRATOR:
DJ Holte is a veteran stage actor, writer, musician, voiceover talent and one-time radio personality. Holte rhymes with Nolte. To learn more about him visit http://djholte.com
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Twitter @Amieroger
Author: Garrett Dennis
Type of Book: Audiobook - Unabridged
Narrator: DJ Holte
Length: 8 hours, 26 minutes
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Release Date: March 18, 2015
Publisher: TBD Press
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator has an amazing voice for this story. There is even a scene where Ketch sings an original song and plays guitar and the song and music sounded great. In fact, the tune is quite catchy. The narrator also does a terrific job of differing male voices and his voice of the older sea captain is exactly what I thought an 'ol sea dog' would sound like. Great job!
In the town of Avon on the coast of North Carolina's Outer Banks region people live a small town existence. There really isn't much for tourists to do except take in the local scenery and fish in the ocean. And that is exactly how the locals prefer it.
Storm Ketchum may not be from Avon originally, but he has adopted the town as his home and has lived there for the past three years. Ketch owns a house in an area that a local developer has big plans for. He has offered to buy Ketch's house and land but
Ketch does not want to sell his house which he has nicknamed "Port Starbird."
Most of the other homeowners have sold and the developer is not happy about Ketch being a holdout. He has threatened to use the law of "imminent domain" to take the house away from him if Ketch will not agree to sell.
Ketch dislikes the shady developer and has suspicions that he may have murdered both of his wives. But, suspicions are not facts.
Ketch has a plan. If he cannot save his home from being ripped out from under him, then he will make sure that he draws attention to the corruption of the law and the misuse of "Imminent Domain" by greedy politicians and developers.
Ketch's plan seemed fairly easy in the beginning, but when he stumbles upon some illegal activity he has a decision to make.
To complicate his life even further, throw in a love interest, some illegal toxic waste dumping, blackmail attempts, murder, missing wives and a girlfriend who may have something to hide.
This book is full of colorful and lovable characters. Jack the dog comes across as the perfect pet and anyone who has ever had a loyal pet will fall in love with him.
The story starts out slowly, but give it a chance. It gets better and better. This book is a great Spring or Summer read. You cannot help but imagine yourself sitting out on Ketch's deck enjoying the quiet summer night with a glass of wine. I found the conclusion a bit far-fetched, but it is fiction, so anything is possible.
I was entertained and I look forward to finding out whats next for our hero; Storm Ketchum.
I rate this audiobook as 4 out of 5 stars for the story and 5 out of 5 stars for the narration.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Garrett Dennis started out as a biologist and a computer scientist but has retired to dedicate himself to writing. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and two dogs. To learn more about him visit https://sites.google.com/site/authorg...
ABOUT THE NARRATOR:
DJ Holte is a veteran stage actor, writer, musician, voiceover talent and one-time radio personality. Holte rhymes with Nolte. To learn more about him visit http://djholte.com
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Twitter @Amieroger
March 3, 2017
Good read
This is the second Storm story I've read. I enjoyed the first one, An Older Christmas Carol, and this was better than that. It feels good to get away from super men who take on and defeat the world. Stormy is a normal who gets himself involved in different situations. Also, learn about the islands off the Carolina coast. I can easily recommend these Stormy stories. I am going to the next one now..
This is the second Storm story I've read. I enjoyed the first one, An Older Christmas Carol, and this was better than that. It feels good to get away from super men who take on and defeat the world. Stormy is a normal who gets himself involved in different situations. Also, learn about the islands off the Carolina coast. I can easily recommend these Stormy stories. I am going to the next one now..
March 30, 2017
As a first book for me I enjoyed the storyline and characters.
Look forward to reading the next book,
I like the authors style of writing too.
Look forward to reading the next book,
I like the authors style of writing too.
August 23, 2014
An OK read; nothing exciting.
A tolerably good story, spoiled in part by overly lengthy descriptive paragraphs - no - pages of history, geography, and technical facts in some places. Sometimes it's best for the author to leave out all the research, so as not to let it interfere with the story telling. The story got off to a very slow start, mainly because of these unnecessary factual incerpts, especially at the beginning.
Also some strange word usage - "he insinuatingly added" was one of my favourites; but "his arrant voice" was pretty good too. Then there was the 79 word sentence on page 2 ; completed with 3 commas, one dash, two parentheses, one semi-colon and three hyphenated word pairs. I'm still not sure what it means. This wasn't a good start and I nearly put the book down, then and there.
It also had a pretty unconvincing ending. The book took pains to show that the protagonist was a caring and morall person and yet at the end, faced with an ethical choice, he was prepared to cover up two accidental killings, hide the bodies, and let an innocent man be charged with murder - all for love - or maybe lust. I don't buy it.
A tolerably good story, spoiled in part by overly lengthy descriptive paragraphs - no - pages of history, geography, and technical facts in some places. Sometimes it's best for the author to leave out all the research, so as not to let it interfere with the story telling. The story got off to a very slow start, mainly because of these unnecessary factual incerpts, especially at the beginning.
Also some strange word usage - "he insinuatingly added" was one of my favourites; but "his arrant voice" was pretty good too. Then there was the 79 word sentence on page 2 ; completed with 3 commas, one dash, two parentheses, one semi-colon and three hyphenated word pairs. I'm still not sure what it means. This wasn't a good start and I nearly put the book down, then and there.
It also had a pretty unconvincing ending. The book took pains to show that the protagonist was a caring and morall person and yet at the end, faced with an ethical choice, he was prepared to cover up two accidental killings, hide the bodies, and let an innocent man be charged with murder - all for love - or maybe lust. I don't buy it.
May 9, 2016
Really enjoyable mystery with great scenery"
If you could sum up Port Starbird in three words, what would they be?
Port Starbird is a fun mystery adventure story of Storm Ketchum, a jack of all trades who resides in Wilminton, NC a beautiful small coastal town. The story nicely winds together 3 subplots involving shady characters, a home in peril, and a romance. Three words to describe Port Starbird are: splendific, hapless romance, and noble.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Port Starbird?
I loved the suspense of the deep sea dive and the suspicious characters. I also enjoyed the mystery around the girlfriend--was she involved in the crime?
Which character – as performed by DJ Holte – was your favorite?
I most loved the Captain
Who was the most memorable character of Port Starbird and why?
I most enjoyed the main character of Storm. He was well developed and a fun character to get to know.
If you could sum up Port Starbird in three words, what would they be?
Port Starbird is a fun mystery adventure story of Storm Ketchum, a jack of all trades who resides in Wilminton, NC a beautiful small coastal town. The story nicely winds together 3 subplots involving shady characters, a home in peril, and a romance. Three words to describe Port Starbird are: splendific, hapless romance, and noble.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Port Starbird?
I loved the suspense of the deep sea dive and the suspicious characters. I also enjoyed the mystery around the girlfriend--was she involved in the crime?
Which character – as performed by DJ Holte – was your favorite?
I most loved the Captain
Who was the most memorable character of Port Starbird and why?
I most enjoyed the main character of Storm. He was well developed and a fun character to get to know.
August 18, 2014
This is a good book with a good main character, good plot and great descriptions of the locale. The author, Garret Dennis, really describes the Outer Banks of North Carolina in great detail. Mr. Dennis works the locale into the story almost like another character.
The mystery portion was a little weak but the main character, Ketch, is very likable and this goes a long way in making this an enjoyable novel.
The mystery portion was a little weak but the main character, Ketch, is very likable and this goes a long way in making this an enjoyable novel.
August 24, 2014
I couldn't force myself to finish the first 50 pages. Nervous and neurotic protagonist headed for predictable battle against evil developer. Very lame prose in my opinion, "Good old Google - where would we all be without it these days?" And minutiae including man making sure he has doggie cleanup equipment as they go out for a walk. Setting is beautiful, it's a shame it's drowned out by the prose.
August 4, 2014
A divorced and disillusioned college professor moves to a small, out of the way seaside village on Cape Hatteras to live the low key life of deck hand and harbor bum. A high rolling developer and a female dive shop owner complicate things. Pretty well written with lots of local color and a decent plot.
August 13, 2014
Enjoyed reading this story while on a beach vacation on the North Carolina coast. Mr Dennis did a good job of describing the settings in such a way that I could identify and relate to them with what I know of the area. He also crafted a plot that was interesting enough to keep me engaged and anxious to keep reading. Kudos!
August 15, 2014
Good Story
I love the Outer Banks; have been there several times, staying in a different area each time, which enabled me to picture the places mentioned in the book. Interesting characters, and a good story.
I love the Outer Banks; have been there several times, staying in a different area each time, which enabled me to picture the places mentioned in the book. Interesting characters, and a good story.
June 22, 2014
A fun visit to the OBX
Enjoyed the story line and the characters...I am looking forward to Ketch's next adventure. Understood where he is coming from!!
Enjoyed the story line and the characters...I am looking forward to Ketch's next adventure. Understood where he is coming from!!
March 2, 2015
Interesting book set in the Outer Banks.
April 21, 2022
PORT STARBIRD: A review
A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Garrett Dennis
My rating: 4****/5.
Port Starbird is a house, so don’t try locating it on a nautical chart of the OBX. Ketch Ketchum has retired here after a career in science. But he has retired early, and did not retire to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to snooze off into the sunset (or sunrise; both can be great here.)
This is a novel about adults, doing adult things, so the action is not fast and furious, but builds slowly and steadily.
Along the way, the characters are established and well developed.
Ketch, is a thoughtful and quite philosophical protagonist. He(through the author) is given to internal monologues and disquisitions about nature, the environment, and stuff. I expect that Garrett Dennis, the author, could whip up a nice little field guide to the OBX. Ketch’s good friend and boat buddy, Capt’n Don, is always ready to help with good advice and good natured grouchiness. The love and sexual interest comes along with Kari, a not-so-young woman of considerable charm and independence, who is well acquainted with a marine coast.
Wrap these fine people into the machinations of a cheesy real-estate developer …. Well, what could possibly go wrong?
The book has some slow spots, but they are well-written, and you could skip them without harm. I highly recommend the book; I’ll look for more.
A Storm Ketchum Adventure (Storm Ketchum Adventures Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Garrett Dennis
My rating: 4****/5.
Port Starbird is a house, so don’t try locating it on a nautical chart of the OBX. Ketch Ketchum has retired here after a career in science. But he has retired early, and did not retire to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to snooze off into the sunset (or sunrise; both can be great here.)
This is a novel about adults, doing adult things, so the action is not fast and furious, but builds slowly and steadily.
Along the way, the characters are established and well developed.
Ketch, is a thoughtful and quite philosophical protagonist. He(through the author) is given to internal monologues and disquisitions about nature, the environment, and stuff. I expect that Garrett Dennis, the author, could whip up a nice little field guide to the OBX. Ketch’s good friend and boat buddy, Capt’n Don, is always ready to help with good advice and good natured grouchiness. The love and sexual interest comes along with Kari, a not-so-young woman of considerable charm and independence, who is well acquainted with a marine coast.
Wrap these fine people into the machinations of a cheesy real-estate developer …. Well, what could possibly go wrong?
The book has some slow spots, but they are well-written, and you could skip them without harm. I highly recommend the book; I’ll look for more.
May 12, 2022
Port StarBird
Ketch had an idea how to save his house from a greedy land development company. What he hadn't bargained for was the wild adventure this little plan would send him on. Will he save his house in time or will it end in tragedy? You will just have to read this book to find out.
Many people who read books, have the ability to scan a few pages and determine if they want to continue with the story or not. If the work doesn't spark their interest in the first few paragraphs the casual reader can just put the book aside and never finish it. I am not that kind if person If I start reading a book I have to finish it no matter what. This book was a task to behold the first few chapters were extremely detailed with useless information about the environment and the character's daily activities. It wasn't until well into this story that it got interesting. I am extremely happy that I completed the work. The main characters are rich and well defined the setting is well described and despite the slow start, the middle onward it is fast paced and had a good mystery. I would recommend it to anyone who likes action, mystery, thrillers, boats, diving, noir, and books about amateur sleuths. My advice is to just stick with it and you will be rewarded in the end.
Ketch had an idea how to save his house from a greedy land development company. What he hadn't bargained for was the wild adventure this little plan would send him on. Will he save his house in time or will it end in tragedy? You will just have to read this book to find out.
Many people who read books, have the ability to scan a few pages and determine if they want to continue with the story or not. If the work doesn't spark their interest in the first few paragraphs the casual reader can just put the book aside and never finish it. I am not that kind if person If I start reading a book I have to finish it no matter what. This book was a task to behold the first few chapters were extremely detailed with useless information about the environment and the character's daily activities. It wasn't until well into this story that it got interesting. I am extremely happy that I completed the work. The main characters are rich and well defined the setting is well described and despite the slow start, the middle onward it is fast paced and had a good mystery. I would recommend it to anyone who likes action, mystery, thrillers, boats, diving, noir, and books about amateur sleuths. My advice is to just stick with it and you will be rewarded in the end.
February 28, 2021
I've first contacted with the Storm Ketchum character through the bonus short tales in between the books of the serie.
I love the character: this old retired guy that just wants peace and quiet near the ocean. Having the chance to finally read one of his full adventures was great. I love all the context created and the multiple other characters that make up this story. There is a lot going on and the main problem is that he is being evited by some loan-shark that wants to build a development complex in the ocean front. His solution is fabulous, as one I would love to try myself, and I could really see this as a real story in everyday america. Some may think there is a fair amount of narration but for me it is well worth it!
The narrator is very good and he even sings while playing guitar. I'm writing this review after already finishing the second book and I have to say: it's a pity the narrator was changed.
I love the character: this old retired guy that just wants peace and quiet near the ocean. Having the chance to finally read one of his full adventures was great. I love all the context created and the multiple other characters that make up this story. There is a lot going on and the main problem is that he is being evited by some loan-shark that wants to build a development complex in the ocean front. His solution is fabulous, as one I would love to try myself, and I could really see this as a real story in everyday america. Some may think there is a fair amount of narration but for me it is well worth it!
The narrator is very good and he even sings while playing guitar. I'm writing this review after already finishing the second book and I have to say: it's a pity the narrator was changed.
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