Dangerous Currents: A Frank Dalton Thriller

Frank Dalton #3

by Jonathan Shipperley

In a sea of lies, murder is the hardest catch.

In a raging storm, deep in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, a fishing trawler captain vanishes. His death—an apparent accident—is ruled suspicious by the medical examiner.

Weary of military life, and thinking of moving on, Coast Guard Special Agent Frank Dalton is yanked from leave to investigate the death. He’s ordered to partner with rookie agent Jessica Carter—a known troublemaker—and he can’t help but wonder why on such a routine case.

Turns out though, they work well together, and quickly discover the murderer. But every time they close in, he slips through the net, evidence disappears, and more bodies are left in his wake.
With a flood of dangerous currents all around, Frank and Jessica soon realize the greatest threat may not be the one they're chasing, but the one they never saw coming from within...

274 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2024

About the author

Jonathan, a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, finds his true north in the world of storytelling. His writing blends the thrill of maritime pursuits with the nuances of everyday life, capturing both action and introspection with equal flair. His tales are windows into worlds where duty collides with the narrative, and the high seas meet high stakes in prose. Rich in authenticity and peppered with humor, Jonathan's stories offer a glimpse into that world.

Reviews

[George Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Currents is a fast-paced, tightly plotted thriller that combines pulse-pounding action with a grounded investigative core. Jonathan Shipperley’s Coast Guard setting feels authentic and immersive, adding credibility and texture to the mystery. The partnership between Frank Dalton and Jessica Carter develops naturally, creating tension, momentum, and emotional investment as the stakes escalate. A gripping series opener that will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy professional procedurals, coastal thrillers, and relentless pacing.

[Todd Wardwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

To preface this I am a fan of 70's and 80's PI type mysteries. This book is in that vane with flawed charachters in a unique Florida environment. Good pacing and fans of NCIS, John MacDonald books will love this.

[Michelle Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyable, fast paced read. Descriptive without overdoing it, just enough to paint a picture for the this reader. Can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Fast paced, intriguing and left me wanting to read another of his books, NOW!

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulse-pounding action and an intriguing murder investigation featuring special agents of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Dangerous Currents is the first book in Jonathan Shipperley’s intriguing series featuring U.S. Coast Guard Special Agent Frank Dalton. With its appealingly relatable, regular-Joe protagonist, compelling plot, and engaging storytelling, I was hooked from the very first page.

Frank Dalton is a chief warrant officer assigned to the Coast Guard Investigative Services and stationed at the Sector Command Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. With 18 years of service under his belt, he is feeling the wear and tear of the job and the ennui of the day-to-day. Kicking back on his annual leave, he’s beginning to feel the need for something new; he’s still in his 30s, after all. His sudden recall to duty by the special agent-in-charge, cutting his leave short, to investigate the accidental drowning death of a commercial fishing boat captain is all kinds of unusual, and the assignment of a new partner, recently out of the academy, to assist in his investigation doesn’t improve his mood.

Special Agent Jessica Carter, the fresh young ensign with a reputation that precedes her, is Frank’s new partner. While he was primary on the investigation and ordered to mentor Jessica in her new role, she had been told the case was her opportunity to lead. With their conflicting expectations, their initial partnering is frustrating, awkward, and was foundering. While immediately a fan of Frank’s, it took me a good minute to warm up to Jessica, but I eventually did in spades. I enjoyed the gradual way their relationship worked out, and they became a successful working team and more. I liked how both were able to tune in to their more intuitive perceptions of the world around them (i.e., they could feel someone had been on Frank's boat, Ghost, and had upset the subconscious feeling that it was a safe and protective place.)

Rather than a who-done-it, the plot involves seeking out the why and gathering the evidence needed to prove it and bring the bad guys to justice. There was a constant tension and an unnerving feeling that some hidden someone was watching their every move. Frank and Jessica are always about a half-step behind the perpetrators until they work out why. There are adrenaline-pumping, danger-filled action sequences with shocking twists that made me gasp out loud. I did not want to put this book down.

The Texas Gulf Coast and Corpus Christi descriptions were vivid and evocative, and specific details really brought the location to life. The author’s descriptions of the dry, flat topography further inland were dead on, and he nailed the impressions of driving down Ocean Drive and hanging out at the T-Head.

This book is a page-turner with a riveting mystery and an unrelenting and treacherous villain. I recommend DANGEROUS CURRENTS to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy stories with a professional investigator or U.S. Coast Guard connection or Texas coastal setting.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!

From start to finish, I couldn’t put this book down! Great read! Looking forward to the next book in the series! Thanks Jon!