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Seychelle Sullivan #2
Cross Current
Christine Kling’s first novel, Surface Tension, introduced a remarkable sleuth in Seychelle Sullivan. Now, in Kling’s electrifying new book, Sullivan returns–a tall, strong, beautiful woman in a man’s world, caught up in a complex drama set on the South Florida seacoast, where the crimes, hopes, and follies of dreamers and con artists all come washing ashore.
Seychelle is proud to follow in her father’s footsteps and work the waters on a tugboat. She remembers Florida before it fractured between rich and poor, white and black, Cuban and Haitian. For Seychelle, life is all about making a living, making love, and keeping her eye on the beauty that still remains in an ever-changing community. Then her life takes a turn when her tug intercepts with a swamped fishing boat in the Gulf Stream. Inside the boat are a murdered woman and a little girl in a white dress.
When Seychelle returns to shore with a traumatized Haitian girl named Solange in her cabin, she is faced with the border patrol, the police, and an unraveling love affair. Determined to protect Solange, and somehow keep her from being sent back to Haiti, Seychelle becomes obsessed with the forces that nearly killed the girl–and left her speechless with terror. All Seychelle knows for sure is that Solange’s father was an American . . . and that somehow she slipped through a murderer’s hands.
Exploring the hidden world of Florida’s Haitian community, Seychelle realizes that Solange is still in great danger–and that one killer has claimed dozens of lives. With a murderer stalking the child, Seychelle is racing to unravel dangerous truths. But to get the answers she needs, she must return to where it all started: in the waters of the Gulf Stream, where people died for a hope and prayer– and a man with a machete did the work of the devil himself.
Taut, suspenseful, and filled with remarkable descriptions of Florida’s many moods and guises–from million-dollar waterfront homes to haunted, backwater mangrove swamps and secret Voodoo rituals–Cross Current is alive with personalities and passion and the work of an author boldly staking out territory all her own.
From the Hardcover edition.
Seychelle is proud to follow in her father’s footsteps and work the waters on a tugboat. She remembers Florida before it fractured between rich and poor, white and black, Cuban and Haitian. For Seychelle, life is all about making a living, making love, and keeping her eye on the beauty that still remains in an ever-changing community. Then her life takes a turn when her tug intercepts with a swamped fishing boat in the Gulf Stream. Inside the boat are a murdered woman and a little girl in a white dress.
When Seychelle returns to shore with a traumatized Haitian girl named Solange in her cabin, she is faced with the border patrol, the police, and an unraveling love affair. Determined to protect Solange, and somehow keep her from being sent back to Haiti, Seychelle becomes obsessed with the forces that nearly killed the girl–and left her speechless with terror. All Seychelle knows for sure is that Solange’s father was an American . . . and that somehow she slipped through a murderer’s hands.
Exploring the hidden world of Florida’s Haitian community, Seychelle realizes that Solange is still in great danger–and that one killer has claimed dozens of lives. With a murderer stalking the child, Seychelle is racing to unravel dangerous truths. But to get the answers she needs, she must return to where it all started: in the waters of the Gulf Stream, where people died for a hope and prayer– and a man with a machete did the work of the devil himself.
Taut, suspenseful, and filled with remarkable descriptions of Florida’s many moods and guises–from million-dollar waterfront homes to haunted, backwater mangrove swamps and secret Voodoo rituals–Cross Current is alive with personalities and passion and the work of an author boldly staking out territory all her own.
From the Hardcover edition.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 28, 2004
300 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Christine Kling
29 books221 followersI have spent more than forty years enjoying “simply messing about with boats”―as Rat said to Mole in The Wind in the Willows. I've been a boat wife, mother and captain of my own boat. I've had articles and stories published in many publications including Cruising World, Sailing!, and The Tiller and the Pen, Gulfstream Magazine and Miami Noir. My first four novels are in a series about Florida female tugboat captain, Seychelle Sullivan.
As a techie person, I am intrigued by the fast changes occurring in the publishing industry and I'm trying my hand at self-publishing. I self-published CIRCLE OF BONES, a big international thriller set in the Caribbean, and SEA BITCH, a small collection of four short stories. Thomas & Mercer then offered me a 3-book contract for a re-issue of BONES, as well as the next two books in that trilogy. The new edition debuted on Feb. 19, 2013. The second book in what I now call the Shipwreck Adventures series is called DRAGON'S TRIANGLE, and the third book in the series, KNIGHT'S CROSS was released in 2015.
Today, my husband Wayne and I, along with Barney, the Yorkshire Terror and Ruby, the Wonder Dog, are living a nomadic life as we design and build our next boat.
As a techie person, I am intrigued by the fast changes occurring in the publishing industry and I'm trying my hand at self-publishing. I self-published CIRCLE OF BONES, a big international thriller set in the Caribbean, and SEA BITCH, a small collection of four short stories. Thomas & Mercer then offered me a 3-book contract for a re-issue of BONES, as well as the next two books in that trilogy. The new edition debuted on Feb. 19, 2013. The second book in what I now call the Shipwreck Adventures series is called DRAGON'S TRIANGLE, and the third book in the series, KNIGHT'S CROSS was released in 2015.
Today, my husband Wayne and I, along with Barney, the Yorkshire Terror and Ruby, the Wonder Dog, are living a nomadic life as we design and build our next boat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 27, 2024
I was surprised that it took me so long to read another Christine Kling novel. I remember enjoying my first Kling novel which I read in 2019. In particular, Seychelle Sullivan is an intriguing character. She owns a Florida salvage and recovery business with her major vehicle being a tugboat.
While she's on a salvage run, she spots numerous gulls hovering over what she believes is a dead whale but turns out to be a Haitian eight-year-old who is standing alone on a sinking vessel with a dead body. Seychelle decides to salvage the ship with the little girl and the dead woman who clearly looks as if she received some head trauma.
The choice to salvage without reporting it to the coast guard, the police, and INS is intentional, but opens Seychelle to more risks than she expected. She exposes herself to the Haitian community in Florida, who wishes to remain mostly under the radar because the population needs to maintain certain cultural, religious, and immigration aspects secret like indentured servitude, but Seychelle and her family of friends is anxious to help regardless of their own personal safety.
The story is a little involved, but has some horrific, supernatural elements. It never goes too deep into the Voodoo culture, but there may be some spiritual aspects that some may find too metaphysical. I enjoyed this read thoroughly. I need to read more Christine Kling.
While she's on a salvage run, she spots numerous gulls hovering over what she believes is a dead whale but turns out to be a Haitian eight-year-old who is standing alone on a sinking vessel with a dead body. Seychelle decides to salvage the ship with the little girl and the dead woman who clearly looks as if she received some head trauma.
The choice to salvage without reporting it to the coast guard, the police, and INS is intentional, but opens Seychelle to more risks than she expected. She exposes herself to the Haitian community in Florida, who wishes to remain mostly under the radar because the population needs to maintain certain cultural, religious, and immigration aspects secret like indentured servitude, but Seychelle and her family of friends is anxious to help regardless of their own personal safety.
The story is a little involved, but has some horrific, supernatural elements. It never goes too deep into the Voodoo culture, but there may be some spiritual aspects that some may find too metaphysical. I enjoyed this read thoroughly. I need to read more Christine Kling.
August 20, 2023
The plight of the Haitian people is horrific. This story shone a spotlight on it while at the same time being full of intrigue and danger. Seychelle is a unique person that just won’t give up and Solange has a place in her heart immediately. This was a story that had my heart racing and occasionally my tears flowing. Very well done and I enjoyed it immensely.
March 12, 2019
Decent read
It just was not quite believable to me. A bit to much of abnormal ease of relationships that all seemed to easy.
It just was not quite believable to me. A bit to much of abnormal ease of relationships that all seemed to easy.
January 18, 2015
Powerful exploration of the desperate lives of Haitians trying to get to the USA. Good insights into both the positive culture and intent of what is often dismissed as "Voodoo" as well as the stretch it takes for somebody from white US background to understand it.
April 26, 2012
I had conversations with the author on Goodreads. She seemed very nice and very interesting. I was afraid I would not like her books and have to insult her. I decided to read one of her earlier books before reading the one I received from Goodreads. Thankfully I liked this book. The characters are interesting. I love the main character and her independence. Seychelle brings to mind VI Warshawski & Kate Shugak. Not a copy in any way, just strong women in a man's world.
I am from Florida so loved that Florida was a character in this book. The places she described were alive and breathing in the story. I look for books that have a stong Florida presence such as ones by Randy Wayne White and Carl Hiassen. Kling is now added to my author list. Do not think that Kling, White and Hiassen are only for those who love Florida. These are good writers who write absorbing stories with fascinating characters who happen to spend a lot of time in Florida.
Although I suspected who the big bad guy was, the entire story surrounding him held surprises. Including the Haitian culture and plight was different. It is too often ignored in stories of South Florida and the Caribbean. Kling handled it well, not preachy but as an intergral part of the story line. The book I received in the Goodreads' giveaway is longer and hopefully will have more character depth.
I want to read more of Seychelle, B.J. and Pit. I want to read more of Christine Kling.
I am from Florida so loved that Florida was a character in this book. The places she described were alive and breathing in the story. I look for books that have a stong Florida presence such as ones by Randy Wayne White and Carl Hiassen. Kling is now added to my author list. Do not think that Kling, White and Hiassen are only for those who love Florida. These are good writers who write absorbing stories with fascinating characters who happen to spend a lot of time in Florida.
Although I suspected who the big bad guy was, the entire story surrounding him held surprises. Including the Haitian culture and plight was different. It is too often ignored in stories of South Florida and the Caribbean. Kling handled it well, not preachy but as an intergral part of the story line. The book I received in the Goodreads' giveaway is longer and hopefully will have more character depth.
I want to read more of Seychelle, B.J. and Pit. I want to read more of Christine Kling.
March 5, 2017
Cross current is the second in the Seychelle Sullivan series by Christine Kling. It is a fun, easy read mystery, set primarily on the Florida coast. Boats and boating playing significant roles. Seychelle is a smart but flawed female tug owner who has, again, gotten pulled into solving a mystery beyond the ken of the police. Like the first in the series, Cross current explores with human trafficking.
As with many books, what we see is not what it appears: "Always remember, Seychelle, you will see what your experience has prepared you to see." (loc. 4839) What do we see? What do we ignore? What do we misperceive? The Haitian community, which plays a central role in this book, opens her eyes to things she hadn't expected.
In real life, when we are forced to see things we don't want to see, we go kicking and screaming. We may see, then ruminate, trying to make sense of this strange event. In mysteries like this one, the world can be turned upside down, one can be beaten black and blue, and come out smiling and supported on the other side.
If only it were so easy.
As with many books, what we see is not what it appears: "Always remember, Seychelle, you will see what your experience has prepared you to see." (loc. 4839) What do we see? What do we ignore? What do we misperceive? The Haitian community, which plays a central role in this book, opens her eyes to things she hadn't expected.
In real life, when we are forced to see things we don't want to see, we go kicking and screaming. We may see, then ruminate, trying to make sense of this strange event. In mysteries like this one, the world can be turned upside down, one can be beaten black and blue, and come out smiling and supported on the other side.
If only it were so easy.
July 24, 2013
Much enjoyed the 2nd Seychelle Sullivan adventure. Can't wait to get started on the next one. She's a great protagonist with enough variety in co-stars to carry the plot all the way to conclusion. Author Kling's knowledge of working boats, ocean currents, and the social world of people who live in that environment have once again been an unintended education smoothly woven into the story. And I'll leave it there -- lest the next thing I say becomes a spoiler.
July 25, 2015
I like this a bit better than "Surface Tension" only because Seychelle didn't get beaten up quite so much as the in the first book - although after almost drowning in the ocean and after not eating or drinking for like 24 hours she STILL has energy to save the boat refugees?? She keeps pushing BJ away I and I roll my eyes when se does. I do love the vivid descriptions of nautical life and South Florida scene. Kling gets that right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2018
Cross Current is about a man named B.J who came across a girl that he started to like more and more, but things began to get very interesting and mysterious when the days kept passing, so he began to get suspicious and did something about it. I thought this book was interesting, but there were times where I would have to flip back a few pages to figure out what was happening because I was confused a few times. Overall, this was a good book and left you with suspension and with your jaw dropped. I would recommend this book to others because I think they would also enjoy the suspension and all the very jaw dropping moments in the book, for example, "Gorda was now dead in the water, and the child was about twenty feet off the port side, her head still down." I rated Cross Current 3 stars because I liked the book but I didn't hate it. The book was well written and the backstory was very informational to me.
July 21, 2018
Suspense and Mystery on the Sea
Christine Kling is my new favorite author. I couldn't say whether book 1 or book 2 is best, but this is certainly a series worth reading.
Seychelle Sullivan is a strong willed personality and a perfect main character. Ms. Kling writes a spellbinding story with awesome character development. Her books keep the reader on edge from beginning to end. The twists and unexpected turns keep the books interesting enough to make the reader search for other works by this author.
Absolutely wonderful reading. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
Christine Kling is my new favorite author. I couldn't say whether book 1 or book 2 is best, but this is certainly a series worth reading.
Seychelle Sullivan is a strong willed personality and a perfect main character. Ms. Kling writes a spellbinding story with awesome character development. Her books keep the reader on edge from beginning to end. The twists and unexpected turns keep the books interesting enough to make the reader search for other works by this author.
Absolutely wonderful reading. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
February 3, 2018
I don't like books that focus on romance or relationships, if you like romance and relationships you will find some of that here. If you are like me you will not find the romance and relationship stuff overwhelming, it's fairly limited and pretty easy to ignore so don't let it put you off. It's an easy read that will keep your interest, contains a fair amount of action and a bit of suspense. The book portrays the plight of illegal immigrants from Haiti from the human perspective without delving into politics. Overall I found it an enjoyable read.
December 10, 2022
Christine Kling grew up around the waters and boats during her childhood. If not all, most of her novels have something to do with the beach or boats, basically, anything having to do with the waters. The meaning of this book is all about mystery and thriller. From reading the book I got that humanity finding hope showed hospitality to the lost. I have a sense that Christine Kling, the author is trying to make the story suspenseful when mentioning death, Voodoo, and unraveling dangerous truths. Overall I really enjoyed this book 10/10.
August 7, 2022
Excellent
I have recently discovered the Seychelles Sullivan series. I REALLY like this series! I grew up in s. Florida. I have knowledge of all her (non-fictional) landmarks, locations, neighborhoods, and cultures in her main geographical location, Broward County, FL. I had an acquaintance with the original owners of Flossie's Bar and Grill, John and Flossie. Christine Kling weaves an excellent story telling tapestry.
I have recently discovered the Seychelles Sullivan series. I REALLY like this series! I grew up in s. Florida. I have knowledge of all her (non-fictional) landmarks, locations, neighborhoods, and cultures in her main geographical location, Broward County, FL. I had an acquaintance with the original owners of Flossie's Bar and Grill, John and Flossie. Christine Kling weaves an excellent story telling tapestry.
November 11, 2022
Wow one of those can't put down books.
A super interesting book that reveals A lot about people and the lengths some people will stoop to in the name of money. I liked learning about voodoo. Seychelle is a perfect heroine full of empathy and courage. Rescuing a young girl from unscrupulous people leads to lots of different scenes. If you like boats you will enjoy the boat ling.
A super interesting book that reveals A lot about people and the lengths some people will stoop to in the name of money. I liked learning about voodoo. Seychelle is a perfect heroine full of empathy and courage. Rescuing a young girl from unscrupulous people leads to lots of different scenes. If you like boats you will enjoy the boat ling.
March 1, 2018
Silly fun escape tails
I enjoy water and boat themes, and find Seychelle a like- able heroin. Always making the wrong choice, she finds her self in silly situation. Fun read when you need to escape reality
I enjoy water and boat themes, and find Seychelle a like- able heroin. Always making the wrong choice, she finds her self in silly situation. Fun read when you need to escape reality
October 21, 2022
Guilt Power
I've read many of this series of books before. Obviously fiction as no one could survive all those adventures and keep coming back for more. I did find the end of this book rather disappointing.
I've read many of this series of books before. Obviously fiction as no one could survive all those adventures and keep coming back for more. I did find the end of this book rather disappointing.
August 22, 2023
Cross Current
An excellent exciting read. I loved the whole story. It was a true tale of survival with lots of extras added. I enjoyed all the ups and downs and the exciting ending. Will read the next book tomorrow.
An excellent exciting read. I loved the whole story. It was a true tale of survival with lots of extras added. I enjoyed all the ups and downs and the exciting ending. Will read the next book tomorrow.
May 6, 2017
An intriguing mystery that explores the plight of exploited children and migrants.
January 6, 2020
A change for the good
Interesting book written from a female perspective, but not sexist at any level. Very well written, exciting, and the characters well formed.
Interesting book written from a female perspective, but not sexist at any level. Very well written, exciting, and the characters well formed.
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August 7, 2021read
May 17, 2022
great read
At first I thought it might be a sappy mystery/romance. But it was a really good action read. I’d recommend it.
At first I thought it might be a sappy mystery/romance. But it was a really good action read. I’d recommend it.
May 21, 2022
Enjoyed it
This is the first book by this author that I have read, but ive already got 2 more after reading this one. I liked it and think that the author will do well.
This is the first book by this author that I have read, but ive already got 2 more after reading this one. I liked it and think that the author will do well.
December 30, 2022
Cross Current was an exciting read.
I highly recommend this book. Christine KLING has written a good book that grabs you from the beginning to the end.
I highly recommend this book. Christine KLING has written a good book that grabs you from the beginning to the end.
August 24, 2023
Seychelle's involvement with Haitian refugees helps her resolve an ongoing personal dilemma.
October 20, 2016
Great book
I have been happy with both her ocean series so far! Her books are well written and entertaining. I enjoy the plot lines as well!
I have been happy with both her ocean series so far! Her books are well written and entertaining. I enjoy the plot lines as well!
March 17, 2017
Love this series, lots of action
February 20, 2015
AUDIBLE AUDIOBOOK EDITION
Cross Current: Seychelle Sullivan Suspense, Book 2
Written by: Christine Kling
Narrated by: Rosemary Benson
Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins
Series: Seychelle Sullivan, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Whispersync for Voice-ready
audible.com
Publisher's Summary
Seychelle's life takes a turn when her tug intercepts a swamped fishing boat in the Gulf Stream. Inside the boat is a little girl in a bloodied white dress. When Seychelle returns to shore with the traumatized Haitian girl, she is faced with the border patrol, the police, and an unraveling love affair. Determined to protect the child, and somehow keep her from being sent back to Haiti, Seychelle becomes obsessed with the forces that nearly killed the girl - and left her speechless with terror. All Seychelle knows for sure is that the girl's father was an American...and that somehow she slipped through a murderer's hands.
With a murderer stalking the child, Seychelle is racing to unravel dangerous truths. But to get the answers she needs, she must return to the waters of the Gulf Stream, where people died for a hope and prayer - and a man with a machete did the work of the devil himself.
Taut, suspenseful, and filled with remarkable descriptions of Florida's many moods and guises - from million-dollar waterfront homes to haunted, backwater mangrove swamps and secret Voodoo rituals - Cross Current is alive with personalities and passion and the work of an author boldly staking out territory all her own.
©2004 Christine Kling (P)2015 Christine Kling
My Review.
Seychelle becomes emotionally involved with with an Haitian child she finds at sea. Unlike the murdered woman found alongside her in the small, abandoned craft, the female child, Solange, has escaped death.
Seychelle is determined to find the childs father, an American, if she is successful, Solange may have the chance of a life in America.
That Seychelle is tough, at least, on the outside, is evident. She works as hard as any man, she knows all about the coastline and shipping, this is her world. Now, she has to take on the Border Police and everyone else who wants to return Solange. Her only ally is her lawyer friend Jeannie.
For me, the long descriptions of all things maritime made the book rather tedious at times, I really don't need to know quite so much about running a boat, or about tidal conditions.
I also, at times thought Seychelles made less than intelligent choices which landed both herself and Solange in dangerous situations, I found this aspect of her very irritating, as well as stretching the bounds of credulity.
I had thought I would love this book: Florida, the ocean, boats, mystery, heart rending social statements, these are elements I had expected would combine to produce a book of great enjoyment.
Unfortunately, despite the exciting and fast paced adventure, in parts, the authors' overly detailed work just did not hold my attention. A good mystery, but buried within too many words.
Narrator
Once again the skills of the narrator came to the rescue. I doubt very much I could have borne the eleven hours and twenty nine minutes of this recording quite so determinedly were it not for the talent of Rosemary Benson. I enjoyed her voice, her characterisations were, I thought, excellent, I was quite taken with how she portrayed Jeannie! I'm not sure why, but as soon as I heard "Jeannie" speak, there she was! I could see her so plainly on that screen in my head. Every character is well defined and easy to identify, nothing is overdone.
If a narrator is new to me I try to find their website, I was delighted to discover that Rosemary is also an accomplished singer.
Despite my enjoyment of Rosemarys' excellent work, the sound quality of the audiobook was not top-notch, a little sibilance here and there, a little echoey. Don't let that put you off though, as I'm told I do find fault where others don't, so please, listen to the sample and use your own judgement.
This audiobook was gifted to me in return for this, my honest opinion
November 29, 2015
Cross Current by Christine Kling is the second book of the Seychelle Sullivan mystery series, set on Florida's waterways near Fort Lauderdale. Seychelle owns her own boat towing and salvage business, inherited from her father. She lives alone with her dog in a small cottage just off the water, and loves her freedom. She always needs to make money to keep in business, so she is ever vigilant for boats in need of assistance. On her way to help out a stranded friend (who is careless with his batteries and supplies), she spots a small rowboat adrift, in it a young emaciated girl clinging onto a woman's corpse. Seychelle rescues the girl first, before making an official report to the Coast Guard. Seychelle knows that because the girl is Haitian, she normally would be immediately deported. Seychelle vows to fight deportation for the girl, who said her father is American. Seychelle enlists a trusted friend to shelter (hide) the girl until her father can be found. Seychelle needs all the help she can get from many friends (including current or would-be boyfriends), to investigate in Haitian refugee neighborhoods. Of course her efforts go up against a variety of evildoers; she is nearly killed several times before justice finally prevails in a surprise ending. I enjoy the series, primarily due to Seychelle's unique lifestyle and spunky independence.
September 22, 2012
Seychelle Sullivan does more in a 24 hour period that should be allowed by any human being, but perhaps that is part of her charm. The other part is the fantastic detail the author, Christine Kling, includes in the story. From the first page to the last, she describes landscapes, boat procedures, and a mish-mash of other items until you can see it all. Her ability to put the reader into a situation is what brought me back to this series. I also love how her plots are unpredictable and fast-paced. That said, the beginning of the story moved a bit slow for me, and I sat the book down for quite some time before determining to finish it. I also did not care for all the references to Voodoo, though I do see how that worked into the storyline. The detail that I enjoy so much does become tedious after a while as well, and I found myself blacking-out a bit over it. However, overall this story was up to the standard of the first, though I think I liked it a bit better. Great read that I recommend to anyone who enjoyed a thrill ride.
January 9, 2013
Cross Current is a book about a woman named Seychelle who runs a tug boat business in Florida that she took over for her father Red. The story starts with Seychelle finding a little Haitian girl in a wooden boat in the middle of the ocean. There is also a dead woman with this little girl named Solange. The mystery starts there. From the moment Seychelle drags Solange onto the boat she feels a strong connection and urge to protect this girl. The story is very heartfelt but a bit dragged out. From the moment she meets an old friend of her fathers it is quite obvious he is somehow involved. The search for the person bringing over illegal Haitians is also the search for a killer. The book draws on quite a bit until finally it is revealed who the bad captain is. The book also has a bit of a drawn out love story as well. For someone looking for an action packed story I would not recommend this book. However, it is a very sweet story with a happy ending for little Solange. For that it gets 3 stars!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews