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Jay Delp Mysteries #1
The Woman Under the Bridge: A Jay Delp Mystery
Jay Delp, a veteran Marine, returns to his hometown of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to step into his new role as police chief while caring for his ailing father. On the eve of his first day on the job, two fishermen discover the body of a woman in Biloxi Bay. As city officials push for a quick resolution, Jay finds himself uncovering the dark secrets hiding beneath the surface of his once-familiar town.
Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
About the author
Douglas Pratt
44 books205 followersDouglas Pratt was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He has been writing since the third grade. During high school, Douglas dabbled in short stories and poems.
Douglas graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Journalism. He lives in Mason, Tennessee, and spends his spare time on his sailboat.
Douglas graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Journalism. He lives in Mason, Tennessee, and spends his spare time on his sailboat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 29, 2026
A good read
November 12, 2025
The opening was a grabber, but it went on and on. Finding a woman dead in the waters of the Gulf should grab any reader. Jay came home from West Palm to take the job of Chief of Police in his home town. He also returned home to help his brother care for their father who was suffering dementia. The reader meets two of Jay's ex-wivifes, who are plopped into the storyline for the sake of romance, I suppose. Jay hits the ground running when another death is discovered and is suspicious. Another near death rescue pumps the story up a little but not enough to keep the ` in betweens`
good reading. The author throws out enough mystery to keep several serial books in the making, and that is my gripe. I wanted the author to write THIS story without piling on the stories on the side.
The author`s writing mechanics could have, and should have, been better. I keep thinking I missed some important nugget of prose that would have made the book a fabulous read. Or maybe I got peeved because the author said my state`s gulf water was not pretty, or words to that affect.
Thank you , Mr. Pratt, for the read.
good reading. The author throws out enough mystery to keep several serial books in the making, and that is my gripe. I wanted the author to write THIS story without piling on the stories on the side.
The author`s writing mechanics could have, and should have, been better. I keep thinking I missed some important nugget of prose that would have made the book a fabulous read. Or maybe I got peeved because the author said my state`s gulf water was not pretty, or words to that affect.
Thank you , Mr. Pratt, for the read.
April 2, 2026
*We will discuss this book in an upcoming episode of our podcast — Stay tuned!
~COVE OPINION: C, Okay story
March 2026
304th Cove Pick: THE WOMAN UNDER THE BRIDGE
Chosen By: Mary
Points Winner - Roberta
~COVE OPINION: C, Okay story
March 2026
304th Cove Pick: THE WOMAN UNDER THE BRIDGE
Chosen By: Mary
Points Winner - Roberta
January 22, 2025
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with two men fishing when they hook a dead body. They call 911 and when the police arrive, they contact Sam Delp, the city council liaison for the police. It so happens that Jay, his brother and the new police chief, are together and soon head to the scene of the crime. They discover a woman, Jamie, who seemed to have been killed. Jay now begins his job 1 day earlier than planned.
The next morning when he arrives at the station, he meets Towns and soon the two begin the investigation. Before that can happen Tomm Franklin, the mayor, pushes Jay to clear the case quickly so the town's image is not damaged. They soon discover the identity of the woman and start getting in touch with her friends. From their discussions they learn that Jamie had a boyfriend named Clay. They soon started looking for Clay but had no luck. Jay later got a call from a woman that her daughter Angel was missing. The case now took on a different complexion. Later they discovered Clay had been killed.
Jay was now faced with trying to handle 3 cases that seemed to be connected and he didn't have a lot to go on.
Eventually Jay had a feeling and his team now began a search for something else.
To learn what Jay's thought was and how it finally broke the case, then you need to read this book. It is well worth it and I look forward to reading more in this new series.
This story begins with two men fishing when they hook a dead body. They call 911 and when the police arrive, they contact Sam Delp, the city council liaison for the police. It so happens that Jay, his brother and the new police chief, are together and soon head to the scene of the crime. They discover a woman, Jamie, who seemed to have been killed. Jay now begins his job 1 day earlier than planned.
The next morning when he arrives at the station, he meets Towns and soon the two begin the investigation. Before that can happen Tomm Franklin, the mayor, pushes Jay to clear the case quickly so the town's image is not damaged. They soon discover the identity of the woman and start getting in touch with her friends. From their discussions they learn that Jamie had a boyfriend named Clay. They soon started looking for Clay but had no luck. Jay later got a call from a woman that her daughter Angel was missing. The case now took on a different complexion. Later they discovered Clay had been killed.
Jay was now faced with trying to handle 3 cases that seemed to be connected and he didn't have a lot to go on.
Eventually Jay had a feeling and his team now began a search for something else.
To learn what Jay's thought was and how it finally broke the case, then you need to read this book. It is well worth it and I look forward to reading more in this new series.
February 19, 2025
We encountered Jay Delp in the Chase Gordan series as his go to friend/ marine sniper/detective when he needed backup. Jay has now moved from Florida to his Mississippi home town, going from Detective to Chief of Police in order to help his brother deal with his father's increasing dementia.
No sooner does he arrive than a dead woman is found in the water. His dept is short-handed, he doesn't know anyone's skill level but needs to find this killer since he believes it's not going to be one & done. The pressure is on, the Mayor is on his case but dealing with mayoral politics is not fun.
The investigation is plodding, no real development or hint of the killer, and bam they find him. It was just ok for me and I prefer the Chase Gordan series.
No sooner does he arrive than a dead woman is found in the water. His dept is short-handed, he doesn't know anyone's skill level but needs to find this killer since he believes it's not going to be one & done. The pressure is on, the Mayor is on his case but dealing with mayoral politics is not fun.
The investigation is plodding, no real development or hint of the killer, and bam they find him. It was just ok for me and I prefer the Chase Gordan series.
April 1, 2025
They say you can never go home. Jay would like to prove them wrong. Showing up in a howling windstorm starts life as the new Police Chief off. He's not even on the clock and already he has been pulled in deep.
The author gives you an excellent feel for Jay and what he wants to do with the police department. You will be pulled into the life along the Mississippi coast. Unfortunately it is a really ugly murder which is the topic. The chief uses his very limited resources to work this case and the politics involved in the small town.
If police action and mystery are your go to reads, then read this one.
The author gives you an excellent feel for Jay and what he wants to do with the police department. You will be pulled into the life along the Mississippi coast. Unfortunately it is a really ugly murder which is the topic. The chief uses his very limited resources to work this case and the politics involved in the small town.
If police action and mystery are your go to reads, then read this one.
October 17, 2025
Fast Moving Murder Mystery
This book is the first in a series about a new police chief in the small Mississippi town where he grew up. There is some nice background stuff, both with family and with the new police chief job. The rest of the story solving a brutal murder. The details of the crimes are graphic and could trigger some people and cause nightmares. I skipped over the description of the crime for just that reason. But there was no foul language, no intimacy, and no other gore. I am going to read the prequel story and the next in the series before I make up my mind about the series.
This book is the first in a series about a new police chief in the small Mississippi town where he grew up. There is some nice background stuff, both with family and with the new police chief job. The rest of the story solving a brutal murder. The details of the crimes are graphic and could trigger some people and cause nightmares. I skipped over the description of the crime for just that reason. But there was no foul language, no intimacy, and no other gore. I am going to read the prequel story and the next in the series before I make up my mind about the series.
October 28, 2025
REALLY GOOD!
This was a great story, a very easy read, and you couldn’t help but just get attached to the characters. it made you want to know more about the people in the book since this is just book one I imagine there will be more and it was really good. I hope I can get and find the rest of the books by Douglas Pratt, very well written, not too many mistakes. I enjoyed it very much.
This was a great story, a very easy read, and you couldn’t help but just get attached to the characters. it made you want to know more about the people in the book since this is just book one I imagine there will be more and it was really good. I hope I can get and find the rest of the books by Douglas Pratt, very well written, not too many mistakes. I enjoyed it very much.
December 1, 2025
Intriguing and easy to read
This book took me a bit by surprise, I thought it might be a bit predictable like a lot of the miss Marple type mysteries but no from the start it pulls you in and lets you get to know the main characters as you go too. One slight annoyance it finished quite quickly at the end but did leave me wanting to read the follow up book so not all bad. Would Def recommend. I finished it in 4 days and I read slow.
This book took me a bit by surprise, I thought it might be a bit predictable like a lot of the miss Marple type mysteries but no from the start it pulls you in and lets you get to know the main characters as you go too. One slight annoyance it finished quite quickly at the end but did leave me wanting to read the follow up book so not all bad. Would Def recommend. I finished it in 4 days and I read slow.
June 3, 2026
Great Start of a New Series
This is a fast paced story of a man returning to his hometown as the new Chief of Police.
It has realistic characters that have vested in the new Chief. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep your curiosity on its toes.
I can't recall the last time I read a book so quickly. I simply could not put it down because discovering the next detail could not wait. Read this then do what I'm going to do...head to the next book in the series.
This is a fast paced story of a man returning to his hometown as the new Chief of Police.
It has realistic characters that have vested in the new Chief. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep your curiosity on its toes.
I can't recall the last time I read a book so quickly. I simply could not put it down because discovering the next detail could not wait. Read this then do what I'm going to do...head to the next book in the series.
February 5, 2025
Jay Delp has returned home to help care for his ailing father. With his brother on the city council he gets the job as the police chief and before his official first day begins he finds himself on the job and on the hunt for someone who is tearing his town apart. Can he figure out everything about the Woman under the bridge in time or will the bodies keep piling up?
Did Not Finish
March 29, 2026Did not finish. I suffered through 30% before I couldn't take it anymore. No plot was established. No character development. Poorly written dialogue.
I learned from other reviews this is some kind of spin-off series so maybe that's why it didn't make sense. I just couldn't continue especially with the dialogue.
I learned from other reviews this is some kind of spin-off series so maybe that's why it didn't make sense. I just couldn't continue especially with the dialogue.
May 23, 2026
Good mystery story.
This is a good solid mystery without a lot of grisly details or unnecessary sex scenes. The story is carefully laid out without a lot of tension building but comes together to an ending that isn’t out there unbelievable. I’m interested in reading more in this series.
This is a good solid mystery without a lot of grisly details or unnecessary sex scenes. The story is carefully laid out without a lot of tension building but comes together to an ending that isn’t out there unbelievable. I’m interested in reading more in this series.
January 12, 2025
An exciting story introducing fabulous characters who shine in their roles. This is an inviting new series that has opened a door you'll want to walk though to see what's on the other side. Oh, I can't wait to see where this is heading. Highly Recommended.
February 4, 2025
A great book
Pratt takes his Jay Delp character and creates a new series with an exciting story. It will be interesting to see where this series goes. Hopefully, Jay will still have some interactions with Chase. A great read.
Pratt takes his Jay Delp character and creates a new series with an exciting story. It will be interesting to see where this series goes. Hopefully, Jay will still have some interactions with Chase. A great read.
February 11, 2025
Looking forward to this series continuing.
Nice new series to follow. Enjoy all of Douglas Pratt's books. This one is great at developing new characters in a new location after Jay Delph showed up in the Chase Gordon series..
Nice new series to follow. Enjoy all of Douglas Pratt's books. This one is great at developing new characters in a new location after Jay Delph showed up in the Chase Gordon series..
February 19, 2025
The Woman Under the Bridge is the first book in the Jay Delp Mystery series and is a great start to this new series. I loved this book. It kept me engaged from start to finish. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
March 5, 2025
Jay Delp Mystery Series
So happy that Jay has his own series. Jay had many roles in the Chase Gordon series. Its great to finally learn more about Jay. The Woman Under The Bridge is a fast paced page turner thriller. Love the cast of characters in this series.
So happy that Jay has his own series. Jay had many roles in the Chase Gordon series. Its great to finally learn more about Jay. The Woman Under The Bridge is a fast paced page turner thriller. Love the cast of characters in this series.
March 17, 2025
Outstanding
What a great story keeps you going like your also wrapped up in the action good police work and I will continue with this author and the series of Jay Delp..ciao from Bobbie and George
Ours vida
What a great story keeps you going like your also wrapped up in the action good police work and I will continue with this author and the series of Jay Delp..ciao from Bobbie and George
Ours vida
April 15, 2025
With taut pacing and razor-sharp twists, The Woman Under the Bridge is a pulse-pounding small-town thriller filled with dark secrets, moral gray zones, and a detective who won't stop until justice is done. I can't wait to read more of this series!
May 2, 2025
Maybe My Favorite Douglas Pratt Read
This book has such a wonderful peaceful vibe about it even though it's about some horrendous events.
I just love the writing, the storyline and the relationships.
Damn fine, sir. Can't wait to read more.
This book has such a wonderful peaceful vibe about it even though it's about some horrendous events.
I just love the writing, the storyline and the relationships.
Damn fine, sir. Can't wait to read more.
August 2, 2025
good read
Great read ,characters are great storylines are easy to follow !
It helps that I was station in Golfport Mississippi so I know
all the towns they mention ,highly recommended looking forward to book #2 .
Great read ,characters are great storylines are easy to follow !
It helps that I was station in Golfport Mississippi so I know
all the towns they mention ,highly recommended looking forward to book #2 .
August 4, 2025
Disappointed in ending.
I really enjoyed the book until the end. No finality to who the murderer was, or who Dale really was. I guess you have to buy the next book for any finality....if it even tells it then. Very disappointed.
I really enjoyed the book until the end. No finality to who the murderer was, or who Dale really was. I guess you have to buy the next book for any finality....if it even tells it then. Very disappointed.
August 25, 2025
Happily surprised!
I was not sure if I wanted to start down on this spinoff road but I'm glad that I did. I've read all of the novels where Jay is Chase's wingman but I enjoyed this book as well. Very Enjoyable
I was not sure if I wanted to start down on this spinoff road but I'm glad that I did. I've read all of the novels where Jay is Chase's wingman but I enjoyed this book as well. Very Enjoyable
September 11, 2025
Met Jay thru Chase
I read a lot of Chase Gordon adventures and was always intrigued by his sniper buddy Jay. Now Jay gets some stories of his own. More small town police oriented but good investigative mysteries and fun characters.
I read a lot of Chase Gordon adventures and was always intrigued by his sniper buddy Jay. Now Jay gets some stories of his own. More small town police oriented but good investigative mysteries and fun characters.
October 26, 2025
3.5/5. This book was a good police procedural. I found most of the characters likable, I just felt like the only really “solving” of the mystery took place in the last 10%. I wish it had been spread out more.
November 29, 2025
Jay Delp
Loved this book! Easy read and so very interesting! Do we have a book two? Loved the way it kept the reader, just setting the atmosphere and the people surrounding him! Loved Shannon.
Loved this book! Easy read and so very interesting! Do we have a book two? Loved the way it kept the reader, just setting the atmosphere and the people surrounding him! Loved Shannon.
January 5, 2026
Great read
A well crafted novel with good background and story to keep the reader turning the pages. Definitely an excellent insight to a small town police force with the political and local connections
A well crafted novel with good background and story to keep the reader turning the pages. Definitely an excellent insight to a small town police force with the political and local connections
April 30, 2026
Family dynamics and secrets
I enjoyed Jay and Sam’s family dynamics. Also the fact the murderer was found by Jay following the smallest bit of missing information. The family secrets revealed have me wanting to read book 2.
I enjoyed Jay and Sam’s family dynamics. Also the fact the murderer was found by Jay following the smallest bit of missing information. The family secrets revealed have me wanting to read book 2.
February 13, 2025
Vic's review
Great read. Gives a good synopsis on how small town law enforcement works without all the technology. This is a quick read and I recommend it.
Great read. Gives a good synopsis on how small town law enforcement works without all the technology. This is a quick read and I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews