Code: Tsunami: A Port Stirling Mystery, Book 3

Port Stirling #3

by Kay Jennings, John McLain (narrator)

A skeleton with a bullet in its skull. A natural disaster. Relationship problems with not one, but two women in his life. What else could possibly go wrong for Port Stirling Police Chief Matt Horning? Woken by the ˜Big One', an earthquake at his Oregon beach-front home, things would only get worse from there for Matt Horning. Would the monster tsunami claim his life and ruin Port Stirling forever? As if Mother Nature exploding on the rugged Oregon coast wasn't enough, a decades-old skeleton is unearthed, and its mysterious murder leads to difficult questions.

Who was the victim, and why was the body placed here? Is it hiding an ugly story from Oregon's history?

Kay Jennings' third novel in A Port Stirling Mystery series takes listeners to the rugged, remote Oregon coast, and looks at contemporary problems along with an historical mystery. Includes a special note from the author.

Genres: Mystery, Crime

Audible Audio

Published February 22, 2022

Reviews

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

Thriller from start to finish! To those who live on the northwest coast, read thoroughly and take notes! Since I live in southwest Florida, my preparedness involves hurricanes! This book is well written, outstanding believable plot, and very plausible. Our favorite characters are back but Matt is stalked by his greedy ex-wife. Poor Fern is devastated. All this anxiety, while trying to salvage, support, and rebuild the destroyed town!

[Bianca Poederbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

you just get sucked into these stories and only want to read more ;-)

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the series so far. I love the characters and how they are growing. It's taken 3 books to finally figure out where on the Oregon coast the fictional town of Port Sterling is located. I fell in love with this area prior to this series which makes it even more familar. This book was intense from the 9.1 earthquake to the very end. I liked the 2 storylines running simultaneously from the quake, tsunami and aftermath as well as the discovery of the skeleton. This part of the storyline was a side bar as the result of the earthquake and tsunami. The bones were sent to Bernice, Oregon's M.E. to analyze. She discovered a bullet and hole in the back of his head. So the team began researching to find the identity of the Indigenous man and hopefully his relatives all without the internet since the power was still off in Port Sterling. I highly recommend this series and book 3, Code Tsunami.

[Leek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book nearly as well as the first two. Although the story did get better towards the end. The tsunami disaster was devastating, bringing home the enormity of people losing their lives, and people losing everything they own, to the shoes on their feet. Such focus on a 100-year-old crime just didn’t seem to fit in that setting. It was handled well in the end, tho. I am moving on to the next book…all in all, it’s a great series.

[Gabrialle Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

History

A great plot. Original and interesting. The characters are developing nicely. Really enjoyed the Native American tie in. Excellent closure.

[Bruce Mendelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book that I have read in the series. My wife and I spend a lot of time on the Southern Oregon Coast. I really enjoy the way that Kay Jennings is able to capture the flavor of the area. This book is interesting in that it starts with a large earthquake associated with a tsunami that affects the whole west coast of the US. She describes in detail the life altering changes that occur following the tsunami on the Southern Oregon Coast. During the cleanup, the skeleton of a Native American is uncovered. Inspection shows that the skeleton died of a gunshot wound to the head and the murder occurred many decades ago. The book describes an interesting mystery with two story lines; the aftermath of the tsunami and the cold case murder investigation associated with the skeleton. I enjoy the fact that there is no weird sex or grotesque violence that seems so common in novels these days. This is a good, fun read. The characters from the first two books continue to develop well and they are all likable. It was a quick read that was very enjoyable. I recommend the book, particularly if one is relaxing at the coast. I have already downloaded the next book in the series.

[Mtnhiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Port Stirling series!

This is my favorite story so far in the series. Matt's character is continuing to develop with each new story. I love the additional inclusion with the Native American tribe in this story. I am enjoying seeing Matt put down roots in his new home town. I can almost see his view from his windows out onto the sea as I read this book. Keep the stories coming, and while I haven't visited coastal Oregon, it is high on my bucket list of places to see. We need many more stories with Matt and his team to keep us learning and exploring the beautiful Oregon coastline. Thanks for your wonderful stories, I look forward to each new one that comes out.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the series

Glad I chose to read this book and the two others in this series.
Good characters. Good plots. Interesting information. But the weather in Oregon , as described, is real, and it is challenging.

Love Astoria and the small cities on the coast. The area where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean is special. The scenery, aptly portrayed, is gorgeous.

[Ervin B. Jones]

Thought provoking

Just finished this third novel about life in "Port Stirling." Being a resident of North Bend, I was drawn to the series about characters in my backyard, so to speak. I still enjoy all the familiar settings, despite the fictional names, but have thoroughly enjoyed the author's ability to spin a good yarn. Since my wife and I live twenty feet from the bay, I will definitely take Ms Jennings' advice on preparing for 'the big one!' Now, on to the 4th novel!

[Sally Trabulsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gettint to know these characters! I really like the series - and this one, especially. How the town comes together when a tsunami practically wipes out the whole place, and how Matt (recently installed chief of police who arrived from big city Texas to this small town on the Oregon Coast) adjusts to romantic involvement which goes awry - and a mystery of old bones found under a lighthouse destroyed in the flood - a new favorite author.

[Cheryl Gliddon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all three books!

I am from Twisty River. The books had heart. It truly captures the good people of the small pacific northwest community. I enjoyed the twists and turns of each book. Code Tsunami is done and I am awaiting book four. I will miss the people of Chinook County. Maybe I need to go to Port Stirling for a great cup of coffee and a walk on the beach.

[Inger Cierniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power of Water

Very interesting story line with powerful descriptions. Uplifting human angle and detailed rebuild fill out story next to side story of historic murder. Nice retelling of the past history so only the readers know " who did it". Question, why did he hide the body if he wanted to pin it on his rival?

[Debra Doyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

I kept waiting for something to happen that would keep me intrigued but it never did. The mystery was not put together well. Not much of a mystery who done it at all. Didn't know if I would finish it but I did. The ending dropped off like Matt's cottage off the bluff. I was really hoping because I liked the characters and their build up. Disappointing, yes.

[AWM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good series

The author creates a believable series with compelling characters and a very realistic setting on the Oregon coast. As one who grew up in Oregon reading the series was like visiting home. Any one who has seen Coos Bay, the Alesa River or Bandon Oregon will immediately feel right at home in Port Stirling ANF the Twisty River

[Cathy Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town heaven

I have thoroughly enjoyed all three books by Kay Jennings about Port Stirling, Oregon! The stories keep me guessing and I love the camaraderie between all the main characters. It is refreshing to read books where the people like each others and work together for the greater good. I am looking forward to book four!!!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost too realistic!


As a survivor of the 1964 Alaskan Good Friday quake I can attest to this story's authenticity. It was sometimes hard to read (Because of the memories from the quake experience) but also impossible to put down. Kay Jennings always writes an intriguing story with lots of suspense and mystery and this book did not disappoint.

[AndieK69 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Kay Jennings for another enjoyable read in the Port Stirling series. I love all the characters - they feel like family members by now. I also love your writing style - clear, crips and to the point. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series and find out what Matt and Fern get up to.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book quite fascinating. I spent many summers on the Oregon Coast. I was in Taft (now part of Lincoln City) when the 1964 tsunami came in. Something I will never forget. Even though the names have been changed in this book I can pretty much go to some of the coastal area described in this story. It could happen.

[Connie C Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is the 3rd Port Stirling mystery I have read. This book blends history and catastrophic weather to bring a unique perspective to a murder mystery. The characters blend well and create a community you will enjoy visiting again.

[Gail Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the Sea

I have read two books in these series a engage truly enjoyed n them both. The author!, s writing is so good that you can
almost.taste the salt in the sea air. It was s a very enjoyable read.

[Kaye Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

What a great series. I read all three before I reviewed any of them. Wonderful characters. The stories are are really good..
I would recommend these to anyone. I can't wait for the next one. Don't miss these!
K. Cook

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intense read, especially since I am a native Californian who lived through the Northridge earthquake. I am really enjoying getting to learn more about the characters who inhabit Port Stirling.

[Debbie Stadig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Murder, Tsunami and Earthquakes

What more can a story give you…oh, romance, ex-wife, Egos, controversy and PRIDE…. Chief Matt (ex-Texan) isn’t quite out of the woods and onto a calm blissful life in Oregon Coast yet.

[Bonny Fuller-Fells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tsunami destroys Port Sterling

The tsunami also uncovered a grave from 1904. The bullet in the skull also showed it was a murder. Researching the body and rebuilding the town keeps everyone busy.

[Donna West]

Not the usual -- unusual twist

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different, but very good!

I really loved this book. Different storyline,
and still with a lot of suspense.
I am anticipating Kay's next book!

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright, but not much mystery

I enjoyed this author before, but felt this storyline had more romance than mystery. Very little action or intrigue, thus. little mystsry

[Linda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

I love these stories and can’t wait for more Matt Horning stories I also love the characters they are very believable

[Carolyn Polzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually thought it was a true story and couldn't read at the beach

It was an excellent book and wouldn't change a thing. I also couldn't read it when we went to the beach!

[Dorcas Herr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I hope she can write fast, as I will finish the next two in two days each leaving me searching for another good author!