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The Early Adventures of Mac and Wood #1
Wood's Relic
Mac Travis went to the Florida Keys to disappear, but his new commercial diving job turns out to be more than he planned. An artifact discovered while working on a bridge pier quickly draws the attention of a real estate tycoon, a Jersey mobster and twin Indian Chiefs all trying to open a casino in the pristine Keys. When his psycho ex-girlfriend tracks him down things get even more interesting.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2014
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581 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 16, 2021
Book One in the Mac Travis Adventure Thrillers, WOOD’S RELIC, takes place in the Florida Keys with commercial diver Mac Travis working on a job repairing a bridge when all kinds of crazy boils over. From the discovery of possible “treasure”, an ex-girlfriend from Texas tracking Mac down, and a New Jersey mobster showing up to check on an investment’s progress, the pace builds to an explosive crescendo!
January 31, 2021
Fantastic story. I had read *Woods Reef* earlier and this book (first of the series) filled in the history of everyone. Lots of action and nothing was predictable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2015
I really wanted to like this book more since I live in Miami, but the story was just so-so and the ending just wasn't there. I did like the idea of finding the Mayan relic and wish that more of the story was about it instead of all the mobster stuff which was very repetitive and boring.
The narrator, Paul J. McSorley, was okay when just narrating the story, but his attempt at different voices for different characters was horrible. Also, he really needs to learn how to pronounce the place names the way the locals do (Islamorada and Bahia Honda were mispronounced).
I received this audiobook free from AudiobookBlast.com for an honest review.
The narrator, Paul J. McSorley, was okay when just narrating the story, but his attempt at different voices for different characters was horrible. Also, he really needs to learn how to pronounce the place names the way the locals do (Islamorada and Bahia Honda were mispronounced).
I received this audiobook free from AudiobookBlast.com for an honest review.
December 29, 2024
really enjoyed this book… Fast paced… Could not put it down and I like mac and Wood
April 20, 2020
This is the first book in a series of adventures with diver and welder Mac Travis. The author has gone back and filled in the earlier events in this character's life as well as his partner/mentor Wood when they first met.
The story is set in the Florida Keys and has a strong local, parochial tone with aquatic themes very strongly woven into the tale. Wood, having had a series of setbacks cause insurers to stop covering him (mostly because they took such a hit from a recent hurricane and are cutting costs) is working to reinforce and repair a bridge damaged by a collision with a boat. Meanwhile, they find something under the water which changes everything.
He's up against a deadline, an almost maniacally destructive and idiotic son of his employer, and shady dealings behind the scenes as he tries to finish this job so he can get back on his feet. Much of the book is taken up with diving and engineering details involving construction underwater, but not in a dull or dry way. Many characters are introduced, most of which are charitably described as "colorful" which fits the keys.
Its a pretty well-written story, but the interweaving storylines felt intrusive, like they were getting in the way of the story I wanted to read. Some of it felt fairly implausible or at least pushing the boundaries of the likely. I ended up liking Wood but felt like Mac was not particularly likable or interesting as a character.
The story is set in the Florida Keys and has a strong local, parochial tone with aquatic themes very strongly woven into the tale. Wood, having had a series of setbacks cause insurers to stop covering him (mostly because they took such a hit from a recent hurricane and are cutting costs) is working to reinforce and repair a bridge damaged by a collision with a boat. Meanwhile, they find something under the water which changes everything.
He's up against a deadline, an almost maniacally destructive and idiotic son of his employer, and shady dealings behind the scenes as he tries to finish this job so he can get back on his feet. Much of the book is taken up with diving and engineering details involving construction underwater, but not in a dull or dry way. Many characters are introduced, most of which are charitably described as "colorful" which fits the keys.
Its a pretty well-written story, but the interweaving storylines felt intrusive, like they were getting in the way of the story I wanted to read. Some of it felt fairly implausible or at least pushing the boundaries of the likely. I ended up liking Wood but felt like Mac was not particularly likable or interesting as a character.
July 22, 2016
I haven’t read an adventure story for years but this one held my interest as it is set in the Keys in Florida and I am Floridian. Mac has fled an abusive relationship in Texas and as a commercial diver he is looking for work in the Key’s. As luck would have it for him and for Wood he runs out of money and finds that Wood needs help. But, will he be alive at the end of it? Wood drinks like a fish which is dangerous when working all the equipment needed to dive and repair bridges. But this isn’t all there is to the story—my goodness, no, we are in the Keys and there is kidnapping and mobsters and Indians and a whole lot of crazy people. I read this book in two settings (would have been one but I had to get some sleep). This is also the first book in the Mac Travis series, can’t wait to get my hands on the next one, he is dishy! I highly recommend this book.
June 6, 2016
"An Enthralling High Action Novel"
In this exciting novel, the first of an adventure series, Mac Travis moves to the Florida Keys and to do something he enjoys. However, his commercial diving job is a lot more than he expected. A Jersey mobster works with the local Native American leader in order to open a casino. They need the bridge repaired quickly in order to progress with their plans. Then his ex-girlfriend shows up and has chaos coming to her life and it's not guaranteed that Mac will save her from being sent to an island as a night-time dance girl. There is much action, danger, and adventure here in this well written story. However, the principles of bridge rebuilding/strengthening got me tangled up in ropes and chains at times. It is a very interesting action-packed novel.
In this exciting novel, the first of an adventure series, Mac Travis moves to the Florida Keys and to do something he enjoys. However, his commercial diving job is a lot more than he expected. A Jersey mobster works with the local Native American leader in order to open a casino. They need the bridge repaired quickly in order to progress with their plans. Then his ex-girlfriend shows up and has chaos coming to her life and it's not guaranteed that Mac will save her from being sent to an island as a night-time dance girl. There is much action, danger, and adventure here in this well written story. However, the principles of bridge rebuilding/strengthening got me tangled up in ropes and chains at times. It is a very interesting action-packed novel.
September 24, 2015
Alternate Title: Florida Keys- Not your grandparents retirement location!
I liked this book. It was an interesting blend of old school mystery, Indiana Jones-style adventure, some gangster action and many other elements that I won't list here so as not to spoil anything. The only thing that stuck me as odd was the immediate almost 'sleeper-agent' type of reaction. Still, that was interesting, too.
The narrator did a great job and I'd be interested in listening to the next book in this series.
This book was provided free of charge from the author, publisher or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.
I liked this book. It was an interesting blend of old school mystery, Indiana Jones-style adventure, some gangster action and many other elements that I won't list here so as not to spoil anything. The only thing that stuck me as odd was the immediate almost 'sleeper-agent' type of reaction. Still, that was interesting, too.
The narrator did a great job and I'd be interested in listening to the next book in this series.
This book was provided free of charge from the author, publisher or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 5, 2015
In 'Wood's Relic' the reader is introduced to Mac Travis and his adventures in the Florida Keys. When Mac is picked up hitch hiking and put to work repairing a damaged bridge, his life is changed forever. This is the beginning of a series of books that has Mac and his mentor (Wood) set upon one adventure after another. The story is well written in the vein of Clive Cussler with sea adventures. I look forward to continuing the series and recommend the books to anyone interested in this type of adventure series.
April 10, 2016
Interesting story
I've been reading a lot of sailing novels lately and this kept popping up in my searches. Wasn't sure it was quite what I wanted to read but I finally decided to give it a try and I really enjoyed it. Good story line and interesting characters. Looking forward to reading the next one.
I've been reading a lot of sailing novels lately and this kept popping up in my searches. Wasn't sure it was quite what I wanted to read but I finally decided to give it a try and I really enjoyed it. Good story line and interesting characters. Looking forward to reading the next one.
October 24, 2015
Wood's relic
Totally different than what I expected to see in an adventure series story. Good introduction to the primary characters but an awful lot of coincidence in how they came together at the end. Good fun reading.
Totally different than what I expected to see in an adventure series story. Good introduction to the primary characters but an awful lot of coincidence in how they came together at the end. Good fun reading.
February 26, 2016
I thought it was funny, not too adventurous, and overall pretty good. These books were recommended because I like Clive Cussler and C Lee, but I didn't find them too much alike. I have four more of these books to read so I may change my mind.
June 9, 2015
A nice story with some underwater adventures, the mob, Indians, and the seedy side of Key West thrown in. Kept my interest throughout, and I would most likely read more from this series.
March 10, 2015
Decent Book
Overall a good book. Several grammatical mistakes, and some overuse of the same word or phrase, but still a good read.
Overall a good book. Several grammatical mistakes, and some overuse of the same word or phrase, but still a good read.
March 15, 2015
A lot of twists and turns
As the plot takes the reader on an adventure on land and water. A good read on a lazy day that beats watching tv.
As the plot takes the reader on an adventure on land and water. A good read on a lazy day that beats watching tv.
July 24, 2015
Good reading
Highly recommend this good reading book. Hope the rest of this author's work is equally as good. I enjoyed this & think others will too.
Highly recommend this good reading book. Hope the rest of this author's work is equally as good. I enjoyed this & think others will too.
April 12, 2016
good story bought the series as a deal from amazon.
July 15, 2016
have read all 5 mac travis books cant wait for number six I love key west can follow the streets feels like I'm part of the story looking at the water and through the bushes
August 16, 2017
Really enjoyed this read
Good story. Interesting, fun, and just works for something to relax to and enjoy. On to the next in the series...
Good story. Interesting, fun, and just works for something to relax to and enjoy. On to the next in the series...
April 16, 2020
The start of this book was challenging for me. There were different character point of views that at times, it seemed hard to follow. Wood, initially seemed like just a drunken old architect in Florida. Having lost his wife and then going through the hurricane, it's easy to understand why one would be so bitter. Mac, running from his problems and away from a crazy ex-girlfriend, I did not see him likely to stay around with Wood. I loved the descriptive writing with the underwater parts of the book. The way Steven Becker described it, I felt like I was walking through an aquarium in my mind. Seeing the different shapes of coral, the different colors, imagining what the textures of them feel like. Bracken's, Eli and Cody, are the trouble makers for Wood. Pagliano the trouble maker for Eli Bracken. Wood lost his insurance when the hurricane came through. Wood had built almost all the bridges in the Keys for his town; he was well know and well respected. Loosing his insurance meant that he lost his clients. That also adds to the bitterness and the reason he drank so much. Mac is an experienced and trained SCUBA diver that used to work on oil rigs. Wood thinks he might add some skill to build the bridge that Eli is so every demanding. Pagliano's boss was not thrilled when he heard of the so called "island" they wanted to build on. Pagliano was exiled to the Keys to keep things in line. Coming from New Jersey he definitely had the mobster type mentality and emotion. Crazy ex-girlfriends on a wild goose chase to find someone that left her, added some excitement. With some thrills and chills and scares, over all this was a decent book.
May 16, 2017
A CASINO IN THE KEYS??
I received a copy of this book in return for a honest review.
"Wood" Woodson is an alcoholic reprobate who just happens to be a genius when it comes to repairing/rebuilding the many bridges that connect the Florida Keys. Due to some hard times, Wood has lost his ability to be bonded and insured to work these bridge projects, however, no one else has quite the same ability.
Greedy Realtor, Eli Bracken needs Wood to repair/rebuild a bridge nearly destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. This bridge is the bridge between Big Pine and No Name Key. Bracken and his New Jersey backers are planning on building a Casino, despite various obstacles.
Just as Wood is deciding he MAY need help on this repair project, along comes Mac Travis, after having escaped a souring relationship back in Texas where he had worked as a diver for an off-shore oil drilling company.
The "accidental" discovery of an ancient native artifact could close the project down altogether, unless the local native Chieftess affirms that Bracken, et al, have partnered with her in the casino venture.
This was a very good read, although I was somewhat disappointed in the cliffhanger ending.
I received a copy of this book in return for a honest review.
"Wood" Woodson is an alcoholic reprobate who just happens to be a genius when it comes to repairing/rebuilding the many bridges that connect the Florida Keys. Due to some hard times, Wood has lost his ability to be bonded and insured to work these bridge projects, however, no one else has quite the same ability.
Greedy Realtor, Eli Bracken needs Wood to repair/rebuild a bridge nearly destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. This bridge is the bridge between Big Pine and No Name Key. Bracken and his New Jersey backers are planning on building a Casino, despite various obstacles.
Just as Wood is deciding he MAY need help on this repair project, along comes Mac Travis, after having escaped a souring relationship back in Texas where he had worked as a diver for an off-shore oil drilling company.
The "accidental" discovery of an ancient native artifact could close the project down altogether, unless the local native Chieftess affirms that Bracken, et al, have partnered with her in the casino venture.
This was a very good read, although I was somewhat disappointed in the cliffhanger ending.
September 4, 2018
This is a prequel to the Mac Travis series and the first book I have read by this author. Travis is a diver who leaves his job on a Galveston oil rig for what he hopes will be a less hectic life in the Florida Keys. He is hired by Wood to help fulfill a contract to repair a bridge to an island. Seems the mob wants a casino on that island, a real estate tycoon wants to make millions and a Indian Chief and her twin Brother are trying to beat out each other. Mac finds a relic that could date back to the Mayans and this peaks everyone's interest. Just in case things weren't interesting enough, his crazy ex-girlfriend tracks him down. I like that Mac is basically a normal guy just trying to do his job.
June 5, 2025
Oddball Florida Keys adventure featuring a crusty ocean contractor and his newly hired commercial diver. They just want to repair a bridge, but gangsters, a crazy ex-girlfriend, and a dope-infused female Indian chief complicate things.
I'm not quite sure what to make of this one. It's sort of like a Tim Dorsey novel but without the humor. The diving and construction details are fascinating, but the plot is all over the place, meandering when it ought to be focused, bleeding suspense in a lot of pointless rushing around. I'll probably read some more of these, but just more of the same would get old quick.
I'm not quite sure what to make of this one. It's sort of like a Tim Dorsey novel but without the humor. The diving and construction details are fascinating, but the plot is all over the place, meandering when it ought to be focused, bleeding suspense in a lot of pointless rushing around. I'll probably read some more of these, but just more of the same would get old quick.
November 22, 2017
Decent story but, typical of early eBook authors, he thought he could do it without an editor. So many errors (heel when he wanted heal) that they came to be a distraction. This book has been out for some time and I would think that, being an eBook, Becker could go back and correct and reissue.
This came to me as a freebie in a three book set. I will probably read one more. If the errors are as prevalent in that story I will bag the whole series. Too many other self published authors out there who write very good stories, without the glaring errors.
This came to me as a freebie in a three book set. I will probably read one more. If the errors are as prevalent in that story I will bag the whole series. Too many other self published authors out there who write very good stories, without the glaring errors.
June 18, 2019
Great Action and Great Characters
I got hooked on this series when I read one of the series in a box set of books set in Florida for cancer research. I am usually more of a straight up mystery reader, but these books have some mystery along with the incredible action. The characters are well developed, and some are a little eccentric!
There is lots of sea references and I am actually learning about those that make their living by the sea. It’s interesting and educational.
This is a well written series and very entertaining. I highly recommend it.
I got hooked on this series when I read one of the series in a box set of books set in Florida for cancer research. I am usually more of a straight up mystery reader, but these books have some mystery along with the incredible action. The characters are well developed, and some are a little eccentric!
There is lots of sea references and I am actually learning about those that make their living by the sea. It’s interesting and educational.
This is a well written series and very entertaining. I highly recommend it.
February 13, 2022
I had read one Mac Travis book probably a year ago and do not remember being as repulsed as I am now. Yes, it is fast paced but totally unreal. And if you think calling women “the girls” and said girls are either crazy or always stripping off their clothes to dance naked for men, then this is your book. It has mobsters and low-life’s snatching kids for the sex trade. But, really, one of the characters kidnap a teen for the sex trade, get caught by the father, and no one reports him to the authorities? In your masculist dreams!
April 21, 2020
I picked this book because of the location of the story and it seemed like it might be a fun read. There were interesting parts. The writing wasn't that good. I had to look up date of publication (2014) because I was so confused on the time line. The mention of cell phones as being very expensive and rare, plus the use of film in the camera made me think this took place in the 1990s. Don't plan on reading any more of this series
May 20, 2020
Adrenaline packed once it gets going!
Having read some of the other books that are set later in time, I jumped right into this book with both feet, and wasn’t disappointed! Naturally there needs to be some character development, which was done well and didn’t take too much time away from the story. I won’t give any spoilers, but this book was really amazing and I highly recommend this series!
Having read some of the other books that are set later in time, I jumped right into this book with both feet, and wasn’t disappointed! Naturally there needs to be some character development, which was done well and didn’t take too much time away from the story. I won’t give any spoilers, but this book was really amazing and I highly recommend this series!
August 12, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. It was recommended to me because I like Clive Cussler books, while not as action packed or on an international scale it was very good book. The characters are well developed and work together well. I enjoy the setting and the fact that its not just an adventure seeking person more of a character who while in the course of mundane work finds adventure coming to him. I plan to read the rest of the series.
August 20, 2020
An enjoyable romp with Mac and Wood as they do their diving construction, and in doing so unearth some ancient mayan relic. Meanwhile the Mafia are pressuring Baken, who hired Wood, to get the construction-a bridge-to an island where they want to build a Casino. There are different scenarios being played around this which make for a good thriller with interesting characters. An excellent and entertaining read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews