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A Spanish treasure ship is driven by a hurricane onto the rocky shoreline of Elbow Cay in September of 1566. Few of the crew survive, but they manage to salvage most of the treasure and bury it on the island, leaving a clue to its location on a coconut.

Four-hundred and forty years later, Jesse McDermitt and his friends solve the riddle that was carved into the coconut and hidden inside a chest found encased in an ancient mangrove tree.
When the Miami based Croatian mob learns about the treasure they go to great lengths and expense, in an attempt to relieve Jesse and his friends of the riches.

A demented, hyper sexed island woman also wants it for her own, as does a Miami attorney who is married to Jesse’s estranged daughter.

As the body count grows, will the crew of Gaspar’s Revenge find the treasure or become one of the island’s statistics?

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2014

1574 people are currently reading
454 people want to read

About the author

Wayne Stinnett

55 books634 followers
I'm a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and now, a full time novelist. Between those careers, I've also worked as a deckhand, commercial fisherman, divemaster, taxi driver, construction manager, and truck driver. I live in the Sea Islands, near Beaufort, SC, with my wife and youngest daughter. We also have three grown children, five grand children, three dogs and a whole flock of parakeets. I grew up in Melbourne, FL and have also lived in the Florida Keys and Cozumel, MX.

You can like me on Facebook, to get updates at https://www.facebook.com/WayneStinnet...

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5 stars
1,728 (55%)
4 stars
961 (30%)
3 stars
339 (10%)
2 stars
60 (1%)
1 star
19 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for Yvonne (It's All About Books).
2,693 reviews316 followers
October 14, 2016
brfallenmangrove
Finished reading: September 1st 2016
Rating 2,5qqq

"In a riddle, Charlie said as she came across the clearing, a subtle difference in wording is huge."



P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
Profile Image for Judy Churchill.
2,567 reviews31 followers
September 17, 2016
This was another page turner! Jesse reunites with his youngest daughter in this episode and, after another harrowing adventure, begins to consider his responsibilities as a father to live a less dangerous life. This mission concerned a treasure map. Jesse and crew got all the correct salvage permits and informed the governments to do it all legally, but two different groups of thieves set upon them. There was much excitement. On to the next book!
Profile Image for David Freas.
Author 2 books32 followers
June 30, 2019
A prolog to a novel is usually a short piece that sets the stage for the rest of the story. 27 pages is not a prolog. It’s a chapter! The regular chapters in this book run 2 to 20 pages, making this prologue the longest chapter in the book. And nothing really happens until around page 20 of those 27 pages.

Stinnett seems to have joined the fraternity of writers who feel the need to provide backstory for almost every character. Some of them are only a sentence or two – enough to ground the character without boring the reader. But extensive backstories on three characters in one chapter is overkill. Can you say, “TMI.”?

Stinnett also can’t send Jesse anywhere without listing everything – islands, bridges, towns, channels, roads – he passes or uses. Those familiar with the area will know what he’s talking about. Those who aren’t will have to read this book with a map at their side, something I refuse to do.

And Stinnett can’t write Jesse sailing a boat on open water without writing him putting it up ‘on plane.’ We get it, Mr. Stinnett. After five books, we get it! We don’t need to be told every time.

As in earlier books, there are so many primary and secondary characters here that it’s impossible to keep them straight – especially when so many of them have names that begin with similar letters like J or D – and whether they’re good guys or bad.

There are gaps in this storyline, too. In one scene, the good guys learn who the bad guys are, and in the next one, they’ve taken the bad guys down, but we never read how they did it. It’s presented as a fait accompi. Readers like to know things like that, Mr. Stinnett.

Still, overall, Stinnett writes a good story. So, I’ll be back for the next book in the series.
489 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2017
Fallen Mangrove: Jesse McDermitt (Caribbean series #5)

Jesse get reunited with his youngest daughter and she is indeed a McDermitt, cut from the same cloth, she's an excellent swimmer, great shot, and only 17, but a high school graduate. Duece and Jesse get involved in tracking sunken Spanish treasure that dates back to the 1533 era. This all from a carved coconut, kept in a trunk that had been in the family for generations, passed down, from father to son, all the way to Nikki, Bob's wife, and once the crew members got involved, the search is on. Jesse's boat and the Anchor bar were bugged by Connor, the lawyer that handled the paperwork on the last salvage, and he and his gangster friends decide to go after the treasure once Jesse and Duece have recovered it. The Galveston Revenge is blown out of the water, but getting permission to salvage the wreck, two bags of uncut emeralds, weapons, and memorable personal items are recovered by Jesse and Duece and a Galveston Revenge II is obtained. The action that takes place will keep you turning pages all the way to the end. Thanks for another great read.
Profile Image for Linda Branich.
320 reviews31 followers
October 7, 2018
Book number 5 in the Jesse McDermott series.

This was my least favorite so far. The plot was a little far-fetched and over the top, but I did enjoy the way Jesse and his daughter Kim were building a relationship after not seeing each other since she was very young.

I felt it was a little rushed at the end and certainly did not anticipate one of the last events-- the explosion of Gaspar's Revenge.

I also love the way Stinnett develops his characters and the tough decisions they make, the deepness of friendships, and the way they look out for each other.

I rated it a solid 3, which for me means it is a good read. I have found in reading a series that there is usually at least one book that pales a little compared to the rest. I do recommend the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jill D Coffin.
213 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2017
Great Action and Unforgettable Characters

Am enjoying the intrigue and escapades of McDermott and his island cohorts. There's something so satisfying about going along with him while he takes out the bad guys with his own brand of justice. The tropical island life and bond of loyalty between principal characters is inspiring. If I had one criticism, it would be that sometimes there is more navigation info and jargon than the average reader wants or needs. I'm sure that boat or other pilots follow it with great interest, but most of us wouldn't miss it.
52 reviews
September 22, 2020
It was ok

The beginning of the book for me interested but then it started to drag out. Too many characters to keep track of. A few things happening I didn't feel was relevant to the story, including bringing the main characters daughter into the story. I got lost at the end and have no idea where that other boat came from, who was on it, or why it shot the stolen boat. Story was ok and I finished it, but I could have done without finishing it.
Profile Image for John  Halajko.
88 reviews
July 29, 2022
It Was OK

This was not as exciting as the previous books! The clash between the two gangs got confusing was not sure who was who? Jesse acquiring yet more equipment a seaplane and helicopter…what’s next a used Abraham’s Tank a submarine? Getting a little crazy for a guy who was doing charter fishing and had a personal island! I did like the addition of his daughter Kim…I think she will be an interesting add. So not bad just not up to par!
6 reviews
November 24, 2023
Absobloodylutely wonderful!!

The writing is uniquely very good. This or should I say these books by Stinnett are up there with the best. I’m especially grateful that he does such a good job of writing about the and all things doing with the sea. There is humor, drama, belly laughs, sick humor, sea humor, diving, &Te. One of those authors you just have to say, ‘Thank you, Wayne Stinnett, what a book.’
Profile Image for Denise.
1,771 reviews24 followers
October 9, 2017
'Fallen Mangrove' was a great addition to an awesome series. The story line kept me glued to the pages. Full of action, thrilling scenarios, gorgeous islands and great characters. Jesse is quite the captain. And not only of his boat, but his island as well. He's an all around great leader. I look forward to reading the next book. A great add to your tbr list.
114 reviews
June 9, 2019
This book started out as a page turner and built in nearly every chapter to one of the most thrilling story of all the Jesse McDermott adventures yet. The addition of new characters is great. The intertwining was wondetful. This may be a book i read twice, at least. I know there is story in here that I've skimmed because of excitement. On to #6.
Profile Image for BJ.
465 reviews5 followers
June 3, 2020
Win some, lose some

KU borrow. And now we have a plane. Not just any plane, but a de Havilland Beaver! Floats and all! It does come in handy in this treasure hunt story. Jesse's daughter comes to town. Could this be good or bad? New additions to the Revenge, things blown up, high-speed chases, bad guys, bad girls... What more could you want?
5 reviews
March 20, 2022
fallen Mangrove

I must say I like your book but I’m not a fan of the sex stuff in this book. It seems that for some reason writers add that crap to sell more? I get you wanted to sort of make this woman something kinda weird but so be it. Not that it matters but I might try the next one as I’ve read previous books and enjoyed them, will see.
343 reviews1 follower
Read
July 19, 2022
Fallen Pride: A Jesse McDermitt Novel (Caribbean Adventure Series Book 4)

Fast paced from start to finish, with an unexpected ending. Great characters and outstanding descriptive scenery. Very believable story line. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
13 reviews
June 16, 2023
DISGUSTING, liked the 1st few books but now they are getting disgusting!! He always is involved with a woman, which is typical male - but the perverted female and then the lesbians…just tooo much!!
Thought I had discovered a new series as I really enjoyed the way the main characters interacted, but not worth it to read smut.
Bummer, will keep searching.
Profile Image for Scott.
86 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2023
Too many characters

I felt like there were too many characters in this one. Some introduced midway in the book. Hard to follow. Also got a little Clancy-esque with all the plane and boat details. Finally, a little too “sexy.”
Tied together nicely towards the end, but a few too many cliffhangers.
Profile Image for Garlan ✌.
537 reviews19 followers
July 26, 2024
This is a good series that just keeps getting better; I think its due to the author's (or editor's) skills getting better. The storyline is very taut, with action scenes moving along nicely, and the dialogue is also good. This novel is less focused on the government agency, and more on the personal lives of the characters. A pretty solid 4 star read.
Profile Image for Tammie Jordan.
Author 7 books6 followers
February 28, 2018
Excellent book, although there were more unanswered questions throughout this one, and it was a little harder to follow than the previous works. I'm reading #6 now, so we'll see if this was intentional and important to the continuing story.
24 reviews
January 17, 2019
#5 in the series and God story as usual

Would have given this 5 stars for the story but a few too many characters which made it a little difficulty to keep them all straight aft times, especially towards the end. Good story and we'll tooled though as usual. On to #6 now.
7 reviews
April 4, 2019
Great story but low on ethics

Thought this would be another great read, and for the most part it was. However, far too much sex and lesbianism in this tale. Also, still wondering why Rusty (a former Marine) weighs 300 pounds. Sad.
4 reviews
May 2, 2019
Exciting

Another exciting adventure in the Jesse McDermott series that take place in the Florida Keys. If you like boating, diving, fishing and adventure, you'll enjoy the series.
16 reviews
May 14, 2019
Fast paced, exciting, a page turner.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, hated to stop. It's action packed. Characters are developed well - you care about them. I intend to read others in this series.
11 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2020
This Jesse McDermitt novel was very entertaining and I found myself reading at night well past midnight because of the storyline. It captures you and sweeps you right into it. The same cast of characters is included which I like for consistency.

it's a real fun read.
2 reviews
December 31, 2020
A good summer read.

Lots of action and believable characters. Jesse McDermott is a little Dirk Pitt mixed with Jack Reacher. I enjoyed the plot and am moving on to book six in the series.
54 reviews
July 15, 2021
Fun and action packed.

I enjoy action and adventure, as a native Floridian I love it in my home state. There’s no lack of action in these stories and each can be read individually or out of order. There’s a little sex but not explicit. Nothing you have to skip.
25 reviews
September 29, 2021
interesting story line

The character development went too fast. It was difficult to keep track of who is who. Too many “actors” to suit my taste. I am an avid reader 1 to 2 books a month. Pretty picky… but authors need to step back and review their manuscripts before publishing.
13 reviews
August 30, 2024
Wayne Stinnett did it again!

I enjoyed this book immensely. Although, I struggled, at first, comprehending all the bad guys, it was still completely enjoyable! On to the next in the series...
100 reviews
July 26, 2025
The continuing saga of Jesse and his increasing group of friends and colleagues in another interesting adventure. I enjoyed this very much because of a few twists.
I look forward to continue with the series.
Profile Image for Sue .
155 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2025
Great reading

These books are full of mystery, good and bad relationships and wonderful characters. I will continue to read the whole series as they are fascinating great stories. Can't put them down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews

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