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Wood's Deception: Action and Adventure in the Florida Keys
When a routine Ghost Trap Rodeo turns deadly, Mac Travis is dragged into the most explosive fight for the Florida Keys he’s ever faced.
What should be a simple cleanup turns sinister when Mac, Bear, and Trufante haul up a trap packed with more than old line and algae—inside is a cache of engineered chemicals capable of destroying entire sections of reef.
Someone is using the traps to hide a weapon… and they’re not finished.
All signs point to a rival fishing boat run locals with deep roots and deeper grudges. But when an eager young intern stumbles onto something even bigger, Mac realizes the threat isn’t coming from a single boat… it’s part of a generational power play stretching to Washington DC.
As loyalties fracture and the water turns violent, Mac must navigate old feuds, shifting alliances, and a deadly conspiracy rooted in greed and environmental sabotage. Mac is forced to choose between the people he loves and the islands he calls home.
In the unforgiving waters of the Florida Keys, even the smallest trap can hide a monster.
Packed with action, authentic Keys flavor, and characters as rough and real as the tides, this new Mac Travis Adventure delivers heart-pounding suspense from the first page to the last.
What should be a simple cleanup turns sinister when Mac, Bear, and Trufante haul up a trap packed with more than old line and algae—inside is a cache of engineered chemicals capable of destroying entire sections of reef.
Someone is using the traps to hide a weapon… and they’re not finished.
All signs point to a rival fishing boat run locals with deep roots and deeper grudges. But when an eager young intern stumbles onto something even bigger, Mac realizes the threat isn’t coming from a single boat… it’s part of a generational power play stretching to Washington DC.
As loyalties fracture and the water turns violent, Mac must navigate old feuds, shifting alliances, and a deadly conspiracy rooted in greed and environmental sabotage. Mac is forced to choose between the people he loves and the islands he calls home.
In the unforgiving waters of the Florida Keys, even the smallest trap can hide a monster.
Packed with action, authentic Keys flavor, and characters as rough and real as the tides, this new Mac Travis Adventure delivers heart-pounding suspense from the first page to the last.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
67 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 6, 2025
Wood’s Deception by Steven Becker is another great entry in the Mac Travis series. The story is set around the Ghost Trap Rodeo in the Keys where lobster and crab traps that are abandoned by the owners are rounded up from the ocean. During the roundup, Mac Travis finds a ghost trap with an unusual device in it that is releasing fertilizer in to the water that is harming the coral surrounding it. Mac then tries to find the culprit who placed this trap.
During the rodeo, Bear’s boat was buzzed by a trawler operated by one of the more troublesome fishermen in the Keys. As usual, there is trouble that follows Mac and his friends around during the search for the culprit. But unlike most the Mac Travis adventures, Trufante is not the cause of the trouble that finds Mac this time. Mac and Pamela, Trufante’s girlfriend, are the characters most involved in the action.
During the rodeo, Bear’s boat was buzzed by a trawler operated by one of the more troublesome fishermen in the Keys. As usual, there is trouble that follows Mac and his friends around during the search for the culprit. But unlike most the Mac Travis adventures, Trufante is not the cause of the trouble that finds Mac this time. Mac and Pamela, Trufante’s girlfriend, are the characters most involved in the action.
December 9, 2025
Great Story
I have never had the chance to dive let alone see a coral reef. To think someone would intentionally take the initiative to kill coral is beyond my comprehension. Good thing Mac and his band of misfits are on the hunt. Steven Decker is one of my favorite tropical adventure writers and writes his stories to pull you in and make it like you’re part of the adventure. Thanks again for what you do. My life would be completely different if it weren’t for the people like you! Thanks again.
I have never had the chance to dive let alone see a coral reef. To think someone would intentionally take the initiative to kill coral is beyond my comprehension. Good thing Mac and his band of misfits are on the hunt. Steven Decker is one of my favorite tropical adventure writers and writes his stories to pull you in and make it like you’re part of the adventure. Thanks again for what you do. My life would be completely different if it weren’t for the people like you! Thanks again.
November 28, 2025
A Florida Keys adventure thriller with a well written storyline and finds Mac Travis trying to solve the problem of environmental sabotage of the coral reefs. Well-developed characters with plenty of action and suspense. A page turning read that I highly recommend. Keep the very enjoyable Mac Travis adventure series going.
November 28, 2025
It's Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature!
Another fast-paced adventure in the ever-changing Florida Keys unfolds before your rapidly reading eyes, as Mac discovers an attempt to sabotage his paradise. All the usual suspects get involved in the action, which includes (...deleted for your future enjoyment!). Grab your scuba and fishing gear and practice your breathing!
Another fast-paced adventure in the ever-changing Florida Keys unfolds before your rapidly reading eyes, as Mac discovers an attempt to sabotage his paradise. All the usual suspects get involved in the action, which includes (...deleted for your future enjoyment!). Grab your scuba and fishing gear and practice your breathing!
December 8, 2025
Best read ever
Wow pots of thought went I to this book and I felt the energy of the author to bring this one to a great conclusion I totally could feel Wolf's energy to solve the coral loss and make sure the future was set for his next adventure I missed Mel but the regulars Pamela Tiffany's pip and others helped the story ciao from Bob isn't Scottish terrier and me George...
Wow pots of thought went I to this book and I felt the energy of the author to bring this one to a great conclusion I totally could feel Wolf's energy to solve the coral loss and make sure the future was set for his next adventure I missed Mel but the regulars Pamela Tiffany's pip and others helped the story ciao from Bob isn't Scottish terrier and me George...
November 22, 2025
Old rivalries and new friends come together for an action packed long weekend in Mac's backyard
December 4, 2025
Mac’s slowing down…
A pretty good read but a bit less action. Mac needs more dive time. Pip could have done more with his new ride.
A pretty good read but a bit less action. Mac needs more dive time. Pip could have done more with his new ride.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews