What do you think?
Rate this book
Cursed: A Jesse McDermitt Novel
After many years of wondering about what he'd seen on the fateful day he joined Armstrong Research, Jesse McDermitt now has the means to return to the shipwreck he only glimpsed for a second during a harrowing ascent from the darkest depths of the Florida Straits.
That glimpse cost his friend an eye and nearly took both their lives.
Retired from Armstrong Research, but with his curiosity unsatisfied, Jesse plans to return to the dark depths in the Gulf Stream to learn whatever he can about the ship and her crew. The secretive Armstrong base on North Bimini is nearby and when Jesse and friends visit, he receives a warning... and a request.
As always, Jesse takes the warning to heart, but he is much more intrigued by the request to head up a team of the world's most elite operatives with but a single goal—to depose one of the corrupt leaders of a sovereign nation. Permanently.
The doomed ship has lain at the bottom of the ocean for over two hundred years, and it's been more than eight years since Jesse first spotted it. Training for the suggested mission won’t start for another month.
What kind of ship was it, lying there in the deep, dark trench? Who were her crew? How did they die? Is the ship truly cursed?
Down there in the darkness, more than a hundred fathoms beneath the waves, nobody can hear you scream.
That glimpse cost his friend an eye and nearly took both their lives.
Retired from Armstrong Research, but with his curiosity unsatisfied, Jesse plans to return to the dark depths in the Gulf Stream to learn whatever he can about the ship and her crew. The secretive Armstrong base on North Bimini is nearby and when Jesse and friends visit, he receives a warning... and a request.
As always, Jesse takes the warning to heart, but he is much more intrigued by the request to head up a team of the world's most elite operatives with but a single goal—to depose one of the corrupt leaders of a sovereign nation. Permanently.
The doomed ship has lain at the bottom of the ocean for over two hundred years, and it's been more than eight years since Jesse first spotted it. Training for the suggested mission won’t start for another month.
What kind of ship was it, lying there in the deep, dark trench? Who were her crew? How did they die? Is the ship truly cursed?
Down there in the darkness, more than a hundred fathoms beneath the waves, nobody can hear you scream.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
299 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Stinnett
57 books631 followersI'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...
You can like me on Facebook, to get updates at https://www.facebook.com/WayneStinnet...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Read
April 21, 2026Cursed delivers a compelling blend of maritime mystery and high-stakes action, anchored by a deep-sea setting that immediately sets the tone for tension and intrigue. Wayne Stinnett builds the story around a powerful central mystery, a shipwreck hidden in the depths, and lets that mystery expand into something much larger.
Jesse McDermitt is a strong lead for this type of narrative, balancing curiosity, capability, and moral weight as he moves between investigation and operational conflict. The shift from underwater exploration to elite mission planning adds variety and momentum to the story.
The ocean setting is especially effective, creating an atmosphere of isolation and danger that enhances every layer of suspense. There is always a sense that something unknown is waiting just beyond reach, both beneath the waves and within the unfolding mission.
A solid, atmospheric thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy maritime adventure, covert operations, and layered mysteries with real stakes.
Jesse McDermitt is a strong lead for this type of narrative, balancing curiosity, capability, and moral weight as he moves between investigation and operational conflict. The shift from underwater exploration to elite mission planning adds variety and momentum to the story.
The ocean setting is especially effective, creating an atmosphere of isolation and danger that enhances every layer of suspense. There is always a sense that something unknown is waiting just beyond reach, both beneath the waves and within the unfolding mission.
A solid, atmospheric thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy maritime adventure, covert operations, and layered mysteries with real stakes.
May 2, 2026
Cursed - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
While they're investigating an old shipwreck Jesse McDermitt found recently, he, wife Savannah, their children and good friend Rusty aboard the Taranis, are
drafted into a mission by their boss, to end Jesse's nemesis - a Venezuelan drug cartel, whose leader has had his adopted son kidnapped.
It's action all the way in Wayne Stinnett's Cursed, and you'll be fascinated by this fast-paced thriller, with its great/familiar characters and new reasons for Jesse to prove he's still got what it takes when the chips are down.
Race off today and snatch a copy that you won't be able to put down, as it's guaranteed to keep you reading into the wee small hours of tomorrow morning!
While they're investigating an old shipwreck Jesse McDermitt found recently, he, wife Savannah, their children and good friend Rusty aboard the Taranis, are
drafted into a mission by their boss, to end Jesse's nemesis - a Venezuelan drug cartel, whose leader has had his adopted son kidnapped.
It's action all the way in Wayne Stinnett's Cursed, and you'll be fascinated by this fast-paced thriller, with its great/familiar characters and new reasons for Jesse to prove he's still got what it takes when the chips are down.
Race off today and snatch a copy that you won't be able to put down, as it's guaranteed to keep you reading into the wee small hours of tomorrow morning!
May 1, 2026
A fun read- big boat, submersible and excitement!
I always enjoy the antics of Jesse and Rusty and the rest. But this book seemed too short! The trimaran is a pretty exotic piece of work and it’s fun to read about all of its tricks. I imagine all of those things are possible, but I wouldn’t know. I live on top of the Rocky Mountains- no big boats. I’m glad to hear from Mr Stinnett again, it’s been a while. This adventure took place all in one spot- Bimini. The submersible was cool. If there are more books, I’ll bet it comes into play again. And I hope there are more fun books.
I always enjoy the antics of Jesse and Rusty and the rest. But this book seemed too short! The trimaran is a pretty exotic piece of work and it’s fun to read about all of its tricks. I imagine all of those things are possible, but I wouldn’t know. I live on top of the Rocky Mountains- no big boats. I’m glad to hear from Mr Stinnett again, it’s been a while. This adventure took place all in one spot- Bimini. The submersible was cool. If there are more books, I’ll bet it comes into play again. And I hope there are more fun books.
May 3, 2026
Another great adventure for the McDermitt family. Jesse always on the outlook for trouble which is a good thing. This is the 32nd book and it like the other 32 keeps you on your toes. In these later books, the author includes a lot of “boat and sailing talk half of which I don’t understand. The other little annoying element is Jesse always refers to his adopted child as “son”. Of course he is his son but it seems overdone to always call him that instead of using his given name. Sorry just a quirky thought of mine. Great stories if you can skim past all the mechanical references.
May 6, 2026
Still loving the Jesse books
I still can't wait to read the Jesse books. Over the years they've brought great pleasure, and are always exciting. I was waiting for Charity to show up in this one because she seems to be there for big events. I can't wait to read the next chapter in Jesse's life! I highly recommend Wayne Stinnett's books for an enjoyable, action packed read with lots of facts as a plus!
I still can't wait to read the Jesse books. Over the years they've brought great pleasure, and are always exciting. I was waiting for Charity to show up in this one because she seems to be there for big events. I can't wait to read the next chapter in Jesse's life! I highly recommend Wayne Stinnett's books for an enjoyable, action packed read with lots of facts as a plus!
May 2, 2026
here we go again!
Jesse and the crew are off again. Hunting for another relic of the past. This time a ship wrecked off the TOTO in his newest toy
But as always the bad guys are never far behind
A totally thrilling fast paced ride. Hope the ride never ends as we all age together!
Jesse and the crew are off again. Hunting for another relic of the past. This time a ship wrecked off the TOTO in his newest toy
But as always the bad guys are never far behind
A totally thrilling fast paced ride. Hope the ride never ends as we all age together!
May 4, 2026
My favourite series of all time!
I feel like I know Jesse and his island family well, and I've read it twice!Stinnett knows how to write a story and how to balance descriptions of characters, plot, POV and technical explanations with clarity and believability. What a great cruise around the Caribbean!
I feel like I know Jesse and his island family well, and I've read it twice!Stinnett knows how to write a story and how to balance descriptions of characters, plot, POV and technical explanations with clarity and believability. What a great cruise around the Caribbean!
May 2, 2026
Excellent read!
I love the McDermitt novels and this one is not an exception. They find an old sunken ship near the Bahamas in a small sub, a Venezuelan cartel is after Jesse, and there is lots of action on their trimaran.
I love the McDermitt novels and this one is not an exception. They find an old sunken ship near the Bahamas in a small sub, a Venezuelan cartel is after Jesse, and there is lots of action on their trimaran.
May 4, 2026
Once again
Messed finished what he started found the wreck got Alberto back and finished off three bad guys including the woman that never really got to see stretch the wonder man ciao from Bobbie and George
Messed finished what he started found the wreck got Alberto back and finished off three bad guys including the woman that never really got to see stretch the wonder man ciao from Bobbie and George
May 2, 2026
Great Read
I throughly enjoyed this book. It had a good story line and kept me interested throughout the entire story. I recommend reading this book.
I throughly enjoyed this book. It had a good story line and kept me interested throughout the entire story. I recommend reading this book.
May 2, 2026
Brilliant
Great book. Less unnecessary (to me) technical detail as the last one, yet enough to make it interesting and make sense. Always great when Charity appeats, too.
Great book. Less unnecessary (to me) technical detail as the last one, yet enough to make it interesting and make sense. Always great when Charity appeats, too.
May 5, 2026
As expected with this series, action packed and somewhat expected that Jesse once again ends up a winner. The book flows quickly and hard to put down. This series never dissapoints.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews