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Cursed: A Jesse McDermitt Novel

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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.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2026

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About the author

Wayne Stinnett

57 books636 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
910 (71%)
4 stars
277 (21%)
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64 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Kerry Ann Osborne.
15 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2026
Another great McDermitt adventure

While always a compelling storyteller, Wayne Stinnett succeeded in stepping it up a few notches on this one. Nonstop action. Descriptions of underwater and boat technicalities are beyond stunning. Kudos to you, Mr Stinnett!!
527 reviews5 followers
Read
April 21, 2026
Cursed 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.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
4,073 reviews73 followers
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!
250 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Paula Huot.
84 reviews1 follower
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.
101 reviews
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!
18 reviews
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!
5 reviews1 follower
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!
55 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2026
Jesse finds out Cartel has placed million dollar contract on his life

Jesse and family are on vacation but things don’t go as planned. Million dollar contract on his head has been taken by well known woman assassin. However, her team made critical mistake by abducting Son Alberto. Jesse not a man to be crossed dealt with it…. His way! Recommended… Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star
30 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2026
Jesse doesn't take no for an answer when his family is in danger.

Jesse McDermott always protects those he loves. Savannah worries but accepts him as is. All the characters are like this--so well developed that you feel like you know what their reactions will be. Alberto is so like his father in this book even without DNA connection. I loved this adventure.
Profile Image for John  Halajko.
97 reviews
July 6, 2026
Another good story from Stinnertt Jesse and crew take on the cartel! I learned with Wayne the stories are day to day activities you are there to partake he is very knowledgeable about boats types of boats their operations the skies the stars he knows them all makes for enjoyable reading! Waiting for the next one!!!
154 reviews1 follower
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.
513 reviews3 followers
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
112 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2026
Another great Jesse McDermitt book

Cursed is an exciting Jesse McDermitt book with lots of action and a satisfying ending. Wayne provides a lot of information on his boat and the gear he uses to make the story more interesting to the reader. A fun read.
10 reviews
May 12, 2026
good book

Another great story from this author in this series. Very well written with lots of action and suspense. Hopefully there will be more of this in the future. Highly recommend reading this series to anyone who likes action, adventure, and the ocean. Well done.
239 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2026
Great Read!

Another interesting and exciting adventure with brilliant descriptions and informative commentary about diving , the submersible and treasure... my only complaint the ending was a bit rushed and no further info on the sunken ship!
150 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2026
Outstanding!

Cursed is an outstanding read. Wayne has continued to write exceptional books. Cursed is probably the best of the series thus far, and I'm sure there is another excellent book in this series.
247 reviews1 follower
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.
39 reviews
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.
1,820 reviews1 follower
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.
Profile Image for Anne Fjellman.
1 review1 follower
May 12, 2026
kept me up all night

Another great book with Jesse McDermitt and friends. Never miss any of these! Keep them coming. Emotional ending. Different than expected
34 reviews1 follower
Read
May 17, 2026
Jesse and friends get involved in a deep situation, as always, you are unwilling to put the book down until you finish it.
Profile Image for Susan McMurray.
9 reviews
May 18, 2026
the Best

Simply the best!
The characters.
The settings.
The action.
The boats.
The gear.
The Caribbean!
Got it all.
Thank you.
SRM

10 reviews
May 19, 2026
Excellent storyline

Always fast paced. Always an enjoyable story. Wayne brings the Bahamas to life and makes it easy to picture yourself along for the adventure.
Profile Image for Darrell.
518 reviews
July 6, 2026
Always a great read

As Always a great adventurous read by Wayne Stinnett! His Stories are always full of an adrenalin rush and they read so fast as the story just flows !!!
Profile Image for joe kraus.
187 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2026
Awesome

Always a good read and nice to see Charity make an appearance!
The good guys always win and the bad guys go down in a blaze straight to Hades.
Profile Image for Timothy Anastasia.
5 reviews
June 21, 2026
love this guy

Love this guy. Love his thought process. His ideas about life. His intimate relationship with himself, friends and environment. Love this guy. D.
2 reviews
July 8, 2026
Rescued

The band is back together again as Jessie deals with an old foe. A fun read, especially for the over 50 crowd. There is hope for us all. Can’t wait for the next installment. What bad guys are coming out of the woodwork next.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews