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Oak Island #1
Ripped Tide
A Daniel O'Dwyer Oak Island Adventure
Watch out for that jellyfish!
After the death of his fiancée due to medical errors, hospital pharmacist Daniel O’ Dwyer escapes to Oak Island, North Carolina. The only things on his mind are fresh sea air, fresh seafood, Fat Tire Amber Ale, and the avoidance of any type of healthcare institution. But fate and jellyfish draw him back, and reluctantly he agrees to go undercover to combat narcotic drug diversion at nearby Boiling Grove Community Hospital. With minimal assistance from Willie, his socially imbalanced sidekick, Daniel must navigate through dangerous situations and wild characters, including a brawny redneck with a Bob Marley tattoo; a foreign physician with bat-like qualities; and a lackluster Human Resources Director with a penchant for Mai Tais and Ebenezer Scrooge.
Ripped Tide: A Daniel O’Dwyer Oak Island Adventure is a humorous take on a very serious issue.
Watch out for that jellyfish!
After the death of his fiancée due to medical errors, hospital pharmacist Daniel O’ Dwyer escapes to Oak Island, North Carolina. The only things on his mind are fresh sea air, fresh seafood, Fat Tire Amber Ale, and the avoidance of any type of healthcare institution. But fate and jellyfish draw him back, and reluctantly he agrees to go undercover to combat narcotic drug diversion at nearby Boiling Grove Community Hospital. With minimal assistance from Willie, his socially imbalanced sidekick, Daniel must navigate through dangerous situations and wild characters, including a brawny redneck with a Bob Marley tattoo; a foreign physician with bat-like qualities; and a lackluster Human Resources Director with a penchant for Mai Tais and Ebenezer Scrooge.
Ripped Tide: A Daniel O’Dwyer Oak Island Adventure is a humorous take on a very serious issue.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2015
332 people are currently reading
2417 people want to read
About the author
Lance Carney
15 books178 followersLance Carney is an award winning 30+ year hospital pharmacist (5 year award, 10 year award, 15 …). He has been writing medical/pharmacy based fiction since the 1980s. His first novel, Ripped Tide: A Daniel O’Dwyer Oak Island Adventure, follows a hospital pharmacist who reluctantly goes undercover to fight prescription drug diversion in a hospital near his new home. Ripped Tide is a 2017 McGrath House Indie Book Award Winner in the Humor Category. His second novel, No Egrets: A Glenn and Glenda Oak Island Mystery, teams Daniel with husband and wife bar owners to solve a medical mystery. Mantis Preying: A Daniel O'Dwyer Oak Island Adventure (Book 2) picks up post-Ripped Tide. Of Vamps and Vampiros: A Finnian O'Dwyer Universal City Crime Cape(r) will be released on October 7, 2019 and follows Daniel's grandfather Finnian on the set of "Dracula" in 1930.
Lance’s short stories have been published in magazines, anthologies and trade paperbacks. He often collaborates with David Moss, a buddy since junior high school. David is mostly grown up now, working for state government and having every holiday off, including Peter Rabbit's birthday. “Truth is Stranger than Fishin'" with David was chosen for publication in The Year's Best Fantastic Fiction. One of Lance's own, "Snare of the Fowler", was published in the trade paperback "Monsters from Memphis" and recognized by a nomination from the Darrell Awards Jury for Best Midsouth Short Story.
Lance lives in West Virginia with his wife and too many cats. His daughter graduated from UNC-Wilmington in 2017 in film studies and is currently in Los Angeles. His son graduates from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 (hallelujah!) Somehow, at times, they still manage to throw the empty nest into turmoil. He escapes to Oak Island, North Carolina, whenever The Man isn’t keeping him down.
Lance’s short stories have been published in magazines, anthologies and trade paperbacks. He often collaborates with David Moss, a buddy since junior high school. David is mostly grown up now, working for state government and having every holiday off, including Peter Rabbit's birthday. “Truth is Stranger than Fishin'" with David was chosen for publication in The Year's Best Fantastic Fiction. One of Lance's own, "Snare of the Fowler", was published in the trade paperback "Monsters from Memphis" and recognized by a nomination from the Darrell Awards Jury for Best Midsouth Short Story.
Lance lives in West Virginia with his wife and too many cats. His daughter graduated from UNC-Wilmington in 2017 in film studies and is currently in Los Angeles. His son graduates from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 (hallelujah!) Somehow, at times, they still manage to throw the empty nest into turmoil. He escapes to Oak Island, North Carolina, whenever The Man isn’t keeping him down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 21, 2018
‘Ripped Tide’ is a fun light hearted tale which will transport you to the beach! The characters are quirky and fun and the plot, while a bit straight forward, is fun. The writing is good (even if I felt it lacking a bit in deep descriptions) and the author has a number of good one-liners and funny situations that I found enjoyable. If you’re looking for a light beach reach, or just want to take an mental trip to the beach I recommend this book.
October 29, 2015
You could say this is a seriously funny book. Or a funnily serious book perhaps?
It follows the story of hospital pharmacist Daniel O’Dwyer who escapes to Oak Island, North Carolina, after the death of his fiancée due to medical errors. Reluctantly he agrees to go undercover to combat narcotic drug diversion at the nearby hospital.
Sounds like a serious plot line, right?
It’s a serious story, agreed, but one told with lashings of humour, starting with an encounter with a jellyfish and what lurks behind some designer swimming trunks.
The stretcher-bound Daniel is understandably embarrassed at being examined by female medical staff.
"Anyone else you want to drag in here? Some men perhaps? Someone who would understand the gravity of the situation.
‘Jill stuck her head out the door again. ”Any men out there wanna see what happens when a jellyfish comes into contact with male genitalia? The swelling? The purple color? No? Anyone?’”
Strong, quirky characters abound in this novel.
These include Daniel’s socially unbalanced sidekick, who lives in a houseboat moored on high ground; a handyman who isn’t what he seems; a colleague who is reading his way through the biographies of some long-forgotten US presidents; and a bad guy who Daniel first encounters on the beach and later serenades with some hybrid Bob Marley/John Denver.
Even some of the minor characters add humour.
I liked the aged sisters in a hospital room and the grumpy old man in the next.
Can’t wait until Daniel O’Dwyer’s next adventure.
It follows the story of hospital pharmacist Daniel O’Dwyer who escapes to Oak Island, North Carolina, after the death of his fiancée due to medical errors. Reluctantly he agrees to go undercover to combat narcotic drug diversion at the nearby hospital.
Sounds like a serious plot line, right?
It’s a serious story, agreed, but one told with lashings of humour, starting with an encounter with a jellyfish and what lurks behind some designer swimming trunks.
The stretcher-bound Daniel is understandably embarrassed at being examined by female medical staff.
"Anyone else you want to drag in here? Some men perhaps? Someone who would understand the gravity of the situation.
‘Jill stuck her head out the door again. ”Any men out there wanna see what happens when a jellyfish comes into contact with male genitalia? The swelling? The purple color? No? Anyone?’”
Strong, quirky characters abound in this novel.
These include Daniel’s socially unbalanced sidekick, who lives in a houseboat moored on high ground; a handyman who isn’t what he seems; a colleague who is reading his way through the biographies of some long-forgotten US presidents; and a bad guy who Daniel first encounters on the beach and later serenades with some hybrid Bob Marley/John Denver.
Even some of the minor characters add humour.
I liked the aged sisters in a hospital room and the grumpy old man in the next.
Can’t wait until Daniel O’Dwyer’s next adventure.
June 22, 2018
Good light read
The characters are likeable and the story is funny. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
The characters are likeable and the story is funny. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
June 27, 2018
Fun
Great fun read. I really enjoyed the characters. Can’t wait to read another adventure of Daniel o’dwyer on oak island
Great fun read. I really enjoyed the characters. Can’t wait to read another adventure of Daniel o’dwyer on oak island
August 9, 2019
Satirical Gem!
A great story line with well-written characters! If you like Carl Hiaasen you’ll love this book. Cant wait to read more Daniel O’Dwyer adventures!
A great story line with well-written characters! If you like Carl Hiaasen you’ll love this book. Cant wait to read more Daniel O’Dwyer adventures!
July 2, 2015
Daniel O'Dwyer is an unlikely, accidental hero, whose snarky attitude often gets him into and out of trouble as he works undercover to root out the bad guys. As always, Lance Carney displays command over the English language with skill and dexterity, weaving steadily through this mystery with wit, charm, and a cast that includes some pretty off-beat characters as well as the "usual suspects."
Without a hard-boiled detective to lead the way, this whodunit is a refreshing detour from the ordinary and is sure to elicit a few smiles and chuckles along the way. Though I've never been to the North Carolina coast, I often felt quite at home. I look forward to discovering what lurks next in Daniel O'Dwyer's future.
Without a hard-boiled detective to lead the way, this whodunit is a refreshing detour from the ordinary and is sure to elicit a few smiles and chuckles along the way. Though I've never been to the North Carolina coast, I often felt quite at home. I look forward to discovering what lurks next in Daniel O'Dwyer's future.
September 20, 2020
Who wrote this drivel? The author better stick with his day job. The plot and main character meander through the story like vacillating vagabonds. It is paced less like the Indianapolis 500 and more like I-95 South through South Carolina during the holidays and football bowl season. And the ending…
Wait. What? I thought I was reviewing “The Afterlife and Times of Judge Roy Bean”. “Ripped Tide”? Oh yeah, I’ve read it (over and over and over again). It’s okay. There’s some laughs, a little history thrown in every once in a while, some really bad puns, and many colorful characters. I must caution you though. I have met the author and while others tell me he’s brilliant, he just seems downright goofy to me.
Wait. What? I thought I was reviewing “The Afterlife and Times of Judge Roy Bean”. “Ripped Tide”? Oh yeah, I’ve read it (over and over and over again). It’s okay. There’s some laughs, a little history thrown in every once in a while, some really bad puns, and many colorful characters. I must caution you though. I have met the author and while others tell me he’s brilliant, he just seems downright goofy to me.
August 24, 2019
Great......
I loved this book. My first experience with this author, it's funny with an exciting story line. Great characters, I can't wait to get my hands on more of Mr. Carney's books. I love a book with laugh out loud lines and truly real and often strange characters. Also having a couple of cool cats and a slightly demented squirrel all help as well!
I loved this book. My first experience with this author, it's funny with an exciting story line. Great characters, I can't wait to get my hands on more of Mr. Carney's books. I love a book with laugh out loud lines and truly real and often strange characters. Also having a couple of cool cats and a slightly demented squirrel all help as well!
November 29, 2017
Fun read!
Good fun read! Characters were well developed and had personality, plot line was interesting if not totally taken as deep and wide as possible. I’ll read more from the author.
Good fun read! Characters were well developed and had personality, plot line was interesting if not totally taken as deep and wide as possible. I’ll read more from the author.
February 25, 2018
Fun
This is an absolutely fun book to read and will keep you giggling throughout the afternoon . I loved it; the story flowed, the characters are strong and there was enough humor in to keep the pages turning.
This is an absolutely fun book to read and will keep you giggling throughout the afternoon . I loved it; the story flowed, the characters are strong and there was enough humor in to keep the pages turning.
December 29, 2017
Entertaining
I was looking for something light and entertaining to read over Christmas vacation and this fit the bill. A quick and easy read.
I was looking for something light and entertaining to read over Christmas vacation and this fit the bill. A quick and easy read.
May 1, 2018
Enjoyable, light read..
I'll be checking out the rest of the Lance Carney books..
Especially liked the fact it was set in the Carolinas..
On my way now to pick up another Oak Island Adventure..
I'll be checking out the rest of the Lance Carney books..
Especially liked the fact it was set in the Carolinas..
On my way now to pick up another Oak Island Adventure..
May 25, 2018
Nice afternoon read
Enjoyed the humor and the diversity in characters, and of course, the uplifting subject material.. that .there's hope for us all!!!
Enjoyed the humor and the diversity in characters, and of course, the uplifting subject material.. that .there's hope for us all!!!
August 13, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed the story, the setting and the characters. Looking forward to another visit to the Prescription Pad.
October 16, 2017
Gripped from the first page
I hadn’t come across Lance Carney’s work before, but I stumbled upon “Ripped Tide” and started reading the ‘Look Inside’. Two pages in, and I downloaded the book without a second thought.
The relaxed and humorous tone is set right from the beginning and is highly reminiscent of Carl Hiaasen, which is not to say that there’s a deliberate mimicry here. Carney has a style all of his own and writes with great skill and fluency.
The protagonist, Daniel O’Dwyer, is perfectly drawn and instantly likeable. As a hospital pharmacist turned reluctant sleuth, this must surely be a first in detective fiction, and it works brilliantly. Secondary characters are equally well fleshed out with many a quirk and foible.
The book is a very funny and fast-paced page turner with tightly written prose and plenty of snappy dialogue. Very highly recommended, and not just to fans of Carl Hiaasen.
I hadn’t come across Lance Carney’s work before, but I stumbled upon “Ripped Tide” and started reading the ‘Look Inside’. Two pages in, and I downloaded the book without a second thought.
The relaxed and humorous tone is set right from the beginning and is highly reminiscent of Carl Hiaasen, which is not to say that there’s a deliberate mimicry here. Carney has a style all of his own and writes with great skill and fluency.
The protagonist, Daniel O’Dwyer, is perfectly drawn and instantly likeable. As a hospital pharmacist turned reluctant sleuth, this must surely be a first in detective fiction, and it works brilliantly. Secondary characters are equally well fleshed out with many a quirk and foible.
The book is a very funny and fast-paced page turner with tightly written prose and plenty of snappy dialogue. Very highly recommended, and not just to fans of Carl Hiaasen.
May 15, 2021
This is the first book I have read by Lance Carney and immediately purchased the two other books on the series. He skillfully and efficiently weaved together and entertaining story that holds the readers attention. When Mr. Carney is describing the experience and background of the lead character, Daniel O'Dwyer, it is apparent the author's own background is shining through. Additionally, the author based his novel in the real ocean town of Oak Island, North Carolina. The way the fictional characters interact with real places brings an added layer of realism for me to all his stories. Once you read Mr. Carney's "Oak Island Series" you may just need to book a vacation to Oak Island so you will love it the way all the characters do.
March 18, 2018
A pleasant, funny diversion.
Having read a lot over the years (2 - 3 books a week), and doing fairly serious work, I revel in the occasional goofball book. It's good therapy and it reminds me to not get too full of myself. Ripped Tide filled that need. I laughed a lot, enjoyed the self-deprecating humor, and even learn a few things. AND, several years ago my late mother was a victim of drug theft while in a hospital, recovering from surgery. She would have given Daniel O'Dwyer a big sloppy wet kiss.
Having read a lot over the years (2 - 3 books a week), and doing fairly serious work, I revel in the occasional goofball book. It's good therapy and it reminds me to not get too full of myself. Ripped Tide filled that need. I laughed a lot, enjoyed the self-deprecating humor, and even learn a few things. AND, several years ago my late mother was a victim of drug theft while in a hospital, recovering from surgery. She would have given Daniel O'Dwyer a big sloppy wet kiss.
August 6, 2015
True to OKI
I found this a fun quick read. Ripped Tide takes a serious problem in the medical field and mixes it with humor that doesn't take away the seriousness of that problem.
I to live on the island, and it was fun seeing our favorite paces mentioned in print.
I found this a fun quick read. Ripped Tide takes a serious problem in the medical field and mixes it with humor that doesn't take away the seriousness of that problem.
I to live on the island, and it was fun seeing our favorite paces mentioned in print.
August 23, 2018
Fully entertaining
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that want to be entertained and laugh. Great characters and great story line. I thoroughly enjoyed Daniel O'Dwyer and his escapades.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that want to be entertained and laugh. Great characters and great story line. I thoroughly enjoyed Daniel O'Dwyer and his escapades.
March 31, 2022
Great book. It is short and humorous with a little romance and mystery to keep one turning the pages. An entertaining cast of characters. I am eager to read the next one. So happy to have discovered this writer via a Goodreads win.
February 25, 2018
If you like lots of likable, great characters you'll dig this book.
February 24, 2018
A fun read
A fun read. A story of memorable characters and a fun setting. Lots of local flavor and a little history. I look forward to reading more about Daniel, Willie and crew.
A fun read. A story of memorable characters and a fun setting. Lots of local flavor and a little history. I look forward to reading more about Daniel, Willie and crew.
April 28, 2018
I live in Oak Island
Fun read. Island vibe is right on and here are a lot of characters! I actually laughed out loud a few times.
Fun read. Island vibe is right on and here are a lot of characters! I actually laughed out loud a few times.
May 4, 2019
Like listening to a friend tell a story!
I really enjoyed the yarnspinning. Fully developed characters that you would actually want to hang out with. Perfect summer reading.
I really enjoyed the yarnspinning. Fully developed characters that you would actually want to hang out with. Perfect summer reading.
June 23, 2019
Looking forward to reading the next book!
Interesting and very likeable characters, entertaining mystery plot, and I like Mr Carney's sense of humor and style of writing.
Interesting and very likeable characters, entertaining mystery plot, and I like Mr Carney's sense of humor and style of writing.
February 4, 2022
This guy has talent
I hope he's still writing. Of course it helps if you know Brunswick County, North Carolina, but this was an entertaining little diversion that enjoyed very much.
I hope he's still writing. Of course it helps if you know Brunswick County, North Carolina, but this was an entertaining little diversion that enjoyed very much.
August 28, 2018
Loved it, made me homesick
I lived in Oak Island NC for seven years and have missed it and the amazing people I became friends with - and the ones I didn’t - every single day since we moved eight years ago. This author captures the essence of of life on the island and of the people who live there, both good and bad. I absolutely loved the story and the way he gave the characters life. I’m invested now. I hope he continues to honor that special corner of our incredible world with his stories; I’ll read every single one and I hope you will too. Thanks so much!
I lived in Oak Island NC for seven years and have missed it and the amazing people I became friends with - and the ones I didn’t - every single day since we moved eight years ago. This author captures the essence of of life on the island and of the people who live there, both good and bad. I absolutely loved the story and the way he gave the characters life. I’m invested now. I hope he continues to honor that special corner of our incredible world with his stories; I’ll read every single one and I hope you will too. Thanks so much!
July 13, 2018
To be honest, the cover put me off. It was the location (Coastal North Carolina) that caught my attention. Then it was Lance Carney's writing style that drew me in. This was a great, fun read, and I jumped right into his next book, 'No Egrets,' as soon as I finished because I enjoyed Ripped Tide so much. So, if you are looking for a lesson or some serious drama, move along folks, there's nothing to see here. BUT, if you are looking for a fun story with some quirky characters, fun twists, and some excitement, you're in the right place!
I you were expecting a rehash of the plot I know I'm disappointing you, and I'm not sorry for it. That's what blurbs are for, and who better to decide what should or shouldn't be revealed than the author? I prefer sharing what elements prompted me to want to write a review, and that's what I look for when I read them myself. The most important thing I can tell you about this book is it put Lance Carney on my 'Author Watch' list, and I hope he adds to his catalog!
I you were expecting a rehash of the plot I know I'm disappointing you, and I'm not sorry for it. That's what blurbs are for, and who better to decide what should or shouldn't be revealed than the author? I prefer sharing what elements prompted me to want to write a review, and that's what I look for when I read them myself. The most important thing I can tell you about this book is it put Lance Carney on my 'Author Watch' list, and I hope he adds to his catalog!
June 22, 2016
Came across this one in a hunt for humorous suspense and was thrilled to find one set on a beach and NOT in Florida. Funny stuff can happen in other parts of the country, too, including the coast of North Carolina. Carney, a career pharmacist, "writes what he knows" (though hopefully he hasn't experienced everything in this story, specifically attempts on his life) and takes us with fascinating inside detail into a hospital drug ring conspiracy. The narrator, Daniel O'Dwyer, goes undercover to sniff out the clues and makes both friends and enemies (and a love interest) along the way. No spoilers, but it builds to a double-ending climax that takes the reader by surprise, before wrapping things up with a "curtain call" type of party so every memorable cast member can make one more appearance. Humor abounds on almost every page, but doesn't undercut the tension--it just reinforces the relaxed, laid-back attitude of the narrator, which is a perfect fit for a story set on the beach. There's one aspect of this book that's particularly dark (again, no spoilers), told in flashback, which almost asks for a prequel. At the same time, the self-contained nature of this story convinces you that Daniel O'Dwyer could easily do this again in another book and come out on top--with a few scrapes and bruises, of course. So we have a unique story that gets the reader wondering what happened before it began and what might happen down the road. Well done, indeed.
March 6, 2017
From the hilarity of his initial emergency room visit, through his reluctant recruitment to undercover “Rx – Dick,” relocated and temporarily-retired pharmacist Daniel O’Dwyer takes a unique perspective into his new job. With a colorful cast of characters and sidekicks providing additional flavor - if not aid - to his cause, O’Dwyer delves into drug theft at Oak Island’s Boiling Grove Community Hospital with great familiarity, knowledge, and a nose for the naughty. What he needs to stay safe and solve the mystery is eyes in the back of his head as forces work against him.
From the mind of indie author and real-life pharmacist Lance Carney, this work of fiction, written in first person, is ripe with the behind-the-curtain hospital life we’re glad we don’t know, and the island life we wish we did. It’s also filled with Carney’s unique and timely humor and playful references to iconic movies, T.V. shows, music, and flavorful food and brew. A Baby-boomer steeped in southern heritage, in the vein of John D. MacDonald and his Travis McGee series, Carney gives us a fast-paced, light-hearted yarn to enjoy.
From the mind of indie author and real-life pharmacist Lance Carney, this work of fiction, written in first person, is ripe with the behind-the-curtain hospital life we’re glad we don’t know, and the island life we wish we did. It’s also filled with Carney’s unique and timely humor and playful references to iconic movies, T.V. shows, music, and flavorful food and brew. A Baby-boomer steeped in southern heritage, in the vein of John D. MacDonald and his Travis McGee series, Carney gives us a fast-paced, light-hearted yarn to enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews