Undercurrents

Sam Westin Mysteries #3

by Pamela Beason

Scuba diving off the Galápagos Islands, wildlife biologist and freelance writer Summer "Sam" Westin is not only out of her element--she's plunged right into a dangerous conflict between fishermen and environmentalists...

When Sam is hired to cover a marine survey expedition to the Galápagos, she jumps at the opportunity--though she has to fudge the truth about her diving expertise. But amidst the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and schooling hammerheads of Darwin's enchanted islands, Sam gets caught up in deadly game of survival of the fittest, and her dream assignment turns into a nightmare.

When her diving partner's air supply is contaminated with carbon monoxide on their very first dive, she wonders if someone is trying to sabotage the expedition. Sea cucumbers and shark fins are valuable commodities in the Asian market. How far will the poachers go? With no one watching their backs, Sam starts to suspect they may already be in over their heads--dealing with human predators more deadly than any shark...

Includes discussion questions for readers and book clubs.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Adventure, Mystery Thriller, Animals

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2013

About the author

Pamela Beason lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes novels and screenplays and works as a private investigator. When she's not on the job, she explores the natural world on foot, in cross-country skis, in her kayak, or underwater scuba diving.

Beason is the author of nine full-length fiction works: THE ONLY WITNESS, THE ONLY CLUE (books 1 and 2 of the Neema Mysteries); SHAKEN, CALL OF THE JAGUAR (romantic suspense novels), ENDANGERED, BEAR BAIT, and UNDERCURRENTS in the Summer "Sam" Westin series; and RACE WITH DANGER and RACE TO TRUTH, books 1 and 2 of a YA Run for Your Life adventure trilogy. She also wrote the nonfiction titles, SAVE YOUR MONEY, YOUR SANITY, AND OUR PLANET and SO YOU WANT TO BE A PI?. Pam's writing has earned her multiple prizes, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two First Place prizes and two Grand Prizes in the Chanticleer Book Reviews Contest, and an Honorable Mention in a Library Journal contest.

As an avid outdoorswoman and animal lover, Beason challenges the human assumption that we are the superior species. Drifting through life is not enough; you have to live it.

Pamela blogs and tweets about writing, outdoor adventures, and the value of being present in the moment. She looks forward to connecting with readers on her Twitter, Goodreads Page or Blog.

Reviews

[Leather · Rating 1 out of 5]

This third volume of Sam Westin's adventures did not convince me: lack of rhythm, poor suspense, I found this reading painful from start to finish.

Sam Westin experiences more the events than she does anything, which gives her plenty of time to introspect. I hate character's introspections, they are so boring.... We follow in parallel Chase's adventures, a little more interesting but totally disconnected from the main subject, namely the preservation of nature in the Galapagos.

This third part of the series, inferior to the second one, which was already inferior to the first, does not augur good news for the future.
I think I'll stop there, Summer Westin will be able to continue her career without me.

[Red · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series. They dealt with serious issues, both environmentally as well as socially, which is where the mystery aspect would lay. Then the rest of the book, that stitched the two parts together was beautiful scenery and some lighthearted touches. Our heroine, Sam Westin, was resourceful and usually cheerful.

In Under Currents, the only thing beautiful is the facade of the Galapagos. All Sam sees while there is predation, by both humans and animals, and none of it is pretty. Sam is scared, angry or depressed for most of the book, and so by default, are we. It is such a Debbie-downer of an adventure tale, there as no joy or fun at all. I didn't like what Sam was experiencing, and I didn't like the assignment FBI boyfriend Chase was on either. In this book, the two don't spend time together at all until (spoiler). What we got wasn't worth the trip.

Stick with the first two books, and skip Under Currents.

[C.J. Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Westin goes on a new assignment to the Galapagos Islands. If you don't know wildlife bilogist and freelance writer Summer Westin, go back two books. Read "Endangered" by Pamela Beason and then "Bear Bait." This is a character you want to follow through many books.

Sam doesn't have a boyfriend. She has a would be lover, FBI agent Chase Perez. Star-crossed lovers, always on assignment elsewhere. In "Under Currents," the tension increases as we follow both Sam's adventures underwater and Chase's assignment to capture border killings.

2nd Entry: the only trouble with finishing "Undercurrents" is that I have to wait for book #4 of Sam Westin's adventures!

[merlin513 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third outing in the Summer Weston series has you gripping the edge of your seat! Will our intrepid heroes ‘actually’ get out of the situations they find themselves in unharmed, or alive!?!

A frank look at the state of the Galapagos economy and history. The ongoing struggle between preserving a place of great natural beauty and geological importance and the rights of the natives of the islands and Ecuador over their own territory. The seeming futility of the never-ending fight between preservation of endangered species, native ways of life (fishing) and the poaching for profit that destroys any chance of an equitable balance. Throw in the tourism industry and you’ve got an over flowing stewpot of sticky issues. And that’s just Sam’s side of the story.

Another hot button issue is migrants crossing the U.S. Mexico border illegally. ‘Coyotes’ taking poor, sometimes desperate immigrants life savings to smuggle them across the border while also taking money from drug cartels to funnel ‘mules’ carrying illicit substances mixed in with the people just trying to find a better way of life. Throw in crooked border patrol agents, white supremacists and christian nationalists and you’ve got Chase Pereze’s half of the storyline.

While I really enjoyed the book and it is an excellent thriller it is simultaneously a depressing view of the present state of frankly deteriorating world affairs.

No one is coming out of this story unscathed.

[Dave Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilderness Westin is short on financial resources and stuck in the winter doldrums in Washington, when Tad Wyatt of Key Corp calls to offer her a project for their Out There web site. The project involves traveling to the Galapagos Islands and then shadowing a marine biologist who works for the National Planet Foundation. Her job will also involve taking photographs and reporting daily on the Out There web site using two character names; Wilderness Westin and Zing. Zing is the more adventuresome individual who will handle all the underwater diving activities. Sam jumps at the opportunity to earn some money and to experience the warmth of the equatorial climate. Fast forward, and nearly everything that could go wrong, does go wrong. Sam is caught up in the conflict between worldwide environmental organizations and the simple needs of the local population. The locals resent being told how to utilize their islands, and fishermen poach sea life and sell their harvests for high prices in the black market to Asian buyers. I enjoyed this book, although I believe that the first two in the series were better. The ending felt kind of abrupt and contrived. The descriptions of the sea life and bird life in the Galapagos was excellent, and the author gave me an appreciation of both sides of the conflict. I look forward to book four in the Summer Westin mystery series.

[Patrick Chelf · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing third effort in the series.

After two promising and enjoyable previous installments Ms. Beason has lost the thread entirely on this one. An interesting, gritty and INTELLIGENT PROTAGONIST in the first two series, Summer has turned back in to a Victorian, wrist-to-forehead, emotional dweeb. The entire set up for the major crime is ludicrous, her reaction to the crime and the “conspiracy” to prevent her from solving it is third rate, filled with devious Latin cops, evil anti-environmentalists, and international skulduggery. Ms Beason is not up for this challenge. The author has also decided to expand the role of Summers love interest and runs a parallel story line in which Perez is undercover as a white nationalist involved in a screwy plot line which takes him to Mexico..Forgive my French, but my entire reaction to this secondary plot line is WTF? What is this doing here?

We’re getting way too deritive with this series—Nevada Barr has done this all before but way better. I would not buy the next one.

[Laura Steinert · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book by Beason I have not liked. Diving to 300 feet with no tri-mix and no extra tank? Several other things about diving that just do not sound like she has done more than snorkel, or taken a class or two really caused me to drop all suspension of disbelief. Although, at heart, I agree with the political stance "Sam" takes, the truth is the US has bullied the world since WWI and is truly hated in most third world nations--especially as we have cause most of them to become.remain third world by the US governments interference.

[Ellen Thielen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biologist turned free-lance writer seems to get in one dangerous, sticky situation after another. She only wants to enjoy, observe, and most importantly, preserve nature's bounty. But, when the local economy in the Galapagos islands relies heavily on fishing and harvesting endangered, supposedly protected species, she can't help herself. Meanwhile her FBI love interest is having his own challenges undercover in the U.S. southern border problems.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam's dram "paid vacation" to the Galapagos becomes a fight for survival. A really thought-provoking thriller that touches on the effects of eco-tourism and the legal difficulties travelers may encounter in some countries. An excellent read for all travelers!

[John Eckenwiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative and unique

Very well written. The story and sub plots are fun to read. The main character is believable and one book to another there is a complete change of setting and plot.

[Carol Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun story

I am so enjoying this series. I am finding the author adding nice humor. I love the different locations. Each story with some mystery and excitement. Lastly I love the nature.

[Diana Biggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertainng read , a bit formulaic but fun.

[Mila Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a mystery thriller, it's quite good. The writing was good enough that I kept reading for a long while.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I eagerly anticipate each new release and this is quickly becoming a favorite series. For this installment, we travel to Ecuador for a suspenseful underwater adventure.

Sam (Summer) jumps at a short term assignment that will pay her a healthy salary for a week of work in the historic Galapagos Islands. She has to quickly take scuba lessons, because her assignment is to cover a marine survey (assessing marine life numbers), take pictures and video, then write online posts from two different aspects. It sounds like an easy way to make some good money, practically a vacation. Well....

Sam barely lands and she is whisked out to sea to begin her assignment for "Out There" with Dr. Daniel Kazaki of the Natural Planet Foundation (NPF), diving amidst giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea cucumbers, territorial sea lions, and schooling hammerheads. But Dr. Kazaki's air supply was polluted with carbon monoxide that an inexperienced Sam is challenged to save him. When they return from the near fatal first dive together, they are kicked out of their lodgings. Sam pushes until Dr. Kazaki admits that there is fierce resentment from the fishing industry against any environmental groups. He shrugs off the contaminated air and loss of rooms and finds them other arrangements on a large luxury yacht catering to a handful of tourists. But Sam soon feels that everyone on board has some ties to dangerous anti-environmentalists.

Sam is required to make her internet posts as herself and also as a fictional identity of "Zing." She posts a video of carnage to multitudes of sharks as Zing and quickly gets threatening messages in reply. Apparently, sea cucumbers and shark fins are valuable commodities in the Asian market. She is glad to have a level of anonymity when locals are actually looking for Zing and threatening Sam. While Sam is experiencing her own drama, love interest Chase is undercover for the FBI to infiltrate an extremist hate group at the border. He is close to death at every turn but his mind is on Summer's online posts and the danger he realizes she must be in.

Sam is stretched to her physical and psychological limits in this addition to the series. She finds herself isolated in a foreign country with no help, even from the embassy. She is determined and reaches new heights of nerve and steel in the face of a murder that could easily have been her. FBI agent Chase Perez struggles between his dangerous career and wanting a more picture-perfect life with Summer. Will his mind being on Summer put his life in danger during this volatile sting operation? Dr. Daniel Kazaki is a break out character that the reader quickly grows fond of. Dr. Juanita Jane (JJ) Bradley appears about two-thirds of the way into the book, but her mythic strength of character and sheer grit are memorable. Maya, a troubled youth from the Bear Bait novel, is present in this book briefly. I enjoy Maya's addition and look forward to her developing in the books as well. Then there is Sam's task-master from "Out There", Tad Wyatt. He is single-minded in gaining readers and what will profit "Out There", but in the end he comes through.

The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and the underwater menagerie are vividly portrayed. Because of the plot revolving around preserving a historic region of wildlife versus opportunistic international fishing interests, the reader needed to experience the wonder of the marine life that is at stake. The area is painted in its wonder and stark reality both. You felt like you were diving with Summer and marveling at the underwater mystery and glory along with her. Kudos - particularly since I have such a fear of being trapped underwater that I questioned if I could stand to read an underwater adventure. The portions that are following Chase in the harsh desert are equally well painted.

The plotting was tight and the pacing kept a steady tempo. It could be a bit jarring to swap from Summer to Chase, or vise versa. But I also appreciated knowing what was happening on both fronts. In the end, it added to the suspense with a cliff hanger about Chase that the reader doesn't know what happened until Summer finds out.

The suspense steadily built up to the climax. The reveal of the killer was unique and I felt very well done. The wrap-up leaves the reader practically aching for more.

I have to say that each book seems to best the prior one. This is the most outstanding one yet, and I loved the previous two. This should be in hardback and promoted more, it is that good - in my opinion.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Join me at Mysteries and My Musing book blog
http://www.mysterysuspence.blogspot.com

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam is so excited for her new assignment. She travels to the Galápagos Islands to assist and report on a marine survey. She had to take a class to get certified in scuba diving but she will be assisting an experienced diver so her inexperience is a small worry. But amidst the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and schooling hammerheads of Darwin’s enchanted islands, Sam gets caught up in deadly game of survival of the fittest, and her dream assignment turns into a nightmare.

On their first dive her partner’s air supply is contaminated and he almost dies. Was it an accident or is someone trying to sabotage their work. She has learned that sea cucumbers and shark fins are a precious commodity in Asian markets. Sam was worried about shark attacks but maybe the predator she is worried about most is human.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Wilderness Westin takes us on an adventure will thrills, chills and spills and educates the reader too!!

I love the way Pamela Beason tells a story. She puts the reader right there swimming above the reefs with amateur sleuth Summer “Sam” Westin. I tried snorkeling once several years ago when we were vacationing in Cancun and never got the hang of it. This story gave me the joys of being under the sea without getting wet! While reading it I felt like I was riding on Sam’s shoulder taking in the wonder and brilliance of the underwater world. Her descriptions of the creatures, the water, the games the sunlight played were just amazing.

FBI Agent Chase was not on this trip with Sam and I didn’t really miss him, in fact I was kind of upset when his story line drew me away from Sam’s but I was so happy that they finally got back together.

Beason always takes us to exciting places in this series, tracking a cougar or a bear or sea creatures, her books are great escape and I have enjoyed them all very much. I am anxiously awaiting my next adventure with Sam Westin.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the space of three books, the Sam Westin environmental mysteries have become some of my favorites. If you enjoy Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon novels, you're definitely going to want to read Beason's series. Sam Weston is smart, tough, committed to spreading awareness of issues involving wildlife, and is much more likely to pick up her camera than she is to even think about touching a gun.

In Undercurrents, it's Sam's show, but Beason's secondary characters provide solid backup. Some of the characters are capitalists wanting to profit from appearing to be pro-environment while others are local and show both sides of the poaching issue the Galápagos face. One of the strengths of Beason's characterizations is that-- although you may grow fond of some of these characters-- they can surprise you by being achingly human.

Beason's characters then proceed to populate a wondrous underwater world, and the scenes are so vivid that you'll probably find yourself wanting to join Sam on her dives. This underwater Garden of Eden isn't really paradise, however, and the author doesn't candycoat what humans are doing to it.

Okay, I've talked about the characters, the setting, and the environmental issues the author raises... what about the mystery? It's a good one. I was convinced I knew the identity of the killer-- but I never saw it coming. Hopefully what I will see in the near future is another Sam Westin mystery. I'm becoming addicted.

[Taylor Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads first reads giveaway.

I originally entered the giveaway for this book because of my new obsession with the television show River Monsters, and the host Jeremy Wade, who travels to awesome exotic places in discovery of amazing exotic, sometimes dangerous, species. Therefore, I was expecting this book to be full of adrenaline-filled shark encounters, near death experiences, and a protagonist who's not afraid of anything. I was not disappointed. The main character, Sam Westin, is a wildlife biologist and free-lance reporter who is hired by a corporation to travel to the Galapagos and not only write entertaining blog pieces about the culture and environment, but to also assist Natural Planet Foundation marine biologist, Dan Kazaki, in an ecological study. Unfortunately for Sam, publicity and a study that could implicate illegal over-fishing and poorly regulating government & police systems are exactly what the locals don't want...and are willing to risk anything to prevent it.

Instead of river monsters, Sam finds human monsters, willing to use violence to keep their illegal dealings and poaching activities thriving. Though the sharks in the Galapagos are "friendly", with Sam caught between a murder investigation and trying to finish the job she and Dan were sent there to do, this book makes for a very intriguing and educational read.

[Venus Smurf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a shelf for books that would be perfect for the beach, books that have quick plots, mystery, usually a murder or two, fun characters, and few, if any, loose ends left by the last page. These books are what I consider pleasure reading, because while they're not exactly books that stay with me and make me keep thinking, they're light and fun. This book definitely qualifies. I'll be the first to admit that I sometimes get bored with the beach books, because they're often also predictable. This one, however, was certainly never boring, and though I'd been convinced I knew exactly who the killer was, I honestly didn't see that coming.

In any case, this probably isn't actually a good beach read, if only because the descriptions of the ocean and marine life are so vivid and thorough that anyone actually on a beach would immediately drop the book and dive into the ocean. The writing really is beautiful, and if most people would be a little nervous about visiting the islands after reading this, I only want to go more.

Definitely recommended.

[Judith Trail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you agree to an assignment that required you to scuba dive off the Galapagos Islands, depths well beyond the limits of even the most enthusiastic amateur diver, among sharks, when you have actually never dived in open ocean waters? Sam did, as she was perpetually short of funds, and this offered both money and warm weather. Another strong thriller, well-paced and well-plotted, from this author, featuring her outdoorswoman protagonist, Sam Westin. What seemed like a pretty straightforward assignment ended up with Sam and her partner on this assignment pitted against the citizens of Ecuador, fishermen, who saw no purpose in honoring the sanctuary status of the Galapagos Islands when their very livelihood depended on fishing the fragile ecosystem to satisfy the world demand for exotic seafood, such as shark fins or sea cucumbers. Who to trust, on land and under the water? A good adventure that shows the other side of protecting the environment and its resources against the need for people to make a living.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

#3 in the Summer Westin Mystery series. There is really no mystery involved in this series entry. "Sam" Westin is in the Galapagos to report on the activity of a marine biologist for a conservationist organization. The conservationist activity is at odds with the desires of the local population of fishermen. Confrontation ensues. Readable for the descriptions of the Galapagos, but not an edge of the seat mystery.

Summer “Sam” Westin series - Scuba diving off the Galapagos Islands, wildlife biologist and freelance writer Summer 'Sam' Westin is not only out of her element--she's plunged right into a dangerous conflict between fishermen and environmentalists

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undercurrents, book 3 in the Summer Westin suspense series, switches things up by putting the main character in a scuba diving adventure, which is not her area of expertise. But Summer "Sam" Westin is smart, tough and resourceful, so she isn't going to let a little thing like not knowing how to scuba dive stop her from taking an assignment on the Galapagos Islands.

As usual, there's plenty of action and suspense to keep the plot moving along. The characters are gritty and real, and the beautiful setting just adds to the great adventure. This has become one of my favorite mystery series and I hope to see book 4 coming out soon!

[Harvee Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery is intense as we follow wildlife reporter Sam underwater and on land. The ending and wrap up was a bit too neat, but I wholeheartedly recommend this book for those who like environmental mystery novels and who would also like a glimpse of the famous Galapagos Islands, both underwater and on land. I learned a lot about scuba diving, its delights and its dangers. Full review

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the way Pam Beason builds mysteries around current issues. Undercurrents takes place in the Galapagos Islands. The story centers on the conflicts between tourism in the national parks and poaching by locals. I highly recommend this book for its clever story telling and informative way of letting readers learn about the problems these historical and unique islands are facing. Way to go Pam Beason.

[William H Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Good mystery, excellent action. Looking for more of Sam. She makes for good reading. Fast action, excellent plot. Keeps you on your toes. Highly recomend the entire series.

Highly recommend the entire series. Sam is an excellent host for this series of books. Looking for more of Sam.

[Joni Thornton nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just undercurrents, who will survive? Don't let yourself be pulled under.

More beautiful but terrifying wildlife. As Sam returns to write as Wild Weston she brings something new to keep her readers glued for the next installment. Will she survive, will she meet her lover Chase or will he survive. Or will they both be pulled under.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the Galapagos, another good addition to this series.