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A Mer Cavallo Mystery #1
Adrift
In this breathtaking mystery debut, marine biologist–turned-divemaster Meredith Cavallo stands accused of a chilling crime after a dive gone wrong. But do the murky circumstances point to an accident, a murder, or a supernatural encounter?
Mer thought adjusting to a laid-back life in the Florida Keys would be a breeze. But when she rescues a floundering diver who claims to have seen a ghost, she’s caught in a storm of intrigue. News of the encounter explodes on social media, attracting a team of ghost hunters who want to capture proof that a greenish ghoul haunts Key Largo’s famed USS Spiegel Grove shipwreck.
Meredith knows the wreck inside and out, and agrees to act as their safety diver. When Ishmael, the charismatic leader of the group, vanishes during a midnight dive, everyone except Mer is convinced the ghost has claimed another victim. Topside, the tenacious detective in charge of the investigation finds Mer’s involvement in both incidents suspicious, and her enigmatic neighbor resurrects ghosts from her past.
Determined to find a rational explanation, Mer approaches Ishmael’s disappearance as any scientist would—by asking questions, gathering data, and deducing the truth. But the victim’s life is as shrouded in mystery as his disappearance. Still, something happened under the water and before long, she’s in over her head. When someone tries to kill her, she knows the truth is about to surface. Maybe dead men do tell tales after all.
Mer thought adjusting to a laid-back life in the Florida Keys would be a breeze. But when she rescues a floundering diver who claims to have seen a ghost, she’s caught in a storm of intrigue. News of the encounter explodes on social media, attracting a team of ghost hunters who want to capture proof that a greenish ghoul haunts Key Largo’s famed USS Spiegel Grove shipwreck.
Meredith knows the wreck inside and out, and agrees to act as their safety diver. When Ishmael, the charismatic leader of the group, vanishes during a midnight dive, everyone except Mer is convinced the ghost has claimed another victim. Topside, the tenacious detective in charge of the investigation finds Mer’s involvement in both incidents suspicious, and her enigmatic neighbor resurrects ghosts from her past.
Determined to find a rational explanation, Mer approaches Ishmael’s disappearance as any scientist would—by asking questions, gathering data, and deducing the truth. But the victim’s life is as shrouded in mystery as his disappearance. Still, something happened under the water and before long, she’s in over her head. When someone tries to kill her, she knows the truth is about to surface. Maybe dead men do tell tales after all.
240 pages, ebook
First published January 10, 2017
90 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Micki Browning
7 books45 followersMICKI BROWNING served twenty-two years in law enforcement and retired as a captain before turning to a life of crime fiction. Writing as Micki Browning, she penned the Agatha-nominated and award-winning Mer Cavallo mysteries, and her short stories and nonfiction have appeared in anthologies, diving and mystery magazines, and textbooks. As M.E. Browning, she writes the Jo Wyatt Mysteries. The first in the series, SHADOW RIDGE, won the Colorado Book Award for Mystery and the silver medal in the popular fiction category of the Florida Book Awards.
Micki is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. A professional divemaster, she resides in Florida with her partner in crime and a vast array of scuba equipment she uses for “research.” Visit mebrowning.com to learn more.
Micki is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. A professional divemaster, she resides in Florida with her partner in crime and a vast array of scuba equipment she uses for “research.” Visit mebrowning.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 30, 2016
This is a debut novel located in Florida, the seas and diving. Dr Meredith 'Mer' Cavallo is a marine biologist working as a diving instructor in the Florida Keys until something better comes along. Whilst out with a group dive, she rescues a diver who talks of having seen a ghost at the Key Largo's USS Spiegel Grove shipwreck. News of this filters out and attracts The Spirited Divers, led by Ishmael Styx, who investigate ghostly sightings and make documentaries. Whilst on a midnight dive with the group, strange events occur and Mer has to help a diver experiencing difficulties. However, Ishmael fails to resurface and seems to have disappeared.
A determined detective, Topside, views Mer's role with suspicions of negligence or perhaps something even worse. Mer finds herself turning amateur detective in efforts to clear her name. She does not believe in the supernatural and uses her scientific training to investigate using a logical approach. Ishmael's past proves to be mysterious and Mer is forced to question her conviction in the rational perspective. She encounters deceit, intrigue and plenty of danger. This is an entertaining read that is intricately plotted. There is a great cast of characters which engage. An absorbing novel. Thanks to Random House Alibi for an ARC.
A determined detective, Topside, views Mer's role with suspicions of negligence or perhaps something even worse. Mer finds herself turning amateur detective in efforts to clear her name. She does not believe in the supernatural and uses her scientific training to investigate using a logical approach. Ishmael's past proves to be mysterious and Mer is forced to question her conviction in the rational perspective. She encounters deceit, intrigue and plenty of danger. This is an entertaining read that is intricately plotted. There is a great cast of characters which engage. An absorbing novel. Thanks to Random House Alibi for an ARC.
February 6, 2017
ADRIFT (A Mer Cavallo Mystery #1) BY MICKI BROWNING
The author of this terrific mystery debut used to work in law enforcement. I loved everything about this book. From page one the story pulled me in and the plot was interesting. I really loved Mer Cavello's character and am excited that the author is in the process of writing another book featuring Mer Cavello. I really enjoyed the suspense which never let's up. The story takes place in Key Largo, Florida which is south of Key West. I had spent a semester in my freshman year in high school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I never traveled that far south to visit the Keys. I remember the beautiful beaches and warm ocean that was a greenish aqua color.
Meredith Cavallo has come to Key Largo while waiting for funding to do further research. She has previous been doing research at both the Artic and Antartica. Meredith is a scientist and applies the scientific method to everyday life. Meredith takes a job as a safety scuba diving instuctor who goes out with Captain Leroy Penninichols boat called the LunaSea. Captain Leroy and Meredith are out with other scuba divers when they come upon when they spot a man thrashing in the water about thirty yards from their boat. Meredith and Leroy know he wasn't on their boat, but they immediately try to rescue him. He says "Help me! Keep it away from me!" His name is Rob Price. Rob Price is rescued and he said he saw a ghost. "It was a ghost and the creepiest thing I've ever seen," Rob said "It was shaped like a man, but green and kind of see-through." The other divers on board start filming Rob and it gets uploaded onto YouTube. Meredith does not believe in ghost's. Rob is making quite a spectacle tearing off his oxygen mask and raving "People have to know about this." Another diver tells Rob "Already Posted. Don't worry dude. they'll know your story." "On Facebook now, too," another diver said, "Fifty likes in less than five minutes. That's gotta be a record for me." "Really, people?" Mer said "This man was just pulled out of the ocean unconscious. He didn't see a ghost. Now back up." "I know what I saw." Rob is relieved that the others believed his story.
Both Captain Leroy and Mer work for the Aquarius Dive Shop and neither of them believe in ghosts. They both work very well together and take scuba divers out on a daily basis. The next morning Mer meets Leroy at the dive shop when a man enters named Ishmael. He has the spookiest green eyes Mer has ever seen. He mentions that all the news outlets claim that the crew from Aquarius Dive shop rescued the diver from Spiegel Grove. Ishmael wants to hire a boat for a night dive to the Spiegel Grove on the next moonless night. He will need at least six hours and then a return trip the next morning. He hands Mer his card that says "Spirited Divers Paranormal Scuba Team" and says "We seek ghosts." Mer says "Sounds Shady." Ishmael says "We're filming a documentary about paranormal activity on the Spiegel Grove for the Expedition channel."
"Wouldn't the science -fiction channel be more appropriate?" says Mer.
"I see I have encountered a nonbeliever." says Ishmael.
"I believe in science." "And proof." says Mer.
"Blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed." says Ishmael.
Mer looks in the book and tells Ishmael that the first moonless night is tonight and she has to check with the owner before holding over a crew. Ishmael says to Mer that he needs a safety diver.
"Not a problem," Mer said. "We always staff our charters with a divemaster,"
"Excellent. I'd like you." says Ishmael
"I really don't think you do." She reached for the charter agreement and waivers, eager to end their conversation.
"Nonsense." says Ishmael
"I'm a scientist. I deal with facts. Data makes me happy. Adhering to the scientific method makes me downright giddy. To be blunt, your quest for paranormal activity strikes me as silly." says Mer.
"Not according to the man you rescued yesterday. Seems to me that you, of all people, should know that." "Despite what you may think," Ishmael continued, "there's far more to your rescue than you want to believe." says Ismael.
A chill shook Mer's body. She hadn't shivered since being in the Arctic, and there she had the temperature to blame.
The owner Bijoux Fouchard walks in and Ishmael shakes her hand saying how much he wants Meredith to serve as his safety diver on the many trips he plans to make. He pulls out his wallet and pulled a wad of hundred dollar bills. He lays out seven hundred dollar bills on the counter with triumph in his eyes. Meredith reluctantly agrees to be his safety diver because that seven hundred dollars is for her and Leroy to split. That night will set off a chain of events that propels the reader to turn the pages. I could not put the book down. I think it is a great mystery that will appeal to both genders. It is intelligent and in Meredith you get a well educated protagonist with non stop action. I can't wait to read more of this author and I highly recommend it if you are in the mood for an engaging mystery.
Thank you to Net Galley, Micki Browning and Alibi publishing for the opportunity to read and give a fair and honest review.
The author of this terrific mystery debut used to work in law enforcement. I loved everything about this book. From page one the story pulled me in and the plot was interesting. I really loved Mer Cavello's character and am excited that the author is in the process of writing another book featuring Mer Cavello. I really enjoyed the suspense which never let's up. The story takes place in Key Largo, Florida which is south of Key West. I had spent a semester in my freshman year in high school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I never traveled that far south to visit the Keys. I remember the beautiful beaches and warm ocean that was a greenish aqua color.
Meredith Cavallo has come to Key Largo while waiting for funding to do further research. She has previous been doing research at both the Artic and Antartica. Meredith is a scientist and applies the scientific method to everyday life. Meredith takes a job as a safety scuba diving instuctor who goes out with Captain Leroy Penninichols boat called the LunaSea. Captain Leroy and Meredith are out with other scuba divers when they come upon when they spot a man thrashing in the water about thirty yards from their boat. Meredith and Leroy know he wasn't on their boat, but they immediately try to rescue him. He says "Help me! Keep it away from me!" His name is Rob Price. Rob Price is rescued and he said he saw a ghost. "It was a ghost and the creepiest thing I've ever seen," Rob said "It was shaped like a man, but green and kind of see-through." The other divers on board start filming Rob and it gets uploaded onto YouTube. Meredith does not believe in ghost's. Rob is making quite a spectacle tearing off his oxygen mask and raving "People have to know about this." Another diver tells Rob "Already Posted. Don't worry dude. they'll know your story." "On Facebook now, too," another diver said, "Fifty likes in less than five minutes. That's gotta be a record for me." "Really, people?" Mer said "This man was just pulled out of the ocean unconscious. He didn't see a ghost. Now back up." "I know what I saw." Rob is relieved that the others believed his story.
Both Captain Leroy and Mer work for the Aquarius Dive Shop and neither of them believe in ghosts. They both work very well together and take scuba divers out on a daily basis. The next morning Mer meets Leroy at the dive shop when a man enters named Ishmael. He has the spookiest green eyes Mer has ever seen. He mentions that all the news outlets claim that the crew from Aquarius Dive shop rescued the diver from Spiegel Grove. Ishmael wants to hire a boat for a night dive to the Spiegel Grove on the next moonless night. He will need at least six hours and then a return trip the next morning. He hands Mer his card that says "Spirited Divers Paranormal Scuba Team" and says "We seek ghosts." Mer says "Sounds Shady." Ishmael says "We're filming a documentary about paranormal activity on the Spiegel Grove for the Expedition channel."
"Wouldn't the science -fiction channel be more appropriate?" says Mer.
"I see I have encountered a nonbeliever." says Ishmael.
"I believe in science." "And proof." says Mer.
"Blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed." says Ishmael.
Mer looks in the book and tells Ishmael that the first moonless night is tonight and she has to check with the owner before holding over a crew. Ishmael says to Mer that he needs a safety diver.
"Not a problem," Mer said. "We always staff our charters with a divemaster,"
"Excellent. I'd like you." says Ishmael
"I really don't think you do." She reached for the charter agreement and waivers, eager to end their conversation.
"Nonsense." says Ishmael
"I'm a scientist. I deal with facts. Data makes me happy. Adhering to the scientific method makes me downright giddy. To be blunt, your quest for paranormal activity strikes me as silly." says Mer.
"Not according to the man you rescued yesterday. Seems to me that you, of all people, should know that." "Despite what you may think," Ishmael continued, "there's far more to your rescue than you want to believe." says Ismael.
A chill shook Mer's body. She hadn't shivered since being in the Arctic, and there she had the temperature to blame.
The owner Bijoux Fouchard walks in and Ishmael shakes her hand saying how much he wants Meredith to serve as his safety diver on the many trips he plans to make. He pulls out his wallet and pulled a wad of hundred dollar bills. He lays out seven hundred dollar bills on the counter with triumph in his eyes. Meredith reluctantly agrees to be his safety diver because that seven hundred dollars is for her and Leroy to split. That night will set off a chain of events that propels the reader to turn the pages. I could not put the book down. I think it is a great mystery that will appeal to both genders. It is intelligent and in Meredith you get a well educated protagonist with non stop action. I can't wait to read more of this author and I highly recommend it if you are in the mood for an engaging mystery.
Thank you to Net Galley, Micki Browning and Alibi publishing for the opportunity to read and give a fair and honest review.
February 19, 2017
Well, another new author has me hooked by her debut mystery for her series.
ADRIFT (A Mer Cavalllo Mystery #1) by Micki Browning features Dr. Meredith “Mer” Cavallo, a marine biologist, currently working as a safety dive master in the Florida Keys as she waits for a funded research position. On a normal afternoon tourist group dive, Mer rescues a man five miles from the boat he came out on, who swears he doesn’t know how he got there and he saw a ghost on the wreck of the USS Spiegel Grove.
Mer needs money and is financially bribed into a night dive with a paranormal group filming a documentary trying to prove the existence of the ghost on the USS Spiegel Grove. The dive goes terribly wrong and Mer stands to lose all of her scientific credibility because she believes she saw a ghost as she tries to save one diver while she loses another. The police are suspicious of Mer because she was involved in both incidents surrounding the wreck and she knows she has to clear her name if she is to have a chance to return to academia and she refuses to believe in ghosts.
This story has mystery, suspense, surprising plot twists and a great lead character. Ms. Browning leads you down one path, only to twist and turn you onto another, always with facts and logic. I have never been to The Keys or been diving and yet I was never bored or lost as the logistics and technical elements were woven into the story. Mer is a character that at first was a little too cold for me, but as I got to know her through a past love interest (who is going to be an interesting story himself), her brothers and mother, you realize that she isn’t really cold, just intellectually brilliant and socially inept, similar to Dr. Brennan from the Bones series. I am now hooked and need to know what path Mer will follow in the future. Hopefully the next book will be out soon!
Thanks so much to Random House Publishing Group-Alibi and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to more in this series.
ADRIFT (A Mer Cavalllo Mystery #1) by Micki Browning features Dr. Meredith “Mer” Cavallo, a marine biologist, currently working as a safety dive master in the Florida Keys as she waits for a funded research position. On a normal afternoon tourist group dive, Mer rescues a man five miles from the boat he came out on, who swears he doesn’t know how he got there and he saw a ghost on the wreck of the USS Spiegel Grove.
Mer needs money and is financially bribed into a night dive with a paranormal group filming a documentary trying to prove the existence of the ghost on the USS Spiegel Grove. The dive goes terribly wrong and Mer stands to lose all of her scientific credibility because she believes she saw a ghost as she tries to save one diver while she loses another. The police are suspicious of Mer because she was involved in both incidents surrounding the wreck and she knows she has to clear her name if she is to have a chance to return to academia and she refuses to believe in ghosts.
This story has mystery, suspense, surprising plot twists and a great lead character. Ms. Browning leads you down one path, only to twist and turn you onto another, always with facts and logic. I have never been to The Keys or been diving and yet I was never bored or lost as the logistics and technical elements were woven into the story. Mer is a character that at first was a little too cold for me, but as I got to know her through a past love interest (who is going to be an interesting story himself), her brothers and mother, you realize that she isn’t really cold, just intellectually brilliant and socially inept, similar to Dr. Brennan from the Bones series. I am now hooked and need to know what path Mer will follow in the future. Hopefully the next book will be out soon!
Thanks so much to Random House Publishing Group-Alibi and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to more in this series.
October 18, 2016
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Micki Browning, Random House Publishing Group, and Alibi for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
In her debut novel, Browning offers up an interesting take on the mystery novel, adding a deep sea flavour to keep the reader curious. Teuthologist Dr. Meredith 'Mer' Cavallo has turned to working as a divemaster in the Florida Keys after her latest research project went belly-up. While out with a group, a troubled diver surfaces, speaking of a ghost within the Spiegel Grove, a local shipwreck. This ghostly chatter brings The Spirited Divers to the Keys, known for their documentaries on deep sea paranormal activities. Headed by Ishmael Styx, the group is set to investigate the recent sightings as part of their latest film project, with Cavallo sent along as the safety diver. While on the dive, a number of unexplained events occur followed by a panic attack by one member of the team. As Cavallo seeks to assist with the ascent, she leaves Styx behind. Fully capable of reaching the surface alone, Cavallo is baffled when Styx does not appear, which shifts significant suspicion on the skeptical doctor. A local detective begins probing and Cavallo is left to defend herself against accusations that she had something to do with Styx's disappearance, which is quickly turning into something much more sinister. With the rest of the Spirited Divers mourning the likely loss of their leader, Cavallo is forced to help them finish the documentary, only to discover that things may be more paranormal that meets the eye. After struggling with much self-doubt when someone from her past resurfaces, Cavallo must also wrestle with relaxing her strong scientific mind when presented with much she cannot explain. Her continued probing into the life of Ishmael Styx open up a chasm of mystery and deception, leaving some key evidence out in the open but with the authorities refusing to engage in any discussion. With the revelation of another body, Dr. Cavallo finds herself in the middle of a mystery that has her as a key suspect, keen on disproving the entire paranormal phenomena. Will Mer find herself able to unravel the truth or will the mystery haunt her? Browning offers readers an interesting look into her abilities and has potential to attract a wonderful fan base.
In a genre supersaturated with traditional sleuths, Browning offers readers a unique approach. Using Cavallo's professional training and her personal passion, as well as an ideal setting, Browning is able to coax out a decent foundation for her murder mystery. Developing a collection of characters from many walks of life allows the story to spin in many directions, while keeping the central focus on Cavallo and her numerous struggles. The dialogue is peppered with jargon that accentuates the numerous areas in which the narrative dabbles, which can be both beneficial and troublesome. Skimming the surfaces on many topics, including diving, the paranormal, personal faith, and documentary filmmaking, leaves the reader feeling underwhelmed and likely not curious enough to explore topics independently. That being said, Browning's understanding and description of all that is diving offers her a unique niche best utilised in another novel, should a series be in the making. Additionally, while the reader is to grasp the idea that Dr. Mer Cavallo is an amateur sleuth, her interactions with law enforcement are stilted and minimal, but her own investigating is also less than intense, namely because she is juggling so much else in the story. This leaves the reader pulled in a number of directions without a clear understanding of where they are being taken or how things will resolve themselves. A stellar technique for some authors, but problematic in its approach by Browning in this debut novel.
Kudos, Madam Browning for a decent opening novel. I hope you will consider writing a sequel, having left some options open for Mer in the storyline, but a stronger concentration on a few areas might help create a better final product.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
In her debut novel, Browning offers up an interesting take on the mystery novel, adding a deep sea flavour to keep the reader curious. Teuthologist Dr. Meredith 'Mer' Cavallo has turned to working as a divemaster in the Florida Keys after her latest research project went belly-up. While out with a group, a troubled diver surfaces, speaking of a ghost within the Spiegel Grove, a local shipwreck. This ghostly chatter brings The Spirited Divers to the Keys, known for their documentaries on deep sea paranormal activities. Headed by Ishmael Styx, the group is set to investigate the recent sightings as part of their latest film project, with Cavallo sent along as the safety diver. While on the dive, a number of unexplained events occur followed by a panic attack by one member of the team. As Cavallo seeks to assist with the ascent, she leaves Styx behind. Fully capable of reaching the surface alone, Cavallo is baffled when Styx does not appear, which shifts significant suspicion on the skeptical doctor. A local detective begins probing and Cavallo is left to defend herself against accusations that she had something to do with Styx's disappearance, which is quickly turning into something much more sinister. With the rest of the Spirited Divers mourning the likely loss of their leader, Cavallo is forced to help them finish the documentary, only to discover that things may be more paranormal that meets the eye. After struggling with much self-doubt when someone from her past resurfaces, Cavallo must also wrestle with relaxing her strong scientific mind when presented with much she cannot explain. Her continued probing into the life of Ishmael Styx open up a chasm of mystery and deception, leaving some key evidence out in the open but with the authorities refusing to engage in any discussion. With the revelation of another body, Dr. Cavallo finds herself in the middle of a mystery that has her as a key suspect, keen on disproving the entire paranormal phenomena. Will Mer find herself able to unravel the truth or will the mystery haunt her? Browning offers readers an interesting look into her abilities and has potential to attract a wonderful fan base.
In a genre supersaturated with traditional sleuths, Browning offers readers a unique approach. Using Cavallo's professional training and her personal passion, as well as an ideal setting, Browning is able to coax out a decent foundation for her murder mystery. Developing a collection of characters from many walks of life allows the story to spin in many directions, while keeping the central focus on Cavallo and her numerous struggles. The dialogue is peppered with jargon that accentuates the numerous areas in which the narrative dabbles, which can be both beneficial and troublesome. Skimming the surfaces on many topics, including diving, the paranormal, personal faith, and documentary filmmaking, leaves the reader feeling underwhelmed and likely not curious enough to explore topics independently. That being said, Browning's understanding and description of all that is diving offers her a unique niche best utilised in another novel, should a series be in the making. Additionally, while the reader is to grasp the idea that Dr. Mer Cavallo is an amateur sleuth, her interactions with law enforcement are stilted and minimal, but her own investigating is also less than intense, namely because she is juggling so much else in the story. This leaves the reader pulled in a number of directions without a clear understanding of where they are being taken or how things will resolve themselves. A stellar technique for some authors, but problematic in its approach by Browning in this debut novel.
Kudos, Madam Browning for a decent opening novel. I hope you will consider writing a sequel, having left some options open for Mer in the storyline, but a stronger concentration on a few areas might help create a better final product.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 4, 2016
3.5 stars
This debut novel has Meredith Carvallo, a marine scientist temporarily working as a divemaster, as its main character. After she rescues a diver who swears he has seen a ghost, she is hired to lead a night dive for a group who document underwater paranormal activities.
I know nothing about diving but Browning does a good job painting the scene. She makes you feel you are there. The fear Mer feels at losing Ishmael is palpable. There is a definite supernatural bent to this mystery. It works since Mer is a scientist and therefore, a nonbeliever. “The questions that pounded at the boundaries of her beliefs drew her into a non-scientific realm she didn't know how to negotiate…” this novel is a little more than your typical mystery. There's a bit of depth here, a little philosophy. Hell, Mer’s brother even discusses Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit priest and scientist who reconciles the Bible and evolutionism.
A little romance adds to the plot. Mer is a sympathetic main character. Well defined, a real three dimensional character.
This is a fun, fast paced mystery. A few loose ends keeps this book from being four star.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
December 27, 2025
Rating: 2.5* of five
The Publisher Says: AGATHA AWARD NOMINEE • In this breathtaking mystery debut, a marine biologist turned divemaster stands accused of a chilling crime after a dive gone wrong. But do the murky circumstances point to an accident, a murder, or a supernatural encounter?
Mer Cavallo thought adjusting to a laid-back life in the Florida Keys would be a breeze. But when she rescues a floundering diver who claims to have seen a ghost, she’s caught in a storm of intrigue. News of the encounter explodes on social media, attracting a team of ghost hunters who want to capture proof that a greenish ghoul haunts Key Largo’s famed USS Spiegel Grove shipwreck.
Mer knows the wreck inside and out, and agrees to act as their safety diver. When Ishmael, the charismatic leader of the group, vanishes during a midnight dive, everyone except Mer is convinced the ghost has claimed another victim. Topside, the tenacious detective in charge of the investigation finds Mer’s involvement in both incidents suspicious, and her enigmatic neighbor resurrects ghosts from her past.
Determined to find a rational explanation, Mer approaches Ishmael’s disappearance as any scientist would—by asking questions, gathering data, and deducing the truth. But the victim’s life is as shrouded in mystery as his disappearance. Still, something happened under the water and before long, she’s in over her head. When someone tries to kill her, she knows the truth is about to surface. Maybe dead men do tell tales after all.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I'm not in the mood for blandly competent prose and a standard plot. "Mer fell silent for a bit, chewing on the possibilities. Amber probably didn't want to see her. Lindsey definitely didn't want to see her. Detective Talbot had the authority to keep her from a potential crime scene, and apparently had no reservation about exercising said authority. Well, then. She'd just have to get her information another way."
At 25%, I'd already forgotten who Amber and Lindsey were. Not enough to keep me interested.
Alibi / Random House charges $5.99 for an ebook. Borrow it from the library.
The Publisher Says: AGATHA AWARD NOMINEE • In this breathtaking mystery debut, a marine biologist turned divemaster stands accused of a chilling crime after a dive gone wrong. But do the murky circumstances point to an accident, a murder, or a supernatural encounter?
Mer Cavallo thought adjusting to a laid-back life in the Florida Keys would be a breeze. But when she rescues a floundering diver who claims to have seen a ghost, she’s caught in a storm of intrigue. News of the encounter explodes on social media, attracting a team of ghost hunters who want to capture proof that a greenish ghoul haunts Key Largo’s famed USS Spiegel Grove shipwreck.
Mer knows the wreck inside and out, and agrees to act as their safety diver. When Ishmael, the charismatic leader of the group, vanishes during a midnight dive, everyone except Mer is convinced the ghost has claimed another victim. Topside, the tenacious detective in charge of the investigation finds Mer’s involvement in both incidents suspicious, and her enigmatic neighbor resurrects ghosts from her past.
Determined to find a rational explanation, Mer approaches Ishmael’s disappearance as any scientist would—by asking questions, gathering data, and deducing the truth. But the victim’s life is as shrouded in mystery as his disappearance. Still, something happened under the water and before long, she’s in over her head. When someone tries to kill her, she knows the truth is about to surface. Maybe dead men do tell tales after all.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I'm not in the mood for blandly competent prose and a standard plot. "Mer fell silent for a bit, chewing on the possibilities. Amber probably didn't want to see her. Lindsey definitely didn't want to see her. Detective Talbot had the authority to keep her from a potential crime scene, and apparently had no reservation about exercising said authority. Well, then. She'd just have to get her information another way."
At 25%, I'd already forgotten who Amber and Lindsey were. Not enough to keep me interested.
Alibi / Random House charges $5.99 for an ebook. Borrow it from the library.
May 4, 2019
Love, love, love the characters in this series, the Key West setting and the author's sense of humor. It's so refreshing to find an author that can throw in sarcasm and humorous dialogue without being cheesy or over-the-top. The mystery was also engaging and there was just the right amount of suspense and action. If you grabbed this book off the shelf without any background on the author, you would never know this was her debut. It's written with the finesse of a seasoned author. If you're a fan of mysteries, you should check it out. You won't be disappointed! I have a new favorite mystery author.
*I received this ARC from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
*I received this ARC from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
October 16, 2016
Pretty decent debut for author Micki Browning. Good storyline, lots of sleuthing (because the cops just didn't see stuff from a scientific angle), and it's set in the Florida Keys. Full review to come closer to release date.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book.
September 19, 2018
Mer is a marine biologist who is currently working as a safety diver on a charter boat, The LunaSea (I love that name). The boat is chartered by a group wanting to do paranormal studies on a sunken boat. During the dive, things go wrong and the crew's leader, Ishamel, disappears, presumed dead.
Mer is a scientist and she needs to protect her reputation after the accident. So she starts looking into things, where she discovers many inconsistencies.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. She is determined and smart, but I thought she was a bit harsh in her criticisms of the "ghost hunters". I am also not sure at all about her relationship with her neighbor. This is a great start to a series.
Mer is a scientist and she needs to protect her reputation after the accident. So she starts looking into things, where she discovers many inconsistencies.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. She is determined and smart, but I thought she was a bit harsh in her criticisms of the "ghost hunters". I am also not sure at all about her relationship with her neighbor. This is a great start to a series.
January 7, 2017
Mer is a safety diver who saves a man who somehow drifted 5 miles away from his boat and dive team, claiming to have seen a ghost and that it's after him. As a scientist, Mer is nothing if not skeptical. News gets out fast and Mer becomes somewhat of a sensation and receives unwanted attention. In comes Ishmael, who wants to do a documentary of potential paranormal activity in the water and hires Mer to be a part of the crew. On their first dive, things go south and Mer loses Ishmael while helping another crew member get back to safety. The mystery begins. What happened to Ishmael? Is there really a ghost or something more sinister happening? Right now the entire community, including the police, hold Mer as their number one suspect.
Great debut by Micki Browning. I read this in a day and a half. I could see certain elements happening before they unfolded but still thoroughly enjoyed the story. The dialogue cracked me up at certain moments. It definitely kept my curiosity throughout the book - is this a paranormal mystery or not? Highly entertaining and fast paced. The author has clearly done her research! The last few paragraphs seemed a tiny bit cheesy in it's set up for the next book, but somehow I didn't mind too much. Hard to explain - you're just going to have to read for yourself. One thing I took away the most, it's octopuses, NOT octopi! Finally, I know the answer! :) 4 full stars for this debut.
Great debut by Micki Browning. I read this in a day and a half. I could see certain elements happening before they unfolded but still thoroughly enjoyed the story. The dialogue cracked me up at certain moments. It definitely kept my curiosity throughout the book - is this a paranormal mystery or not? Highly entertaining and fast paced. The author has clearly done her research! The last few paragraphs seemed a tiny bit cheesy in it's set up for the next book, but somehow I didn't mind too much. Hard to explain - you're just going to have to read for yourself. One thing I took away the most, it's octopuses, NOT octopi! Finally, I know the answer! :) 4 full stars for this debut.
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October 26, 2017Well, once again I'm in the minority. This book has a 4+ star rating on goodreads and won awards, but for me, it was just okay. I liked it, gave it 3 stars on goodreads, but I didn't love it.
Our heroine is different, being a marine biologist and dive master, not usual lines of works for mystery story leads. She has no experience investigating murder or any crimes but when she's a suspect in a disappearance, she takes matters into her own hands. Mer is an independent woman, a loner, and prone to being a smart-ass. She's passionate about octopuses, NOT octopi, she's quite firm about that; she tends to keep people at a distance; she's smart thought not always good at social interactions; and she has a tendency to speak without thinking first.
The pace of the story was steady, with events occurring over several weeks. At times, I wished things moved a little faster as parts of the story dragged. There was a lot of detail about underwater diving and underwater equipment. The mystery itself was well-done and kept me reading. I figured out a few things along the way but there were some surprises. The mystery was complex but not overly complicated and I liked how it kept me guessing. At times the mystery took a backseat to Mer's personal life, which contributed to the slowness of the story. There's a strong cast of interesting characters who added depth to the story and gave Mer help in her investigations. The detective in charge of the police investigation veered between being competent and incompetent, though we only see him from Mer's perspective and she's desperate to clear her name.
The story asks questions about the paranormal, about faith, about science, and whether people deserve a second chance. Mer is at a fork in the road for her life and the disappearance of Ishmael prompts Mer to re-evaluate her life and her beliefs, as does a chance encounter with an old love. Mer was hard to warm up to; she was distant, prickly, and sometimes hard to understand. She's balanced out by her boss, Bijoux, a warm woman who reads Tarot cards, and her mother, a slightly over-bearing but well-meaning woman who reads palms. Their workings in the paranormal and mystical provide a good counterpoint to Mer's all-scientific method, all-the-time approach to life.
"Adrift' provided a solid, mostly entertaining story with a strong cast of characters. The pacing was off and Mer was stiff at times but it's a promising start to the series.
Our heroine is different, being a marine biologist and dive master, not usual lines of works for mystery story leads. She has no experience investigating murder or any crimes but when she's a suspect in a disappearance, she takes matters into her own hands. Mer is an independent woman, a loner, and prone to being a smart-ass. She's passionate about octopuses, NOT octopi, she's quite firm about that; she tends to keep people at a distance; she's smart thought not always good at social interactions; and she has a tendency to speak without thinking first.
The pace of the story was steady, with events occurring over several weeks. At times, I wished things moved a little faster as parts of the story dragged. There was a lot of detail about underwater diving and underwater equipment. The mystery itself was well-done and kept me reading. I figured out a few things along the way but there were some surprises. The mystery was complex but not overly complicated and I liked how it kept me guessing. At times the mystery took a backseat to Mer's personal life, which contributed to the slowness of the story. There's a strong cast of interesting characters who added depth to the story and gave Mer help in her investigations. The detective in charge of the police investigation veered between being competent and incompetent, though we only see him from Mer's perspective and she's desperate to clear her name.
The story asks questions about the paranormal, about faith, about science, and whether people deserve a second chance. Mer is at a fork in the road for her life and the disappearance of Ishmael prompts Mer to re-evaluate her life and her beliefs, as does a chance encounter with an old love. Mer was hard to warm up to; she was distant, prickly, and sometimes hard to understand. She's balanced out by her boss, Bijoux, a warm woman who reads Tarot cards, and her mother, a slightly over-bearing but well-meaning woman who reads palms. Their workings in the paranormal and mystical provide a good counterpoint to Mer's all-scientific method, all-the-time approach to life.
"Adrift' provided a solid, mostly entertaining story with a strong cast of characters. The pacing was off and Mer was stiff at times but it's a promising start to the series.
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March 10, 2017Whether you dive in the real world or just through the pages of a book, the dive scenes in this Debut Novel will thrill you. Amateur sleuth - no graphic sex/violence, (but lots of tension) borders on a cozy.
September 23, 2020
I enjoyed this atmospheric mystery with a touch of the paranormal after a diving incident goes wrong. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 5, 2016
This is a promising debut novel by author Micki Browning. Obviously she knows whereof she writes. The main character is Meredith(Mer) Cavallo, a marine biologist turned diving instructor, who is working in the Florida in between post- Ph.D. research assignments. The story begins with Mer rescuing a diver who claims he has seen a ghost on a wreck where he was diving. This draws media attention and several characters who claim to be working on a documentary about the supernatural. They hire the boat and dive crew of which Mer is part and set out to do underwater filming of the wreck in the hopes of capturing footage of the "ghost" purported to frequent the wreck. Their charismatic leader Ishmael disappears during the dive but his coworkers later claim to see his "ghost" hovering around the wreck. This sets the scene for parallel investigations by the police and Mer in an attempt to establish what really happened. The story behind the story is a bit convoluted but nonetheless makes for an enjoyable read.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC of this novel.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC of this novel.
October 3, 2016
I had assumed (wrongly as it turned out) that this would be a scientist is forced to acknowledge the reality of the paranormal type of mystery. I was very glad to see that this mystery is much more than that and has so much depth.
The main character, Mer Cavallo, is a marine biologist working as a diving instructor in the Florida Keys while she waits for her dream job. When the leader of an underwater paranormal group disappears while she supervises as their safety diver, Mer is thrown into a mystery that could prove to be her last.
I loved Mer's character and how she was so intellectual that she was sometimes bemused by social behavior and interactions.
I think this is a great beginning to a new series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
The main character, Mer Cavallo, is a marine biologist working as a diving instructor in the Florida Keys while she waits for her dream job. When the leader of an underwater paranormal group disappears while she supervises as their safety diver, Mer is thrown into a mystery that could prove to be her last.
I loved Mer's character and how she was so intellectual that she was sometimes bemused by social behavior and interactions.
I think this is a great beginning to a new series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2016
Loved this. I'm a native Floridian and am pleased to say, Micki Browning knows Florida. Her descriptions will make you feel like you're on the boat or scuba diving right along with Mer. Speaking of Mer, she's smart, sexy, and a very intrepid lead. I hope there are some sequels in the works. The mystery here is very intriguing. The paranormal activity is freaky and believable. Well researched. Smoothly plotted. Likeable lead. Great debut!
July 11, 2018
Adrift is the first in a series from Micki Browning, with an engaging protagonist. Mer is a teuthologist, a marine zoologist who specializes in cephalopods, those intelligent creatures such as the octopus and squid. Already, you know you’re dealing with an intelligent woman. Analytical but not a professional like a PI, Mer sets out to solve a mystery with a paranormal twist and sort out the romance department in her life. There is danger, humor, and clever repartee in the dialogue. As an advanced diver, though not experienced in the waters off Key Largo, I enjoyed all of the author’s underwater descriptions. Life underwater, the eeriness of a shipwreck dive, and the camaraderie among divers are vividly captured, which is no small accomplishment since your physical senses are limited. I don’t read a lot of books with the paranormal, but I didn’t mind it here. I read for character and I like Mer Cavallo. If you like life on a boat or near the beach, and you want a unique mystery, then Adrift may just be right for you. I would read book two, Beached.
April 18, 2017
One of the things I loved about this book is the authenticity with which Micki Browning writes. The story kept me thoroughly engaged and I loved the main character Meredith Cavallo, a.k.a. Mer. She's witty, smart, and practical and all the more reason why the paranormal aspect of this mystery works with this particular character. This is really a refreshing take on the usual path of a traditional mystery, and one that I liked a lot. In her story the paranormal activity is introduced when her dive group encounters a man who believes he's seen a ghost. This is a perfect foil for our scientific thought processing MC to have to investigate. Plus, there's a little of everything in this wonderful debut, aside from mystery and the paranormal, there's just the right level of romance.
I'm glad there will be more Mer Cavallo books! A really great job on this debut for Micki Browning!
I'm glad there will be more Mer Cavallo books! A really great job on this debut for Micki Browning!
January 23, 2018
The Florida Keys, a scuba-diving scientist, and a fast-paced story that kept me turning the pages well into the night. I loved everything about this book: the well drawn characters, a believable and intricate plot, a hint of romance with two men on the “possible” list, and non-stop action and suspense. Debut novels can be clumsy, the language not quite refined. Browning’s prose shines page after page, the awards won for Adrift richly deserved. Next stop: Beached, book 2 in the Mer Cavallo mystery series. Do yourself a favor and take the dive. You won’t regret a minute of it, though I guarantee that once you get started, you’ll be reading well past your bedtime.
April 27, 2017
Best. Book. Ever!!!
I REALLY enjoyed this!! There were NO lags, no uncomfortable moments, there was action, excitement and intensity. I LOVE this author!!! I seriously hope she can write FAST!!!
Micki Browning, you are all that and a bag of chips, lady!! Keep up the incredible work!!! What a great start to what should prove to be a very prolific career!! Brava!!!
I REALLY enjoyed this!! There were NO lags, no uncomfortable moments, there was action, excitement and intensity. I LOVE this author!!! I seriously hope she can write FAST!!!
Micki Browning, you are all that and a bag of chips, lady!! Keep up the incredible work!!! What a great start to what should prove to be a very prolific career!! Brava!!!
July 8, 2017
I received this arc from Netgalley.
I enjoyed the beginning of this book but it quickly goes downhill from there. I started getting bored and falling asleep while reading this. Not an entertaining nor enjoyable book.
I enjoyed the beginning of this book but it quickly goes downhill from there. I started getting bored and falling asleep while reading this. Not an entertaining nor enjoyable book.
March 3, 2017
Great ghost story with lots of suspense page after page, highly recommend it!
February 1, 2017
A big thank you to NetGalley, as well as the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2017
Ghosts, Murder, and a Dive Gone Wrong
Mer Cavallo, marine biologist, takes a job as a divemaster while waiting for her dream job in the Antarctic. When she rescues a diver in distress who insists that he’s seem a ghost on the site of the sunken USS Spiegel Grove, the rescue sparks interest in looking for ghosts at the site.
A team specializing in tracking ghosts on ship wrecks charters the Lunasea, the boat Mer works on. They want to search for ghosts and do it at night. The tension among the team members is palpable since it includes both the ex-wife and the fiancée of the team leader, Ishmael.
Against her wishes, Mer is the divemaster on the night cruise. When they reach the site, Mer, Ishmael, and Amber, his fiancée, go down, but only Amber and Mer come back. Now the police are involved and Detective Talbot seems to think Ishmael has been murdered, and Mer is responsible.
I like the characters in this book. Mer is the complete scientist trying to understand what happened in a logical way, looking for facts. My favorite character was Leroy, captain of the Lunasea. His sage advice is given with just the right amount of salty dialog.
The setting in the Florida Keys is realistic. This is a great book to read when you’re freezing in the winter snow of the North. Although I know nothing about diving, the scenes seem technically accurate. The danger underwater keeps you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoy mysteries with good characters, interesting plot, and ghosts. You’ll enjoy this book.
I received this book from Alibi for this review.
Mer Cavallo, marine biologist, takes a job as a divemaster while waiting for her dream job in the Antarctic. When she rescues a diver in distress who insists that he’s seem a ghost on the site of the sunken USS Spiegel Grove, the rescue sparks interest in looking for ghosts at the site.
A team specializing in tracking ghosts on ship wrecks charters the Lunasea, the boat Mer works on. They want to search for ghosts and do it at night. The tension among the team members is palpable since it includes both the ex-wife and the fiancée of the team leader, Ishmael.
Against her wishes, Mer is the divemaster on the night cruise. When they reach the site, Mer, Ishmael, and Amber, his fiancée, go down, but only Amber and Mer come back. Now the police are involved and Detective Talbot seems to think Ishmael has been murdered, and Mer is responsible.
I like the characters in this book. Mer is the complete scientist trying to understand what happened in a logical way, looking for facts. My favorite character was Leroy, captain of the Lunasea. His sage advice is given with just the right amount of salty dialog.
The setting in the Florida Keys is realistic. This is a great book to read when you’re freezing in the winter snow of the North. Although I know nothing about diving, the scenes seem technically accurate. The danger underwater keeps you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoy mysteries with good characters, interesting plot, and ghosts. You’ll enjoy this book.
I received this book from Alibi for this review.
November 11, 2016
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Random House Publishing Group - Alibi!
I had something in common with Dr. Mer Cavallo while reading this, novel sometimes it was hard to breathe. In Mer's case it’s because of all the spooky stuff going on at the bottom of the ocean. In mine, because of the high-tension caused by it. She is a woman of science and doesn't believe in ghosts. When she sees one for herself, her world is shattered. But not only in a metaphorical sense (all she ever believed in is in question), but also in a literal way (her life, work and good name are crumbling). The plot is very classical in its structure: setup, mystery, investigation, red herrings, suspects. It is fun and easy to read. The reason I don't give it 5 stars is because of my one and only pet peeve: Mer is super-smart and yet, she does some very, very stupid things that a reasonable, resourceful woman would never do (in my opinion). I liked the complicated romantic subplot and I want to get to know more about the mysterious Selkie. I loved all the supporting characters. In a good way, it is like a grown-up episode of Scooby Doo (a series I love).
I had something in common with Dr. Mer Cavallo while reading this, novel sometimes it was hard to breathe. In Mer's case it’s because of all the spooky stuff going on at the bottom of the ocean. In mine, because of the high-tension caused by it. She is a woman of science and doesn't believe in ghosts. When she sees one for herself, her world is shattered. But not only in a metaphorical sense (all she ever believed in is in question), but also in a literal way (her life, work and good name are crumbling). The plot is very classical in its structure: setup, mystery, investigation, red herrings, suspects. It is fun and easy to read. The reason I don't give it 5 stars is because of my one and only pet peeve: Mer is super-smart and yet, she does some very, very stupid things that a reasonable, resourceful woman would never do (in my opinion). I liked the complicated romantic subplot and I want to get to know more about the mysterious Selkie. I loved all the supporting characters. In a good way, it is like a grown-up episode of Scooby Doo (a series I love).
September 15, 2016
3.5 stars, rounded up since it was a debut
Thanks to Netgalley and Alibi for providing me with an advance copy of this to read and review.
This was a very enjoyable mystery, especially for a debut. The author certainly seemed to be well versed in the things she wrote about. The mystery itself was a little predictable, but had enough surprises to keep it interesting. I'm a little ambivalent about the main character, Mel - she seems to not always make the choices someone with her background should, but I think I would be willing to give another book in the series a chance. I enjoyed the setting - despite never having been there, I often enjoy books set in the Florida Keys. Overall a good debut mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and Alibi for providing me with an advance copy of this to read and review.
This was a very enjoyable mystery, especially for a debut. The author certainly seemed to be well versed in the things she wrote about. The mystery itself was a little predictable, but had enough surprises to keep it interesting. I'm a little ambivalent about the main character, Mel - she seems to not always make the choices someone with her background should, but I think I would be willing to give another book in the series a chance. I enjoyed the setting - despite never having been there, I often enjoy books set in the Florida Keys. Overall a good debut mystery.
January 6, 2017
This book has excitement, adventure, suspense and a little romance. Mer Cavallo is an unusual protagonist, a Phd marine biologist between research assignments working on a dive boat in the Florida keys. She is drawn into the investigation of paranormal activity on an artificial reef. The descriptions of dive and boating action are perfect. A rich variety of characters fill out the cast. The mystery is deep and thrilling she attempts to find how her diver vanished. I read the book in one day, because I just couldn't put it down. The ending is very satisfying, and sets the stage for more Mer Cavallo stories.
February 7, 2017
A great, fast paced mystery and a strong debut for Micki Browning. I look forward to picking up the next in the series! What a fascinating lead character. Not always completely likeable, but interesting and entertaining. She reminded me a bit of Dr. Brennan in the early seasons of the show Bones: highly educated, extremely intelligent, needs a bit of work on her people skills.
Meredith "Mer" Cavallo is a marine biologist currently working as a divemaster in the Florida Keys. Her job is to keep everyone safe in the sometimes dangerous environment of the ocean. She's good at her job, and enjoys it. It's a good break while she decides what the next step in her career should be, and never intended to be a long term commitment. When she rescues a man that surfaces near her boat that wasn't on her diving team, a bit of local celebrity is thrust on her. The man, who has surfaced from a different group who were diving an impossible distance away, claims to have seen a ghost.
Turns out the story is good for business, and Mer soon agrees to accompany a team who are searching for the paranormal in the oceans depths... only for the money. There's still not a doubt in her brain that there's a logical explanation to the ghost story. They dive to the same ship wreck the first man dove to... and they don't all make it out. One man, the leader of the whole operation, is gone. Mer was distracted while bringing up a less experienced diver who experienced a panic attack. Ishmael, the charming man who talked Mer into joining them, is gone. For the first time, Mer has failed to bring all her divers up to safety.
Mer has fallen under suspicion... she has to deal with a detective that seems convinced she is somehow to blame and the other divers in the paranormal group, including the missing man's girlfriend and ex-wife. She's determined to figure out what really happened, and eventually even her logical brain starts to wonder if there may be truth to that ghost story after all. Soon, she's in danger herself and has to find out the truth or risk losing more than just her career and reputation.
A lot of mystery, a bit of science, and a touch of romance. Very enjoyable story. I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Alibi, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Meredith "Mer" Cavallo is a marine biologist currently working as a divemaster in the Florida Keys. Her job is to keep everyone safe in the sometimes dangerous environment of the ocean. She's good at her job, and enjoys it. It's a good break while she decides what the next step in her career should be, and never intended to be a long term commitment. When she rescues a man that surfaces near her boat that wasn't on her diving team, a bit of local celebrity is thrust on her. The man, who has surfaced from a different group who were diving an impossible distance away, claims to have seen a ghost.
Turns out the story is good for business, and Mer soon agrees to accompany a team who are searching for the paranormal in the oceans depths... only for the money. There's still not a doubt in her brain that there's a logical explanation to the ghost story. They dive to the same ship wreck the first man dove to... and they don't all make it out. One man, the leader of the whole operation, is gone. Mer was distracted while bringing up a less experienced diver who experienced a panic attack. Ishmael, the charming man who talked Mer into joining them, is gone. For the first time, Mer has failed to bring all her divers up to safety.
Mer has fallen under suspicion... she has to deal with a detective that seems convinced she is somehow to blame and the other divers in the paranormal group, including the missing man's girlfriend and ex-wife. She's determined to figure out what really happened, and eventually even her logical brain starts to wonder if there may be truth to that ghost story after all. Soon, she's in danger herself and has to find out the truth or risk losing more than just her career and reputation.
A lot of mystery, a bit of science, and a touch of romance. Very enjoyable story. I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Alibi, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
January 10, 2017
3.5 stars which I rounded up since it is a debut novel. Adrift is the first novel by Micki Browning so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was a mystery and that reads more like a suspense thriller. This is not a cozy mystery type of book. It is a standalone (as it's the only book written so far) but does end with a soft cliffhanger for the next book in the series. There is violence.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. The author did a good job of describing diving in the Florida Keys and the characters. It was well written and better than I expected for a debut novel, even if the storyline was predictable. There are enough clues to keep you guessing to see what twists and turns will be revealed next.
I will read more of Micki Browning books and look forward to reading more in the Mer Cavallo series. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Alibi and chose to leave a review for other readers.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. The author did a good job of describing diving in the Florida Keys and the characters. It was well written and better than I expected for a debut novel, even if the storyline was predictable. There are enough clues to keep you guessing to see what twists and turns will be revealed next.
I will read more of Micki Browning books and look forward to reading more in the Mer Cavallo series. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Alibi and chose to leave a review for other readers.
July 6, 2017
Micki Browning's excellent debut novel Adrift: A Mer Cavallo Mystery, is a tense and exciting mystery with deftly portrayed characters, a well-integrated locale (the Florida Keys), and clear, lucid writing. The pace of the story is steady, but I also admired how the author isn't afraid to occasionally lighten the tension by introducing a cop who quotes Shakespeare or a crusty old boat skipper who likes to banter about his desire to meet a mermaid. The narrative is pleasingly complex but it's Mer who anchors the story. A marine scientist working, between research assignments, on a dive boat, Mer is tough and sassy and brave, but she's also deeply flawed (her romantic life, for instance, is a train wreck) and at times appealingly vulnerable. I'm looking forward to the next step in her journey.
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