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“One of the hottest new authors in the thriller genre.”—Brad Thor

DEAD IN THE WATER

Every summer, thousands of families head to the nation’s largest water park, famous for its 21-story waterslide the “Dead Drop.” This year, one visitor didn’t pack his bathing suit. He packed explosives. When the bomb goes off, dozens of people are instantly killed. The rest are herded into the park’s massive pool by the bomber’s accomplices. An organized team of fanatical but well-trained terrorists, they seal off the entrances, turn the waterslide into a watchtower, and train their sights on the families below. But one hostage isn’t playing along. He’s special agent Jericho Quinn. He’s on vacation with his daughter. And he’s about to turn this terrorist pool party into one righteous blood bath . . .

Praise for the novels of Marc Cameron

“Action-packed, over-the-top. . .Quinn makes a formidable warrior readers will want to see more of.” —Publishers Weekly on Act of Terror

“Fascinating characters with action off-the-charts. Masterful.” —Steve Berry on National Security

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2017

1020 people are currently reading
634 people want to read

About the author

Marc Cameron

44 books2,034 followers
A native of Texas, Marc Cameron is a retired Chief Deputy US Marshal who spent nearly thirty years in law enforcement. His assignments have taken him from rural Alaska to Manhattan, from Canada to Mexico and points in between. A second degree black belt in jujitsu, he often teaches defensive tactics to other law enforcement agencies and civilian groups. Cameron lives in Alaska with his wife and BMW motorcycle.

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5 stars
890 (46%)
4 stars
696 (36%)
3 stars
263 (13%)
2 stars
65 (3%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Matt.
4,854 reviews13.1k followers
July 18, 2017
Marc Cameron is back with a short story/novella addition to the Jericho Quinn series, with a summer-themed piece perfect for the beach. After a harrowing meeting with POTUS, Jericho Quinn and Jacques Thibodaux have agreed to take their respective families to the Buccaneer Beach Thrill Park, home of the Dead Drop waterslide. Soon after arriving, an explosion rocks the Park, leaving many hurt and thousands fleeing for cover. Separated from their loved ones, Quinn and Thibodaux seek to neutralize the situation in an intelligent and tactical manner, while also learning as much as they can about the perpetrators. It would appear that a group of teenagers fuelled by religious zeal has turned the Park into a terror zone, but for what reason? As time slowly advances, Quinn must find his daughter before she is injured in the crossfire, but there are many more who rely on his fast thinking. Led by a young man with nothing to lose, this terror cell hopes to cause as much havoc before the authorities arrive. However, no one thought to tell Quinn and Thibodaux of this little beach party. A worthwhile standalone for the curious reader, but also highly enjoyable for those who have long been fans of Cameron and his fearless Jericho Quinn.

Marc Cameron is always on his game when writing about Jericho Quinn. While the genre is super-saturated with men (and women) ready to save the world one gunfight at a time, there is something about Quinn that individualises him. It might be that every story is strongly weighted with a family aspect, which occurs in this piece as Cameron allows both Quinn’s family (daughter, Mattie, and girlfriend Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Garcia) and members of the Thibodaux collective (sons Shawn and Dan, alongside wife, Camille) to play more than a wallflower role. There is little room for character development between Jericho and Jacques, but the reader is able to learn a little more about some of the aforementioned characters. Additionally, there is the handful of ‘terrorists’ who play villain roles in the story. I am of two minds about this depiction. Cameron has fallen into the stereotype of Muslim extremists (front and centre in the aforementioned super-saturated genre), but does take a step back and inject some blowback when certain passing characters make blatant generalizations about Muslims or Arabic people. It is here that Cameron at least partially redeems himself, perhaps trying to step away from the ‘Muslim as whipping boy’ mentality that has been overused at least since September 13, 2001. The summer theme of the story is perfect and brings even more realism tied to its release. Now then, I have had my Quinn fix, though I am not sure I can wait until February, though I will have to try.

Kudos, Mr. Cameron for another jam-packed thriller. I can only guess what else you have up your sleeve for the next novel.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Scott A. Miller.
633 reviews26 followers
January 7, 2021
Unusual for a .5 novella but this one was a thrill ride and welcome distraction from the insanity in my country today. Cameron and Quinn are great. I really hope that more is coming.
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews498 followers
July 20, 2017
Another great Jericho Quinn tale! This short story has all we love,Great plot, characters we want to know, and fast paced action,never getting away from what needs to be done! Quinn shows his best at a large waterpark when young terrorists start a night of horror. Love this series!
Profile Image for SteVen Hendricks.
695 reviews32 followers
August 18, 2022
eBook Review - …probably the best novella story I've read in years...! Marc Cameron wasted no time in getting to the action and doesn't disappoint. Only disappointment was the novella wasn't long enough. Still an 'outstanding' novella story! A must read if you like fast-paced action thrillers...
Profile Image for David Dalton.
3,074 reviews
January 7, 2022
A nice little novella to tide me over as I waited to read the 2nd Jericho Quinn thriller: Act of Terror (Jericho Quinn, #2) by Marc Cameron (which is ready for me to download via my digital library). My library has all of the Jericho stories, so I am set for a while. It has been a couple of years since I read the first Quinn story and thought to was time to get back to this character/action. Loved the action and appreciated the short story for what is was. Not the end of the world, but a good quick thriller none the less.
Profile Image for M.
1,559 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2025
A very quick novella with our hero’s plus their families. Yes, a swimming party with the family turns deadly when everyone hears gun shots! Some family members are missing so our boys go to find them and engage the teenage killers. A final twist at the end. Enjoy
Profile Image for Chris  Miller.
143 reviews26 followers
October 18, 2020
Great short story

In sticking w the Jericho Quinn theme this was a heart pounding short story that shows the ruthlessness that Quinn and Garcia and Thibadeaux use to save American lives. Great action and just long enough to finish in an hour or two!
Profile Image for Greg Chesser.
246 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2018
An action packed, non-stop, thriller. It's like watching a 90's action film. Love it.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Duckworth.
72 reviews
November 20, 2021
This is a novella at 97 pages. Which I thoroughly enjoyed, an adventure that I could enjoy in an evening. As usual it was still exciting, Jericho Quinn, his daughter Mattie and Ronnie Garcia met up with the entire Theobodeaux family ( 7 sons) expecting to spend a fun filled evening at Waterpark close to D.C. however, trouble follows the group in the first 2 minutes as they make their way through the parking lot and the gates, this group which plans of staying together for general safety quickly gets parted because nothing involving 8 children and 4 adults ever goes as planned! They walk into a terriorist attack and mayhem ensues. I can't give anything away because the book is short and should be read in one seating but it is certainly is not boring, this is one capable group, with some help from one unexpected source. A good read with all the blood and gore expected in a Jericho Quinn adventure!
1 review
January 23, 2018
Jericho Quinn has quickly become my favorite character. Marc Cameron continues to outdo himself with each book in this series. While waiting for the next book, Mr. Cameron gives us Dead Drop to whet our appetite in a short story about at a normal day gone bad at a Theme Park. One reason I loved this book so much was how Mr. Cameron utilized all of the characters. His writing lets you get to know each one and you are drawn into their world of danger. For anyone looking for a great series read, the Jericho Quinn tales are just your cup of tea. As Mr. Cameron has written the latest Jack Ryan book in the Tom Clancy universe, I am currently reading that, while eagerly awaiting the newest Jericho quest.
Profile Image for Dan Smith.
1,803 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2019
Every summer, thousands of families head to the nation’s largest water park, famous for its 21-story waterslide the “Dead Drop.” This year, one visitor didn’t pack his bathing suit. He packed explosives. When the bomb goes off, dozens of people are instantly killed. The rest are herded into the park’s massive pool by the bomber’s accomplices. An organized team of fanatical but well-trained terrorists, they seal off the entrances, turn the waterslide into a watchtower, and train their sights on the families below. But one hostage isn’t playing along. He’s special agent Jericho Quinn. He’s on vacation with his daughter. And he’s about to turn this terrorist pool party into one righteous blood bath
122 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2017
Dead on!

Amusement Park gone gruesome, thanks to terrorists intent on creating as much carnage and death as possible, hopeful of media coverage that would (in their own sick and twisted minds) immortalize their deaths and bring glory to their cause... but enter Jericho Quinn and his side-kicks and these punks find themselves on the receiving-end of brutal, as they get a taste of what very angry and very lethal adversaries have to offer!

Believable (unfortunately) plot, great characters, and action-galore make this a must-read for those of us who enjoy action-thrillers. My only complaint is that I would have liked the book to be longer.



Profile Image for Andrew.
818 reviews10 followers
July 3, 2017
Jericho Quinn and his friends Ronnie Garcia and Jacques Thibodaux are at a Virginia water park with their families when Islamic extremists take over the facility with a plan to martyr themselves in front of the world's media. Unluckily for them, Jericho Quinn is a wolf amongst the sheep, and very keen to ensure the bad guys don't walk out alive. A fast, violent, sharp and exciting novella to whet our collective appetites for the next full-length Quinn adventure.
6 reviews
July 11, 2017
Weak and rather boring

I found Dead Drop rather boring , with childish plot and unlike all other Jericho Quinn novels I read before.

The author piles up killings of innocents, stupid and poorly organized terrorists-teenagers, the theft which is the real goal of that terrorist attack and non-stop talking of the main hero Quinn about his love for his daughter in rather incoherent heap, which left me bored and indifferent to the story.
Profile Image for Trevor.
1,450 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2017
This is a short story in the Jericho Quinn series, that sees Jericho and his friend having a day out at an amusement park. What starts as a family outing, soon descends into panic, as terrorists take over the park and start shooting everyone they find! This is a a good story, but as a short, does not really develop the characters, as a full novel does. It is worth reading and fills a gap, until the next full length novel arrives.
432 reviews8 followers
February 20, 2024
CC1

This was a great short story! Quinn and Jacques families go to water park walk into what they think was a terrorist attack at park. Quinn and Jacques went out to confront and tried to save as many as possible. By the time he got back to the park office he found out it was just a robbery by the leader of terrorist group. He used the other people were used as cover for the robbery . But Quinn and company got it done. 10 stars plus !!!! Thanks, Carl Clause
84 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2017
R U Kidding me

Love the series and the characters. But putting out an appetizer instead of a meal is not right!!!
It almost seamed a waste of 15 min! The true fans of this series should be less than happy of the cliff note book.
We wait a good amount of time in between releases to only have a taste.
Profile Image for Linda Goudreau.
123 reviews
April 1, 2018
Much too short.....

Good story wish it had been longer. Had really good "bones" to it. All Jericho Quinn books are pretty good. Really enjoy Maddy and Ronnie characters and Thibedoeaux and his whole family. Please keep all these great stories coming, they are really exciting to read. Thanks, Amarillo Turtle
Profile Image for wally.
3,655 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2025
started finished 23rd april 2025 good read three stars i liked it no more no less kindle library loaner jericho quinn #7.5 a short piece 135 pages have read many of the jericho quinn stories all entertaining fast pace action packed this one with a lot of blood many murders at a theme park where quinn and his friend take their families. good read.
710 reviews
September 20, 2019
Interesting, but...

...this little short story had a somewhat interesting plot, but it was over quite quickly as our two heroes were heroes and got all the bad guys. I felt like this was a waste of time.
Profile Image for Judy NH Gardener.
122 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2020
This is the seventh Marc Cameron book I've read in the last few months. I like his cast of characters, but several of the ones I've read have very similar plots. This one was different, and I liked it the best of all I've read.
136 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2022
Cute for a novella

Typical Cameron book but almost makes you feel bad Quinn can’t even take his little girl for a day trip without “terrorists” taking over. Fast and easy read but not a must read for sure.
71 reviews
October 24, 2022
A Wonderful Quick Read!

Everything you like about Jericho Quinn novels is bundled in this single story! Great plot and the tension and action is non-stop. You will be breathless during your reading!
Profile Image for Jaume Ayala.
415 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2024
This is just a short story... but it's worth reading it.
Situation arises in an amusement park.... just the day Jericho, Ronnie and Jacques decide to spen one day off with their families. This is really bad luck for the bad guys :-)
Profile Image for Mary Kay.
678 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2024
Wow! An intense and horrible scene of a senseless terrorist attack at an amusement part with all of Quin's and Thibodaux's families anticipating a fun day in the sun. Read from cover to cover one sitting, couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for John Mosley III.
33 reviews15 followers
September 25, 2024
Short and action packed little story.
I really enjoyed the view of the characters in a relaxed setting with family. Too often the story ends with the end of the conflict. But I would rather have at least a whole chapter or more about the time of success and peace.
Profile Image for George.
1,742 reviews8 followers
December 20, 2024
this was the weakest story line of the whole series. It failed to grab and keep my interest. Then, it became boring and I did not follow like I usually do. Narration was pretty good but the plot was unbelievable.
310 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2017
A terrific ebook novella of non-stop action featuring Cameron's stable of bad ass characters.
Profile Image for Eric Molicki.
370 reviews19 followers
July 4, 2017
Not a good effort

I've love the Jericho Quinn novels for the action, twists, etc. This one was disappointing on many levels. I would skip it.
4 reviews
July 4, 2017
Quick action_

In keeping with the other Quinn books. My major complaint is that it's too short. Still a good story that could be all too real.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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