“The tension ratchets up degree by degree in this smart and cleverly told adventure. William Nikkel definitely knows how to kick butt and take names. He’s a gifted storyteller.” —Steve Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author of “The 14th Colony” Jack Ferrell never expected to hook a body. When he embarks on a mission to catch and tag a great white plaguing Hawaiian fisherman, he is put to the test, physically and emotionally, in his most challenging adventure yet as he plunges into the treacherous water off the coast of Lanai in an area known as Shipwreck Beach. A mission that reunites him with a former lover, Dana Mores. As they head toward disaster, an unfortunate turn of events leaves Jack and his friends marked for death with “Shipwreck” exploding into one of the most dangerous and suspenseful adventures of his career. One that marks a major turning point in his life and leaves him a different kind of man. “ ‘Shipwreck’ is the perfect blend of mystery and adventure. An engaging, fast-paced thriller with a fascinating and fun hero.” —Allison Brennan, New York Times Bestselling Author of “Poisonous”
William Nikkel is the author of four Jack Ferrell novels and a steampunk, zombie western featuring his latest hero Max Traver. A former homicide detective and S.W.A.T. team member for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department in Bakersfield, California, William is an amateur scuba enthusiast, gold prospector, and artist who can be found just about anywhere. He and his wife Karen divide their time between California and Maui, Hawaii.
I couldn't stand anymore after 67% it is NECKLACE not neckless. The author has never dove in his life based on his complete lack of knowledge of SCUBA. The plot was childish and contrived. The language was juvenile and stilted. 2 stars was a gift because I couldn't give a half. This was the first I have read from Mr. Nikkel it is also my last. Necklace was misspelled about 20 times. There were a few that were correct. I can't believe his previous books were better.
The main story had action, believability, and moved at a good pace. Perhaps I’m not the demographic Mr. Nikkei is writing for or the audience he seeks, but the love story and sexual thoughts and descriptions, not to mention the intimate implications of the sex act itself, was just too juvenile. Jack is portrayed as a lustful teenager and it just doesn’t work that he discovers true love and is born again. And, just because you love someone it doesn’t mean you respect them. Jack doesn’t respect women. A review is just one person’s opinion - it’s not a debate.
All kinds of bad stuff starts to happen when the lead character of the book accidently hooks a dead body while out tagging sharks in hawaii. This isn't a bad book, though it had one glaring, annoying flaw: much of the plot revolves around a priceless necklace and throughout the book it is referred to as a "neckless". I can't believe no one caught that. There was evidently no proof reader or editor. So while the story wasn't bad, it was unforgivably bad writing.
I was hooked from page one. Hated to put it down. Great job. I can't wait to read his other books.
The title caught my eye. The story is intriguing. I kept thinking i knew what was happening, and then it twisted in another direction. I hated having to stop for sleep. Had me going until the last page.
When Jack Ferrell goes after a rare, stolen black diamond, he goes all the way to the bottom of the ocean to get to the bottom of this intriguing mystery. Can he solve the crime before his scuba tank runs out of air? A riveting story that will keep you turning the pages!
The action packed tale of a murder victim who is found on fishing line of the main character leads to jewels being sold and the buyer is being cheated. More innocent people being murdered because of loose lips complicate things.
One thing drove me crazy reading this book, alternating spellings between neckless and necklace, with most spelling going for neckless. Seem to remember a where and a were being mixed too. Spoiled the story.
Very predictable read. The key plot revolves around chasing a necklace but 90% of the time it is spelled "neckless". I won't be reading any more in this series.
Neckless? Fowled? Brail? Didn't the author pass third grade spelling?
Good story line and characters but the recurring misspelled use of neckless for necklace and other obvious mistakes make the reader wonder if the manuscript was ever proofread or edited.
Jack Ferrell is a sympathetic character who becomes enmeshed in adventures that are so well written they force you to suspend disbelief and keep turning pages!
Decent but predictable plot line. This it the first time I have read this author. I will probably give him another try, however better attention to detail would certainly help.
I really enjoyed this book. The first one I have read of the Jack Ferrell series. I will now have to read the remaining 5. Well written and keeps you wanting more.
I really liked the story and will read more by this author. However there were many wrong words - neckless? Really? There were others but this was the worst. Please find a better editor!
I throughly lost myself in this novel. The plot, character development, and the suspense were right on the mark. I want to read more of this author’s work.
I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of Shipwreck in preparation for interviewing the author. The writing reminded me a lot of a Travis McGee novel, and anyone who is a fan knows that this is high praise. The Hawaiian setting was a nice way to transport an East Coast reader. Willie Nikkel not only lives in Hawaii, but also is a retired law enforcement officer, so his books have a great deal of authenticity.
I enjoy reading about Jack Ferrell's escapades. At least this time he wasn't expecting any adventure. He was just trying to hook a shark. But instead, they get caught up in a situation that could cost him and his friends their lives. William Nikkel is a talented storyteller. Jack's always been a lady's man, but things change in this story. I'm not sure how that will affect him in future books, but it will be interesting to find out.
Sorry to say but I gave up on the book. Problems were: Coming into the middle of the series and trying to catch up on the characters, getting through references to previous stories, and trying to get involved with all of what was going on. The final straw was when my Kindle decided to only show part of the page and wouldn’t let me go forward. All of that told me I just wasn’t meant to finish the story. Overall the story did sound interesting. Good premise but I felt I wasn’t going to be surprised by future events. Unfortunately I was right. When you know what is going to happen in advance, that takes some of the enjoyment away from the read.