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San Juan Islands Mystery #2
Dark Waters
“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more.” -Lord Byron
After receiving an unexpected gift following her college graduation, aspiring journalist Adele Plank returns to the Pacific Northwest’s beautiful and isolated sea and shores landscape of the San Juan Islands, where she soon finds herself immersed in the shocking mystery of a young woman’s brutal murder.
The deathly discovery rocks the island community, stirring doubts about their new sheriff, and turning old friends into new rivals.
Adele must determine who she can trust, and who she cannot, even as a mysterious stranger provides her a critical clue.
DARK WATERS is the second thrilling installment of the San Juan Islands Mystery series.
After receiving an unexpected gift following her college graduation, aspiring journalist Adele Plank returns to the Pacific Northwest’s beautiful and isolated sea and shores landscape of the San Juan Islands, where she soon finds herself immersed in the shocking mystery of a young woman’s brutal murder.
The deathly discovery rocks the island community, stirring doubts about their new sheriff, and turning old friends into new rivals.
Adele must determine who she can trust, and who she cannot, even as a mysterious stranger provides her a critical clue.
DARK WATERS is the second thrilling installment of the San Juan Islands Mystery series.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2016
624 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Ulsterman
89 books176 followersD.W. Ulsterman is the bestselling author of THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS MYSTERY SERIES.
His most recent novel, THE TRUTHING TREE, is now available.
All of his novels are available here: http://goo.gl/kEPU6R
"Mr. Ulsterman doesn't disappoint."
-THRILLER JUNKIE
His most recent novel, THE TRUTHING TREE, is now available.
All of his novels are available here: http://goo.gl/kEPU6R
"Mr. Ulsterman doesn't disappoint."
-THRILLER JUNKIE
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 5, 2017
Very enjoyable book.
This book starts where Writer ended, Adele is back to San Juan Islands. She has a job with Island Gazette, investing the murder of a young Russian girl. Author developed these characters so well, you want to pack-up and move there. Adele has the attention of two man, one is mysterious and rich, other is the sheriff of three person force in the island. Secretive hotel owner introduce Adele to famous, secretive guest. We need more strong investigating reporters like Adele.
If you plan to visit these islands, don't forget to bring a bottle of Bushmills, you might visit with the author and find out about the next book.
This book starts where Writer ended, Adele is back to San Juan Islands. She has a job with Island Gazette, investing the murder of a young Russian girl. Author developed these characters so well, you want to pack-up and move there. Adele has the attention of two man, one is mysterious and rich, other is the sheriff of three person force in the island. Secretive hotel owner introduce Adele to famous, secretive guest. We need more strong investigating reporters like Adele.
If you plan to visit these islands, don't forget to bring a bottle of Bushmills, you might visit with the author and find out about the next book.
November 19, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only are the characters real and likeable, but the setting - the San Juan Islands - make me want to go live there! Good mystery plot, great heroine and great geographical setting. There may be more in this San Juan Islands series which I will watch for!
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
December 6, 2016
The Writer was quite a thrilling read. It made me like Adele as an amateur sleuth.
Dark Waters, on the other hand, also gave a nice mystery. However, it wasn't as thrilling as its predecessor. I still like Adele Plank though as well as her new role in the San Juan Islands. I also like the appearance of the new sheriff. I totally ship the two of them. But then a triangle happened. ugh. worse part is that the romance side of the story seems to take a big part of the novel (which is a hell no for me).
But all in all, Dark Waters was a nice read. It had a decent mystery but poor mystery solving (which is supposed to be the exciting part, btw). It wasn't thrilling for me but admittedly it was intriguing.
Dark Waters, on the other hand, also gave a nice mystery. However, it wasn't as thrilling as its predecessor. I still like Adele Plank though as well as her new role in the San Juan Islands. I also like the appearance of the new sheriff. I totally ship the two of them. But then a triangle happened. ugh. worse part is that the romance side of the story seems to take a big part of the novel (which is a hell no for me).
But all in all, Dark Waters was a nice read. It had a decent mystery but poor mystery solving (which is supposed to be the exciting part, btw). It wasn't thrilling for me but admittedly it was intriguing.
July 12, 2023
I finished the second book in the series by the author D.W. Ulsterman. I started this series after two friends recommended them. These books are in his San Juan book series. First the books were of rinterest because I am from the area of the Pacific Northwest very close to the San Juan Islands so I know the towns and areas he wri. I liked the first book and immediately started reading the second book "Dark Waters". The character continue from the first books with the addition of additional chapters. In this book a body is pulled from the waters of the San Juan islands. The main character, young female reporter has joined the local newspaper after her involvement in the first book. Immediately the reporter is pressing law enforcement for information about the crime. I am now going to start the third book to follow the storyline.
October 19, 2024
Best mystery series….
Every now and then a book really stand out. The story is interesting, compelling to finish, and characters become so real they feel like friends. There are useful tidbits about life, dealing with adversity, importance of loyalty and friendship sprinkled in.
This series starting with The Writer, has all that, and it has been set in the very special place, the San Juan Islands. After reading the first book in the series, I read the next, and the next, and the next until finishing each book that is available written by Ulsterman. This series has become one of my favorites, I’m spreading the word to other readers, San Juan Islanders, friends and cousins from the midwest and everyone I talk to about books.
If you like a well told story, read one, then read them all!
Every now and then a book really stand out. The story is interesting, compelling to finish, and characters become so real they feel like friends. There are useful tidbits about life, dealing with adversity, importance of loyalty and friendship sprinkled in.
This series starting with The Writer, has all that, and it has been set in the very special place, the San Juan Islands. After reading the first book in the series, I read the next, and the next, and the next until finishing each book that is available written by Ulsterman. This series has become one of my favorites, I’m spreading the word to other readers, San Juan Islanders, friends and cousins from the midwest and everyone I talk to about books.
If you like a well told story, read one, then read them all!
December 7, 2017
A Very Satisfying Read!
A college graduate with a degree in journalism discovers who she is and where to begin her life quest as she also solves a gruesome murder. She is a gifted writer who sees the human inside each acquaintance and for one so young, has a gift of compassion. The plot and characters are well developed and believable. I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it as a relaxing read. Enjoy the scenery too as it is truly beautiful. I agree with the author because I live in the area too.
A college graduate with a degree in journalism discovers who she is and where to begin her life quest as she also solves a gruesome murder. She is a gifted writer who sees the human inside each acquaintance and for one so young, has a gift of compassion. The plot and characters are well developed and believable. I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it as a relaxing read. Enjoy the scenery too as it is truly beautiful. I agree with the author because I live in the area too.
September 26, 2018
Adele Plank is back and has another mystery to solve.
This time she is given a job offer for the local paper on San Juan Islands. The owners are getting older and want to pass their legacy onto someone deserving of it. While she is in their office, a local comes in and tells them she heard that the sheriff and the coroner went out to a remote island. Once again, Adele decides to investigate.
She meets the young Sheriff along with a successful businessman and both of them seem to want to pursue her and neither of them trusts the other. Adele has to decide who to trust while she solves another mystery. We also get to revisit some of the characters in the first book that Adele has remained friends with.
I have to say the murder mystery almost took a backseat in this book, but it still made an interesting read.
This time she is given a job offer for the local paper on San Juan Islands. The owners are getting older and want to pass their legacy onto someone deserving of it. While she is in their office, a local comes in and tells them she heard that the sheriff and the coroner went out to a remote island. Once again, Adele decides to investigate.
She meets the young Sheriff along with a successful businessman and both of them seem to want to pursue her and neither of them trusts the other. Adele has to decide who to trust while she solves another mystery. We also get to revisit some of the characters in the first book that Adele has remained friends with.
I have to say the murder mystery almost took a backseat in this book, but it still made an interesting read.
July 10, 2023
Through these books I have found a new appreciation of the San Juan Islands. They are really stunning and take your breath away, in real life. What these books bring is the human aspect of what kind of person chooses to live on a island. Life there is truly different than living on the mainland. This second book gives us a look at many different people who live there, love there, die there. I love all the characters and the stories, all though they are fiction, have wove fact in there as well. I have read all the books now and wait for the next one to be out.
August 11, 2024
Wonderful!
Well written and a quick read! Adelle has returned to the islands described in the first book of this series and finds herself not only a new place to live but also a new job if she is willing to stay and take the time to get more acquainted with the area. There is a new sheriff who she argues with but actually finds attractive and the millionaire who is a bit shady but very attractive. Adelle must decide to stay and solve the new mystery of a dead body pulled from the waterways or return back to the university area where she just graduated from. Such a dilemma. Now I can't wait to get into the next book.
Well written and a quick read! Adelle has returned to the islands described in the first book of this series and finds herself not only a new place to live but also a new job if she is willing to stay and take the time to get more acquainted with the area. There is a new sheriff who she argues with but actually finds attractive and the millionaire who is a bit shady but very attractive. Adelle must decide to stay and solve the new mystery of a dead body pulled from the waterways or return back to the university area where she just graduated from. Such a dilemma. Now I can't wait to get into the next book.
May 23, 2022
Read this nice little mystery, set in the San Juan Islands in one day. It’s a quick story, with a lot of idiosyncratic characters, and some twists. It’s the second book in the San Juan Mystery series, featuring newly graduated Adele Plank, who is given a chance to work for a newspaper on the island, and is gifted a houseboat by her friend that she helped in the previous book.Adele is quickly caught up in the murder of a young girl, and vows to get to the bottom of it, no matter the cost.
June 19, 2022
From the end to the beginning
Not knowing I was reading the last book in this series first, I became thirsty to to discover what went before. Each one told its own story that caught me wondering what was next, where was the story going and how would it end. The intensity and mystery swallowed me up. I went from one book to the next immediately. Greatly recommend these books but start at the beginning!
Not knowing I was reading the last book in this series first, I became thirsty to to discover what went before. Each one told its own story that caught me wondering what was next, where was the story going and how would it end. The intensity and mystery swallowed me up. I went from one book to the next immediately. Greatly recommend these books but start at the beginning!
January 23, 2023
Dark Waters held relaxed mystery tension.
I enjoyed a more relaxed tension in this murder mystery, which gave me a quiet puzzle mystery as I kept picking up pieces and trying to find a welcome fit as I tried to make my choices fit author Ulsteman's story line. It was fun, without the dark fear placed in so many mystery stories. I appreciated this and thoroughly enjoyed this story...tying me closer to the characters. An enjoyable read for a relaxed pipe in hand.
I enjoyed a more relaxed tension in this murder mystery, which gave me a quiet puzzle mystery as I kept picking up pieces and trying to find a welcome fit as I tried to make my choices fit author Ulsteman's story line. It was fun, without the dark fear placed in so many mystery stories. I appreciated this and thoroughly enjoyed this story...tying me closer to the characters. An enjoyable read for a relaxed pipe in hand.
February 11, 2025
Ya know those mystery and suspense books where “miraculously,” the main character “turns a corner” and discovers the solution to the puzzle? And the reader says, “where did that come from?” Well, this isn’t that book. The discoveries along the way are believably written and natural. The characters continue to be fun and authentic. The scenes are exactly as they are in real life (because I’ve been to most of them). I’m looking forward to book 3.
July 5, 2022
Great read
Like the first book I enjoyed the details of the location. This time why didn't overwhelm the story. I wish there had been more development of Roland and surgio..
Seems like the broken light would have been discovered earlier..
Not enough credit for the sheriff's doing their jobs.
Like the first book I enjoyed the details of the location. This time why didn't overwhelm the story. I wish there had been more development of Roland and surgio..
Seems like the broken light would have been discovered earlier..
Not enough credit for the sheriff's doing their jobs.
November 26, 2023
Enjoyable jaunt through newly discovered characters of the San Juan islands.
Becoming more familiar with the young journalist with good detective skills emerging as a young lady.
The introduction of fascinating characters with Rich histories.
Beautifully described scenery and personalities.
Enjoyable story telling by a talented author!
Becoming more familiar with the young journalist with good detective skills emerging as a young lady.
The introduction of fascinating characters with Rich histories.
Beautifully described scenery and personalities.
Enjoyable story telling by a talented author!
July 6, 2024
As I read this novel, I kept thinking that it had been written for a teenage audience. The bits of romance that didn't even culminate in a kiss, the dramatic mystery guest at the hotel, the sinister Russian who kept resurfacing, all the pieces of the main character's life falling into place so nicely, and, of course, her easy solution to the crime, all seemed unrealistic.
November 9, 2017
Great book..
I loved The Writer and I love the continued saga in Dark Waters. One of the same lead characters from The Writer continues on with her life, graduating from college and finding herself back on island with another mystery.
I loved The Writer and I love the continued saga in Dark Waters. One of the same lead characters from The Writer continues on with her life, graduating from college and finding herself back on island with another mystery.
September 1, 2021
Dark Waters
I am loving this series. First time I’ve read Ulsterman. I shed many tears reading The Writer and immediately bought Dark Waters. Can’t wait to read Murder on Matia.
I am loving this series. First time I’ve read Ulsterman. I shed many tears reading The Writer and immediately bought Dark Waters. Can’t wait to read Murder on Matia.
October 18, 2022
A good story of Island folks
The author has a real talento for character development. The chsracters from the first book continúe and new ones aré added and I can Sense the rythm of the series developing.
The author has a real talento for character development. The chsracters from the first book continúe and new ones aré added and I can Sense the rythm of the series developing.
July 13, 2023
Great read set in a magical place
I had the honor of meeting the author on a recent trip to Roche Harbor. I picked up the first book in the series out of curiosity, and have now fallen in love with the characters, storylines, and the setting. Can’t wait to read book 3!
I had the honor of meeting the author on a recent trip to Roche Harbor. I picked up the first book in the series out of curiosity, and have now fallen in love with the characters, storylines, and the setting. Can’t wait to read book 3!
August 15, 2023
While The Writer was subpar, Dark Waters was great!
The plot never got boring, the action was non-stop, and you’re pulled in to the plot from the first 20 pages.
I did get a little annoyed with Adele’s love triangle, but I appreciated that she’s a heroine who needs no man- this theme continues throughout all the books. The presence of strong female leads is a nice difference from many other murder mystery series.
The plot never got boring, the action was non-stop, and you’re pulled in to the plot from the first 20 pages.
I did get a little annoyed with Adele’s love triangle, but I appreciated that she’s a heroine who needs no man- this theme continues throughout all the books. The presence of strong female leads is a nice difference from many other murder mystery series.
June 25, 2024
A great follow up to the series.
While the overall theme is a bit youngish for me, the location info is quite interesting as I used to live outside of Seattle. It is light entertaining reading you can certainly relax with. The writing is solid.
While the overall theme is a bit youngish for me, the location info is quite interesting as I used to live outside of Seattle. It is light entertaining reading you can certainly relax with. The writing is solid.
December 18, 2024
Enjoy the read it's truly worth your time
My sec
ond read of the series I rarely review a series until it read but this is exceptional and I must say so with hope that others will find the same enjoyment.
My sec
ond read of the series I rarely review a series until it read but this is exceptional and I must say so with hope that others will find the same enjoyment.
August 1, 2025
Another GREAT read by this author. This is the 2nd book in this series which I enjoyed as much as the 1st & I’m now into the 3rd book in the same series & I’m loving it as much as I did with the 1st 2. This author in my book is definitely a keeper. I’m looking forward to his many other books.
July 29, 2017
most enjoyable....and looks like more to come....Like his writing and need to try some of his other works.
August 5, 2017
Good reading book
I enjoyed the book with its characters and the location was attractively described. The story was a good cozy mystery.
I enjoyed the book with its characters and the location was attractively described. The story was a good cozy mystery.
February 28, 2018
Enjoyable, engaging, and entertaining
A fun and rather wholesome read with quirky characters a bit of adventure and murder to solve. What's not to like?
A fun and rather wholesome read with quirky characters a bit of adventure and murder to solve. What's not to like?
May 30, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! A great mystery and one that kept you guessing the entire time.
August 1, 2019
Two mysteries in one
Good read!! The characters continue to build...and add...good depth of intriguing twists. Makes me want to know more about these people
Good read!! The characters continue to build...and add...good depth of intriguing twists. Makes me want to know more about these people
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews