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The Forgotten Coast #7
Apparent Wind
In Apalachicola, FL, what goes in the river doesn't always stay there.
When some locals find a dead woman in the jaws of a gator, it's fairly upsetting. When Lt. Maggie Redmond finds lifelong friend Axel Blackwell in the dead woman's hotel room, it's a little more upsetting than that.
Axel becomes the chief suspect in his ex-wife's murder, but Maggie is convinced that he would never harm the beautiful but tragic Marisol Corzo.
As Axel deals with his loss, and the potential loss of his freedom, Maggie works to unravel the evidence, evidence that suggests Marisol brought about her own demise. Drug dealers from down south seek to expand their commerce to the sleepy, coastal town of Apalachicola, FL, and it seems that the dead woman is the one who led them there.
As Maggie tries to understand who Marisol really was, she also comes to terms with who she really is, and with her true connection to town crime lord Bennett Boudreaux.
Told with the dry humor, rich coastal atmosphere, and character-driven suspense for which the series is known, Apparent Wind is the 7th book in the Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense series. Although the series is best enjoyed read in order, Apparent Wind can be read as a standalone novel.<
When some locals find a dead woman in the jaws of a gator, it's fairly upsetting. When Lt. Maggie Redmond finds lifelong friend Axel Blackwell in the dead woman's hotel room, it's a little more upsetting than that.
Axel becomes the chief suspect in his ex-wife's murder, but Maggie is convinced that he would never harm the beautiful but tragic Marisol Corzo.
As Axel deals with his loss, and the potential loss of his freedom, Maggie works to unravel the evidence, evidence that suggests Marisol brought about her own demise. Drug dealers from down south seek to expand their commerce to the sleepy, coastal town of Apalachicola, FL, and it seems that the dead woman is the one who led them there.
As Maggie tries to understand who Marisol really was, she also comes to terms with who she really is, and with her true connection to town crime lord Bennett Boudreaux.
Told with the dry humor, rich coastal atmosphere, and character-driven suspense for which the series is known, Apparent Wind is the 7th book in the Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense series. Although the series is best enjoyed read in order, Apparent Wind can be read as a standalone novel.<
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2017
1223 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Lee McKenna
23 books402 followersI live in small town Tennessee, with three children still at home and two grown kids just blocks away.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
July 23, 2019
4-Stars solid, well done.
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
Note: I asked Dawn Lee how "Axel in her fiction" suddenly turns up as her Real Life co-author Axel Blackwell in her next book series, Still Waters. She kindly replied:
I'm going to review the first five books as if they were one large volume, since the first few books end suddenly and mid-plot, frustratingly. I speculate that publishing 5x 200 page volumes might provide better income for her than a single large volume...
Which leads to a second problem: Endless repetition of character descriptions (including animals), and plot updates in each new volume (which you can skim over) but... These books cannot really be read separately, they must be read in order (at least books 1-5).
The Good
Firstly, McKenna shines at character development and description. There is a commanding feminine demeanour throughout these books, perhaps the best I've ever seen.
In fact, I would say characters and emotions are the lead attraction of these books for me now, well ahead of the mystery/plots (which get better). The pacing is always good, and the prose also improves substantially over time. The dialogue is good, and the characters speak with (mostly) distinct voices.
There is a sub-plot which, to me, drives everything:
The strange and powerful attraction between Maggie and Bennett Boudreaux.
Boudreaux is the town "kingpin", ascribed with various crimes including murder, but his charm and eloquence make him impressive and attractive. The mystery of what binds Maggie and Boudreaux is resolved in three surprising parts throughout the first 5-6 books, and each scene and dialogue between Maggie and Boudreaux is superb.
Nevertheless, I'm enjoying this series more and more, especially as the quality of prose and plotting improves.
If you pick up this series (must start with book #1), please be patient and read through the first four or five books before making a decision on the overall series.
Quotes:
Maggie goes through the luggage of the dead girl:
There were several pairs of panties that Maggie had a hard time understanding, as they looked more like headbands than underwear. The fact that Marisol had a matching bra for each one made Maggie feel like less of a woman somehow.
Maggie considers the inner tension between the lost David, and the found Wyatt:
Every day of her young life, there had been the three of them. She and her best friend David and David and his best friend Axel. There had seldom been two of them without the third. Now, every time she and Axel were together, there was a David-shaped hole there with them. It sucked unspoken words into itself like a vacuum.
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
Note: I asked Dawn Lee how "Axel in her fiction" suddenly turns up as her Real Life co-author Axel Blackwell in her next book series, Still Waters. She kindly replied:
Axel Blackwell has been a friend for years, and was kind enough to loan me his name and much of his personality for the character, long before I asked him to co-author the Still Waters series with me. He joins several other real people who populate the series, although, in Axel’s case I made up the character. Everyone else plays themselves as it were.General note:
I'm going to review the first five books as if they were one large volume, since the first few books end suddenly and mid-plot, frustratingly. I speculate that publishing 5x 200 page volumes might provide better income for her than a single large volume...
Which leads to a second problem: Endless repetition of character descriptions (including animals), and plot updates in each new volume (which you can skim over) but... These books cannot really be read separately, they must be read in order (at least books 1-5).
The Good
Firstly, McKenna shines at character development and description. There is a commanding feminine demeanour throughout these books, perhaps the best I've ever seen.
In fact, I would say characters and emotions are the lead attraction of these books for me now, well ahead of the mystery/plots (which get better). The pacing is always good, and the prose also improves substantially over time. The dialogue is good, and the characters speak with (mostly) distinct voices.
There is a sub-plot which, to me, drives everything:
The strange and powerful attraction between Maggie and Bennett Boudreaux.
Boudreaux is the town "kingpin", ascribed with various crimes including murder, but his charm and eloquence make him impressive and attractive. The mystery of what binds Maggie and Boudreaux is resolved in three surprising parts throughout the first 5-6 books, and each scene and dialogue between Maggie and Boudreaux is superb.
Nevertheless, I'm enjoying this series more and more, especially as the quality of prose and plotting improves.
If you pick up this series (must start with book #1), please be patient and read through the first four or five books before making a decision on the overall series.
Quotes:
Maggie goes through the luggage of the dead girl:
There were several pairs of panties that Maggie had a hard time understanding, as they looked more like headbands than underwear. The fact that Marisol had a matching bra for each one made Maggie feel like less of a woman somehow.
Maggie considers the inner tension between the lost David, and the found Wyatt:
Every day of her young life, there had been the three of them. She and her best friend David and David and his best friend Axel. There had seldom been two of them without the third. Now, every time she and Axel were together, there was a David-shaped hole there with them. It sucked unspoken words into itself like a vacuum.
November 22, 2017
Best of the series so far
No spoiler here: regardless of how Maggie Redmond's relationships get resolved, there are plenty of ongoing threads to allow the series to continue for many more volumes. Having said that, I would say to Ms. McKenna that the series and characters are well-established and we'll be back for the next story so there is no need to do the internet thing of leaving obvious ends untied. As to the headline, the dialog is sharper and richer, the characters are complex, and the occasional flashes of humor are laugh-out-loud; Dawn McKenna can't be considered 'early career' any more. The town of Apalachicola is portrayed with enough love that I look forward to visiting it and hope the City Council has had the sense to start thinking about where to put up a statue.
No spoiler here: regardless of how Maggie Redmond's relationships get resolved, there are plenty of ongoing threads to allow the series to continue for many more volumes. Having said that, I would say to Ms. McKenna that the series and characters are well-established and we'll be back for the next story so there is no need to do the internet thing of leaving obvious ends untied. As to the headline, the dialog is sharper and richer, the characters are complex, and the occasional flashes of humor are laugh-out-loud; Dawn McKenna can't be considered 'early career' any more. The town of Apalachicola is portrayed with enough love that I look forward to visiting it and hope the City Council has had the sense to start thinking about where to put up a statue.
December 12, 2018
The sub plot took over too early in the book. The plot was predictable. The over use of the tag "said quietly" emerged like a snake rearing it's head and attaching to almost every character. The occasional banter could not pull this book up.
Oh, and a man shuts off the shower, and pulls the curtain back, while holding a lit cigarette and holding a can of soda.
Oh, and a man shuts off the shower, and pulls the curtain back, while holding a lit cigarette and holding a can of soda.
December 15, 2018
The sub plot took over too early in the book. The plot was predictable. The over use of the tag "said quietly" emerged like a snake rearing it's head and attaching to almost every character. The occasional banter could not pull this book up.
Oh, and a man shuts off the shower, and pulls the curtain back, while holding a lit cigarette and holding a can of soda.
Oh, and a man shuts off the shower, and pulls the curtain back, while holding a lit cigarette and holding a can of soda.
February 6, 2017
A most excellent 5 star read! aww, crap I'm done! when's the next one?
September 13, 2018
Apparent wind
I guess it wasn't her best book but still kept me going and has a great ending. Next..... Thanks for the journey. Judyjane
I guess it wasn't her best book but still kept me going and has a great ending. Next..... Thanks for the journey. Judyjane
August 2, 2017
Like the previous books in this series, Apparent Wind takes us for another adventure in the Florida panhandle with the characters that McKenna continues to develop as the series progresses. I continue to enjoy Dawn Lee McKenna's ability to put you there, to paint the moment and the characters with descriptive skills that rival James Lee Burke, and lets you smell the salt in the air and tate the oysters, and feel the tension in the relationships of her characters that become people you almost feel you know. The least expensive get away that I can recommend costs a couple of bucks and your Kindle reader, equipped with another well made story from Dawn Lee McKenna.
November 30, 2017
SOMETHING LIKE A HAPPY ENDING
This book feels like the author is contemplating the end of the series. I dearly hope not. Things are just betting interesting.
It continues the trend of wonderful characters playing out a few logical plotlines, surrounded by a few improbable characters (Stoopid - you have to read the books to learn more) and some of the others.
Oh, I love them, from Miss Amelia to Wyatt, and all between. From the main cast, to the supporting cast, to those making guest appearances, whether dead or alive. I hope to see them again.
This book feels like the author is contemplating the end of the series. I dearly hope not. Things are just betting interesting.
It continues the trend of wonderful characters playing out a few logical plotlines, surrounded by a few improbable characters (Stoopid - you have to read the books to learn more) and some of the others.
Oh, I love them, from Miss Amelia to Wyatt, and all between. From the main cast, to the supporting cast, to those making guest appearances, whether dead or alive. I hope to see them again.
December 6, 2018
Hope I got this one for free!
Awful writing. Misuse of "confidant" where "confident" was clearly meant. Poor understanding of police procedure when officer (chief, no less) removes items from evidence bag to use them (deceased woman's car key and phone). And how likely is it that a man can pull back the shower curtain just after turning off the water and have a lit cigarette in his mouth and be holding a can of soda? All this in just the first few pages. Awful.
Awful writing. Misuse of "confidant" where "confident" was clearly meant. Poor understanding of police procedure when officer (chief, no less) removes items from evidence bag to use them (deceased woman's car key and phone). And how likely is it that a man can pull back the shower curtain just after turning off the water and have a lit cigarette in his mouth and be holding a can of soda? All this in just the first few pages. Awful.
September 14, 2020
Fast, fun reading!
This was a procedural set in the Florida Panhandle about the investigation of into the death of a woman who was found being carried by a gator beneath a local restaurant following her murder. The plot also tells readers about the home life of the protagonist and includes pathos and humor. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-Galley for an honest review.
This was a procedural set in the Florida Panhandle about the investigation of into the death of a woman who was found being carried by a gator beneath a local restaurant following her murder. The plot also tells readers about the home life of the protagonist and includes pathos and humor. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-Galley for an honest review.
May 15, 2017
Loved this book
This was another great book in Dawn's Forgotten Coast Series. These books really evoke a feeling of what this area is like (I live with my family in North Florida) and the stories move along in such a way that the reader really gets to know the characters but never gets bored. I hope that there will be another as I'd love to see where Maggie Redmond goes next!
This was another great book in Dawn's Forgotten Coast Series. These books really evoke a feeling of what this area is like (I live with my family in North Florida) and the stories move along in such a way that the reader really gets to know the characters but never gets bored. I hope that there will be another as I'd love to see where Maggie Redmond goes next!
October 17, 2017
Love the whole each and every books, I laughed out loud, cryied, and read at stop lights.
Loved the nanny, I could see her as I read about her.
Can't wait for the next book, new author for me, which I will follow.
Loved the nanny, I could see her as I read about her.
Can't wait for the next book, new author for me, which I will follow.
May 6, 2022
I liked this seventh outing in Dawn Lee McKenna's series about Franklin County Sheriff's Lt. Maggie Redmond a lot -- in part because for once, Maggie doesn't get physically attacked or shot by a suspect.
For once, she just works a murder case whlle struggling with her recent discovery of her connection with crime lord Bennett Boudreaux, her anger at her own family and her growing love for her former boss, now the sheriff's office public info officer Wyatt Hamilton. There's also a new sheriff in town and he's pretty awful.
The murder case starts off with a bang, or rather a chomp. A business group meeting at a waterfront restaurant is interrupted by the appearance of a gator with a woman's body in its mouth. Turns out the gator didn't kill her, though. She was strangled and tossed into the water.
Maggie recognizes her. She's the ex-wife of one of her best friends from childhood, a shrimper named Axel Blackwell. The new sheriff, a political appointee who cares only about looking good on TV, orders her to arrest him even though she's sure he didn't do it. This leads to a hilarious scene in which Axel's chosen attorney -- who's handled alllll of his divorces, but has little experience in criminal court -- makes a monkey of the new prosecutor at a bail hearing.
In the end, Axel takes a hand in helping Maggie wrap up the case, and meanwhile we get a little closure on her relationship with Boudreaux and Wyatt, which is nice. I took a point off because the resolution of the murder case left several loose threads dangling. But otherwise, it was a satisfying read and I'm headling on soon to No. 8.
For once, she just works a murder case whlle struggling with her recent discovery of her connection with crime lord Bennett Boudreaux, her anger at her own family and her growing love for her former boss, now the sheriff's office public info officer Wyatt Hamilton. There's also a new sheriff in town and he's pretty awful.
The murder case starts off with a bang, or rather a chomp. A business group meeting at a waterfront restaurant is interrupted by the appearance of a gator with a woman's body in its mouth. Turns out the gator didn't kill her, though. She was strangled and tossed into the water.
Maggie recognizes her. She's the ex-wife of one of her best friends from childhood, a shrimper named Axel Blackwell. The new sheriff, a political appointee who cares only about looking good on TV, orders her to arrest him even though she's sure he didn't do it. This leads to a hilarious scene in which Axel's chosen attorney -- who's handled alllll of his divorces, but has little experience in criminal court -- makes a monkey of the new prosecutor at a bail hearing.
In the end, Axel takes a hand in helping Maggie wrap up the case, and meanwhile we get a little closure on her relationship with Boudreaux and Wyatt, which is nice. I took a point off because the resolution of the murder case left several loose threads dangling. But otherwise, it was a satisfying read and I'm headling on soon to No. 8.
June 25, 2018
This story has to be one of the most rewarding stories I have ever had the opportunity to read and I am definitely overwhelmed with such a heartwarming family-friendly episode. From Boudreau's Boudreau's Nanny to Axel's involvement with the number one suspect, it was very impressive from beginning to end! Suspense? Yes! Romance? Yes.! Excitement? Never ending!
Five stars and more for this one. Ms. McKenna definitely is very impressive in all of these stories, but this one is certainly a masterpiece beyond belief.
I was compelled to read the entire book, only hesitating to eat a few bites. I love to read stories about the West coast of our great state of Florida especially when my home town of Cedar Key is mentioned, even occasionally.
Ms. McKenna is so accomplished in her descriptive adventures throughout this series with her storylines and characters so well detailed in each and every exciting episode.
Definitely recommend this series without hesitation. These books are definitely classics and worthy to be re-read several times over. I have been very impressed with the the heartwarming adventures throughout the entire series and feel sure failure to read them will be your loss!!!!😂
Five stars and more for this one. Ms. McKenna definitely is very impressive in all of these stories, but this one is certainly a masterpiece beyond belief.
I was compelled to read the entire book, only hesitating to eat a few bites. I love to read stories about the West coast of our great state of Florida especially when my home town of Cedar Key is mentioned, even occasionally.
Ms. McKenna is so accomplished in her descriptive adventures throughout this series with her storylines and characters so well detailed in each and every exciting episode.
Definitely recommend this series without hesitation. These books are definitely classics and worthy to be re-read several times over. I have been very impressed with the the heartwarming adventures throughout the entire series and feel sure failure to read them will be your loss!!!!😂
December 20, 2017
Another great read in the Forgotten Coast series - perhaps one of my favorites now that Wyatt and Maggie have FINALLY answered the will they/won't they question that's been on all our minds!
Maggie now knows that Bennett Boudreaux is her biological father, and to say the least, she's not taking it well. Preoccupied by this revelation, she is trying to sort through her feelings when Marisol (last name I can't remember) washes up dead in a gator's mouth. The on-again off-again ex-wife of Axel, Maggie's dear friend since childhood, was a beautiful woman living a fast-paced life embroiled in the drug trade. Though Axel looks good for her murder, Maggie knows in her heart that it couldn't be her dear friend.
Maggie and Wyatt continue to be adorable, with Wyatt insisting that Maggie propose to him when she's ready for marriage (which she does toward the end of this book - and it was everything!). Everyone in Maggie's life just wants her to be happy: Bennett, Daddy, Wyatt... and everyone is workinf together to make that happen.
I can't wait for the next installment in this series!
Maggie now knows that Bennett Boudreaux is her biological father, and to say the least, she's not taking it well. Preoccupied by this revelation, she is trying to sort through her feelings when Marisol (last name I can't remember) washes up dead in a gator's mouth. The on-again off-again ex-wife of Axel, Maggie's dear friend since childhood, was a beautiful woman living a fast-paced life embroiled in the drug trade. Though Axel looks good for her murder, Maggie knows in her heart that it couldn't be her dear friend.
Maggie and Wyatt continue to be adorable, with Wyatt insisting that Maggie propose to him when she's ready for marriage (which she does toward the end of this book - and it was everything!). Everyone in Maggie's life just wants her to be happy: Bennett, Daddy, Wyatt... and everyone is workinf together to make that happen.
I can't wait for the next installment in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2018
Apparent Wind: The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series, Book7 is by Dawn Lee McKenna. It is set in Apalach on the Apalachicola River in Oklahoma. The characters are very well described and are realistic.
Carolina’s Café sits on the deck near the river and the night is almost perfect. A few men and women are having diver or are almost limbered up. Several patrons are on the deck talking and smoking when a body is discovered beneath the deck and it is in the mouth of an alligator.
After coming in off the bay, Lt. Maggie Redmond made her way to the scene. After dealing with William and Robert who were witnesses, she made her way to Larry’s side for more information on the deceased. To her surprise, she knows the lady. She is Marisol Corzo. She was Alex Blackwell’s ex-wife. Twice. Alex and Maggie had grown up together and he had been her late husband’s best friend since elementary school. Now it would be up to Maggie to tell Alex that his ex-wife had been strangled. It was not a good way to start a day.
As Maggie investigates, the leads seemed to go straight into drug runners. Why was Marisol in town? Why had she called Alex to meet her?
Carolina’s Café sits on the deck near the river and the night is almost perfect. A few men and women are having diver or are almost limbered up. Several patrons are on the deck talking and smoking when a body is discovered beneath the deck and it is in the mouth of an alligator.
After coming in off the bay, Lt. Maggie Redmond made her way to the scene. After dealing with William and Robert who were witnesses, she made her way to Larry’s side for more information on the deceased. To her surprise, she knows the lady. She is Marisol Corzo. She was Alex Blackwell’s ex-wife. Twice. Alex and Maggie had grown up together and he had been her late husband’s best friend since elementary school. Now it would be up to Maggie to tell Alex that his ex-wife had been strangled. It was not a good way to start a day.
As Maggie investigates, the leads seemed to go straight into drug runners. Why was Marisol in town? Why had she called Alex to meet her?
July 10, 2019
Well I've decided to end the series here at #7 rather than proceeding. While each story has kept me interested, and anxiously waiting to see what comes next, there just isn't enough depth here to continue. The story line that continues with each in the series is pretty good, and one does lead into the next. However, I have a couple of issues:
1. Each book is too short, roughly 200-225 pages, to fully develop the story line and the characters. We do get to know the characters more and more with each story. It would be much better if each book went 300+ pages but having a more thorough plot.
2. Needs more plot twist. And much of that could be solved with #1 above. It's very easy to figure out what's coming next, and 'who did it'. And more detailed plot development with a few additional 'suspects' would help lead to a more satisfying ending to each book.
One item I have enjoyed is the ongoing battle with the main character's pet rooster, Stoopid. This part of the story line is always a nice break from the main theme of the books, and creates an enjoyable diversion.
So overall, the series has so much potential. But it is just light on content.
1. Each book is too short, roughly 200-225 pages, to fully develop the story line and the characters. We do get to know the characters more and more with each story. It would be much better if each book went 300+ pages but having a more thorough plot.
2. Needs more plot twist. And much of that could be solved with #1 above. It's very easy to figure out what's coming next, and 'who did it'. And more detailed plot development with a few additional 'suspects' would help lead to a more satisfying ending to each book.
One item I have enjoyed is the ongoing battle with the main character's pet rooster, Stoopid. This part of the story line is always a nice break from the main theme of the books, and creates an enjoyable diversion.
So overall, the series has so much potential. But it is just light on content.
Read
October 30, 2021In Apalachicola, FL, what goes in the river doesn't always stay there.
When some locals find a dead woman in the jaws of a gator, it's fairly upsetting. When Lt. Maggie Redmond finds lifelong friend Axel Blackwell in the dead woman's hotel room, it's a little more upsetting than that.
Axel becomes the chief suspect in his ex-wife's murder, but Maggie is convinced that he would never harm the beautiful but tragic Marisol Corzo.
As Axel deals with his loss, and the potential loss of his freedom, Maggie works to unravel the evidence, evidence that suggests Marisol brought about her own demise. Drug dealers from down south seek to expand their commerce to the sleepy, coastal town of Apalachicola, FL, and it seems that the dead woman is the one who led them there.
As Maggie tries to understand who Marisol really was, she also comes to terms with who she really is, and with her true connection to town crime lord Bennett Boudreaux.
Maggie finds out Boudreaux is her biological father.
Good. Will finish series.
When some locals find a dead woman in the jaws of a gator, it's fairly upsetting. When Lt. Maggie Redmond finds lifelong friend Axel Blackwell in the dead woman's hotel room, it's a little more upsetting than that.
Axel becomes the chief suspect in his ex-wife's murder, but Maggie is convinced that he would never harm the beautiful but tragic Marisol Corzo.
As Axel deals with his loss, and the potential loss of his freedom, Maggie works to unravel the evidence, evidence that suggests Marisol brought about her own demise. Drug dealers from down south seek to expand their commerce to the sleepy, coastal town of Apalachicola, FL, and it seems that the dead woman is the one who led them there.
As Maggie tries to understand who Marisol really was, she also comes to terms with who she really is, and with her true connection to town crime lord Bennett Boudreaux.
Maggie finds out Boudreaux is her biological father.
Good. Will finish series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2017
I love this series so much. The books are easy to read and fast paced, with a good balance between action and introspection involving the main character, Maggie Redmond, native Franklin Countian and detective on the Franklin County Sheriff's Dept. The characters are so well developed they feel like old friends from one book to the next. The places described along the Forgotten Coast are well known to me and it makes the books that much more fun to read.
However the typos and editing errors in ALL seven books (especially book 3) are so annoying that it's actually distracting, hence my 4 star rating rather than 5. I admit this is a pet peeve of mine so other readers may skim right past most of them but it's certainly noticeable and annoying to have to read a sentence several times to figure out what it should have said instead of how it's actually printed. For gosh sakes McKenna, get someone to proofread!
However the typos and editing errors in ALL seven books (especially book 3) are so annoying that it's actually distracting, hence my 4 star rating rather than 5. I admit this is a pet peeve of mine so other readers may skim right past most of them but it's certainly noticeable and annoying to have to read a sentence several times to figure out what it should have said instead of how it's actually printed. For gosh sakes McKenna, get someone to proofread!
July 16, 2017
I Remember Apalach
Many years ago when I was a little girl, just a couple of months after my mother died of a long illness, my father, brother, and I took a short trip from our home in Jackson down along the Gulf Coast. I think we needed a change of surroundings to get away from the sadness. I can remember my father calling us away from the water because he thought he saw sharks which turned out to be dolphins. My name is Margaret, too, but my nickname is Betsy, not Maggie, but I could relate to Maggie's feelings about losing a loved one. I could follow the writing and plot, almost like cinema verite'. Although this series is meant to be mystery oriented, one scene is so comical, I actually laughed as I was reading it. When I like the right combination of expertise, vocabulary, and the other factors that compose a good read and it's offered in a series, I usually read the books straight through, which I did this time.
Many years ago when I was a little girl, just a couple of months after my mother died of a long illness, my father, brother, and I took a short trip from our home in Jackson down along the Gulf Coast. I think we needed a change of surroundings to get away from the sadness. I can remember my father calling us away from the water because he thought he saw sharks which turned out to be dolphins. My name is Margaret, too, but my nickname is Betsy, not Maggie, but I could relate to Maggie's feelings about losing a loved one. I could follow the writing and plot, almost like cinema verite'. Although this series is meant to be mystery oriented, one scene is so comical, I actually laughed as I was reading it. When I like the right combination of expertise, vocabulary, and the other factors that compose a good read and it's offered in a series, I usually read the books straight through, which I did this time.
April 25, 2018
The Forgotten Coast Series
I am writing this as I finish the 7th book of this amazing story. Even though it's 8 books, it's one story - one of love lost and love found, lies told and truths told, and above both of those flows the story of southerners in a town that could be any one of the gulf coast towns populated by people who live their lives on that gulf. Having grown up in such an environment, maybe I could appreciate the authenticity a little more, but this story has an appeal seldom achieved by any author. Ms. McKenna has created a cast of characters who almost jump off the page because we all know people just like these. I wanted to post this before I start #8 so that I cannot take it back if I don't like the ending of it.
Do yourself a great favor and grab this entire series to take on vacation. You won't be sorry, but you won't get much done besides reading. Enjoy!!!!
I am writing this as I finish the 7th book of this amazing story. Even though it's 8 books, it's one story - one of love lost and love found, lies told and truths told, and above both of those flows the story of southerners in a town that could be any one of the gulf coast towns populated by people who live their lives on that gulf. Having grown up in such an environment, maybe I could appreciate the authenticity a little more, but this story has an appeal seldom achieved by any author. Ms. McKenna has created a cast of characters who almost jump off the page because we all know people just like these. I wanted to post this before I start #8 so that I cannot take it back if I don't like the ending of it.
Do yourself a great favor and grab this entire series to take on vacation. You won't be sorry, but you won't get much done besides reading. Enjoy!!!!
January 10, 2023
Apparent Wind
Yay!! Finally!! They're engaged! I'm so happy for them! Even if the book were crappy it'd be worth reading just for this! But it isn't crappy! None of the books have been! I wish this series never had to end! The Appalach/East Point/SGI area is one of my most favorite places & I get to revisit it with every new book I read! Of course there are many differences from my memories, which aren't 100% anymore after so many years, & I suppose some things are fictional, too. The mysteries entwined around & throughout Maggie's story are well written, the characters are realistic, whether good-guys or bad. Ms. McKenna's descriptions are so, well, descriptive, you can almost see, hear, smell, & taste as if you are right there! If you've not read any of this series yet, do yourself a favor & start! If you have read some, get back into them!
Yay!! Finally!! They're engaged! I'm so happy for them! Even if the book were crappy it'd be worth reading just for this! But it isn't crappy! None of the books have been! I wish this series never had to end! The Appalach/East Point/SGI area is one of my most favorite places & I get to revisit it with every new book I read! Of course there are many differences from my memories, which aren't 100% anymore after so many years, & I suppose some things are fictional, too. The mysteries entwined around & throughout Maggie's story are well written, the characters are realistic, whether good-guys or bad. Ms. McKenna's descriptions are so, well, descriptive, you can almost see, hear, smell, & taste as if you are right there! If you've not read any of this series yet, do yourself a favor & start! If you have read some, get back into them!
October 14, 2017
Fun light reading. Read all seven books in series one after the other, which eventually made the repetitive summaries of previous novels boring. How many times does the reader have to know about a breakfast ritual and the drinking of Mountain Dew? Enjoyed the plot and characters although they were not fully developed. When thinking, one character always runs his fingers through his hair, another chews her lip and a third rubs his eyebrow. Surely people have more than one non-verbal expression. Sentence, punctuation, and grammatical errors detract from the reader's enjoyment. McKenna needs a careful editor!
September 14, 2018
As usual, Ms. McKenna did not disappoint. It was her usual great storyline and characters. Though, and it was still worth the 5 stars, the editor, Debbie Maxwell Allen, owes Ms. McKenna at least a partial refund for the poor job she did in editing. The errors were so blatant , I cannot see how she could have missed them, unless she skimmed and did not read.
And, as a point of interest, in answer to Maggie's query to Wyatt: i.e. "why do you have to be a jerk?" The answer is because he is a man and it is his birthright. LOL
I highly recommend this series to any and all mystery buffs. It is fast moving and contains mystery, intrigue, light romance and family. All and all, it has it all.
And, as a point of interest, in answer to Maggie's query to Wyatt: i.e. "why do you have to be a jerk?" The answer is because he is a man and it is his birthright. LOL
I highly recommend this series to any and all mystery buffs. It is fast moving and contains mystery, intrigue, light romance and family. All and all, it has it all.
September 25, 2020
Delightful !!!
I simply LOVE this series written by Dawn Lee McKenna !!! I started reading this series 7 days ago & have read a book a day so certain then. I feel like I know each character & will miss not being able to read about them. Her books are well written & captivating. I've found myself reading passages out loud to my husband because I'm laughing out loud & simply have to share the laughter with some. She paints pictures with her words & has the gift of drawing you into another world & making you feel like you are there.
Thank you so very much Ms. McKenna ! I sincerely hope you write MANY more stories in the future.
I simply LOVE this series written by Dawn Lee McKenna !!! I started reading this series 7 days ago & have read a book a day so certain then. I feel like I know each character & will miss not being able to read about them. Her books are well written & captivating. I've found myself reading passages out loud to my husband because I'm laughing out loud & simply have to share the laughter with some. She paints pictures with her words & has the gift of drawing you into another world & making you feel like you are there.
Thank you so very much Ms. McKenna ! I sincerely hope you write MANY more stories in the future.
December 19, 2024
Seventh in the Forgotten Coast mystery series, Apparent Wind takes Sheriff's deputy Maggie Redmond back in time when a friend from her youth is accused of murdering his ex-wife. Personally, life is a challenge for Maggie as well. She and former sheriff Wyatt Hamilton have decided to take their relationship to the next level. Meanwhile, Maggie learns a shocking, deep secret about her own past.
Because this book is so interdependent on actions from previous books in the series, I don't recommend it all for anyone new to the series. It is fairly readable for series readers and necessary to carry the over story of Maggie, Wyatt and the other residents of the Apalachicola area.
Because this book is so interdependent on actions from previous books in the series, I don't recommend it all for anyone new to the series. It is fairly readable for series readers and necessary to carry the over story of Maggie, Wyatt and the other residents of the Apalachicola area.
July 1, 2017
Florida Coast
I read all seven books in this series. These were great books. Very entertaining read and I had trouble putting them down. This is a new author for me that I discovered from bookbub. It is about a investigator with the sheriffs office near the panhandle of Florida. The cases detailed in the books and the investigations were very interesting. The characters were well developed, very few typos and other editing errors which was very nice. I would highly recommend this series.
I read all seven books in this series. These were great books. Very entertaining read and I had trouble putting them down. This is a new author for me that I discovered from bookbub. It is about a investigator with the sheriffs office near the panhandle of Florida. The cases detailed in the books and the investigations were very interesting. The characters were well developed, very few typos and other editing errors which was very nice. I would highly recommend this series.
December 5, 2017
A Good Series with Far Too Many Editorial Errors
I've just finished reading the entire seven -book series. It's a pleasant small town series featuring two cops who fall in love while doing their jobs. The author has enough skill to make you feel you know these people as well as their small town. However, there are literally hundreds of editorial errors which, at least for me, detract from the story line while I'm stumbling over them. You can't read more than two pages without finding errors. If this were corrected I would have enjoyed the series a good deal more.
I've just finished reading the entire seven -book series. It's a pleasant small town series featuring two cops who fall in love while doing their jobs. The author has enough skill to make you feel you know these people as well as their small town. However, there are literally hundreds of editorial errors which, at least for me, detract from the story line while I'm stumbling over them. You can't read more than two pages without finding errors. If this were corrected I would have enjoyed the series a good deal more.
September 20, 2018
A Great Read
Oh enjoy reading the Late Redmond books. They are so down to earth and kind of folksy for lack of a better word. Kate has her own insecurities as well as being an admirable cop. The characters are fleshed out into real people. People just as you might be acquainted with or even have as good friends. To me that makes a story more interesting. There is always the mystery which draws me to the novel to start with. I have only read two of Dawn Lee McKenna's novels but I will be looking for more.
Oh enjoy reading the Late Redmond books. They are so down to earth and kind of folksy for lack of a better word. Kate has her own insecurities as well as being an admirable cop. The characters are fleshed out into real people. People just as you might be acquainted with or even have as good friends. To me that makes a story more interesting. There is always the mystery which draws me to the novel to start with. I have only read two of Dawn Lee McKenna's novels but I will be looking for more.
October 25, 2019
This story deals with a woman found in the water, an ex wife of Axel. He was a good friend of Maggie and her late husband. Though they were divorced, they had been together the night before. The new Sheriff, he claims Axel is guilty. A case that brings in drug dealers and boyfriends of the victim. For Maggie it is a roller coaster of emotions for her a best friend is accused, her friendship with Boudreaux, she wonders who she is.
Good descriptive plot of the area, characters,,especially Maggie and Wyatt.
Good descriptive plot of the area, characters,,especially Maggie and Wyatt.
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