The Steel Shark

Joe Tesla #4

by Rebecca Cantrell

A dog. His computer. The tunnels under New York City.

That’s all Joe Tesla’s agoraphobia has left him with—the inside world, the dark world—and now the black depths of the sea.

In the latest book in this award-winning thriller series,Joe Tesla seeks to expand his world beneath. He buys a personal submarine to join an underwater scavenger hunt. The competition turns deadly when a mystery sub targets Joe. His search for answers drives him and his service dog out to sea where he alone might find answers in time to save the city he loves from annihilation.

But can a man trapped inside by his own fears save the larger world above?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Adventure, Thriller Suspense, Suspense

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2017

About the author

A few years ago Rebecca Cantrell quit her job, sold her house, and moved to Hawaii to write a novel because, at seven, she decided that she would be a writer. Now she writes the award-winning Hannah Vogel mystery series set in Berlin in the 1930s. “A Trace of Smoke,” "A Night of Long Knives," "A Game of Lies," and "A City of Broken Glass." She also co-writes the Order of Sanguines series with James Rollins, starting with the upcoming book 1: "The Blood Gospel." And she writes the iMonster series as Bekka Black, including "iDrakula" and "iFrankenstein."

A faded pink triangle pasted on the wall of Dachau Concentration Camp and time in Berlin, Germany in the 1980s inspired “A Trace of Smoke.” Fluent in German, she received her high school diploma from the John F. Kennedy Schule in Berlin and studied at the Freie Universität in Berlin and the Georg August Universität in Göttingen.

When she visited Berlin in the summer of 2006, she was astounded to discover that many locations in her novel have been rebuilt and reopened in the last few years, including the gay bar El Dorado and the Mosse House publishing house.

Her short story “Coffee” will appear in the “Missing” anthology in February 2009.

Her screenplay “The Humanitarian” was a finalist at Shriekfest 2008: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-fi Film Festival. Her screenplay “A Taste For Blood” was a finalist at the Shriekfest 2007: The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-fi Film Festival.

As of this writing, she lives in Berlin with her Ironman husband and son.

Reviews

[AndrewP · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book seems a little prophetic as, for me, Cantrell jumped the shark with this 4th book of the series. It's an easy read and entertaining enough but the main plot and some of the scenes are just too implausible. This book reminded me of some of the things in early Cussler novels.
The ending leaves a few questions and would have expected a follow up. But, as this was written six years ago I wonder of Cantrell pulled the plug on Joe Tesla.

[AdiTurbo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less good than the previous books in the series and some plot points are completely unbelievable, but I still liked the characters of Tesla, Edison and Vivian enough to read this book, and hope they will return in another one, maybe something that will at last confront Tesla with Wright and redeem him from his debilitating agoraphobia.

[itchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

brief synopsis:
a submarine scavenger hunt in new york goes awry as a chinese stealth submarine crashes the party to assassinate a member of the royal family.

setting:
munchon naval base, north korea
manhattan, new york
brooklyn, new york
montauk, new york
north atlantic ocean

named personalities:
laila dakkar - a princess
nahal - a hacker
wang - a chinese commander
ambra - laila's cousin
meri - laila's medically-trained cousin
joe tesla - owner of pellucid
edison - joe's psychiatric service dog; a golden retriever/yellow lab mix
gemma plantec - pellucid's chief neurobiologist
erik - a phantom of the opera character
marnie - joe's executive assistant
vivian 'elena' torres - joe's sometimes bodyguard
chad - an instructor for jack's dive locker
guy - vivian's dive-training buddy at jack's dive locker
rossi - a lawyer who also runs the bodyguarding service; vivian's boss
pierre aronnax - a twenty thousand leagues under the sea character
timgad - a prince
george clooney - a celebrity
bellum - a detective
hap - bellum's detective partner
stauss - joe's physician
maeve wadsworth - an opera-set designer
lucy - vivian's sister
bibi - laila's aunt
evaline - an information receptionist for grand central terminal
avi - the avenger of blood
alan wright - a billionaire
karpenko - security for theamerican museum of natural history
dirk norbye - an ex-army nypd officer who also moonlights as joe's bodyguard
baxter - a diver
parker - another of joe's bodyguards
marina - a woman who runs a bodyguarding service for high-priced escorts
franz marc - an early cubism artist
andres peterson - a dog walker for edison
aquaman - a superhero
mera - the queen of atlantis
kirk - a star trek captain
khan - another star trek character
rasha - one of laila's cohorts who lost a child due to a beating
fred malcahy - an acoustic intelligence officer
jake - a giant schnauzer
chan - an experienced officer
fitzgerald - a young officer
parker - another rossi bodyguard protecting joe
khan - an officer
glascoe - the captain of the voyager
marshall - one of glascoe's crew; a hairy guy
billy - a burly blond crew of the voyager
bob - another burly blond crew of the voyager
jin - a member of bibi's crew
mckay - elena's supposed employer
muhjaa - another member of bibi's crew
mishaal - the king's son
legolas - a fucking elf

typo:
p18: in the water, she was supposed to be able to be the weak link.

p176: like people move who aren't seasick.

felt like this story came from way out in left field.

[Zen Ghost Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only a 3 from me, but let me be clear, I will read every single Joe Tesla book Cantrell cares to write. These characters are fantastic and I love them. I would love to see this as a tv series.

However, I'll be honest, this was my least favorite in the series so far. While Joe is an agoraphobic, this book has him out in the ocean in a submarine and even scuba diving in a suit. I'm not saying that is not possible, and I'm sure Cantrell did her homework on that, but it definitely breaks the spell of the claustrophobic world with its limitations. That world is precisely what makes these books so intriguing! It also appears he can get to almost everywhere in the city due to underground tunnels. Again, maybe possible, but it breaks the spell Cantrell wove so neatly in the first few books.

Not all books in a series can be the best, so this will need to occupy the bottom for me. But I'm looking forward to the next one, and the one after that!

[Karly · Rating 3 out of 5]

At this point, I'm only reading for Edison.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of my favourites I must admit although I read to the end. Much of it was just a little too unrealistic despite the authors assurances that the technology actually exists. I never doubted that but it was the story line that I had trouble with from women buying and operating a sub for the primary purpose to kill one ambitious prince from a middle eastern province to a daring escape by two women, one with a broken arm from said sub.

[Dchamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, seeing as this was book 4 of 4, you'd have thought it would have ended a lot, lot better than it did.
Even if it were of a larger series, the ending was poor again, lots of unfinished business and all.
With all that, it's still a very good read, but getting long in the tooth as something else big should have happened that didn't. Don't want to spoil it, but good book, not great.

[Jefrois · Rating 1 out of 5]

.
.
WHAT AN ABSURD BOOK !

Absurd plot.

Absurd subplots.

Absurd characters.

ABSURD !!!!!

ABSURD !!!!!!

TERRIBLE AWFUL HORRIBLE ROTTEN LOUSY STINKING STORY-TELLING !!!

AWFUL BAD SMELLY HORRIBLE TERRIBLE WRITING !!!

Just absurd….

…absurd….

Bleah.
.
.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Hell hath no fury like a woman seeking revenge.’

This statement pretty much sets up the theme for Rebecca Cantrell’s latest addition to the Joe Tesla series. Women are the real focus in The Steel Shark, both as villains and heroes.

For those of you that are not familiar with the series, Joe Tesla is an intriguing character. Tesla is a billionaire tech wizard that is afflicted with an unfortunate mental disorder known as agoraphobia, a fear of places or situations that result in panic. For Tesla, it is fear of being out in the open and in order to deal with his situation, he finds a safe haven in the unique subterranean world below New York City. Tesla’s best friend is his psychiatric service dog named Edison who participates in Tesla’s many adventures.

In The Steel Shark, Tesla pushes the limit against his agoraphobia by leaving his underground sanctuary to take part in an underwater scavenger hunt using small submarines. By his side is his trusty body guard Vivian Torres and, of course, Edison, who has learned how to scuba dive. Unfortunately, Tesla’s day of fun is disturbed when a much larger submarine enters the picture and destroys a fellow competitor’s submarine and its occupant as well as Tesla’s submarine with Torres barely escaping with her life. The destruction of his submarine is only the beginning of Tesla’s woes, as he is falsely accused of killing his fellow competitor and is targeted by an assassin. Tesla realizes that it is up to him to unveil the mystery behind this adversarial submarine and its occupants.

The characters are what make The Steel Shark and the series really enjoyable. I delight in Joe Tesla’s quirkiness and I just want to give Edison a big hug. Full of adventure and excitement, The Steel Shark is a fine addition to the series. My only complaint is that I am going to have to wait until the next book of the series to come out.

I would like to thank Rebecca Cantrell for my advance reader copy of The Steel Shark in exchange for an honest review.

If you are interested in learning more about the Joe Tesla Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week

[Wal.li · Rating 4 out of 5]

PADI Dog

Joe Tesla lebt im Untergrund New Yorks, seit er bei einem Überfall eine unbekannte Droge zugeführt bekam, leidet er unter einer extremen Form von Agoraphobie. Eine Heilung scheint es bisher nicht zu geben, obwohl Tesla, ein Computer-Nerd, Programme entwickelt, die zum einem den Fehler im Gehirn suchen sollen und die zum anderen helfen sollen, die Krankheit zu besiegen. Allerdings braucht auch ein Joe Tesla mal ein wenig Entspannung. Und wenn er schon nicht ans Tageslicht kann, so kann ein Ausflug mit seinem kleinen U-Boot eine Alternative sein. Mit Vivien, die als sein Bodyguard fungiert, nimmt er an einem Wettbewerb verschiedener Taucher teil. Es scheint als zöge Tesla Gefahren an, sein kleines U-Boot wird von einem wesentlich größeren Objekt zerstört. Joe und Vivien entkommen mit knapper Not.

Das Setting ist weiterhin ungewöhnlich, Joe Tesla, der gefeierte Jungunternehmer, ist durch einen Zwischenfall in Räumen gefesselt. Und doch gibt er nicht auf, er will seine Situation verbessern. Dabei gerät er hier in seinem vierten Auftritt eher durch Zufall in eine Operation, die geheimnisvoller kaum sein könnte. Wieso sollte ein fremdes und vor allem großes U-Boot auf sein kleines Schiffchen abgesehen haben? Und wenn schon das Ereignis an sich Joes Intelligenz anregt, das Geheimnis zu entschlüsseln, so ist doch seine Sorge um die Menschen in seiner Umgebung und auch um seinen Assistenzhund Edison ein noch viel größerer Ansporn. Hier gilt es etwas unbedingt zu verhindern, um mehr Sicherheit zu gewinnen.

Dieser vierte Band der Joe Tesla Reihe bietet ausgesprochen spannende Unterhaltung. Man mag zwar ein paar Zweifel hegen, ob eine derartige Ausgangssituation in der realen Welt vorkommen kann. Doch losgelöst davon entfaltet sich ein Abenteuerroman, der mitreißt und der einen durch eine schier unglaubliche Geschichte führt, die klug konstruiert und strukturiert ist. Gerade die Begrenzung von Joes Bewegungsrahmen und dessen Versuche, trotzdem zur Rettung seiner Lieben (und dem Rest der Welt) anzutreten, machen einen besonderen Reiz aus, der zum Glück noch immer nicht ausgereizt ist. Ein wenig verwundert es schon, dass diese lesenswerte Reihe nicht übersetzt ist, obwohl die Autorin doch einen gewissen Bekanntheitsgrad hat. Joe Tesla ist ein bemerkenswerter Antiheld, dem hoffentlich noch viele Abenteuer beschieden sein werden.
4,5 Sterne

[Cherei · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRAVO!!! The Steel Shark (Joe Tesla, #4) by Rebecca Cantrell is going to quickly be on the bestseller list! It's a high speed thriller, smart, inventive fun mental journey!! So many twists and turns... All unexpected and very satisfying!

Joe Tesla has found a way to leave the subway tunnels of New York City.. the majority of the story takes place either in a sub or wearing a dive suit! Now, I've gotta tell you.. this is the FIRST time.. EVER.. that I've heard of a dog diving!! I'd love to see a doggy in a diving suit. Though, I was given a very good mental version!

Be sure and read the headings.. I nearly missed that months had passed chapter to next chapter. There are some scenes that are going to make the reader laugh out loud!! (for real). Can you imagine having to clean a room on a ship.. after some muscle bound neanderthal Has been given less than five minutes to clear out his belongings for you? ROFLMA!

The women of a Middle-East royal family.. have all "died" in a plane crash. They had been doomed to a life of living hell once they marry the royal male jerks who see their wives and daughters as nothing more than a piece of arm candy that exists solely to serve their wants and desires. I love that they decide to make a stand.. and come up with one heckuva a plan to live a life THEY want and desire. They just need to accomplish one wee task.. or two.. and then.. the women's lives belong to themselves.

Rebecca Cantrell was really in her groove when she wrote this book! It flows so beautifully. Tons of fun.. and LOTS of thrills and mystery! This is one of those rare ones.. that you may feel compelled to read more than once!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the idea of a man living in a Victorian house underground because he is Agoraphobic. There is a lot to keep my interest but I also have some questions and moments of disbelief. However I don’t care. Suspend the disbelief and enjoy the story in this case. I believe this is the last of the series. I wonder if there will be more at some point. Bye for now Joe Tesla.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable! I would read more in this series

[Elena Alvarez Dosil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally published at: https://lomeraniel.com/book-review-th...

I became a Joe Tesla fan from book one in this series, which I absolutely loved... until now. Don't get me wrong, this book was still good and entertaining, but it pales in comparison to the previous three books. I missed some more personal parts, and also the mystery didn't appeal to me as much as the previous ones. Like others, I found it in general more unbelievable. I guess I was used to Joe being doomed to the train tunnels and seeing him with Edison in a submarine was the last thing I expected. It could have been a good surprise but sadly it wasn't. There were great action scenes and cool technology that got me listening to the end, but I wasn't as invested as with previous books.

There are no developments regarding Joe's agoraphobia, which was one of the things that caught my interest from the start. It's true that things were pretty much tied up in the last book but he's still busy investigating how to get cured of his ailment. It's just mentioned at some point in the story but as I said, there's nothing new on that front.  I guess Rebecca Cantrell lost interest in Joe and his particular goal in life, as this book was published in 2017 and there are no sequels.  Curing Joe would have been the end of the series, which I would have been okay with, but she was probably saving Joe's cure for the future. I think the first three books were pretty good, and the series could have been finished with the third one. This fourth book doesn't add anything to Joe's personal crusade.

Jeffrey Kaffer's narration was very enjoyable, as always, bringing the characters to life and adding the right amount of emotion to bring value to the book and at the same time to avoid interfering with the story. The only small setback I can mention is that a couple of times I had troubles following dialogs, as some characters' voices were too similar, but in general, it was an outstanding narration.

[A.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funnily enough Joe is okay with scuba diving or being in a mini sub; it doesn’t ping his agoraphobia. Of course, he has to trick his brain into getting there via pop up tunnels but he’s rich and he can pay people to fit in with his odd requests.
And Edison, the support dog, goes with them.
He scuba dives… of course he does. [I have images of Snowy the dog in a space suit on the moon - Edison would totally do it… if Joe was there.]

So he and bodyguard Vivian Torres, have entered a mini sub scavenger hunt when the Arabic prince’s sub is squashed flat by a third larger submarine, and they are almost killed as well.
Pretty much nobody believes them, Vivian had to drug Tesla to get him out of the water and into the rescue chopper. And it easier to assume the subs ran into each other rather than admit a copy of a Swedish sub wandered that close to the NY coastline.

It’s a crazy storyline, but I kind of went with it. It’s the ‘wait… what?’ school of reading. It’s only when I got to write the review that I think how much of a stretch it was. But then that’s a signature thing with this series; tech stretched to breaking point.
The sub ladies felt a little bit cartoon evil, if that makes sense.
Some big series pivot points for Joe, Maeve, and vivian.
3 stars

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Joe Tesla series, but this one fell flat for me. It left too many threads unfinished. Not only did it not mention anything about Celeste or give follow-up about the important characters and events from the previous book, it failed to resolve most of the plotlines in this book.

We never find out what happened to the assassin after he was caught. We don't know what happened to the submarine. We don't know for sure if the prince even died. It doesn't tell us what happens with Nahal. What happens with the Tesla's bad press and the cops back in NYC? I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of off the top of my head.

There's a small resolution, but I finished the book feeling like I didn't get any of the answers I really wanted. Which is extra sad because this came out in 2017, so it doesn't appear the author is writing more in the series. I hope I'm wrong, but...four years is a long time in the current publishing environment.

[Read Ng · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well I skipped book #3, simply because I did not have a copy nearby. But I already had #4, so I gave it a read.

There were a few references to event that must have took place in book #3, so you might want to read these in order. But it should not overly diminish your enjoyment of book #4.

I was intrigued by how our hero could find himself in a sub. I had to find out. Okay, Cantrell has lost me here. It likely has more to do with the number of "great" sub warfare books I have already experienced. The lack of suspense was just skipped. Fire torpedo. Torpedo explodes. Just like that. A bit more research was in order and a lot more build up between firing and exploding was missed. I think I will be skipping the rest of this series. But don't let that dissuade you. Give this series a whirl.

And have a GoodReads.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I forgot about this series for awhile and stumbled onto it reviewing my wants to read list.
Took me a few minutes to remember the story line, but Joe is always up to something fascinating.
He almost loses his life in a submarine race when a steely shark sub smashes an opponent’s sub and crashes into his. No one believes his and Vivian’s story and so Joe sets out to solve it.
It was a bit of a let down, not as intriguing and powerful as the other books in the story but still entertaining.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading

I’ve finished reading all four books on the Joe Tesla series. Rebecca Cantrell is an amazing author and I love the research that goes into all of her books. I’ve learned quite a bit about the tunnels under New York city. I was quite pleased and surprised with her fourth book in the series when Joe ventured out in a submarine. Once I start reading her books,It’s almost impossible for me to put it down.

[Danny Hammons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talking Joe out of his element...didn't work for me

While there was no lack of adventure and excitement in the book, it didn't "feel" the same as the other Tesla books. I still enjoyed reading it, but not as much as what came before. I'd still recommend it, but by all means, if you're new to the series, start with book 1!

[Hectaizani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agoraphobic hero Joe Tesla and his psychiatric service dog Edison broaden the scope of their world to include the ocean. In previous books we learned that Joe is unable to go outside and is pretty much confined to the world of Grand Central Station and the tunnels that run under New York City. In The Steel Shark, Joe has discovered that he doesn't panic in the blackness under the sea so he is taking part in an underwater submarine based scavenger hunt. The book starts with he and bodyguard Vivian celebrating their attainment of the first goal, that is, until things go horribly wrong. As they always seem to do when Joe is involved. Of course, Joe has to figure out what's going on and ends up being hunted yet again.

I enjoyed this entry in the Joe Tesla series. As always, Edison stole the show. I'm a sucker for books that feature animals. It was fun to see Joe get out of the tunnels and in such a creative way too. The Lord of the Rings reference was hilarious. I am also a sucker for books that have a nerdy side and touch on fandoms. I am only sad that there aren't any more books in the series (yet?), hopefully Rebecca Cantrell will return to Joe's world someday. I imagine it must be difficult to come up with new situations for him because his medical condition is fairly limiting and if cured Joe just wouldn't be Joe.

I listened to this on Audible and the narrator was great. As always he did a fabulous job, I really like the continuity of the same narrator over all the books. Speaking of continuity, there was some confusion with the names of the companies. Wasn't Pellucid Joe's original company with the facial recognition and Lucid the new one with the brain mapping? The two names get used almost interchangeably and I thought got referenced incorrectly as first and second. Because I listened to the audio, if I'm spelling them wrong it's because I never saw them in print.

I received a free copy of this audiobook for review from the author via Audiobookboom in exchange for an honest review. I requested it because I love the concept and the characters. Sure I've reviewed the other books in the series and received some of them for free but I bought book 2 with my own money because I needed to know more.

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

An enthralling oceanic tale that keeps the reader turning pages frantically in this fourth book in the Joe Tesla series.

The author skillfully combines terroristic plots, suspense and Joe's trusty service dog, Edison, into a rollercoaster ride of possible world-changing events. By Joe's side through it all is Vivian, his paid protector/body guard.

Suffering from agoraphobia, Joe is basically confined to his home beneath Grand Central Terminal in New York City, forced to use the underground tunnels and railways to move around. His one remaining pleasure is exploring the ocean in his custom-built submersible. On an underwater scavenger hunt, even that pleasure is taken from him when terrorists in a stolen military submarine collides with his submersible, leaving both Vivian, Edison and himself for dead.

But with further investigation, Joe discovers he was only collateral damage in a possible terrorist plot to overthrow another country's government. And when the terrorists discover he survived the collision, Joe and Vivian also becomes targets for elimination.

With non-stop adventure and underwater action, Joe and Vivian attempt to track the submarine. But despite Tesla's wealth and access to advanced technology, Vivian becomes a hostage aboard the stolen submarine.

Time is quickly running out to save both Vivian and the entire Royal Family of the mega-yacht the stolen submarine plans to sink. Can Joe, a hired crew and an old boat save everyone in time? Or will the yacht be torpedoed and sunk?

A gratifying thriller sure to keep any reader of this genre on the edge of their seat. Recommended.

[Su Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Steel Shark (Joe Tesla, #4) by New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Cantrell, where we are plunged back into the dark underground world of agoraphobic millionaire Joe Tesla. Only this time, we are plunged into the dark underwater world of Jacques Cousteau. Joe has a new toy, a submarine, that he hopes will expand the boundaries of his limited world. Only thing is, while exploring those new boundaries, Joe and Edison get caught up in an International incident that thrusts them smack dab into the middle of harms way. They are confronted with assassins and an unknown hitman (a ruthless killer with fancy new toys of his own). Follow along with Joe and Edison in their efforts to stay hot on the heels of the assassins, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of the hitman who's out to kill them.
This book has it all - excitement, intrigue, sorrow and lots of comedy splashed (pun intended) in between that binds it all together!
If this series of books were my children, I'm going to go out on a limb and risk being called a 'bad mother' and state that this one is my favorite. I will be patiently waiting to find out what adventures, or misadventures, Joe and Edison are thrust into the next time trouble comes knocking at their door.

And, as a side note to Rebecca Cantrell, I just want to say "thank you" - to my utter delight my wish came true and Miss Evaline boldly stepped right up to the plate!

[Ashley P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It truly does suck that my dream man is an agoraphobic fictional character who lives under Grand Central Station. Joe Tesla, in this, the fourth novel in Rebecca Cantrell's Joe Tesla series, remains a character who is full of heart, warmth and an intelligence that just won't be stopped by anything. Not even crashing submarines.

This newest installment caught me from the first page, making me quite anxious to get into my reading and finish the book, but at the same time I desperately didn't want to because I didn't want it to end. 

Without spoilers I will tell you there is a lot of character development for Joe, as well as Vivian, and the mystery isn't so much a mystery as it is a determined, forceful plot-line pulling you through the book. The wonder in this is that even though there is no big huge whodunnit mystery in this book there is still enough of a mysterious tone to keep you guessing as to what might happen next. 

Rebecca Cantrell's strength in writing for me has always been the way in which she captures my attention with just a single moment in her books. In this book there were so many moments if I had been holding a physical book I would've gotten paper cuts by how quickly I would've turned the pages. 

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the previous Joe Tesla novels, I really liked this one too. There is one very exciting difference though. Joe leaves the tunnels underneath NY and ventures out to the open ocean. How you ask? Well, you’ll just have to read it to find out.

The Steel Shark is another unique adventure for Joe and his team. Honestly, hijacking a sub may not be new, but the who and why is totally unexpected. Kudos to the author for continuously surprising her readers with thrilling and perhaps more importantly, different stories every time.

The Steel Shark is well-written, thoroughly researched, and whole lot of fun. I have really enjoyed Joe’s series so far, and this one is no exception. I look forward to see what Joe, Vivian, and Edison, get involved in next!

If you like thrillers with a splash of adventure thrown in, you will really love this book and the rest of the series!

Rating… A

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Steel Shark is another outstanding non-stop action adventure novel in the Joe Tesla series by Rebecca Cantrell. The series follows MIT graduate and millionaire Joe Tesla who developed agoraphobia soon after developing a surveillance program that tracks cell phones and emails for patterns to prevent terrorism. Joe suffers debilitating panic attacks whenever he goes outside or he is in crowded places. In the prior books in the series we observe the challenges Joe faces as he adapts to his life living in the tunnels under Grand Central Station in New York City with the assistance of his canine companion, Edison, and his part-time investigator/bodyguard, Vivian.

In the Steel Shark, we get to see Joe go outside his comfort zone inside a mini-submarine. The story essentially begins with Joe engaged in a rich-man’s underwater scavenger hunt for charity that soon turns deadly when he is attacked by a much larger submarine and another contestant’s submarine is torpedoed. Unfortunately none of the authorities believe that a ghost submarine attacked either of the subs, and instead they try to blame Joe with the mishap. Facing murder charges, Joe and Vivian attempt to uncover the truth behind the attack and they soon become targets themselves. What I truly appreciated about this story is that there are no easy answers as ethical issues abound while grieving sisters seek justice. Thankfully Joe’s brilliance coupled with Vivian’s savvy determination are a force to be reckoned with.

Jeffrey Kafer narrated this audiobook and he did a fantastic job. He really brought the characters to life giving each one their own distinct voice. His performance emoted the necessary urgency and tension in all the right places. Simply put, I whole-heartedly recommend this book -- and the entire series -- and I can't wait to listen to the next Joe Tesla novel!

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book of the Joe Tesla series (hoping the author writes more). I'm in love with his support dog, Edison. Very good, although not quite as good as the first three, because it doesn't take place in Joe's subway tunnel world. The setting is under the ocean, which apparently still works for Joe's agoraphobia. Tesla is looking for an elusive submarine that tried to kill him when he was out in his mini-sub. The sub was stolen in North Korea and is 'manned' by a group of middle eastern women who faked their deaths in a plane crash so they could escape their misogynist menfolk. It's all pretty far-fetched, but entertaining nonetheless.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Joe Tesla

This was another great Joe Feels story. This time he spent his time in his house and on a ship, which apparently doesn't bother him if there is an awning.


My only complaint was a significant part of the book followed Vivian hos body guard. I love Joe and Edison interaction.

This one they are chasing a submarine that attacked him in his personal submarine. The Captain of the sub wants to remain hidden so she hires a hit man to kill Joe. The hit man fails but vows to GRT Joe someday.

[B Howard · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Joe Tesla book #4. A band of women from some kingdom (it is never stated where) steal a submarine and go on a mission to kill the Prince of the kingdom who killed their loved ones. Ridiculous plot. This will be my last Joe Tesla book. His agoraphobia is irritating and there's just something missing in his relationship with his female bodyguard. She is weird too. I do like the old mansion under New York City near the subway lines. And I love Edison, his service dog. But I skimmed through this and really couldn't wait for it to be over. Copyright 2017.

[Margaret Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your seat great!

As with previous Joe Tesla stories, this one kept me on the edge of my seat. I just loved that Joe was "outside" for once. All the characters are great, I especially liked the interaction between Vivian & Andres and then Vivian with a Marshall. The way the women get the submarine and then the plot by Prince Timgad, just kept you wondering what was going to happen next. Can't wait for the next story.