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Crash Dive #4
Contact!
The fourth book in the popular Crash Dive series!
Still reeling from the hellish battle in the Japan Sea, Lt. Commander Charlie Harrison returns from Prospective Commanding Officer School to find the Sandtiger languishing in repair while her crew idles. He expects to take command, but the post is given to Captain Howard Saunders.
Sandtiger’s orders: Take a team of elite commandos to the island of Saipan to destroy a major coastal gun before 70,000 Marines land on its beaches. Once Saipan is taken, American bombers will be able to reach Tokyo. For the Japanese Empire, this triggers kantai kessen—the final decisive naval battle.
When disaster strikes, Charlie must save his submarine and salvage the mission, battling his erratic commander while fighting the enemy. Along the way, he learns sacrifice and the true cost of war.
Still reeling from the hellish battle in the Japan Sea, Lt. Commander Charlie Harrison returns from Prospective Commanding Officer School to find the Sandtiger languishing in repair while her crew idles. He expects to take command, but the post is given to Captain Howard Saunders.
Sandtiger’s orders: Take a team of elite commandos to the island of Saipan to destroy a major coastal gun before 70,000 Marines land on its beaches. Once Saipan is taken, American bombers will be able to reach Tokyo. For the Japanese Empire, this triggers kantai kessen—the final decisive naval battle.
When disaster strikes, Charlie must save his submarine and salvage the mission, battling his erratic commander while fighting the enemy. Along the way, he learns sacrifice and the true cost of war.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2017
448 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Craig DiLouie
62 books1,519 followersCraig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 9, 2018
This is book four of the series. Our protagonist Charles Harrison is now a Lt. Commander. He has just graduated from CPO School (Prospective Commanding Officer). On returning to Pearl he finds Captain Howard Sanders has been given command of the USS Sandtiger. The new assignment is to take a team of commandos to Saipan Island.
The book is well written and fast paced. As with the other books in the series, the suspense builds throughout the story. I have enjoyed the series and found the book hard to put down. I particularly like that the books are about five hours. This makes a great change from the longer non-fiction books I have been reading. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is four hours and fifty-four minutes. R. C. Bray does an excellent job narrating the series. Bray is an actor and voice-over artist. He has won the prestigious Audie Award, many Earphone Awards and the Voice Artist Award.
The book is well written and fast paced. As with the other books in the series, the suspense builds throughout the story. I have enjoyed the series and found the book hard to put down. I particularly like that the books are about five hours. This makes a great change from the longer non-fiction books I have been reading. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is four hours and fifty-four minutes. R. C. Bray does an excellent job narrating the series. Bray is an actor and voice-over artist. He has won the prestigious Audie Award, many Earphone Awards and the Voice Artist Award.
March 9, 2025
2025 Review 005. Crash Dive #4 Contact by Craig DiLouie, narrated by R.C. Bray
Audio duration : 4 hours 54 mins
Charlie Harrison has been promoted to Lieutenant Commander and put through Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) school after his last war patrol. He is up for command of the Sand Tiger.
Given a retiring commanding officer as a mentor, they are given a difficult mission involving delivering a group of special forces soldiers to an island in the pacific which houses a large naval gun which will prevent the final invasion of Japan beginning.
Of course, nothing goes right with the mission and Charlie is given the job of completing the mission with a few members of the Sand Tiger's crew.
This was another fantastic book which I have really enjoyed listening to on Audible.
5*
*****
Audio duration : 4 hours 54 mins
Charlie Harrison has been promoted to Lieutenant Commander and put through Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) school after his last war patrol. He is up for command of the Sand Tiger.
Given a retiring commanding officer as a mentor, they are given a difficult mission involving delivering a group of special forces soldiers to an island in the pacific which houses a large naval gun which will prevent the final invasion of Japan beginning.
Of course, nothing goes right with the mission and Charlie is given the job of completing the mission with a few members of the Sand Tiger's crew.
This was another fantastic book which I have really enjoyed listening to on Audible.
5*
*****
July 14, 2018
Lt. Commander Charlie Harrison is still reaching for his first command as Captain. After the last patrol in the Sea of Japan he was sent to CPO, Prospective Commanding Officer School. Hoping this was the final step to command he returned to the Sandtiger only to be stalled once again. Command was given to Captain Howard Saunders; an experienced submariner with nine patrols under his dolphins. Experienced yes, but scuttle-butt said he last two patrols were anything but by-the-book. Captains were usually rotated out after five patrols; the strain was overwhelming. Charlie would sail as Exec/CPO with the promise of command on his next patrol. This mission had Top Secret written all over it. Sandtiger was to ferry an Army Recon squad to the island of Saipan to destroy a shore gun installation prior to invasion. Contrary to an easy taxi ride this was decidedly dangerous; deep in enemy territory and well-defended. Should their mission succeed the Tokyo mainland would be within range. The Japanese were not about to let this happen! On top of all this, Charlie had to deal with an uncertain Captain. Once more unto the breach; Charlie would have to reach deep down for the strength and courage to do what was needed.
December 12, 2019
This is the first series I have listened to from beginning to end and I love the fresh twists and challenges introduced in each. Charlie really showed some courage during this entry that is one of the often unexpected requirements of military service, even for services that typically don't engage in ground-based combat.
On a side note, I finally drew a connection that has been gnawing at me since the start between Braddock and Stepanek from Down Periscope. This book also goes to show you that some basic military skills can become a necessity regardless of job, afsc, mos, or rate - in this case, basic rifleman training. I also enjoyed the backtracking and acknowledgment provided of the accomplishments by other sailors on the boat by Craig as is seen at the end of this volume of the Crash Dive series.
Bray, as always, did an awesome job. Now on to book five!
On a side note, I finally drew a connection that has been gnawing at me since the start between Braddock and Stepanek from Down Periscope. This book also goes to show you that some basic military skills can become a necessity regardless of job, afsc, mos, or rate - in this case, basic rifleman training. I also enjoyed the backtracking and acknowledgment provided of the accomplishments by other sailors on the boat by Craig as is seen at the end of this volume of the Crash Dive series.
Bray, as always, did an awesome job. Now on to book five!
December 31, 2020
The fourth in a series of six books, “ Contact” is an exciting story of WW2 submarine on a secret mission. The captain had a nearly disastrous previous cruise, nearly causing the loos of the ship in a fooolhardy surface attack. He wants a chance to redeem himself. To his exec officer, Charles Harrison, the captain is near to breaking. It certainly makes for an interesting and hard to put down novel.
Mr DiLouie keeps things moving, and knows how to place historical events in context. The book is short, brisk, entertaining, and enjoyable. Recommended for fans of historical novels in the military vein.
Mr DiLouie keeps things moving, and knows how to place historical events in context. The book is short, brisk, entertaining, and enjoyable. Recommended for fans of historical novels in the military vein.
November 9, 2019
Great story
Character development is very good, they come alive. Only criticism could only come fro a boat sailor. Shoot not fire, after tubes not stern tubes, The OOD is always the last man down grabbing the lanyard for the conning tower hatch and announcing, "last man down." Meanwhike the Quartermaster of the watch climbs up and dogs the hatch. Small details that annoy a boat sailor but no one else would notice.
Character development is very good, they come alive. Only criticism could only come fro a boat sailor. Shoot not fire, after tubes not stern tubes, The OOD is always the last man down grabbing the lanyard for the conning tower hatch and announcing, "last man down." Meanwhike the Quartermaster of the watch climbs up and dogs the hatch. Small details that annoy a boat sailor but no one else would notice.
June 11, 2022
Wow, I was not expecting the turns this book took. It took a little longer for me to get hooked on this one, but once I was hooked I couldn't put it down. This definitely gave us a more complete look at a very important mission during the war. An excellent book and a good reminder of the basic values that should bind us together.
October 6, 2017
More of the same: fast paced and hard to put down, but ultimately unfulfilling. The author could make this book 50% longer by slowing it down a hair and adding depth (pun) to the characters. I think that would be an immensely entertaining book. This one is... fine, I guess.
December 26, 2018
Good combination of fact and fiction.
I enjoyed this book. It had enough action and detail to hold my interest through the entire book. The characters were interesting without going into every aspect of their lives.
I enjoyed this book. It had enough action and detail to hold my interest through the entire book. The characters were interesting without going into every aspect of their lives.
April 16, 2019
Contact
The Crash Dive series just gets better and better. Mr Harrison and his friend Rusty are together again in an assignment that doesn't seem that dangerous. Dropping a team of Alamo scouts off before an invasion turns out to be a difficult task.
The Crash Dive series just gets better and better. Mr Harrison and his friend Rusty are together again in an assignment that doesn't seem that dangerous. Dropping a team of Alamo scouts off before an invasion turns out to be a difficult task.
September 18, 2022
Outstanding
Another Outstanding Book in the Crash Dive Series. It was easy to follow the story line. I found it hard to put down even when going to bed. Needs to be read starting with Book # 1 Crash Dive.
Another Outstanding Book in the Crash Dive Series. It was easy to follow the story line. I found it hard to put down even when going to bed. Needs to be read starting with Book # 1 Crash Dive.
November 21, 2024
The author obviously relied on the fact that most people have never served in the US Navy. If he had done any research on Navy policies, procedures, and regulations, it was not reflected in his work ridiculous storylines couldn’t take it anymore. Didn’t finish book.
July 31, 2017
Loved it
I absolutely love this series. Every new book cranks up the suspense more than the last. Looking forward to the next in the series!
I absolutely love this series. Every new book cranks up the suspense more than the last. Looking forward to the next in the series!
July 31, 2017
Crash dive
Great read as a series look forward to seeing the next book. Plot line and characters hold interest . Hard to put the story aside.
Great read as a series look forward to seeing the next book. Plot line and characters hold interest . Hard to put the story aside.
August 9, 2017
He tried hard, but I think I'm through with Craig's series.
August 30, 2017
Goodreads review Silent running by Craig DiLouis
Navy submarine adventure during WWII GAVE IT 4 stars
Navy submarine adventure during WWII GAVE IT 4 stars
April 7, 2018
Another good one
I enjoy this author as he depicts naval submarine action of world war two, and also blends in land action.
I enjoy this author as he depicts naval submarine action of world war two, and also blends in land action.
July 10, 2018
Really enjoyable series. Love the link to the bay area.
December 1, 2018
The saga continues
Another good book in the saga of Charlie Harrison. Not as intense and gripping as a couple previous offerings, but a satisfying continuation in the series.
Another good book in the saga of Charlie Harrison. Not as intense and gripping as a couple previous offerings, but a satisfying continuation in the series.
January 17, 2019
End ending to this book was perfect. It was exactly what I was hoping would happen with an epic story like this.
July 15, 2020
Excellent action and continuation of this story
December 10, 2020
Finally! That's all I'm going to say.
October 12, 2021
WWII submarine action. Hey, it's fiction but a pretty good action adventure.
April 19, 2024
My Favourite in the series so far! 4.75 Stars!
June 23, 2024
Not very believable, which takes something away from this book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews