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Dane Maddock #9
Loch
A sunken German U-boat hides a shocking secret that sets Maddock and Bones in search of a lost treasure and bring them face to face with one of the world’s most enduring mysteries.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2017
357 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
David Wood
100 books309 followersDavid Wood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Dane Maddock Adventures and many other titles and series. He also writes Science Fiction under the pen name Finn Gray and fantasy as David Debord. He is also a book reviewer, podcaster, and a member of International Thriller Writers and The Horror Writers Association. David and his family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit him online at www.davidwoodweb.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 21, 2021
Some of the dialogue was pretty poorly written. But, the story caught my interest from the beginning and kept it. I liked the narrator. I would definitely be interested in listening to the other Dane Maddock books.
August 8, 2023
Maybe it's because I've read a few Dane Maddock novels back to back but they are really starting to blend together. Which is ironic considering this references back to something that happened quite a few books ago... I think? It doesn't help that this is where David Wood really started plugging his whole universe pretty much consistently throughout.
Somebody mention Excalibur? Maddock and Bones share a coy smile. Somebody suggest something is the spear of destiny? Maddock and Bones announce loudly that it's not. Bigfoot? Been there, done that. And a whole slew of other references that I still don't know cause I haven't read Dane and Bones Origin series from before they got wrapped up in all this supernatural, life changing, science defying treasure hunting that results in universe altering discoveries. In which, apparently, they got up to supernatural, life changing, science defying treasure hunting that were, maybe, a little less universe altering? Maybe?
What I'm saying is that David Wood bit off way more than he could reasonably juggle when the revelations of the first book were made and has since been trying to chase something similar. But with every book, it all just gets so much more complicated that we now have three, I think, secret organization running around, each with their own agenda about ruling the world through artifacts left by ancient civilizations. At least, I think there's only three. Maybe four? Depending on how you count? One which was a one-book-thing until this book in which it was revealed to still be around, ending on a cliffhanger of "Dane Maddock ruined everything? Have a seat, we have much to discuss."
What happened to the Dominion? There's a whole group of characters that were exclusively devoted to bringing them down and now they're just kind of... gone? And the Trident guys? No? Alright, bring in the new villains.
Maybe this is all leading up to a big team up of villains or maybe the opposite, where the villains have to confront each other since they're all clearly working towards the same goal which cannot possibly coexist. But it feels more like David Wood gets bored with the premise he set up in the previous book every single time and just can't help himself writing a new one, thinking "Yeah, this'll be it!" Then they introduce a new romantic rival for Maddock's affections, some new earth shattering revelation that ends in a climactic shootout where the lighting usually plays a role before it's all wrapped up.
Shockingly enough, I think this is the first time it's ever confirmed Maddock loses. I mean, he doesn't know it yet but he totally did. The whole ending was a big "What? You're leaving it like that?" More concerned with writing a sequel hook than wrapping things up nicely, it just kind of ends.
Everything leading up to that is just the same stuff you've read if you've ever read a David Wood book. Same structure, same pacing, everything down to a formula. What changed in this book is that this is probably the first time that I found both Maddock and Bones incredibly grating and unpleasant as people. In the first half in particular, everyone just came across as mean. Especially to the new character, Grizzly, who EVERYONE ragged on. Like, constantly. Dude could not do anything without someone somewhere pointing out what a complete ass he was. Or how annoying he was. Or how wrong he was.
And throughout the whole thing, all I could think was that Grizzly was neither more or less annoying than Maddock or Bones. Every fault Grizzly had, could be find in either of the two main characters. Perhaps that's what annoyed them so much, the fact that he reminded them of themselves? For some reason I came away identifying way more with Grizzly than any of the other characters.
All in all, I think I'm just falling out of love with Dane and Bones. The magic is way gone, the stories have become very average or downright bad, the characters have become caricatures of themselves and the flaws of the writing just keep amassing. For some reason, it's starting to remind me of the same thing that happened to the Meg books.
And that's not a good thing to think. I'm genuinely contemplating dropping this series... which would be a shame after ten books. But for now I'm just gonna take a break.
Somebody mention Excalibur? Maddock and Bones share a coy smile. Somebody suggest something is the spear of destiny? Maddock and Bones announce loudly that it's not. Bigfoot? Been there, done that. And a whole slew of other references that I still don't know cause I haven't read Dane and Bones Origin series from before they got wrapped up in all this supernatural, life changing, science defying treasure hunting that results in universe altering discoveries. In which, apparently, they got up to supernatural, life changing, science defying treasure hunting that were, maybe, a little less universe altering? Maybe?
What I'm saying is that David Wood bit off way more than he could reasonably juggle when the revelations of the first book were made and has since been trying to chase something similar. But with every book, it all just gets so much more complicated that we now have three, I think, secret organization running around, each with their own agenda about ruling the world through artifacts left by ancient civilizations. At least, I think there's only three. Maybe four? Depending on how you count? One which was a one-book-thing until this book in which it was revealed to still be around, ending on a cliffhanger of "Dane Maddock ruined everything? Have a seat, we have much to discuss."
What happened to the Dominion? There's a whole group of characters that were exclusively devoted to bringing them down and now they're just kind of... gone? And the Trident guys? No? Alright, bring in the new villains.
Maybe this is all leading up to a big team up of villains or maybe the opposite, where the villains have to confront each other since they're all clearly working towards the same goal which cannot possibly coexist. But it feels more like David Wood gets bored with the premise he set up in the previous book every single time and just can't help himself writing a new one, thinking "Yeah, this'll be it!" Then they introduce a new romantic rival for Maddock's affections, some new earth shattering revelation that ends in a climactic shootout where the lighting usually plays a role before it's all wrapped up.
Shockingly enough, I think this is the first time it's ever confirmed Maddock loses. I mean, he doesn't know it yet but he totally did. The whole ending was a big "What? You're leaving it like that?" More concerned with writing a sequel hook than wrapping things up nicely, it just kind of ends.
Everything leading up to that is just the same stuff you've read if you've ever read a David Wood book. Same structure, same pacing, everything down to a formula. What changed in this book is that this is probably the first time that I found both Maddock and Bones incredibly grating and unpleasant as people. In the first half in particular, everyone just came across as mean. Especially to the new character, Grizzly, who EVERYONE ragged on. Like, constantly. Dude could not do anything without someone somewhere pointing out what a complete ass he was. Or how annoying he was. Or how wrong he was.
And throughout the whole thing, all I could think was that Grizzly was neither more or less annoying than Maddock or Bones. Every fault Grizzly had, could be find in either of the two main characters. Perhaps that's what annoyed them so much, the fact that he reminded them of themselves? For some reason I came away identifying way more with Grizzly than any of the other characters.
All in all, I think I'm just falling out of love with Dane and Bones. The magic is way gone, the stories have become very average or downright bad, the characters have become caricatures of themselves and the flaws of the writing just keep amassing. For some reason, it's starting to remind me of the same thing that happened to the Meg books.
And that's not a good thing to think. I'm genuinely contemplating dropping this series... which would be a shame after ten books. But for now I'm just gonna take a break.
March 3, 2025
April 30, 1918, WWII. The Irish Sea. After receiving an undisclosed artifact, a German U-boat is sunk under mysterious circumstances.
Maddock and Bones are treasure hunting a British wreak off the coast of Scotland and make a different discovery.
Photojournalist Isla Mulheron is filming the cryptozoologist “Grizzly’ Grant as he climbs the mountain Ben MacDui in Scotland. He’s there to investigate the legend of the Grey Man. Afterward that, they join up to search for the four treasures of the Tuatha de Dannan.
Bones is very annoying. I wish he wouldn’t hit on ever girl or at least have more class about it. And his joking is torturous. I’m beginning to think he’s one of the worst characters I’ve come across. Hope he doesn’t make want to quit the series.
Fave scenes: opening the strongbox, the following circle, the doorknob in the loch and fixing the black stone.
Maddock and Bones are treasure hunting a British wreak off the coast of Scotland and make a different discovery.
Photojournalist Isla Mulheron is filming the cryptozoologist “Grizzly’ Grant as he climbs the mountain Ben MacDui in Scotland. He’s there to investigate the legend of the Grey Man. Afterward that, they join up to search for the four treasures of the Tuatha de Dannan.
Bones is very annoying. I wish he wouldn’t hit on ever girl or at least have more class about it. And his joking is torturous. I’m beginning to think he’s one of the worst characters I’ve come across. Hope he doesn’t make want to quit the series.
Fave scenes: opening the strongbox, the following circle, the doorknob in the loch and fixing the black stone.
October 19, 2025
Firstly, I obviously misunderstood what this book was about before I picked it up. I thought it was going to be more focused around haphazardly discovering the Loch Ness Monster and having terror and chaos ensue. However it is more focused around the adventure of treasure hunting.
Secondly, I don’t think I am the target audience for this book. I didn’t expect or enjoy the sexual undertone that carried on throughout the book. Of the four main protagonists only one is female and the others spend their time either; leering at, attempting to flirt with or straight up sexualising her. I mean unless I’m missing something what did that add? Or tentacle porn? Or the “bit” about her eating too many scones? I don’t get it, which is why I don’t think I’m the right audience for the book. I couldn’t understand it, and I wouldn’t pick up another in this series now.
Secondly, I don’t think I am the target audience for this book. I didn’t expect or enjoy the sexual undertone that carried on throughout the book. Of the four main protagonists only one is female and the others spend their time either; leering at, attempting to flirt with or straight up sexualising her. I mean unless I’m missing something what did that add? Or tentacle porn? Or the “bit” about her eating too many scones? I don’t get it, which is why I don’t think I’m the right audience for the book. I couldn’t understand it, and I wouldn’t pick up another in this series now.
June 1, 2022
What do a German U-Boat, The Loch Ness Monster and Irish Mythology have in common ... nothing unless you are Dane Maddock. So ... ignore all of the anachronisms and errors and just enjoy the conspiracy (with a side of drama that is still a bit ham fisted but mercifully not the center of the story). Maddock and "Bones" are on another treasure hunt and stuff immediately starts to happen as they team up with a famed (and painfully arrogant) cryptid hunter. Stir in a babe in distress and you have the standard tropes here ... if they is not your bag, move along ...
I was given this free advance listener copy (ALC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#Loch #AudibookFree
I was given this free advance listener copy (ALC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#Loch #AudibookFree
September 22, 2018
The premise is a bit rubbishy. Nessie lives in her loch guarding ancient treasure and Dane Maddock and his treasure hunters are hot on the trail in Scotland and more particularly the Inverness area being chased by a members of an ancient sect for the same treasure. As rubbishy as the story went, I have to confess to the love of this series of books....even as I trashed them every step of the way. Loved the area, walked every step of Inverness and culloden and yes I was one of those tourists who hung over the side of the boat with my camera in hand just waiting for Nessie to pose for me.
July 29, 2017
Our favorite team join up with a journalist and a cryptid hunter to hunt for lost treasure in Scotland. I really enjoyed this one. Just the right amount of humor and the bad guys didn't get to destroy everything. A nice ending with the promise of more to come.
I'm looking forward to the development of this new organization, maybe cause I'm a woman. ;)
I did receive a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm looking forward to the development of this new organization, maybe cause I'm a woman. ;)
I did receive a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2025
David wood does it again! I honestly enjoy his books and he never disappoints when it comes to mythology, mystery and adventure! This was a fun ride with stories of Celtic mythology, treasures, secrets and a guardian who takes no ish! If you want archeological thrillers with humor definitely pick up David’s books! He never disappoints and always gets your mind thinking of what is and what could be!
September 10, 2017
Good reading.
I liked the story.
But I don't like how the story went from diving for treasure to hunting monster's.
And I'm not liking the direction the Maddox and Bones sister is going.
Maddox is starting to be kind of a jerk, Bones is a dog but he's a likeable dog.
I think he needs to go back to more treasure hunting and a little less weird stuff.
I liked the story.
But I don't like how the story went from diving for treasure to hunting monster's.
And I'm not liking the direction the Maddox and Bones sister is going.
Maddox is starting to be kind of a jerk, Bones is a dog but he's a likeable dog.
I think he needs to go back to more treasure hunting and a little less weird stuff.
April 22, 2018
Maddock and Bones return, this time while searching for sunken treasure are drawn into the legend of Nessie!! Good book that moves along at a nice pace, as do all in the series. However, this one is lacking something, Maddock seems off and out of character and the treatment of Grizzly, seems unfair and misses the mark of previous light hearted character interactions.
May 30, 2018
David Wood never disappoints me. His Dane Maddock adventure series is one of my favorites, and I've read almost all of them. I particularly enjoyed this one because it paid homage to the Loch Nest Monster we have heard about for decades. Is it real or a figment of overactive imaginations? You'll like David Woods' take on it.
October 18, 2019
Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebreak discover a sunken German u-boat at the bottom of the Irish sea with the tooth of a prehistoric reptile embedded in the hull and set of to find out the ancient treasure of the Tuatha. This book started out really interesting and than I kinda got board and started to read a little less as it started getting a little to predicable and than it really picked up again at the end. I am on the fence about reading other books in this series, but think I might at a later date.
January 30, 2021
As much as i love David Wood...and the narration of Jeffrey Kaffer this will be the last book in this series that i listen to.
The storyline is repetitive with each book...it all goes the same way and ends the same and in between we have to out up with an idiot Bones and Danes topzy turvy love life.
Maybe killing off a msin character or 2 would help.
The storyline is repetitive with each book...it all goes the same way and ends the same and in between we have to out up with an idiot Bones and Danes topzy turvy love life.
Maybe killing off a msin character or 2 would help.
August 14, 2024
Pure popcorn fun! Having been to some of these places in Scotland helped me to picture what was happening in the story, and that added to the fun of the adventure. Though it’s part of a series, not having read the previous volumes didn’t hinder my ability to enjoy the adventure, though it did make me want to get the rest and read them, too!
August 23, 2017
Good adventure read
First time I read a David Wood book, it was an easy enjoyable read. Quite a diverse of characters, made the story quite exciting. Will make me think about the next sighting of the Loch Ness creature more believable.
First time I read a David Wood book, it was an easy enjoyable read. Quite a diverse of characters, made the story quite exciting. Will make me think about the next sighting of the Loch Ness creature more believable.
December 28, 2017
Beyond silly
All too predictable. Loch ness monster and magic..sisterhood instead of brotherhood.
The worst thing is that everything is succeeding at first try. Plot is beyond silly.
I am speechless. But I did finish the book.
All too predictable. Loch ness monster and magic..sisterhood instead of brotherhood.
The worst thing is that everything is succeeding at first try. Plot is beyond silly.
I am speechless. But I did finish the book.
January 6, 2018
Maddock and Bones are diving for treasure in the Irish Sea and find a sunken German U-Boat. What is a shock is that they find a large prehistoric tooth embedded in the boat. The team up with a reporter and the hunt is on to explain the tooth and the mystery that they uncover.
April 19, 2018
Lots of action
Like hunting for treasure? How about hunting the Loch Ness monster? With this story you get all this and more. The ending leaves you with questions, but no cliff hanger ending. I can recommend this for a quick, adventurous read.
Like hunting for treasure? How about hunting the Loch Ness monster? With this story you get all this and more. The ending leaves you with questions, but no cliff hanger ending. I can recommend this for a quick, adventurous read.
March 18, 2019
Loved it.
At first, it reminded me of Boyd Morrison’s work (also great). Then it fell into line like a modern Indiana Jones with colourful characters from a pulp comic.
And the end promises so much more.
At first, it reminded me of Boyd Morrison’s work (also great). Then it fell into line like a modern Indiana Jones with colourful characters from a pulp comic.
And the end promises so much more.
April 7, 2020
A fun, light read of treasure hunting and legend testing in the Lochs of Scotland. I have enjoyed all of the Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebreak novels I have read, even though some have been pretty far out.
July 27, 2017
I always enjoy David Wood's stories. He gives us the perfect mix of fun, history, myth and adventure. Never disappoints
July 27, 2017
Another fun adventure of Maddock and Bones
August 18, 2017
It was ok. Was shorter that other Maddock books. Maybe David Wood has been doing to many Maddock origin stories. Quality wasn't as good. New characters were annoying.
September 9, 2017
Great book. Fits right in with the other Maddock's books. Loved it. Also loved the newest KindleWorlds Maddock novel, Devil's Face. Also a great read.
January 1, 2018
Intetesting
Quite a good story, but a very disappointing non ending. With no further information as to a sequel to actually achieve an ending.
Quite a good story, but a very disappointing non ending. With no further information as to a sequel to actually achieve an ending.
April 26, 2018
Would recommend
Good read. Held your interest. Can’t wait to read the next one. If you like adventure, this is the book for you.
Good read. Held your interest. Can’t wait to read the next one. If you like adventure, this is the book for you.
May 1, 2018
Verygood. Entertaining. Clean read. Thank you for a clean book!!
May 2, 2018
Who doesn't like a Dane Maddock book? Mr Wood lived up to my expectations with this one also.
May 11, 2018
bob
was a interesting book had a fair story line the ending of the book seem to have an ending like the last book of his different place and time but the same problems
was a interesting book had a fair story line the ending of the book seem to have an ending like the last book of his different place and time but the same problems
June 12, 2018
I don't know why I keep putting myself through these books, they keep going with the same tropes, but I can't stop. I wish I could figure out my own formula that worked as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews