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Deborah Jones Crime Thriller #2
Dark Waters
When the partially dismembered body of a young man is found in the Florida Everglades, Deborah Jones, the fearless African American investigative journalist for the Miami Herald, finds herself caught up in a story that has ramifications far beyond anything she could have ever imagined. The victim had contacted Deborah anonymously just the day before, promising her top-secret government documents - the missing 28 pages of the 9/11 report - if she'd agree to a meeting. But he didn't show up, calling to say he feared for his life. Deborah Jones is a woman not easily deterred by threats. But when a second person dies in mysterious circumstances, it is clear to her and to everyone on her newspaper that Deborah could be next on the assassin's list.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2013
1058 people are currently reading
1479 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Turner
24 books895 followersJ.B. Turner is the bestselling author of the Jon Reznick thriller series. His next book, HARD SHADOWS (Thomas and Mercer), is published on 30 June 2026. He is a former journalist. His books have sold more than three million copies. He also wrote the American Ghost black-ops series and the Deborah Jones crime series. He has a keen interest in geo-politics. And he loves music. Everything from Beethoven to The Beatles, The Cure to Bach. And everything in between. He loves films. Well, good ones. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Heat, The Godfather, The Offence, The Parallax View, Silver Linings Playbook, The Banshees of Inisherin, The Gray Man, The French Connection, Payback, It’s a Wonderful Life, Manhattan, Sideways, Annie Hall, Hell or High Water. TV shows he has enjoyed include: The Terminal List, The Kominsky Method, The Morning Show, Succession, Call My Agent!, Your Honor, The Undoing, Patrick Melrose, Colony, Bloodline, Mare of Easttown, Dead to Me, Fleishman is in Trouble, The Mosquito Coast and After Life. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is married with two children.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
Literary Agent: Mitch Hoffman, The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency, New York.
Film/TV: Rich Green, The Gotham Group, Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 18, 2018
Book #2, in the Deborah Jones Crime Thriller
Loved this one, “Dark Water” is a gripping read that has kept me on the edge of my seat from page one. The plot is captivating and is weaved with dynamic characters.
This fast paced story covers many aspects at times somewhat predictable but is so entertaining that I had a hard time putting it aside in fact it took me only two settings to finish it. Deborah, the main character is an investigative reporter for the Miami Herald and is in a relationship with her managing editor. They get involved in the apparent suicide of a young man, who obtained top secrets government documents by hacking into a cell phone of a high ranking employee. The victim contacted the reporter for a meeting…..Deborah had agreed to meet and soon finds herself caught in a drama she never could have imagined…..and reading the ramifications is a hell of a story.
The story is filled with geeky stuff and high tech gadgetry and is fun to read. The narration is smooth and plenty of good dialogue to move things along. We find a lot of intrigue to go with the suspense and a trail of murders and damage left behind as this hard headed journalist gets closer to the truth.
Did I say I loved this one……
Loved this one, “Dark Water” is a gripping read that has kept me on the edge of my seat from page one. The plot is captivating and is weaved with dynamic characters.
This fast paced story covers many aspects at times somewhat predictable but is so entertaining that I had a hard time putting it aside in fact it took me only two settings to finish it. Deborah, the main character is an investigative reporter for the Miami Herald and is in a relationship with her managing editor. They get involved in the apparent suicide of a young man, who obtained top secrets government documents by hacking into a cell phone of a high ranking employee. The victim contacted the reporter for a meeting…..Deborah had agreed to meet and soon finds herself caught in a drama she never could have imagined…..and reading the ramifications is a hell of a story.
The story is filled with geeky stuff and high tech gadgetry and is fun to read. The narration is smooth and plenty of good dialogue to move things along. We find a lot of intrigue to go with the suspense and a trail of murders and damage left behind as this hard headed journalist gets closer to the truth.
Did I say I loved this one……
July 5, 2016
I liked the story and would have given it at least 4 stars if the book actually ended. Instead it is one of those deceptive ones that leaves you hanging needing to buy yet another book to continue toward resolution.
April 18, 2022
I liked the writing, the pacing and the plot but the story was similar to so many tv series and movies I’ve seen before. Because of that I could predict correctly what was going to happen next.
If you’re into conspiracy theories and the like, this book is for you.
If you’re into conspiracy theories and the like, this book is for you.
May 20, 2014
DARK WATERS is the second book to feature Miami Herald reporter Deb Jones and chronicles her continued rise in the journalistic world of crime reporting following the excellent MIAMI REQUIEM. Rather than a hard hitting popular styled crime fiction, DARK WATERS is a conspiracy thriller that thrusts Deb, Sam and other members of the Miami Herald into a world of peril and violence.
When approached by a computer hacker to potentially unearth the lost pages of a 9/11 report, Deb, at first sceptical agrees to meet in a public venue; her reporter instincts not allowing her to walk away from a story involving the CIA, Government, and shady international dealings. However, the hacker ends up dead and she is forced to swim through a world of corruption and secrets to discover the non-disclosed material.
Author JB Turner sways from the traditional crime formula that made MIAMI REQUIEM so enjoyable in favour of catering to the conspiracy theorists and delving into the shady under-the-table-dealings of high end Government corruption to depict a deadly game of cat and mouse with Deb almost assuming a David role in a David and Goliath struggle for the truth.
This series could easily be mainstream with DARK WATERS coming across as being written more towards that crowd. Not a bad thing by any means, I just wish the romantic elements were a tad less in-your-face, perhaps more blasé rather than Hollywood-happy-ending-style. That said, DARK WATERS is a nice evolution of character and certainly sets the scene for a multi dimensional series not contained to any one specific genre. I hope we get a chance to read more of Deb Jones.
Review first published on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
When approached by a computer hacker to potentially unearth the lost pages of a 9/11 report, Deb, at first sceptical agrees to meet in a public venue; her reporter instincts not allowing her to walk away from a story involving the CIA, Government, and shady international dealings. However, the hacker ends up dead and she is forced to swim through a world of corruption and secrets to discover the non-disclosed material.
Author JB Turner sways from the traditional crime formula that made MIAMI REQUIEM so enjoyable in favour of catering to the conspiracy theorists and delving into the shady under-the-table-dealings of high end Government corruption to depict a deadly game of cat and mouse with Deb almost assuming a David role in a David and Goliath struggle for the truth.
This series could easily be mainstream with DARK WATERS coming across as being written more towards that crowd. Not a bad thing by any means, I just wish the romantic elements were a tad less in-your-face, perhaps more blasé rather than Hollywood-happy-ending-style. That said, DARK WATERS is a nice evolution of character and certainly sets the scene for a multi dimensional series not contained to any one specific genre. I hope we get a chance to read more of Deb Jones.
Review first published on my blog: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
May 8, 2018
I give this 3.5 stars. Investigative reporter gets drawn into uncovering secret government documents with regards to events of 9/11. She's planning to reveal everything on the front page, but there's a lot of people trying to stop her. Thriller with a good bit of action.
November 26, 2025
not as good as his Reznick books
May 10, 2017
GreatA
This
Was one of the best thrillers that I have had the privilege of reading in a long time. I had a hard time putting it down.
This
Was one of the best thrillers that I have had the privilege of reading in a long time. I had a hard time putting it down.
May 3, 2017
Great
Kept me on the edge of my seat. Great story line. Makes me wonder how much of this really goes on.
Kept me on the edge of my seat. Great story line. Makes me wonder how much of this really goes on.
June 12, 2016
Dark Waters by J.B. Turner is an out and out thriller. It's a long time since I've read a true thriller in the vein of Clancy, so I was particularly keen to read this one.
Set around Miami in Florida it follows the exploits of journalist Deborah Jones and her colleagues at the Miami Herald as they attempt to unravel conspiracy theories within conspiracy theories all linked to the infamous 28 missing pages from the 9/11 Investigation.
Deborah and her boss Sam are up against the big boys; the CIA, the NSA, you name it and in this fast-moving, almost frenetic, at times plot we are led on a merry chase to piece together the truth about what really was on those missing pages.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and the characters in this story. It was funny actually because it never registered to me that Deborah was African-American until very late in the story. This is a thriller that keeps you rooted and turning the pages. It is a very hard book to put down.
If you are into conspiracy theories or just like a good fast-paced thriller/mystery, then you ould do much worse than to grab Dark Waters and give it a crack. I notice that this is the second book in the Deborah Jones series, the first being Mami Requiem. I will certainly be having a look at that next time I 'm in the mood for a thriller. Great job Mr Turner and well worth the five stars I am giving it.
Set around Miami in Florida it follows the exploits of journalist Deborah Jones and her colleagues at the Miami Herald as they attempt to unravel conspiracy theories within conspiracy theories all linked to the infamous 28 missing pages from the 9/11 Investigation.
Deborah and her boss Sam are up against the big boys; the CIA, the NSA, you name it and in this fast-moving, almost frenetic, at times plot we are led on a merry chase to piece together the truth about what really was on those missing pages.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and the characters in this story. It was funny actually because it never registered to me that Deborah was African-American until very late in the story. This is a thriller that keeps you rooted and turning the pages. It is a very hard book to put down.
If you are into conspiracy theories or just like a good fast-paced thriller/mystery, then you ould do much worse than to grab Dark Waters and give it a crack. I notice that this is the second book in the Deborah Jones series, the first being Mami Requiem. I will certainly be having a look at that next time I 'm in the mood for a thriller. Great job Mr Turner and well worth the five stars I am giving it.
June 7, 2016
"First class -whichever way you look at it"
As soon as I saw this title I knew that I had to read it. I reviewed 'Miami Requiem' around a year ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. 'Dark Waters' didn't disappoint. The character of Deborah Jones and the other newspaper people around her at the Miami Herald are true-to-life; the conspiracy driven tale rattles along at an unrelenting pace. Nathan Stone is as evil as you would wish any bad guy in a novel would ever be and the relationship between Deborah and Sam is heart-warming. I defy you to put this down once you've started reading. It demands to be devoured in one sitting. The writing is excellent; I searched high and low for a typo - anything to be able to say it wasn't perfect. I failed. To be fair, I would have ignored one if I found it. I don't care. Quality matters; this has it in abundance.
As soon as I saw this title I knew that I had to read it. I reviewed 'Miami Requiem' around a year ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. 'Dark Waters' didn't disappoint. The character of Deborah Jones and the other newspaper people around her at the Miami Herald are true-to-life; the conspiracy driven tale rattles along at an unrelenting pace. Nathan Stone is as evil as you would wish any bad guy in a novel would ever be and the relationship between Deborah and Sam is heart-warming. I defy you to put this down once you've started reading. It demands to be devoured in one sitting. The writing is excellent; I searched high and low for a typo - anything to be able to say it wasn't perfect. I failed. To be fair, I would have ignored one if I found it. I don't care. Quality matters; this has it in abundance.
May 26, 2016
This is the second book in this series and as with the first it is an exciting fast paced "reasonable" mystery thriller. The story takes place in Miami FL and surrounding area with good locale descriptions which makes the plot even more believable. I read these mystery/thrillers while working out and with this book I became so enthralled I nearly burned the treadmill up!! I recommend this book to any who enjoy this genre type of books.
September 23, 2020
"Dark Waters," the second in J.B. Turner's Deborah Jones crime series, starts right after "Miami Requiem" ends. I suppose that's why I read them back to back. Plus, it's J.B. Turner and I always get lost in his words. Jones' stock has risen since her first big story dominated the Miami Herald and resulted in a flurry of followups. She and editor Sam Goldberg, a rumpled journalist fashioned after a very real stereotype that fit many former coworkers of mine, get a tip of a possible big story. Then the guy turns up dead. The victim happens to be the son of one of Goldberg's friends, which makes chasing down the culprit even more pressing for our heroes. Turner ratchets up the tempo this time around, putting Jones on a path she from which she won't stray no matter the danger. And dangerous it is. The bad guys are well funded, smart and ruthless. Killing to keep their secrets is just another cost of doing business. But resistance only hardens Jones' resolve. She doesn't scare, no matter what he consequences. I realize at this point that I only gave this a four. That's because I'm so much of fan of Turner's other work. And I can be stupid loyal.
March 7, 2018
Deborah Jones is the investigations editor for the Miami Herald. A young man contacts her, saying that he's hacked into the U.S. government's records and has critical information to share with her. After he ends up dead in the Everglades, Deborah launches a full-blown investigation and discovers that what he had found were the 28 missing pages from the government's investigation into 9/11.
Several of the newspaper's higher-ups receive threats from anonymous persons and Deborah is attacked in her home. Her boyfriend and managing editor, Sam Goldberg, was asleep on the couch and comes to her aid, but is severely beaten. None of this stops Deborah, who is now convinced that she's looking a a full-blown government coverup involving the CIA. More people die and Deborah almost dies herself.
I didn't find this to be a "page turner" as many other reviewers did. I found Deborah's doggedness bordering on "too stupd to live." And, the Epilogue hints that, despite Deborah's expose, there's more to the coverup and more peole are slated to die.
Several of the newspaper's higher-ups receive threats from anonymous persons and Deborah is attacked in her home. Her boyfriend and managing editor, Sam Goldberg, was asleep on the couch and comes to her aid, but is severely beaten. None of this stops Deborah, who is now convinced that she's looking a a full-blown government coverup involving the CIA. More people die and Deborah almost dies herself.
I didn't find this to be a "page turner" as many other reviewers did. I found Deborah's doggedness bordering on "too stupd to live." And, the Epilogue hints that, despite Deborah's expose, there's more to the coverup and more peole are slated to die.
November 16, 2023
Kinda fun intrigue
Read books 1 & 2 back to back… enjoyed 1, but unfortunately, by book 2, this series had already started to feel rather formulaic. Not only that, got to the end and there’s no satisfaction of a “wraps it all up” conclusion, but more of a “watch this space” kinda deal. I HATE that because when I read a novel I don’t want to feel like it’s just a chapter in a serialisation and I have to buy the next book in the HOPE that the narrative reaches a satisfying conclusion, as opposed to part of a series involving the same characters that can be read as individual standalone novels. Reminds me of how Charles Dickens was first published back in the day, but hey, if it was profitable for those publishers back then, then I guess… Whatever, don’t think I’ll be going for a book 3 (which I know there WILL be, because it’s been primed for) because for me, the annoyance factor outweighed the entertainment value.
Read books 1 & 2 back to back… enjoyed 1, but unfortunately, by book 2, this series had already started to feel rather formulaic. Not only that, got to the end and there’s no satisfaction of a “wraps it all up” conclusion, but more of a “watch this space” kinda deal. I HATE that because when I read a novel I don’t want to feel like it’s just a chapter in a serialisation and I have to buy the next book in the HOPE that the narrative reaches a satisfying conclusion, as opposed to part of a series involving the same characters that can be read as individual standalone novels. Reminds me of how Charles Dickens was first published back in the day, but hey, if it was profitable for those publishers back then, then I guess… Whatever, don’t think I’ll be going for a book 3 (which I know there WILL be, because it’s been primed for) because for me, the annoyance factor outweighed the entertainment value.
June 15, 2021
J.B.Turner books are like cotton candy fiction to me. Silly, predictable, generic plot and prose. Perfect for ez listening when you are doing chores and paying minimal attention to the audiobook.
However, this is so poorly read that that it is virtually unlistenable. At points the narrator voices characters as if she is has decided that this is a good point for an exaggerated joke impression to see if anyone notices. Actually made me laugh at several points but don't think humor was intended.
As for the plot. Turner must have a drawer of generic thriller plots in a bin and pulls a few out for each book. This plot is from the recycling bin. Very popular plot theme in 2003. Not so interesting a decade later.
However, this is so poorly read that that it is virtually unlistenable. At points the narrator voices characters as if she is has decided that this is a good point for an exaggerated joke impression to see if anyone notices. Actually made me laugh at several points but don't think humor was intended.
As for the plot. Turner must have a drawer of generic thriller plots in a bin and pulls a few out for each book. This plot is from the recycling bin. Very popular plot theme in 2003. Not so interesting a decade later.
December 4, 2017
This book follows on from Miami Requiem. Reading the former first is not necessary but it will fill in a few small gaps. The story is fast moving and involves lots of blood and gore. There is very little gratuitous sex. The story flows but does not have any surprising twists. It just leads to its inevitable end. The last few chapters are exciting without being edge of the seat. I am not sure the author has seen an automobile airbag in action which somewhat distracted climax. I did enjoy this book and look forward to reading another in the series.
June 27, 2018
Powerful insight into potential government excess.
The protagonist has keen precepts into what, and how things happen at the highest levels of government..... she can read the tea leaves. A few hints here, and a word or phrase there is all she needs to guess at what may be going on in the murky world of clandestine operations.
She has the second sense that puts her on the scent of the truth in any story. Great read from beginning to end, characters stay true to their nature and self.
The protagonist has keen precepts into what, and how things happen at the highest levels of government..... she can read the tea leaves. A few hints here, and a word or phrase there is all she needs to guess at what may be going on in the murky world of clandestine operations.
She has the second sense that puts her on the scent of the truth in any story. Great read from beginning to end, characters stay true to their nature and self.
September 25, 2024
Amazing read
This book caught my attention from the very first chapter, I was unable to put it down. Anyone who loves reading conspiracies will be spellbound. This story line gives one a feeling of truth and the possibilities of all the ramifications this could encounter.
J B Turner at his best. Wonderful Author with an imagination which is boundless thank you for past 24 hrs of intense joy it has taken me to finish reading this book. onto the next book with excitement and anticipation. Regards Diane
This book caught my attention from the very first chapter, I was unable to put it down. Anyone who loves reading conspiracies will be spellbound. This story line gives one a feeling of truth and the possibilities of all the ramifications this could encounter.
J B Turner at his best. Wonderful Author with an imagination which is boundless thank you for past 24 hrs of intense joy it has taken me to finish reading this book. onto the next book with excitement and anticipation. Regards Diane
March 20, 2017
Deborah Johnson is a journalist who puts her life on the line for a story. Set against the machinations of corrupt politicians, crime with links to the terrorists who instigated the 911 catastrophe and the new depths of e-terrorism, this young editor is a tornado. Her relationship with Sam is deepening but her gung-ho attitude leads to severe injuries and hospitalizations. Turner's political action thrillers are captivating, they are the read them till one am kind of books, I love!
July 1, 2017
Dark Waters Indeed!
How far would YOU go for the truth? Not this far I am sure. Turner takes you on a wild ride uncovering CIA rogue operatives. They kill off anyone who tries to get in the way. The sad thing is - it has probably happened in the past and is happening now. People in power always think they are above the law. And hopefully there will always be someone who says "No, you are accountable" no matter who they are!
How far would YOU go for the truth? Not this far I am sure. Turner takes you on a wild ride uncovering CIA rogue operatives. They kill off anyone who tries to get in the way. The sad thing is - it has probably happened in the past and is happening now. People in power always think they are above the law. And hopefully there will always be someone who says "No, you are accountable" no matter who they are!
March 5, 2018
Devastatingly suspenseful
When Deborah Jones gets a hint that secrets are being hidden, even from the government itself, she commits to an investigation which gets scarier and scarier. Someone is determined to stop the truth being revealed and those who come forward to assist her can only expect blackmail, bribery and even death. Will they stop her, will they try to kill her and the man she loves. The finale is something of climatic proportions.
When Deborah Jones gets a hint that secrets are being hidden, even from the government itself, she commits to an investigation which gets scarier and scarier. Someone is determined to stop the truth being revealed and those who come forward to assist her can only expect blackmail, bribery and even death. Will they stop her, will they try to kill her and the man she loves. The finale is something of climatic proportions.
April 8, 2018
"Dark Waters" was my first Deborah Jones thriller and I have to say that even though it was book #2, (somehow I missed book #1) I was highly disappointed.
I don't even know where to begin...I was lost almost from the beginning and I'm an avid crime reader.
I just kept reading to get through it, I'm still not sure what I missed or how. Giving this book a #2 was very generous even for me.
Won't be looking into any additional D.J. Crime Thrillers, this one really lost it for me.
I don't even know where to begin...I was lost almost from the beginning and I'm an avid crime reader.
I just kept reading to get through it, I'm still not sure what I missed or how. Giving this book a #2 was very generous even for me.
Won't be looking into any additional D.J. Crime Thrillers, this one really lost it for me.
June 23, 2019
Deborah is a top rated reporter and her boss is Sam, and also her companion. A conspiracy with top people in high places is about to become known. Someone reaches out to give Deborah that information.
The missing papers in a document have been uncovered, and lives our at stake, after attempted times to quiet her will it ever be revealed. Follow this gripping story as though it was happening today. Top notch story once again by the author
The missing papers in a document have been uncovered, and lives our at stake, after attempted times to quiet her will it ever be revealed. Follow this gripping story as though it was happening today. Top notch story once again by the author
April 19, 2021
I have read quite a few of JB Turner 's novels and enjoyed every one..
This is the 2nd of the Deborah Jones novels I have read..As with the first it is a well constructed tale of an investigative reporter poking into things which government branches don't want talked about. It is fast paced and people seem to have most unfortunate accidents. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A must for lovers of a great thriller.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This is the 2nd of the Deborah Jones novels I have read..As with the first it is a well constructed tale of an investigative reporter poking into things which government branches don't want talked about. It is fast paced and people seem to have most unfortunate accidents. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A must for lovers of a great thriller.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
June 8, 2017
had awesome plot twists, and some great surprises as u move along throughout the story. some of sections are difficult to follow, I found my self more than once kinda skimming over certain sections and not actually reading or absorbing it. otherwise it was a thriller and had me guessing all the way through.
June 23, 2017
A possible and believable description of our current centers of power and their total corruption.
J.B.Turner had me from the first page. The intrigue and emotional intensity rarely let up. A complete winner. You won't want to put it down so choose carefully when you begin the ride...
J.B.Turner had me from the first page. The intrigue and emotional intensity rarely let up. A complete winner. You won't want to put it down so choose carefully when you begin the ride...
February 1, 2018
After the discovery of a top lawyer’s only son’s body floating in the water, Deborah jones, the investigating news editor decides to get deep into the murder. When she finds out the boy is a world class hacker and he has hacked into someone’s computer that possessed secret documents relating to 9/11 attacks and the allegations behind the same, the story takes a heat. This is an indisputable page turner!
March 14, 2018
Dark Waters, was a very interesting read!!
Deborah Jones is an Investigation reporter for the Miami Herald in South Florida. Deborah comes into some damaging information about people in high places, with involvement of CIA operatives in a coverup. Fast paced book, couldn't put it down, until the very end!!
Deborah Jones is an Investigation reporter for the Miami Herald in South Florida. Deborah comes into some damaging information about people in high places, with involvement of CIA operatives in a coverup. Fast paced book, couldn't put it down, until the very end!!
August 30, 2019
Another Great Book in the Deborah Jones Series
In this book we find Deborah has been promoted to Investigations Editor and has come upon information that leads to malfeasance within the CIA after 9/11. Needless to say, the action again never stops. This is one book that you won't want to put down. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
In this book we find Deborah has been promoted to Investigations Editor and has come upon information that leads to malfeasance within the CIA after 9/11. Needless to say, the action again never stops. This is one book that you won't want to put down. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
October 23, 2019
Overall an OK read when comparing to the first instalment in the Deborah Jones series. It was building up nicely and with Nathan Stone (has hos own series) coming into the mix. This got me excited of what was to come. However, the ending wasn't as thrilling as I expected it to be with these 2 great characters. Nevertheless, I look forward to reading more Deborah Jones books in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews