Wendall's Lullaby

by Kip Koelsch

Hundreds of dolphins have mysteriously beached themselves in Galveston, Texas, and Dr. Angela Clarke is on a mission to understand why. The US National Director for Marine Mammal Health and Stranding jets to Texas—unknowingly a pawn in the national security plans of THE FEW. An intimate group of former military men, THE FEW has infiltrated key positions within the government and orchestrated Dr. Clarke’s appointment—hoping her conservative, by-the-book approach will protect the top secret project a retired admiral sees as a lasting tribute to his dead son. When more animals hit the beach and an unusually large group of dolphins is spotted massing in the waters of Tampa Bay, Dr. Clarke must rely on an unconventional team—sorting through the ideas of her action-oriented South African beau, the conspiratorial rants of her ex-lover, the innocent insight of a 12-year old boy and the genius of a washed-out MIT grad student —in a race to save a charismatic species loved for its built-in smile.

Genres: Fiction

602 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2017

About the author

Award-winning author Kip Koelsch got his start writing “books” with crayons in Mrs. Cook’s second grade class in Leonardo, NJ. Koelsch's love of dolphins started early as well--nurtured by The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, National Geographic Magazine and the family's trips to the beach at Anna Maria Island, Florida.

In all of his writing, Koelsch draws on his "variety of life experiences"--from time as a collegiate rowing coach to a stint as an adjunct professor in Environmental Studies and from adventure racing in Borneo to dragging a dolphin carcass behind his kayak while a marine mammal stranding network volunteer.

An on-again, off-again freelance magazine writer, Koelsch currently blogs about writing, critical thinking, outdoor adventure sports, paddling and his work in progress. He is working hard on the sequel to Wendall's Lullaby while occasionally scribbling random notes for other future fiction ideas.

Koelsch has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Media from Rutgers University in NJ and a Master’s Degree in Humanities and American Studies from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. In the past he has taught policy and culture-oriented Environmental Studies courses at Eckerd College, Ringling College of Art and Design, and the University of South Florida.

Currently, Koelsch resides in Dunedin, FL, with his wife and three cats.

Reviews

[Cabiria Aquarius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendall’s Lullaby was quite a powerful read about the strandings of Bottlenose dolphins. These Dolphins are really smart. All those plot twists kept me enthralled in the novel and keeping me confused sometimes but I think I got it all down. This was a very emotional story, sad about strandings but also the plot twists keep coming and the trouble brewing deep down under everyone’s nose. Well. I wonder what’ll happen next. Very enticing read. Learned some new things too.

[Ed Gotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface it’s easy to think that “Wendall’s Lullaby” by Kip Koelsch is a dense tome destined only to appeal to sci-fi nerds and fringe dolphin lovers. Judging by the books’ heft and length, one could be forgiven for thinking the book difficult to get through. Those thinking that however, would be very, very wrong indeed.

With skillful character development and deft storytelling, Koelsch weaves an enjoyable story rife with adventure, unrequited love, military intrigue and a mystery the reader can’t wait to get to the bottom of. There’s a lot to swallow here, but first-time author Koelsch, does a masterful job with story structure. The book actually reads like a film. Short chapters have the reader jumping from place to place to play and storyline to storyline while never veering off course.

The characters are so well developed you feel like you know them, even though you may not particularly “like” a few of them.

I’m giving Wendall’s Lullaby my unreserved recommendation. It’s a fun read that held my interest and imagination throughout.

Ed Gotta
Richmond, VA
USA

[Lynne]

Unfortunately I've decided Wendall's Lullaby isn't for me. The plot jumps around too much making it difficult to follow. There are so many different characters and acronyms that I regretfully have to admit defeat.

My thanks to Kip Koelsch for providing me with a copy of this book.

[Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has an intriguing premise, but doesn't take advantage of it.
Dialogue is realistic, but so much so that it weighs down the narrative. The plot is sparse, and spread out over the course of clichéd personal struggles and unnecessary details.

[CinderBelle615 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through Booktasters the author sent me a copy of his book in exchange for my review:

I think that if Kurt would have been the main character, he would have arrived to the realization of what was going on with the dolphins much sooner than Angela did, but that's just my opinion. Angela frustrAted me at times, but I'm just glad the truth was told. It had a sad ending (especially for Jasmine omg) but I like sad endings in books, authors don't have to please everyone with rainbows and unicorns all the time.

Pro:

Nice character development

Thriller

Good villains (really hated their guts.)

Wonderfully researched

Angela & Kurt's tension

Angela & Robin's love relationship (I'm glad the author didn't create drama for them and I'm glad that Angela & Robin stuck together the entire book..they didn't break up and go through all that crazy love drama most books make their characters go through these days)

The love relationship didn't overshadow the book. I personally don't like romance in books, it tends to screw everything up. I always hate having to see YA throw in love triangles in their stories...but this time, the love triangle didn't overshadow the whole premise of the book, so I appreciated that.

My favorite parts in the book:
The explosion
Angela figuring out the truth about the chip.
Her revealing that truth to the media.

Length. I like lengthy books (although I do feel this could have been shorter and divided into more books or have been left with a cliff hanger)

Short chapters so I felt as if I was flying through them rather quickly. Although it wasn't the reality because of the length of the book.

A lot of different POV. It wasn't mainly about Angela or Kurt or Jasmine or any of them specifically (Although it did center a lot around Angela). It was about all of them and many more.

Con:

Lack of description on the setting and emotions.

The setting jumped around a lot and that to me isn't necessarily the issue. But what made the jumping around a lot difficult to follow was that I didn't feel transported to those locations like I would have liked. If the book could have gone into describing the surroundings a bit more I think I could have felt like I was actually there.

A LOT of dialogue. It made the book feel like it was longer than it actually was.

[Shells Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendall's Lullaby is a compelling story of a tragic event of dolphins in groups, stranding up in different locations. Several different specialists from academia, the government and military all take part in finding out why these creatures are dying at their coasts. The story tells what people will do when tragedy strikes, what maybe the mysterious cause behind the strandings and what others will do when money or lives are at stake.

Wendall's Lullaby is interesting and I did enjoy it. However, there are a few things that make the story a bit hard to read. The story jumps from one location to another very quickly and you must keep accurate track of where you are. Characters are described in detail, but if the character remembers something, even slightly, then the story dives deep into a back story that seems to go on for a long time.

Overall, Wendall's Lullaby is a story in which you will understand how people work in tragedies and learn something about the science and emotional impacts that dolphins can have on people.

[Kerstin Vollbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendall's Lullaby is a very interesting story about the massive standings of bottlenose dolphins on several places on the US coast. As the investigation led by Dr. Angela Clarke progresses, there are different variables that come into play that might explain these uncommon happenings and that allude at some technological human interference.
I must say, this book had me hooked from beginning to end, it is packed with lots of twists and turns, even though sometimes I had difficulties of understanding, inn the case of the military designations and programs. But otherwise, it has everything a reader could wish for: some mystery, tension, even romance. It is a great read.

[Cheryl Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like conspiracy theories, you’ll want to read this book. Intrigue and conspiracies abound to make this a page turner. The author demonstrates a command of the science around dolphins and other areas of marine mammal life that superbly supports the story. He writes a believable story that is well built.
What I didn’t like: The story was a tad slower to develop than I like. I like more action in a consistent spread across a book.
What I liked: The science, the characters, the accuracy/believability of the world building.

The story really picks up pace about halfway through and the ending is a satisfactory conclusion to the drama.

[Emlynn McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendall’s Lullaby is what I call “classic sci-fi”—a book so grounded in science that it’s difficult to know where the science ends and the fiction begins. I can’t imagine the amount of research that must have gone into writing a story of this complexity, and even if 90 percent of the premise is false, I don’t care. The story is that believable. The book is lengthy but fast-paced, with short chapters and a plot that unfolds in a matter of days. There’s an organizational antagonist, and the male characters especially are well-developed. I struggled to believe that a book of this caliber was the author’s first. He has since published others, which I now look forward to reading.

[Tanweer Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

As important as it is brilliant, 'Wendall's Lullaby' blends science fiction and marine biology with politics and national security. The result is a massive tour de force which, although incredibly long, is well worth the read.

The story is gripping, the characters sympathetic, the scenarios grave. And Koelsch doesn't shy away from asking the hard questions.

I was particularly impressed by the ending, which was really thought-provoking.

This really is a superb read from a terrific author.

[O.J. Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression of this book upon reading it was that it might be quite similar to the work of Clive Cussler. I was wrong, I'd say it was more on a par with the work of Michael Crichton, particularly books like Congo. A gripping thriller that also has the added bonus of making you think, interesting characters, page turner in every sense of the word. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Definitely worth reading if you like the genre and I look forward to seeing what the author does next.

[Naomi Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fast-Paced Naval Intrigue

I really enjoyed the pace of this book. It kept me very engaged from beginning to end. It brings up the notion of whether or not we can trust the government and their actions for the good of “national security”. It demonstrates how people can get pushed aside and trampled on “for the greater good”. I liked the way the setting jumped to several different yet interconnected places. Kip Koelsch is a terrific writer.

[Lavender]

Placeholder

I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways

[Sue Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too "technical" for me

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story bringing up the use of dolphins in military operations with a twist. I enjoyed the story once I got further into it.

[Kathy Stibal]

Enjoyed this book. Fast paced and unexpected turns.

[Paul]

I haven't received it yet??

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Government intrigue, suspense, and dolphins

This international thrill ride will have you holding your breath as the author takes you on a race to save dolphins from stranding. With a surprise ending, it will leave you wanting more.

[Vigilant Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title – Wendall’s Lullaby
Author – Kip Loelsch
Genre – Mystery, Suspense, Thriller - Science
515 Amazon Pages
Rating 5 stars out of 5 Posted 11/4/2017
No. 65 - 2017

My Impressions: corrupt military, black ops, incompetent politicians, love story, animal lovers, conflict, intrigue.

Main Characters:
Dr. Angela Clark – Director of Marine Mammal Health & Stranding
Director Jack Hamilton – Angela’s boss.
Dr. Robin Nicely – So. African skier, Dolphin expert, Angela’s boyfriend.
Rear Admiral Lawrence Collins, retired – Still active in national security.
There are many more characters with mile long titles and govt. acronyms. Makes reading difficult.

Wendall’s Lullaby takes place in Galveston, Texas – Virginia Beach, Virginia – Tampa, Florida & Mozambique, Africa and deals with the unheard-of numbers of Bottlenose Dolphins beaching and stranding themselves.
Scientist strive to determine the cause of the deaths of so many dolphins and are dumbfounded by the never before recorded behavior of the mammals.
Several people are alarmed when elite Naval units are ordered to assist with the rescue operation and suspect foul play. Several people are familiar with the government’s past programs striving to use dolphins in security operations.
As is often the case, the military is portrayed as the antagonist willing to subvert individual’s civil rights for their extreme views of national security. But are the military’s objectives right or wrong? You’ll have to make that judgement in the end.
The story has fast action and many twists in the plot. Woven through out are stories of personal tragedies, success and failure and love affairs.
Yes men do look at the attractive women's butt's and some of the characters are not always likable. Look around y0u, this is a portrait of people in the real world. It may not be the way you like it or want it but it is realistic. Writers should not fall into the trap of political correctness and try to appease anyone. Write the story you want to write the way you want your characters presented and stick with it.

Whether you are attracted to animal stories or not, I’m not, Wendall’s Lullaby is a compelling read and I strongly recommend it.

This review was provided in exchange for a free book.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found it suspenseful and very well written. My reading pace was slow going in the beginning as I got used to the broad cast of characters and multiple setting locations in the story. There were also many governmental and military acronyms used. The story was well paced and jumps from location to location as multiple mass dolphin strandings are investigated by different characters, agencies and with different angles and agendas. I did not have any problem following the location movement, the characters in play and the relationships among them as the story proceeded. The protagonist was well developed and multifaceted though I didn't find her particularly likeable, and the other characters were similarly interesting as well. I found this to be a smart, interesting mystery and, as a by product, learned a lot about bottlenose dolphins. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and invested in just what caused the events. Overall a very interesting, well written and suspenseful read.

[Syd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Riveting Novel, quick read and could not put this book down! Characterization was amazing, the character development of Clarke was astounding as well for the rest. The entire novel was one that will hold a special place on my bookshelf, and I have recommended it to many of my friends. Have read the next books and have not been disappointed! Five stars happily!!

[Cynthia Otekele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hundreds of bottle-nose dolphins are stranding up in different locations. This is unusual behaviour as they are never in groups this large. Could it be an epidemic? Wendall’s Lullaby plunges you into the investigation. You follow several scientists, volunteers, forensic doctors, militaries… and see their different points of views.

During the first hundred pages I was really into the story. But then I found it sometimes difficult to follow. There are many characters, the chapters are short and we constantly jump from a scene to another very quickly. That gives a good tempo to the book and I understand that it makes it a real page turner for some other readers. Unfortunately, it was not what I experienced as I lost gradually the enjoyment of reading until I reached the point where I had to stop and accept that I will not finish the book.

However (I only speak for the part I’ve read) I was impressed by the author knowledge regarding the sea life. He certainly invested a lot of time in research and I personally found it interesting. I do agree with other reviewers when they say it is not directed to dolphin lovers only.

The plot is audacious and creative but the structure was hard to digest. In my opinion it is more suitable for a movie script than a book. I have mixed feelings for Wendall’s Lullaby. I might have taken the wrong decision by not finishing the story, maybe I should have forced myself for 50 additional pages to regain the enthusiasm I sensed at the beginning.

[Kaitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wendall's Lullaby is a thriller dealing with an investigation into mass strandings of dolphins across the globe. There are a lot of things at play in this book, including a full cast of characters from Texas to Mozambique and a government conspiracy. It's a well-constructed plot and a lot of research was obviously done into marine life. What got me on this book was the characters, however. The dialogue, for example, is very stilted and clunky: character's calling each other by name in nearly every line, redundant discussions on things both the reader and the characters already know about, things of that nature. Not to mention (and I'm aware that another review made mention of this but I feel the need to make the point again) a bit chauvinist. Arguably the main character, Angie, is more of a sex object than a character. The men around her either objectify her or treat her with disdain (often in one fell swoop - particularly her ex, Kurt), and her personality seems to swing wildly between flirtatious and stone-cold professional bitch. She never really came forth as a character, and she's the protagonist. The other women weren't treated much better, but I expected quite a bit more out of the protagonist. In short an intriguing plot, but the characters kept me from getting caught up in it.

[Susan SM Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Myriad acronyms bog down the story

Interesting premise: pods of dolphins mysteriously stranding themselves, and the intrigue behind the cause. However, the ending is unsatisfying and leaves the reader with too many unanswered questions. Too many quick venue changes, enough acronyms to cause headaches, questions posed but never adequately addressed and characters thrown in for a chapter but never reappear makes for a choppy and tedious read.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this novel. Intriguing premise (cautionary tale?), interesting and mostly relatable characters (I couldn't relate at all to Jasmine ;-) You'll have to read the book to see if you do) and solid pacing made for an overall enjoyable read. I was impressed by the sheer volume of research the author had to do to pull this work together. Recommended!

[Judith A Maugeri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was tough for me to get through. Although it was well-written it didn't really hold my attention and it just wasn't what I usually like to read. The overall theme just didn't hold my attention..

[Susan “Sam” · Rating 1 out of 5]

What do I think? I think that I'd like a "negative star" to confirm that I've read a book and found it wretchedly wanting as a book. In other words, leaving just one star to proclaim that I don't like the work just finished is simply not enough in some cases.

[KerryO · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have serious reservations with the U.S. Navy’s use of dolphins for defense purposes. This novel highlighted possible scenarios of what can/could go wrong. If you love ocean creatures, this is a thoughtful read!

[Allen Frankel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This self-published first novel by Kip Koelsch demonstrates a promising writing career ahead. This story raises important questions regarding mankind's responsibilty as caretakers of this planet and explores themes that touch upon human relationships, and how we value people and nature.

The story describes very plausibly the use of dolphins in Navy military programs and it offers an interesting balance of compassion towards these beautiful creatures with issues of national security. Multiple early backstories create a web that foreshadows and draws the reader into a plot driven man versus nature story that continuously has the reader re-evaluating feelings for, and opinions of, the characters.

Coincidentally, I actually finished the book on the beach as a small pod of dolphins swam by; it was my only sighting of my week visit.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story. Incorporated more dolphin facts than we'll ever need with true facts about other uses for dolphins which the average person would never imagine.

I think i found the book so compelling because i know so many facts in the story are real so the believability of the story is awesome!!