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Still Waters #1
Dead Reckoning
The real Florida lies far from the interstates, where there are no dancing mice, bikini-covered beaches, or shopping malls. If you listen closely, beneath the cries of hungry gulls and the rustle of wind through the palm fronds, you might hear it whisper its secrets.
*Page count of 320 pages will not be reflected until Amazon syncs paperback and ebook editions*
Lieutenant Evan Caldwell is a man adrift, cut loose from a life he thought he knew. His wife has lain comatose for months, and the accident that put her there has raised questions that she’s unable to answer. Now, with his wife in a nearby hospice, Evan has moved to a boat in the quiet Panhandle town of Port St. Joe, where he works as an investigator with the local sheriff’s office.
Evan’s hopes for peace and solitude are shattered when the current sheriff is found murdered. Worse, Evan’s put in the position of interim sheriff while he investigates the murder of his former boss.
Evan keeps coming up with more questions than answers; questions about what really happened in the dark privacy of the swamp, and questions about what really happened to his marriage and his wife.
As the answers begin to surface, he discovers secrets as deep and twisted as the roots of the ancient cypress trees that litter the landscape - secrets that no one wants revealed.
*Page count of 320 pages will not be reflected until Amazon syncs paperback and ebook editions*
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2017
2101 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Lee McKenna
23 books403 followersI live in small town Tennessee, with three children still at home and two grown kids just blocks away.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
March 29, 2020
3 stars. (included in Kindle Unlimited)
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
Not a bad book at all, but it's missing many things: Action, romance, redemption, conflict. Perhaps there is some minor, half-baked conflict between Evan and Chief Beckett. And the protagonist gumshoe, Evan, is a bit half-baked and disconnected.
As a murder mystery and a police procedural, it's okay - about average. The pacing is fine, but the prose is without flourish or depth. You will note that I’ve not excerpted a single quote from the entire book. Even the weather is a minor distraction.
... And what is it with gumshoes who have dead/comatose wives? Is this some sort of requirement to win one of the 500 book awards around these days? Is it supposed to make the detectives more sympathetic, or is it some sort of excuse for "Death Wish, Charles Bronson" type vigilante-ism? I'd love to see the kind of smart and romantic partnership of Kenzie and Genaro again (Denis Lehane, Gone, Baby, Gone etc). Ah well.
A minor recommendation for this book. I have read the two sequels (so far) and they are much better in every respect.
Goff's wife has a Desert Eagle .50 cal. She and the gun do not appear in the book otherwise.
Full size image here
The murder weapon. A Glock .45
Full size image here
.
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
Note: After reading all three books in the series, I have found that the police work and detection is adequate and often clever, but what shines is the development of the small community of recurring characters: the core characters, minor police, café & restaurant, shops and general area residents. It's not a soap opera per se, but a fine and developing collection of mostly sweet and interesting characters.
Not a bad book at all, but it's missing many things: Action, romance, redemption, conflict. Perhaps there is some minor, half-baked conflict between Evan and Chief Beckett. And the protagonist gumshoe, Evan, is a bit half-baked and disconnected.
As a murder mystery and a police procedural, it's okay - about average. The pacing is fine, but the prose is without flourish or depth. You will note that I’ve not excerpted a single quote from the entire book. Even the weather is a minor distraction.
... And what is it with gumshoes who have dead/comatose wives? Is this some sort of requirement to win one of the 500 book awards around these days? Is it supposed to make the detectives more sympathetic, or is it some sort of excuse for "Death Wish, Charles Bronson" type vigilante-ism? I'd love to see the kind of smart and romantic partnership of Kenzie and Genaro again (Denis Lehane, Gone, Baby, Gone etc). Ah well.
A minor recommendation for this book. I have read the two sequels (so far) and they are much better in every respect.
Goff's wife has a Desert Eagle .50 cal. She and the gun do not appear in the book otherwise.
Full size image here
The murder weapon. A Glock .45
Full size image here
.
September 9, 2017
I know I recognize our lead character from a brief glimpse in The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series. That brief glimpse from that excellent series has spun off in what promises to be another fantastic series here! I thoroughly enjoyed this book with all it's quirky characters, the murder/mystery, the demon cat and a whole host of fabulous opportunities and ways the characters and the series itself could go. The murder/mystery itself was intriguing. I never did figure it out and that, in itself, is rare. Excellent. I can't wait for more!
September 23, 2017
I'm disappointed in the first book of this new series for three reason, the main one being personal. I don't like an area that is my second home being portrayed in such a negative light. The draw of the Forgotten Coast series, which I loved, was the beauty of the setting and the good-hearted, albeit flawed, people who lived there. They were believable characters that came to feel like old friends. However, the tone of Dead Reckoning is very condescending and In a nutshell, it portrays the people of Port St Joe and surrounding areas as a bunch of stupid, redneck, smart Ass, wife-beating, low lifes, lacking in morality and ethics. And that's the "good guys". The only "smart guy" in the book is the main character, Evan, who is an "import" from a big city in South Florida. The only strongish female character, Paula Trigg, is also an "import".
The down side to using a real life place and naming names vs a fictional one is that if you portray the people of that place as scum of the earth you're gonna piss off your locals.
The second reason I disliked the book is the lack of character development. I keep comparing Dead Reckoning to DLM's Forgotten Coast Series but that's what I've come to expect from her. Axel Blackwell co-wrote with her on this one. I just didn't connect with any of the characters, not even Evan, the protagonist, who was first introduced in the Forgotten Coast Series.
The third reason, I've alluded to already. If you're going to use a real life place as a setting for a book series you should take advantage of the unique beauty and qualities that that place has and use it to inspire readers. Give them reasons to fall in love with the place just as the characters have. The use of dark and dismal as a setting for a book is not a place I want to visit in real life, nor revisit in the next book.
The down side to using a real life place and naming names vs a fictional one is that if you portray the people of that place as scum of the earth you're gonna piss off your locals.
The second reason I disliked the book is the lack of character development. I keep comparing Dead Reckoning to DLM's Forgotten Coast Series but that's what I've come to expect from her. Axel Blackwell co-wrote with her on this one. I just didn't connect with any of the characters, not even Evan, the protagonist, who was first introduced in the Forgotten Coast Series.
The third reason, I've alluded to already. If you're going to use a real life place as a setting for a book series you should take advantage of the unique beauty and qualities that that place has and use it to inspire readers. Give them reasons to fall in love with the place just as the characters have. The use of dark and dismal as a setting for a book is not a place I want to visit in real life, nor revisit in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up...
The police procedural aspect is fine and gets the 3 stars.
For me, I wasn't too invested in Evan. He feels so guilty at not bringing the brutality of his job home to his wife who wanted him to share his day, that he now visits his comatose wife on a daily basis. And said wife is comatose by an injury incurred at her lover's place. She had been cheating on him for over 6 months. There is a line between being honorable and being a schmuck. Evan seems to be firmly in the guilty schmuck zone. The rest of his character seems firmly in the loner, no friends cliche. And don't forget he's smoking a cigarette on almost every sing page of the book. Constantly reading he's smoking a cigarette got old real fast.
Goff and Trigg seemed like interesting support characters but didn't get much real time. Vi seemed the cliche assistant.
The ending was a disappointment.
Maybe this was more of a 2 star...
The police procedural aspect is fine and gets the 3 stars.
For me, I wasn't too invested in Evan. He feels so guilty at not bringing the brutality of his job home to his wife who wanted him to share his day, that he now visits his comatose wife on a daily basis. And said wife is comatose by an injury incurred at her lover's place. She had been cheating on him for over 6 months. There is a line between being honorable and being a schmuck. Evan seems to be firmly in the guilty schmuck zone. The rest of his character seems firmly in the loner, no friends cliche. And don't forget he's smoking a cigarette on almost every sing page of the book. Constantly reading he's smoking a cigarette got old real fast.
Goff and Trigg seemed like interesting support characters but didn't get much real time. Vi seemed the cliche assistant.
The ending was a disappointment.
Maybe this was more of a 2 star...
September 10, 2017
I love a who-dun-it ... that kept me guessing to the end. My favorite kind.
Being a long-time reader of Dawn Lee McKenna's, Forgotten Coast series, I was excited to read the first book in this new series, Still Waters, with Axel Blackwell. I was not disappointed! Having met the lead character, Evan Caldwell, in the Forgotten Coast series, it felt like revisiting an old friend as we rode along with him, finding his way, in solving the murder of his boss, the sherif. This book does stand alone, you don't have to read the Forgotten Coast to understand Evan or any character, I just love a good backstory so it worked for me. This book is excellent in well-rounded characters, well-placed humor, and crime procedural; all in all a pleasure to match your wits with, to find out who did it, to the very end. Book 2 in the series can't come too soon.
Being a long-time reader of Dawn Lee McKenna's, Forgotten Coast series, I was excited to read the first book in this new series, Still Waters, with Axel Blackwell. I was not disappointed! Having met the lead character, Evan Caldwell, in the Forgotten Coast series, it felt like revisiting an old friend as we rode along with him, finding his way, in solving the murder of his boss, the sherif. This book does stand alone, you don't have to read the Forgotten Coast to understand Evan or any character, I just love a good backstory so it worked for me. This book is excellent in well-rounded characters, well-placed humor, and crime procedural; all in all a pleasure to match your wits with, to find out who did it, to the very end. Book 2 in the series can't come too soon.
June 24, 2019
It's just okay.
I read this book after reading the Forgotten Coast series, which was excellent. I had the same hopes going into this one. The writing is good, with a few editorial mistakes that I can overlook, but I have one major issue... The main character. Even after reading the whole book, l can't connect with (or really even like) Evan. He just doesn't have an attitude that I care for, nor is he interesting. In the Forgotten Coast series, there were so many characters that are relatable, funny, or mysterious. This book just didn't have it. And Plutes, the cat, isn't nearly as interesting as Stoopid. I already downloaded the next book in this series, so I'll read it, but the next book will determine whether or not I continue with the others as they become available.
I read this book after reading the Forgotten Coast series, which was excellent. I had the same hopes going into this one. The writing is good, with a few editorial mistakes that I can overlook, but I have one major issue... The main character. Even after reading the whole book, l can't connect with (or really even like) Evan. He just doesn't have an attitude that I care for, nor is he interesting. In the Forgotten Coast series, there were so many characters that are relatable, funny, or mysterious. This book just didn't have it. And Plutes, the cat, isn't nearly as interesting as Stoopid. I already downloaded the next book in this series, so I'll read it, but the next book will determine whether or not I continue with the others as they become available.
December 13, 2019
Excellent start to a series. Every so often you come upon a new series that is a cut above the rest. This is one of them.
I love character driven series. The first book starts with the discovery of the body of the town sheriff. Evan Caldwell, newly arrived in town,is appointed the interim sheriff. He sets out to discover what happened. Along the way, we learn more about Evan and his background.
I love character driven series. The first book starts with the discovery of the body of the town sheriff. Evan Caldwell, newly arrived in town,is appointed the interim sheriff. He sets out to discover what happened. Along the way, we learn more about Evan and his background.
August 23, 2019
I'm not generally a mystery reader, so my requirements for this genre are probably less than someone who reads tons and tons of mysteries. If it keeps me entertained and I can't immediately figure out "who dun it," then I'm pretty happy.
I bought this book in Apalachicola, FL because I wanted to read a "local" author or a book set in the Gulf area near where we stayed. We were on Cape San Blas, which is a stone's throw from Port St. Joe. It was cool to be able to picture the story with my own real-life experience as a guide.
I'm not sure I loved the ending or how the murder investigation shook out (it felt a little too convenient and perhaps not too realistic). I did like the sarcasm and dry humor of many of the characters. My favorite was Goff.
I gave this 4 stars because it has made me curious about reading McKenna's other mysteries. If a book interests me enough to make me think I'd like to read more, then that's a good sign.
I bought this book in Apalachicola, FL because I wanted to read a "local" author or a book set in the Gulf area near where we stayed. We were on Cape San Blas, which is a stone's throw from Port St. Joe. It was cool to be able to picture the story with my own real-life experience as a guide.
I'm not sure I loved the ending or how the murder investigation shook out (it felt a little too convenient and perhaps not too realistic). I did like the sarcasm and dry humor of many of the characters. My favorite was Goff.
I gave this 4 stars because it has made me curious about reading McKenna's other mysteries. If a book interests me enough to make me think I'd like to read more, then that's a good sign.
June 28, 2019
So-so
This book started out ok with a killing in the middle of nowhere in Florida. However, the characters, including Evan, spent most of their time trying to one-up each other, and as a result, were unlikable. The ending, while surprising, was disappointing, and in my opinion, a cop-out. This novel could have been much better.
This book started out ok with a killing in the middle of nowhere in Florida. However, the characters, including Evan, spent most of their time trying to one-up each other, and as a result, were unlikable. The ending, while surprising, was disappointing, and in my opinion, a cop-out. This novel could have been much better.
May 15, 2018
I wasn't sure how well I was going to like this one. It was a very nice surprise. I will definitely be picking up more books in the series.
April 10, 2019
Distracted
In reading this I found that the plot became somewhat confused. It began to appear that the central idea in the plot was how often the main character could have a cigarette break. It actually became annoying enough that it became a distraction.
In reading this I found that the plot became somewhat confused. It began to appear that the central idea in the plot was how often the main character could have a cigarette break. It actually became annoying enough that it became a distraction.
October 15, 2019
My actual rating for this book is 3 ½ stars. I’m rounding up my Goodreads rating to 4 because it hit me on so many levels. I’ve lived a bit north of Port St. Joe all my life, so I know these places and people quite well. Even more, my dad is a retired cop from this area, so, oh man, do I know these people well. (He was a little disturbed by this book, since he knows several of the characters’ IRL counterparts, lol.)
It was by turns fun and difficult to read 'Dead Reckoning', since I started it just after the one year anniversary of Hurricane Michael, which severely damaged or even destroyed many of the places in the book. I laughed, I cried. #850Strong
You don’t have to know the area so intimately to get a pretty good sense of the place, however. The authors did a great job ‘translating’ the Panhandle. (It would be a good idea to use Google Maps, though. There is no other way to wrap your head around the geography.)
I loved the humor, which popped up in the most random places and was very… law enforcement. The descriptions of N FL weather were also hilariously accurate: “The sun was right overhead and Evan felt his hair melting before he’d made it halfway across the lot.” True story.
From the viewpoint of a semi-insider, the interaction in the LE community was very well done, as was the investigation itself. I’m really fascinated by Evan Caldwell. The ending, however, wasn’t 100% convincing. Not the resolution, sometimes that just happens. The ending itself was too abrupt and a little too easy. Once an investigation rolls, it rolls fast. But that was more “Law & Order” than most real cases.
If you’re from N FL, this is a must-read. If you’re not from N FL, read it anyway, because it’s really good.
It was by turns fun and difficult to read 'Dead Reckoning', since I started it just after the one year anniversary of Hurricane Michael, which severely damaged or even destroyed many of the places in the book. I laughed, I cried. #850Strong
You don’t have to know the area so intimately to get a pretty good sense of the place, however. The authors did a great job ‘translating’ the Panhandle. (It would be a good idea to use Google Maps, though. There is no other way to wrap your head around the geography.)
I loved the humor, which popped up in the most random places and was very… law enforcement. The descriptions of N FL weather were also hilariously accurate: “The sun was right overhead and Evan felt his hair melting before he’d made it halfway across the lot.” True story.
From the viewpoint of a semi-insider, the interaction in the LE community was very well done, as was the investigation itself. I’m really fascinated by Evan Caldwell. The ending, however, wasn’t 100% convincing. Not the resolution, sometimes that just happens. The ending itself was too abrupt and a little too easy. Once an investigation rolls, it rolls fast. But that was more “Law & Order” than most real cases.
If you’re from N FL, this is a must-read. If you’re not from N FL, read it anyway, because it’s really good.
July 2, 2020
Never read a book by Dawn McKenna that I didn't find exhilarating, and this suspenseful dramatization is one of her very best! I read book three first, for some unknown reason , and now I must read number two, followed by three again.
No problem awarding five stars, and more, for this suspense filled episode, as I was hooked immediately, as I have always been with anything Ms. McKenna is a part of! Her outstanding selection of characters is unprecedented in their quest to perform their assigned roles in perfection! Too the storylines are so well written, I find myself unable to put the story aside until the final word has been read! Being a retired Chief Deputy of a small Florida Sheriff's Department, makes this story even more intriguing for me! I am definitely looking forward to Book Two, as this one ended a little abruptly, and I want to see what Sheriff Evan might have in store for us!!
Definitely recommend this compassionately entertaining story to all readers. I am a dyed in the wool western folklore enthusiast, but always enjoy following Ms. McKenna's outstanding stories Florida's Forgotten Coast area. I am anxiously awaiting the next exciting release of The Forgotten Coast Series, at this time. Please, read this exceptionally compelling rendition of how a newly appointed Florida County Sheriff, and his associates, pull together in solving the murder of their former long time, and beloved, Sheriff. Definitely your loss to miss these exciting books, and I must leave you now to read Book Two, of this compassionately entertaining series!!!😃
No problem awarding five stars, and more, for this suspense filled episode, as I was hooked immediately, as I have always been with anything Ms. McKenna is a part of! Her outstanding selection of characters is unprecedented in their quest to perform their assigned roles in perfection! Too the storylines are so well written, I find myself unable to put the story aside until the final word has been read! Being a retired Chief Deputy of a small Florida Sheriff's Department, makes this story even more intriguing for me! I am definitely looking forward to Book Two, as this one ended a little abruptly, and I want to see what Sheriff Evan might have in store for us!!
Definitely recommend this compassionately entertaining story to all readers. I am a dyed in the wool western folklore enthusiast, but always enjoy following Ms. McKenna's outstanding stories Florida's Forgotten Coast area. I am anxiously awaiting the next exciting release of The Forgotten Coast Series, at this time. Please, read this exceptionally compelling rendition of how a newly appointed Florida County Sheriff, and his associates, pull together in solving the murder of their former long time, and beloved, Sheriff. Definitely your loss to miss these exciting books, and I must leave you now to read Book Two, of this compassionately entertaining series!!!😃
June 21, 2018
Dead Reckoning is a really good mystery novel. This is the first book of a spin off series from Dawn Lee McKenna's Forgotten Coast series. I read that complete series and enjoyed it immensely and I had forgotten how much I loved McKenna's writing. But it all came back to me as soon as I began Dead Reckoning. This book had great mystery. The first few pages described the brutal slaying of the county sheriff. His second in charge, Evan Caldwell, a newly hired Lt. from Miami, is tasked with solving the murder of the beloved sheriff. Evan is under heavy pressure from the county commissioners as well as the rest of the sheriff's dept. who see him as an outsider who can't be trusted. The investigation takes many twists and turns and keeps you guessing to the very end. And the big reveal was a huge surprise! Absolutely the best kind!
Another thing I loved about this book was the character development. McKenna is the best at making you feel like you know and love these characters! By the end of the book, I was truly invested in Evan, feeling his sadness and despair over his wife's circumstances as well as the satisfaction and relief of solving this murder. I am going to start the 2nd in the series immediately as I am anxious to learn more about Evan, and I am hoping for some happiness in his future. I recommend this book, any of McKenna's books, completely. It is a joy to read them.
Another thing I loved about this book was the character development. McKenna is the best at making you feel like you know and love these characters! By the end of the book, I was truly invested in Evan, feeling his sadness and despair over his wife's circumstances as well as the satisfaction and relief of solving this murder. I am going to start the 2nd in the series immediately as I am anxious to learn more about Evan, and I am hoping for some happiness in his future. I recommend this book, any of McKenna's books, completely. It is a joy to read them.
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November 9, 2021The real Florida lies far from the interstates, where there are no dancing mice, bikini-covered beaches, or shopping malls. If you listen closely, beneath the cries of hungry gulls and the rustle of wind through the palm fronds, you might hear it whisper its secrets.
Lieutenant Evan Caldwell is a man adrift, cut loose from a life he thought he knew. His wife has lain comatose for months, and the accident that put her there has raised questions that she’s unable to answer. Now, with his wife in a nearby hospice, Evan has moved to a boat in the quiet Panhandle town of Port St. Joe, where he works as an investigator with the local sheriff’s office.
Evan’s hopes for peace and solitude are shattered when the current sheriff is found murdered. Worse, Evan’s put in the position of interim sheriff while he investigates the murder of his former boss.
Evan keeps coming up with more questions than answers; questions about what really happened in the dark privacy of the swamp, and questions about what really happened to his marriage and his wife.
As the answers begin to surface, he discovers secrets as deep and twisted as the roots of the ancient cypress trees that litter the landscape - secrets that no one wants revealed.
very good. continuing.
Lieutenant Evan Caldwell is a man adrift, cut loose from a life he thought he knew. His wife has lain comatose for months, and the accident that put her there has raised questions that she’s unable to answer. Now, with his wife in a nearby hospice, Evan has moved to a boat in the quiet Panhandle town of Port St. Joe, where he works as an investigator with the local sheriff’s office.
Evan’s hopes for peace and solitude are shattered when the current sheriff is found murdered. Worse, Evan’s put in the position of interim sheriff while he investigates the murder of his former boss.
Evan keeps coming up with more questions than answers; questions about what really happened in the dark privacy of the swamp, and questions about what really happened to his marriage and his wife.
As the answers begin to surface, he discovers secrets as deep and twisted as the roots of the ancient cypress trees that litter the landscape - secrets that no one wants revealed.
very good. continuing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2018
Dead Reckoning: A Still Waters Suspense Thriller Book 1 is by Dawn Lee McKenna and Alex Blackwell. This series takes place in the Florida Panhandle in Gulf County, Florida in the Dead Lakes Recreation Area. Two men out hunting for coons made a terrible discovery. They found the dead body of Sheriff Ryan Hutchins.
Evan Caldwell had transferred from Miami, Florida to be near the nursing home where his wife, Hannah, was living. She had been transferred here when she wasn’t regaining consciousness after an accident. Although she had the accident on her lover’s boat, Evan still cared for her. Now he is called out to solve the murder of his boss.
Evan has to figure out who killed the sheriff but at the same downplay his appointment by the County Commissioners to interim sheriff. He has to walk a thin line to show his support for ex-sheriff and fit himself into his new role. With the help of Chief Beckett of the neighboring county, he works diligently to find the murderer.
Can he do this without antagonizing his own men and the commissioners as well as the sheriff of the next county?
Evan Caldwell had transferred from Miami, Florida to be near the nursing home where his wife, Hannah, was living. She had been transferred here when she wasn’t regaining consciousness after an accident. Although she had the accident on her lover’s boat, Evan still cared for her. Now he is called out to solve the murder of his boss.
Evan has to figure out who killed the sheriff but at the same downplay his appointment by the County Commissioners to interim sheriff. He has to walk a thin line to show his support for ex-sheriff and fit himself into his new role. With the help of Chief Beckett of the neighboring county, he works diligently to find the murderer.
Can he do this without antagonizing his own men and the commissioners as well as the sheriff of the next county?
April 6, 2019
First read for this author and really enjoyed the story. This is the first in the series.
Lt. Evan Caldwell, as sold his house and all his belonging, bought a houseboat and moved to Florida to take on a new job as deputy. When the unexpected happens, the Sheriff has been killed and Evan has been put in charge of the case and being the sheriff-in-charge until an election can take place. But, Evan is up for the job and even though there is a lot of resentment in the workplace, Evan works the case.
I really loved the dialog between the the Sheriff of another town and Evan and then you have to love Evan's demon cat. But all the pieces are falling together on the murder, but things are not as they seem. During this time working the case, Evan has to face his own demons as his wife lies comatose in a facility where she was in a boating accident, but it wasn't with Evan, it has with a boyfriend that Evan didn't know about.
All of this makes for an exciting police story and the ending was one of surprise. Can't wait to read the second in this series and wonder if Evan will run for the Sheriff's job.
Lt. Evan Caldwell, as sold his house and all his belonging, bought a houseboat and moved to Florida to take on a new job as deputy. When the unexpected happens, the Sheriff has been killed and Evan has been put in charge of the case and being the sheriff-in-charge until an election can take place. But, Evan is up for the job and even though there is a lot of resentment in the workplace, Evan works the case.
I really loved the dialog between the the Sheriff of another town and Evan and then you have to love Evan's demon cat. But all the pieces are falling together on the murder, but things are not as they seem. During this time working the case, Evan has to face his own demons as his wife lies comatose in a facility where she was in a boating accident, but it wasn't with Evan, it has with a boyfriend that Evan didn't know about.
All of this makes for an exciting police story and the ending was one of surprise. Can't wait to read the second in this series and wonder if Evan will run for the Sheriff's job.
April 18, 2019
2 books in this series .. is that it or will there be more? new to both Dawn Lee McKenna and Axel Blackwell. I think a lot of the time what give u a chance to see what 2 authors have ... u get even more ?'s about their books .. I wanna read more from Dawn (the Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series? gotta check that out, i bet it will be up my alley, i love a good mystery series.) I know more about Florida ... 'cause i've traveled there since a young kid ... my parents were so cool about that ... we had family (friends) there ... and my hubs and i get there probably at least once a year. great to travel there in the anniversary time ... November ... rather than hot times. but Florida is pretty hot no matter the season. right??! lol. like an onion ... peeling back those layers ... any good mystery has them ... love that part and seeing if i can figure it out before the author (or authors) get to the end. so cool!! will read more from both of these folks .. soon i hope.
July 9, 2019
I quite enjoyed this book. The author presented Evan Caldwell, the protagonist, with a good combination of competence as an investigator, pathos for his wife in a coma, and having a realistic perspective on fitting in to a somewhat uncomfortable situation.
I think that there could have been a little more character development of the the secondary characters. I hope this will happen in subsequent books - which I definitely will be reading. I'm also curious to find out if Evan resolves his relationship with the cat.
I have to brag (because this doesn't often happen to me) that I did figure it out before the cops did - albeit just before.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an easy to follow police procedural with believable and well developed characters.
I think that there could have been a little more character development of the the secondary characters. I hope this will happen in subsequent books - which I definitely will be reading. I'm also curious to find out if Evan resolves his relationship with the cat.
I have to brag (because this doesn't often happen to me) that I did figure it out before the cops did - albeit just before.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an easy to follow police procedural with believable and well developed characters.
September 17, 2017
Dead Reckoning is a great start to a great series. I know some will be disappointed by the way it ended, but hang in there, I am sure the upcoming books will be equally awesome. Evan will be a great sheriff, would like more of his history, though. The whole town is typical laid back Florida town, no hustle, bustle of the city, the people do not take kindly to outsiders. Evan lives on a houseboat with a cat; they are so funny.
Loved Dawn's Forgotten Coast series, If you haven't read them, please do.
(Would not have taken 5 days to read, but we were in the middle of IRMA; and too much going on to read)
Loved Dawn's Forgotten Coast series, If you haven't read them, please do.
(Would not have taken 5 days to read, but we were in the middle of IRMA; and too much going on to read)
September 18, 2017
Death Reckoned
This was an interesting mystery. It's well written, has well developed and believable characters and a fascinating progression. The solution to the murder was one I'd "intuited" from the evidence, but somehow the story is tragic, and like the main and supporting characters, I'm not feeling good about the outcome even though the law was followed. I think it's my age, perhaps, because I want happy outcomes with the bad guy getting his/her just desserts and the good guy being safe and well. This story is very good...anyone less sensitive to angst will enjoy reading it.
This was an interesting mystery. It's well written, has well developed and believable characters and a fascinating progression. The solution to the murder was one I'd "intuited" from the evidence, but somehow the story is tragic, and like the main and supporting characters, I'm not feeling good about the outcome even though the law was followed. I think it's my age, perhaps, because I want happy outcomes with the bad guy getting his/her just desserts and the good guy being safe and well. This story is very good...anyone less sensitive to angst will enjoy reading it.
November 30, 2017
I REALLY DID NOT SEE THAT COMING
Guilt.
Layers of it.
What hides behind the doors of our houses. What do our public faces hide. And who really is a pillar of a community.
What makes an outsider.
In addition to creating a set of wonderful characters, with a rather large amount of interpersonal tension and conflict, this book made me ask questions of a rather philosophical nature, and ponder such imponderables as these.
Its not just another spin off book. This can definitely be read without reading the Forgotten Florida Coast group.
And, I really did not see that ending coming until about the last chapter.
Wow.
Guilt.
Layers of it.
What hides behind the doors of our houses. What do our public faces hide. And who really is a pillar of a community.
What makes an outsider.
In addition to creating a set of wonderful characters, with a rather large amount of interpersonal tension and conflict, this book made me ask questions of a rather philosophical nature, and ponder such imponderables as these.
Its not just another spin off book. This can definitely be read without reading the Forgotten Florida Coast group.
And, I really did not see that ending coming until about the last chapter.
Wow.
July 15, 2018
An Entertaining Yarn
What is it about Florida that so allows the suspension of belief that the characters can do the craziest things and it sounds natural? The same interactions between people in California wouldn't fly, those people are too cop. But, in Florida the Sheriff can beat his wife all day long and nobody says a word. Well, when I was about 15 the Sheriff raided the house next store to mine to pick up the Georgia Cracker for beating his wife he refused to come out and took a shot st them. So, they killed him. End of that story which makes this one more plausible to me. Enjoy.
What is it about Florida that so allows the suspension of belief that the characters can do the craziest things and it sounds natural? The same interactions between people in California wouldn't fly, those people are too cop. But, in Florida the Sheriff can beat his wife all day long and nobody says a word. Well, when I was about 15 the Sheriff raided the house next store to mine to pick up the Georgia Cracker for beating his wife he refused to come out and took a shot st them. So, they killed him. End of that story which makes this one more plausible to me. Enjoy.
October 9, 2018
A Dead Sheriff in the backwaters of Florida
McKenna does it again! A new series, different characters, but the same bite and suspense. Still Waters’ characters have very different personalities and issues than her characters in the Forgotten Coast series. Their back stories affect their approach to the crimes. In Dead Reckoning, we meet Evan Caldwell, newly arrived and newly appointed Sheriff for a small town on the Panhandle. What follows includes a 2 AM murder of the Sheriff, a multitude of possible murderers and no motive. Nothing makes sense until it does. You will want to read this one. Recommended for all murder mystery fans.
McKenna does it again! A new series, different characters, but the same bite and suspense. Still Waters’ characters have very different personalities and issues than her characters in the Forgotten Coast series. Their back stories affect their approach to the crimes. In Dead Reckoning, we meet Evan Caldwell, newly arrived and newly appointed Sheriff for a small town on the Panhandle. What follows includes a 2 AM murder of the Sheriff, a multitude of possible murderers and no motive. Nothing makes sense until it does. You will want to read this one. Recommended for all murder mystery fans.
June 26, 2019
Good story, but . . .
Enjoyable plot, good character development, largely entertaining writing BUT the ending does not satisfactorily resolve the dilemma of who did it and how that affects the other players, nor is the central rationale for the crime strong enough to be convincing. Continuity is also a bit weak, most glaringly when two cops get into a car, one cop starts out driving and then in the same scene, the other cop is behind the wheel. A minor but distracting issue is the several ways in which the victim's name is spelled and made possessive throughout. Finally, too much reliance on metaphors. Solid writing does not need to compare one thing to another.
Enjoyable plot, good character development, largely entertaining writing BUT the ending does not satisfactorily resolve the dilemma of who did it and how that affects the other players, nor is the central rationale for the crime strong enough to be convincing. Continuity is also a bit weak, most glaringly when two cops get into a car, one cop starts out driving and then in the same scene, the other cop is behind the wheel. A minor but distracting issue is the several ways in which the victim's name is spelled and made possessive throughout. Finally, too much reliance on metaphors. Solid writing does not need to compare one thing to another.
March 13, 2022
No Peace for the Betrayed
After his wife is rendered comatose in a freak accident, Evan takes a job as investigator in a Florida Sheriff's office. He is still coming to terms with the accident and his wife's secret life. But when his,new boss is found dead, shot execution, he must deal with a perplexing investigation and a job he doesn't want.
This book is readable. Evan is rather bland and the pace lacks urgency. Still it is interesting and the characters and atmosphere are nicely conveyed. Evan's cat ads some humor. Not edge of the seat exciting but nicely written and engaging.
After his wife is rendered comatose in a freak accident, Evan takes a job as investigator in a Florida Sheriff's office. He is still coming to terms with the accident and his wife's secret life. But when his,new boss is found dead, shot execution, he must deal with a perplexing investigation and a job he doesn't want.
This book is readable. Evan is rather bland and the pace lacks urgency. Still it is interesting and the characters and atmosphere are nicely conveyed. Evan's cat ads some humor. Not edge of the seat exciting but nicely written and engaging.
February 10, 2023
This book was so much fun..I have read all The Forgotten Coast mysteries McKenna wrote. I am so very sorry we lost her to cancer.
The mystery focuses on a character introduced in some of those books. If you have been to this area of Florida it can totally suck you in. It is old and real Florida. You recognize the people and the places and you feel at home. At least that is the effect this first Still Waters Suspense book had on me. I was in my element. I knew these folks. I am now devouring Book 2 and am so sad that Book 3 is the last. I will miss the coastal atmosphere of Port St. Joe, Apalachicola, and the surrounding small towns.
The mystery focuses on a character introduced in some of those books. If you have been to this area of Florida it can totally suck you in. It is old and real Florida. You recognize the people and the places and you feel at home. At least that is the effect this first Still Waters Suspense book had on me. I was in my element. I knew these folks. I am now devouring Book 2 and am so sad that Book 3 is the last. I will miss the coastal atmosphere of Port St. Joe, Apalachicola, and the surrounding small towns.
January 8, 2018
I reckon I'll read the next one! This is a great start to a new series. Kept me drawn to it from page one to 'The End'. Nice twists that kept you guessing, and subtle foreshadowing. A live-aboard protagonist that you can easily empathize with (at least I did), a demented cat, and interesting supporting characters.
While different from her other series, this one has a feel all to itself. There's nothing worse than a second series that's the same as the first, where it just feels like the names have been changed. This one can stand on its own, and will!
While different from her other series, this one has a feel all to itself. There's nothing worse than a second series that's the same as the first, where it just feels like the names have been changed. This one can stand on its own, and will!
May 8, 2018
After reading the Forgotten Florida Coast series I found the characters a little more serious. Having already met Evan in the previous series I knew I wanted to follow this series too. I enjoyed meeting his cat Plutes and while I'm not a cat lover I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops.
I was kept guessing right to the end who the culprit was, and was taken by surprise at the outcome. A very enjoyable read and I look forward to getting to know the characters more in this series. I have already downloaded book two and will start it ASAP :)
I was kept guessing right to the end who the culprit was, and was taken by surprise at the outcome. A very enjoyable read and I look forward to getting to know the characters more in this series. I have already downloaded book two and will start it ASAP :)
June 7, 2018
I've read and loved the McKenna's entire Forgotten Coast Series and was disappointed to come to the end. When this book was offered free, I took a chance on it but had no expectations that the new series would be as good as the first. I was pleasantly surprised. It's an excellent story and a great start to a new series. We met Evan Caldwell as a minor character in the first series, a young police officer whose wife is in a coma. He visits her daily. Evan is the protagonist in the new series and an interesting character.. I know I'm going to enjoy reading the rest of the series.
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