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Still Waters #2
Dead Center
The quaint coastal town of Port St. Joe, FL isn’t the kind of place where people go around getting stabbed to death.So, when Jake Bellamy – an insurance agent and beloved father – is found murdered in the dewy grass of a local park, it comes as a bit of a shock. Now it’s up to Evan Caldwell, the new Sheriff and recent transplant, to solve the case.All he wants to do is live peacefully on his boat and tend to his comatose wife, but that’s easier said than done when he’s tasked with solving the murder of a man with no enemies. Evan struggles to find a motive for the brutal slaying, but when the killer strikes a second time, even the theories he thought he had fall apart. The only thing he knows for sure is that no one will be safe in Port St. Joe until he closes this case.This is the second book in the Still Waters series; character-driven suspense filled with rich, coastal atmosphere and dry humor. See why The Still Waters Suspense Series has earned thousands of five-star reviews. Grab your copy today.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2018
1610 people are currently reading
395 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 129 reviews
May 1, 2018
Great characters. Looking forward to the next one.
November 29, 2019
Another great addition to this ongoing series, which I hope never stops. The characters are well-defined but they keep you guessing at times, which is wonderful. Keep these coming!
July 8, 2019
3.5 stars. Another pleasant outing by Dawn Lee McKenna and Axel Blackwell.
(included in Kindle Unlimited)
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
The acting Sheriff, Evan, and his team are workmanlike and mostly calm, grinding on through police procedures to eventually catch the bad guys.
A nice relaxing read with just enough complexity and interest to keep you going.
One note: The "notifications of family" are quite superb in this series, very heartfelt and poignant.
Full size image here
Quotes:
He waited as Carrie stared at her hands, folded in front of her on the table. He gave her a minute to say whatever she was thinking to say. She didn’t look at him when she finally spoke. “Did she suffer? Do you think she had time to be scared?" Evan saw a tear drip onto the back of her hand. “I think it was over very quickly,” he answered, and hoped that it was mostly true.
-
Evan always wondered if the person had had some inkling, something, even an unexplained goosebump, that hinted they would never be back. It amazed him, really, that most often, people were oblivious to their own mortality, their own bad luck, right up until they were looking straight at it. He supposed it was a blessing, but sometimes, when he thought about it, it made him nervous.
-
Evan had met Goff's wife once. She wasn’t five feet tall, and she was even skinnier than Goff. She wore her long, graying red hair in a frizzy braid that hung down her bony back and not an ounce of makeup, but he’d seen Goff watching her like she was a supermodel. It was at that moment that Evan had decided Goff might be one of the better men he’d ever met.
-
Evan finally wrangled the cat into the harness, in what he hoped was the proper position. There was a leg sticking out every leg hole and a pissed off face sticking out of the head hole, so Evan figured it was right.
-
Goff had been a sniper in the Army, and once told Evan he could shoot the stink off a squirrel fart from two-hundred yards. His wife was known to carry a .50 cal Desert Eagle, though Evan couldn’t imagine her stick arms holding the thing steady.
-
The massive Desert Eagle .50 cal. Goff's wife and the gun do not appear in the book otherwise.
Full size image here
.
(included in Kindle Unlimited)
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.They mysteries are pretty good, the prose is smooth and easy, and the pacing is fine. There's little romance or real peril, descriptions of the Florida settings are adequate, but this series of books shine in the array of characters the author presents.
The acting Sheriff, Evan, and his team are workmanlike and mostly calm, grinding on through police procedures to eventually catch the bad guys.
A nice relaxing read with just enough complexity and interest to keep you going.
One note: The "notifications of family" are quite superb in this series, very heartfelt and poignant.
Full size image here
Quotes:
He waited as Carrie stared at her hands, folded in front of her on the table. He gave her a minute to say whatever she was thinking to say. She didn’t look at him when she finally spoke. “Did she suffer? Do you think she had time to be scared?" Evan saw a tear drip onto the back of her hand. “I think it was over very quickly,” he answered, and hoped that it was mostly true.
-
Evan always wondered if the person had had some inkling, something, even an unexplained goosebump, that hinted they would never be back. It amazed him, really, that most often, people were oblivious to their own mortality, their own bad luck, right up until they were looking straight at it. He supposed it was a blessing, but sometimes, when he thought about it, it made him nervous.
-
Evan had met Goff's wife once. She wasn’t five feet tall, and she was even skinnier than Goff. She wore her long, graying red hair in a frizzy braid that hung down her bony back and not an ounce of makeup, but he’d seen Goff watching her like she was a supermodel. It was at that moment that Evan had decided Goff might be one of the better men he’d ever met.
-
Evan finally wrangled the cat into the harness, in what he hoped was the proper position. There was a leg sticking out every leg hole and a pissed off face sticking out of the head hole, so Evan figured it was right.
-
Goff had been a sniper in the Army, and once told Evan he could shoot the stink off a squirrel fart from two-hundred yards. His wife was known to carry a .50 cal Desert Eagle, though Evan couldn’t imagine her stick arms holding the thing steady.
-
The massive Desert Eagle .50 cal. Goff's wife and the gun do not appear in the book otherwise.
Full size image here
.
September 1, 2018
Dead Center: The Still Waters Suspense Series Book 2 is written by Dawn Lee McKenna and Alex Blackwell. Once more Evan Caldwell is filling in the interim position of police chief. He still doesn’t want it on a permanent basis but is quite willing to do the job to the best of his ability now. He continues to live on his boat with Pluto, the cat, and to visit his wife in the nursing home every day. She is still in a coma but he goes anyway.
He is awakened one morning by the report of a man being found dead on a jogging trail in a nearby park. The lady calling it in mistakenly says he was killed by an alligator. However, he was stabbed. Evan and his deputies begin searching for a reason for his death. They find absolutely nothing in his past that would make anyone want to kill him. Then a young girl is killed in the same manner when she leaves her job at a motel. She too has no enemies and there is no connection between her and the first victim.
Will they find the killer before he strikes again? Is there a connection between the first two victims or is it just a random killer?
The book is good even though it is predictable. I love the cat and the antics it gets up to.
He is awakened one morning by the report of a man being found dead on a jogging trail in a nearby park. The lady calling it in mistakenly says he was killed by an alligator. However, he was stabbed. Evan and his deputies begin searching for a reason for his death. They find absolutely nothing in his past that would make anyone want to kill him. Then a young girl is killed in the same manner when she leaves her job at a motel. She too has no enemies and there is no connection between her and the first victim.
Will they find the killer before he strikes again? Is there a connection between the first two victims or is it just a random killer?
The book is good even though it is predictable. I love the cat and the antics it gets up to.
May 2, 2018
Exciting story!
Dawn Lee McKenna doesn't just write a book, she creates an atmosphere inviting you in from the first page. There are no minor characters - you know all about each person you encounter & many become old friends. Vi & Goff add so much humor & warmth as we readers watch Evan Caldwell as he not only leads as Sheriff to find a killer but copes with his solitary life. The way he treats the monster cat, Plutes, tells us the sorrows he's faced haven't knocked him down. A great series for Blackwell & McKenna!
Dawn Lee McKenna doesn't just write a book, she creates an atmosphere inviting you in from the first page. There are no minor characters - you know all about each person you encounter & many become old friends. Vi & Goff add so much humor & warmth as we readers watch Evan Caldwell as he not only leads as Sheriff to find a killer but copes with his solitary life. The way he treats the monster cat, Plutes, tells us the sorrows he's faced haven't knocked him down. A great series for Blackwell & McKenna!
July 7, 2018
Very good continuation of series
I am enjoying this new series very much. The mystery is hard to solve, the characters are written with depth and personality, and it's all tied up nicely with the amazing descriptions of the surroundings. Evan is so nice. He's so devoted to his wife even though it's too late to fix their marriage. I can't decide if I'd prefer she wake up miraculously or for him to find peace and let her go.
I am enjoying this new series very much. The mystery is hard to solve, the characters are written with depth and personality, and it's all tied up nicely with the amazing descriptions of the surroundings. Evan is so nice. He's so devoted to his wife even though it's too late to fix their marriage. I can't decide if I'd prefer she wake up miraculously or for him to find peace and let her go.
November 1, 2020
An easy read, not a gripping story. I often prefer an easy read as it helps me fall asleep, as I like to read before bedtime. I thought the last chapter was a disappointment. I would read the next book in the series.
May 27, 2018
I'm glad everyone else liked it, I just couldn't get into it.
May 14, 2019
Okay
This was my least favorite from DLM. A lot of it seemed like listening to someone describe a painting. The characters aren't particularly interesting.
This was my least favorite from DLM. A lot of it seemed like listening to someone describe a painting. The characters aren't particularly interesting.
July 4, 2020
Never read a book by this lady that I'm didn't love, and she continues to amaze me with her many special characters, especially Sheriff Evan and his associates! Ongoing series of outstanding accomplishments, as this small County Sheriff's Office stays busy trying to solve three ghastly murders!
Never a problem awarding five stars to this outstanding Author's exciting renditions of how a small Florida County Sheriff's Office struggles to end a series of murders. Outstanding storylines throughout the entire story, and the compassionate camaraderie of this under staffed, and over worked, but dedicated servers of justice. Ms. McKenna's successful selection of characters is unprecedented in all of her books, but this dedicated group of outstanding law enforcement personnel is one of best groups ever. That says a lot, when you compare them with the cast of The Forgotten Coast Series personnel!
Sheriff Evan Caldwell is like a bloodhound as he, and his outstanding staff, pull no punches when they start their pursuit of bringing justice to their little area of responsibility! Vi, the long time Secretary of the Sheriff Department, certainly is a colorful asset in relieving the pressures endured by this compassionately motivated staff, as they unrelently pull no punches in their quest for justice!
Definitely recommend this outstanding, and compassionately entertaining revelation of how dedication, and perseverance, will definitely pay off in a positive impact! Starts fast and ends with a flurry of outstanding accomplishments by a dedicated group of law enforcement personnel! You cannot put this book down until you have finished the final word, due to one suspenseful episode after the other!!!😃
Never a problem awarding five stars to this outstanding Author's exciting renditions of how a small Florida County Sheriff's Office struggles to end a series of murders. Outstanding storylines throughout the entire story, and the compassionate camaraderie of this under staffed, and over worked, but dedicated servers of justice. Ms. McKenna's successful selection of characters is unprecedented in all of her books, but this dedicated group of outstanding law enforcement personnel is one of best groups ever. That says a lot, when you compare them with the cast of The Forgotten Coast Series personnel!
Sheriff Evan Caldwell is like a bloodhound as he, and his outstanding staff, pull no punches when they start their pursuit of bringing justice to their little area of responsibility! Vi, the long time Secretary of the Sheriff Department, certainly is a colorful asset in relieving the pressures endured by this compassionately motivated staff, as they unrelently pull no punches in their quest for justice!
Definitely recommend this outstanding, and compassionately entertaining revelation of how dedication, and perseverance, will definitely pay off in a positive impact! Starts fast and ends with a flurry of outstanding accomplishments by a dedicated group of law enforcement personnel! You cannot put this book down until you have finished the final word, due to one suspenseful episode after the other!!!😃
May 1, 2018
Absolutely Wonderful!
I got a newsletter from Dawn Lee McKenna this morning announcing she had a new book available, so I hopped over to Amazon and downloaded it immediately. I was useless the rest of the day. I’ve finished the book, in a little more than 8 straight hours of reading.
Yes, it is that good. Very intricate plot and I would have never dreamed the motivation for the murders would be.... well, you’ll just have to read the book. No spoilers.
The characters in Dawn Lee’s book are so, so consistent in their speech and mannerisms and each and every one of them is unforgettable. Trigg, the crime scene tech, has a wicked sense of humor. Danny, the medical examiner’s assistant, has a very unique way of expressing himself, with both positive and negative answers to the same question almost every time. Vi, the sheriff’s administrative assistant is a fireball, I’m a little afraid of her, I think everyone is.
Goff, a deputy nearing retirement age is totally unflappable and has an way of cutting through the mumbo jumbo and getting straight to the point. His character is described so well that I believe I’d recognize him if I met him in Walmart. Even Plutes the cat grows on you, I foresee him doing great things in his life!
I believe that is why I love the work of Dawn Lee McKenna so very much, because she introduces me to these people and I feel like I know them. Let’s not leave out Axel Blackwell, either - he’s the co-author of this series and I’m sure he contributes to make it as fun and interesting as it is!
Another great one.... thanks guys.
I got a newsletter from Dawn Lee McKenna this morning announcing she had a new book available, so I hopped over to Amazon and downloaded it immediately. I was useless the rest of the day. I’ve finished the book, in a little more than 8 straight hours of reading.
Yes, it is that good. Very intricate plot and I would have never dreamed the motivation for the murders would be.... well, you’ll just have to read the book. No spoilers.
The characters in Dawn Lee’s book are so, so consistent in their speech and mannerisms and each and every one of them is unforgettable. Trigg, the crime scene tech, has a wicked sense of humor. Danny, the medical examiner’s assistant, has a very unique way of expressing himself, with both positive and negative answers to the same question almost every time. Vi, the sheriff’s administrative assistant is a fireball, I’m a little afraid of her, I think everyone is.
Goff, a deputy nearing retirement age is totally unflappable and has an way of cutting through the mumbo jumbo and getting straight to the point. His character is described so well that I believe I’d recognize him if I met him in Walmart. Even Plutes the cat grows on you, I foresee him doing great things in his life!
I believe that is why I love the work of Dawn Lee McKenna so very much, because she introduces me to these people and I feel like I know them. Let’s not leave out Axel Blackwell, either - he’s the co-author of this series and I’m sure he contributes to make it as fun and interesting as it is!
Another great one.... thanks guys.
May 25, 2018
Suspense, humor, and an atypical cat
Evan Caldwell is a tortured soul, which makes him an excellent cop. In this second installment of the Still Waters Suspense Series, I have come to like Evan even more. His repartee with Vi and Goff and the others at the SO was so well developed in this second book. Vi and Goff as supporting characters made the story clip right along, much like the clip of Evan’s small boat cruising out past the end of the peninsula. Oh, and Plutes is becoming a star in his own right. He is the embodiment of Evan’s grief dress is fur. I loved how his cat character has changed and grown, so like Evan as he has dealt with his grief and his adjustment to his new solitary life. Be sure to read the first book in the series to get a solid foundation for these characters you will want to spend time with again and again!
Evan Caldwell is a tortured soul, which makes him an excellent cop. In this second installment of the Still Waters Suspense Series, I have come to like Evan even more. His repartee with Vi and Goff and the others at the SO was so well developed in this second book. Vi and Goff as supporting characters made the story clip right along, much like the clip of Evan’s small boat cruising out past the end of the peninsula. Oh, and Plutes is becoming a star in his own right. He is the embodiment of Evan’s grief dress is fur. I loved how his cat character has changed and grown, so like Evan as he has dealt with his grief and his adjustment to his new solitary life. Be sure to read the first book in the series to get a solid foundation for these characters you will want to spend time with again and again!
October 3, 2020
Boring....
I would probably have given this book 1 star but didn't simply because it was an improvement over the 1st book in this series . I'm a huge fan of Dawn Lee McKenna & that makes it difficult to give a low rating on anything associated with her name however I thought the first book was boring. The characters were dull & the pace of the story was excruciatingly slow. I struggled to read it to the end . When I FINALLY did read the ending it was a big let down that the ending didn't even make sense. It was DEFINITELY not the ending the readers hoped for.
Book 2 made the main characters slightly more likeable & the plot more interesting but it felt like a chore to read it to the end. I doubt I will read any more stories in this series {although I WILL read more Dawn Lee McKenna books.}
Bottom line.....I don't recommend this book !
I would probably have given this book 1 star but didn't simply because it was an improvement over the 1st book in this series . I'm a huge fan of Dawn Lee McKenna & that makes it difficult to give a low rating on anything associated with her name however I thought the first book was boring. The characters were dull & the pace of the story was excruciatingly slow. I struggled to read it to the end . When I FINALLY did read the ending it was a big let down that the ending didn't even make sense. It was DEFINITELY not the ending the readers hoped for.
Book 2 made the main characters slightly more likeable & the plot more interesting but it felt like a chore to read it to the end. I doubt I will read any more stories in this series {although I WILL read more Dawn Lee McKenna books.}
Bottom line.....I don't recommend this book !
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November 9, 2021The quaint coastal town of Port St. Joe, FL isn’t the kind of place where people go around getting stabbed to death.
So, when Jake Bellamy – an insurance agent and beloved father – is found murdered in the dewy grass of a local park, it comes as a bit of a shock.
Now it’s up to Evan Caldwell, the new Sheriff and recent transplant, to solve the case. All he wants to do is live peacefully on his boat and tend to his comatose wife, but that’s easier said than done when he’s tasked with solving the murder of a man with no enemies.
Evan struggles to find a motive for the brutal slaying, but when the killer strikes a second time, even the theories he thought he had fall apart. The only thing he knows for sure is that no one will be safe in Port St. Joe until he closes this case.
Good will continue.
So, when Jake Bellamy – an insurance agent and beloved father – is found murdered in the dewy grass of a local park, it comes as a bit of a shock.
Now it’s up to Evan Caldwell, the new Sheriff and recent transplant, to solve the case. All he wants to do is live peacefully on his boat and tend to his comatose wife, but that’s easier said than done when he’s tasked with solving the murder of a man with no enemies.
Evan struggles to find a motive for the brutal slaying, but when the killer strikes a second time, even the theories he thought he had fall apart. The only thing he knows for sure is that no one will be safe in Port St. Joe until he closes this case.
Good will continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
Dead Center is the second book of the Still Waters Suspense Series co-authored by Dawn Lee McKenna & Alex Blackwell. I am a big fan of
Ms. McKenna having read and thoroughly enjoyed her series Forgotten Coast Florida. This is the first that I've read anything by Alex Blackwell and feel they did a great job of double teaming this suspense/mystery in Port St. Joe (same locale as the Forgotten series).
Sheriff Evan Caldwell, who has his own baggage, leads his team of deputies while investigating a series of seemingly unconnected crimes. If you enjoy a great read while trying to figure out "who-dun-it" then this is a book for you. The twists and turns will keep you wanting to read more right until the end.
Ms. McKenna having read and thoroughly enjoyed her series Forgotten Coast Florida. This is the first that I've read anything by Alex Blackwell and feel they did a great job of double teaming this suspense/mystery in Port St. Joe (same locale as the Forgotten series).
Sheriff Evan Caldwell, who has his own baggage, leads his team of deputies while investigating a series of seemingly unconnected crimes. If you enjoy a great read while trying to figure out "who-dun-it" then this is a book for you. The twists and turns will keep you wanting to read more right until the end.
October 16, 2018
Dead Center
I love the characters in this series.
This is only the second book and Evan is starting to be accepted by the community--I know how difficult that can be considering I moved to a small Southern town 4&1/2 years ago. Folks smile and are cordial but already have their life long friends but Evan is adjusting.
Evan's love/guilt for his wife is touching.
Plutes antics are very realistic, as are Evan's efforts to be kind, even in the face of hair balls and pee in his dress shoes
Vi, secretary-scrabble player-researcher, is starting to grow on Evan as much as the readers.
I'm looking forward to the next installment
I love the characters in this series.
This is only the second book and Evan is starting to be accepted by the community--I know how difficult that can be considering I moved to a small Southern town 4&1/2 years ago. Folks smile and are cordial but already have their life long friends but Evan is adjusting.
Evan's love/guilt for his wife is touching.
Plutes antics are very realistic, as are Evan's efforts to be kind, even in the face of hair balls and pee in his dress shoes
Vi, secretary-scrabble player-researcher, is starting to grow on Evan as much as the readers.
I'm looking forward to the next installment
April 2, 2021
Nope, not going to make it.
Although McKenna is an excellent writer, this series isn’t cutting it. I don’t know the other author, perhaps he did the lions share of writing. But with the Forgotten Coast series, I had to force myself to put a book down. With this one, I had to force myself to finish. A third book would just be a waste of time. Evan is one of the most uninspiring characters of all time. I tried sooo hard to like him. There is zilch personality. The, albeit sad, situation with his wife is pointless. Lends nothing to his character or the story.
So yeah, I’m out.
Although McKenna is an excellent writer, this series isn’t cutting it. I don’t know the other author, perhaps he did the lions share of writing. But with the Forgotten Coast series, I had to force myself to put a book down. With this one, I had to force myself to finish. A third book would just be a waste of time. Evan is one of the most uninspiring characters of all time. I tried sooo hard to like him. There is zilch personality. The, albeit sad, situation with his wife is pointless. Lends nothing to his character or the story.
So yeah, I’m out.
October 1, 2021
Engrossing read!
McKenna draws her characters with depth and personality. They are fully rounded individuals that pull you in to their story, making sure you stay invested. Their stories? Threads that she brings together to create the warp and weft of a fascinating, unique tapestry.
Caldwell is a reluctant Sheriff at best, and while his Deputies and Sargeants seem loathe to accept him as their new leader, he is managing - in small increments - to bring them on side. Even if it is a side he's not sure he wants. But he gets the job done.
I'm queueing up Book Three as I type; I highly recommend these books and this author!
McKenna draws her characters with depth and personality. They are fully rounded individuals that pull you in to their story, making sure you stay invested. Their stories? Threads that she brings together to create the warp and weft of a fascinating, unique tapestry.
Caldwell is a reluctant Sheriff at best, and while his Deputies and Sargeants seem loathe to accept him as their new leader, he is managing - in small increments - to bring them on side. Even if it is a side he's not sure he wants. But he gets the job done.
I'm queueing up Book Three as I type; I highly recommend these books and this author!
November 24, 2021
Too much description again
Seriously too much description and not enough dialogue or interaction. Also, what is with all of the smoking? Is this set in the 70’s when smoking was cool? Not with IPhones and computers its not. How do they have time to do anything with all of the smoke breaks they take? I also don’t get his obsession with his comatose wife. I think it won’t give too much away since this is the second in the series but why all of his guilt? She cheated on him and fell from her boyfriends boat putting her into a coma and he is the one that visits everyday. He needs to grow a pair and get a life…and quit smoking for Pete’s sake.
Seriously too much description and not enough dialogue or interaction. Also, what is with all of the smoking? Is this set in the 70’s when smoking was cool? Not with IPhones and computers its not. How do they have time to do anything with all of the smoke breaks they take? I also don’t get his obsession with his comatose wife. I think it won’t give too much away since this is the second in the series but why all of his guilt? She cheated on him and fell from her boyfriends boat putting her into a coma and he is the one that visits everyday. He needs to grow a pair and get a life…and quit smoking for Pete’s sake.
May 3, 2018
McKenna and Blackwell have it down tight in this 2nd book of the Still Waters series.
Dead Center has well-placed humor for relief, excellent police procedural, a murderer I couldn’t guess, and a sense this series is gearing toward being one of my favorites.
Evan Caldwell, the (rafted-into office) police chief, grows on you. With the driest humor, the sad angst of a wife in a coma, and the long-suffering doting on a persnickety cat, Evan will have you rooting for him, for everything. Especially this murder case.
Dead Center has well-placed humor for relief, excellent police procedural, a murderer I couldn’t guess, and a sense this series is gearing toward being one of my favorites.
Evan Caldwell, the (rafted-into office) police chief, grows on you. With the driest humor, the sad angst of a wife in a coma, and the long-suffering doting on a persnickety cat, Evan will have you rooting for him, for everything. Especially this murder case.
June 19, 2021
Sheriff Evan Caldwell has another murder to solve in the small coastal town of Port St Joe on the Florida Panhandle. An apparently well-liked insurance agent is stabbed to death for no apparent reason while on his morning run. As Evan and his deputies work nonstop on the investigation, things go from bad to worse. Evan also continues to visit his comatose wife, putting off the decision he knows he'll eventually have to make.
I enjoyed this mystery and the banter between Evan and his colleagues, as they gradually begin to accept him as their new boss and sheriff.
I enjoyed this mystery and the banter between Evan and his colleagues, as they gradually begin to accept him as their new boss and sheriff.
July 16, 2018
Florida Sheriff
I live with in Florida and my drivers license says I am an organ donor. This story gives me comfort that there are earthly rewards for that. I also own three cats none of which behaves as badly as our hero's. Similarities and differences aside I found this tale very enjoyable , the characters plausible and the dialogue natural. Not sure about the daily visits to the coma'd cheating wife. Just saying, life is short- get on with it.
I live with in Florida and my drivers license says I am an organ donor. This story gives me comfort that there are earthly rewards for that. I also own three cats none of which behaves as badly as our hero's. Similarities and differences aside I found this tale very enjoyable , the characters plausible and the dialogue natural. Not sure about the daily visits to the coma'd cheating wife. Just saying, life is short- get on with it.
April 20, 2019
Surfing cats!
The second in this police procedural series does not disappoint. Easily read as a standalone, the plot is tight and keeps moving well. The author's descriptive turn of phrase paints a strong picture of location, and the characters are well rounded and just quirky enough to satisfy me without making them anything other than dedicated to tracking down the killer, and human. Congratulations on another well written mystery that satisfies on all levels.
The second in this police procedural series does not disappoint. Easily read as a standalone, the plot is tight and keeps moving well. The author's descriptive turn of phrase paints a strong picture of location, and the characters are well rounded and just quirky enough to satisfy me without making them anything other than dedicated to tracking down the killer, and human. Congratulations on another well written mystery that satisfies on all levels.
December 2, 2019
Addictive Action with Heart Tugging Characters!
Dear fellow readers, be sure you have free time to keep reading when you begin this addictive fast action filled mystery filled with realistic characters! A bit gory and easy reading. Only one thing this reader questions the author's accuracy in is the "Dockside Grill" in Port St. Joe; this reader's experience was poor service, over-priced good and questionable fish species!
Dear fellow readers, be sure you have free time to keep reading when you begin this addictive fast action filled mystery filled with realistic characters! A bit gory and easy reading. Only one thing this reader questions the author's accuracy in is the "Dockside Grill" in Port St. Joe; this reader's experience was poor service, over-priced good and questionable fish species!
December 25, 2019
I am reading everything, I mean everything these two authors have written!
I have never been brought to tears reading a book before but my heart is wrenched by the author’s ability to combine sensual description of sound, scent, touch and visceral descriptions of my own experiences feeling love, primal screaming grief, joy, fear, hatred , acceptance, and forgiveness.
The story has mystery, action, and suspense but it is not pulp fiction. It is a literary work.
I have never been brought to tears reading a book before but my heart is wrenched by the author’s ability to combine sensual description of sound, scent, touch and visceral descriptions of my own experiences feeling love, primal screaming grief, joy, fear, hatred , acceptance, and forgiveness.
The story has mystery, action, and suspense but it is not pulp fiction. It is a literary work.
January 15, 2020
Strangely interesting
Interesting story and really liked the character of Evan the new sheriff. The characters really needed more fleshing out to make them more three dimensional. Found the cat Plute to be the most interesting. Vi and Sarah could have been more Interesting if given more information about them. Needs work on plot,motivations and why but in future could become a good series. Not exciting but borderline ok.
Interesting story and really liked the character of Evan the new sheriff. The characters really needed more fleshing out to make them more three dimensional. Found the cat Plute to be the most interesting. Vi and Sarah could have been more Interesting if given more information about them. Needs work on plot,motivations and why but in future could become a good series. Not exciting but borderline ok.
August 6, 2020
#2 Love Suspense On The Connection Between Victims
I love Plutes, except I would not be happy about ruined shoes either. I like how the sheriff is really a kind soul. You know that because of his wife and the cat. Learning the true owner of the cat was a surprise and yet the Sheriff scrambles him eggs and spends time trying to get the cat the best diet. On to the #3 book.
Surprises abound on the crimes they are investigating.
I love Plutes, except I would not be happy about ruined shoes either. I like how the sheriff is really a kind soul. You know that because of his wife and the cat. Learning the true owner of the cat was a surprise and yet the Sheriff scrambles him eggs and spends time trying to get the cat the best diet. On to the #3 book.
Surprises abound on the crimes they are investigating.
May 22, 2018
This was a great story once again. Like the first book, the writers did a great job of concealing the culprit! I am impressed with how well they write as a team, since many times you can tell when something has been written by more than one person. I'm looking forward to hearing they have written another one!
August 26, 2018
Enjoyable
I love the way Dawn Lee McKenna incorporates animals in her books. As an owner of three cats I've had my share of "furry caterpillars". At least they are outside cats. This series is different from the Forgotten Coast Florida series, but I like the cast of characters the more their personalities & idiosyncrasies are revealed.
I love the way Dawn Lee McKenna incorporates animals in her books. As an owner of three cats I've had my share of "furry caterpillars". At least they are outside cats. This series is different from the Forgotten Coast Florida series, but I like the cast of characters the more their personalities & idiosyncrasies are revealed.
October 11, 2018
Florida Panhandle mystery
I love the cat, Plutes who serves as comic relief through out Dead Center. Sheriff Caldwell is a pretty boring, straight shooter sort of guy who runs his murder investigations in a very analytical sort of way; so his interactions with his cat are rather comical. It’s a good solid mystery with three dead bodies and no clues.
I love the cat, Plutes who serves as comic relief through out Dead Center. Sheriff Caldwell is a pretty boring, straight shooter sort of guy who runs his murder investigations in a very analytical sort of way; so his interactions with his cat are rather comical. It’s a good solid mystery with three dead bodies and no clues.
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