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Driftwood Mysteries #3
Woman in the Waves
In a heartbeat, Professor Peter Bristol's obsessively ordered life is turned completely upside down. During his weekly walk on the beach, he is helpless to prevent a young woman in a bridal gown from being swept out to the sea. Was she real? Or was she the product of unresolved grief for his late wife? As he embarks on a mission to find the answers, he uncovers a plot of murder and deceit at the university where he teaches--a nexus of evil far deeper and darker than anything he could have imagines. The woman in the waves was only the beginning.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2018
231 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
William J. Cook
12 books36 followersWilliam Cook is a Connecticut native transplanted to Oregon in 1989. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, where he received his Master's Degree in Social Work. He spent 37 years as a mental health therapist, and he is now enjoying his retirement with his artist wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 6, 2019
What a clever plot. Peter takes a walk on the beach, as he does every day... is that a woman wearing a wedding dress? He must be seeing things, surely? Then she's gone... disappeared in the waves before Peter had a chance. Then, the plot cleverly unfolds to tie in with the previous book - the antagonist that 'got away with it' appears again, is he the current villain? There are lots of great characters weaving in and out of the story. The setting of a university with its secret liaisons - also nicely done. What I liked about this series the most, and at the risk of cliche, it was a page turner, it really was... I finished reading at about 2.30AM!
November 4, 2018
Riveting novel set in the same supposedly quiet community on the Oregon coast as Seal of Secrets, and, even more relevantly, the short story Eye of Newt in Catch of the Day. (If you've read EoN, this is actually a must-read. I'll say no more!)
The small-town feel is in sharp contrast to the degree of cold-blooded mayhem surging in its veins. I'm not sure whether this should really be classed as a classic murder mystery - but there is no question as to the taut suspense of the plot, as the reader is plunged into the chilly depths of the mind of a killer (as in weighted free-diving.) Characters are well-drawn, the mysterious events follow a murderous rationale, and, while the excellent writing is measured, the gripping tale feels fast paced. A great read!
The small-town feel is in sharp contrast to the degree of cold-blooded mayhem surging in its veins. I'm not sure whether this should really be classed as a classic murder mystery - but there is no question as to the taut suspense of the plot, as the reader is plunged into the chilly depths of the mind of a killer (as in weighted free-diving.) Characters are well-drawn, the mysterious events follow a murderous rationale, and, while the excellent writing is measured, the gripping tale feels fast paced. A great read!
April 23, 2020
I'm a sucker for William Cook's Driftwood Mysteries, a series so intelligent and entertaining and suspenseful that I wish some producer would have the good sense to make Officers Whitehorse and Esperanza the lead characters in an ongoing television drama series.
Esperanza and Whitehorse are the backbone of law and order for the small town of Driftwood on the Oregon coast, a seemingly small time beat that should be a place where nothing much (in the crime department) is likely to happen. But then, maybe the isolated atmospheric character of the place is precisely why it does.
Esperanza and Whitehorse are the backbone of law and order for the small town of Driftwood on the Oregon coast, a seemingly small time beat that should be a place where nothing much (in the crime department) is likely to happen. But then, maybe the isolated atmospheric character of the place is precisely why it does.
March 29, 2020
Wonderfully crafted mystery. Mr. Cook spun a wonderfully intricate web and drew me in from the first page. The many twists and turns kept the story moving. Every time I thought I had figured it out, I turned the page and found I hadn't a clue until the satisfying end.
I can't wait for the next book in the Driftwood series.
I can't wait for the next book in the Driftwood series.
March 22, 2020
You’d think a small coastal Oregon college town might be a sleepy little burg with not much for two local cops to sink their teeth into. But you’d be wrong. At least when it comes to this college town. One of those police officers, Charley Whitehorse, is sure Professor Friese killed a dean intent on blocking his tenure. But he can’t prove it. A year later, events take an unexpected turn when another professor watches as a young woman in a bridal dress walks into the ocean and disappears.
The ensuing game of cat and mouse has a lot of surprising twists and turns. And Friese is a more dangerous adversary than anyone suspects.
Good characterization, locations along the Oregon coast and an insider’s knowledge of academia help bring the story to life, along with an exciting plot.
The ensuing game of cat and mouse has a lot of surprising twists and turns. And Friese is a more dangerous adversary than anyone suspects.
Good characterization, locations along the Oregon coast and an insider’s knowledge of academia help bring the story to life, along with an exciting plot.
July 26, 2020
Good story, but
I couldn’t get past the blasphemy. I’m a Christian and there was a lot of it in just the several pages I read. Pity because it sounded like a great story.
I couldn’t get past the blasphemy. I’m a Christian and there was a lot of it in just the several pages I read. Pity because it sounded like a great story.
July 16, 2020
A grief-stricken professor is on a collision course with a cunning sociopath. Peter still feels the loss of his wife to cancer. He lives a solitary life, enjoying daily walks on the beach. On one such walk, he witnesses an apparent suicide and on a second he makes a gruesome discovery. But a twisted killer will let no one interfere with his objectives.
I really enjoyed this book. peter is believable and likeable. His reintegration into life was realistic and his relationship with the dog was fun. The cast of characters is overly large and the Russian mob subplot was kind of silly. But still an interesting,enjoyable and fun read.
I really enjoyed this book. peter is believable and likeable. His reintegration into life was realistic and his relationship with the dog was fun. The cast of characters is overly large and the Russian mob subplot was kind of silly. But still an interesting,enjoyable and fun read.
October 18, 2020
I can't believe this is the first book I've read by William Cook, yet it's number 3 in the Driftwood Mysteries series. A perfectly ordinary college professor sees a woman walk into the ocean wearing a bridal dress. A short while later he stumbles across an arm in the sand. It's a story of how the local police force, which consists of two officers and a teenage volunteer, work to solve the mystery based on almost no clues. There are bad guys and a self-serving, narcissistic murderer who almost gets away with it. Had it on my Kindle for a long time. Almost didn't read it 'cause I didn't like the title. Figured it was some sappy story, but it's really pretty good. Highly recommended.
August 22, 2024
I read this novel in two sittings. It was excellent, kept me interested the entire way. I don't generally enjoy a book whose villain is known from the beginning, but I was never once bothered by that; I continually found the detective's and the professor's efforts believable, especially after the former SEAL-now cabbie meshed with them. Plus, who couldn't love a book where the stray dog on the beach leads the widowed prof to the shark-bit arm of a victim, then becomes that prof's analyst/pseudo priest/friend??? Great book. And the same author has others!
August 15, 2020
Tightly plotted with really unexpected twists
Death from natural causes of something more sinister? Dogged police work and a culprit too cocky (double entendre intended) to take care to cover his tracks adequately make for a better-than-usual tale of academic tenure and good police work. Add a dog, a little romance, and some Russian bad guys - hey, what's not to like? Recommended
Death from natural causes of something more sinister? Dogged police work and a culprit too cocky (double entendre intended) to take care to cover his tracks adequately make for a better-than-usual tale of academic tenure and good police work. Add a dog, a little romance, and some Russian bad guys - hey, what's not to like? Recommended
May 13, 2021
Not Quite What I Expected
This is the third book in the series and the third book I've read. I'm not sure what happened this time. The plot was as well thought out as the previous books and just as absorbing. Unfortunately, the dialogue was uneven, frequently coming across as stilted, and the antagonist's continually bad decisions made the entire book hard to swallow. I look forward to the next one being back on track.
This is the third book in the series and the third book I've read. I'm not sure what happened this time. The plot was as well thought out as the previous books and just as absorbing. Unfortunately, the dialogue was uneven, frequently coming across as stilted, and the antagonist's continually bad decisions made the entire book hard to swallow. I look forward to the next one being back on track.
November 22, 2020
Entertaining mystery!
I gave the book 5 stars because you find out the killer. But you have to read the book to get the motivations of the killer. People are really unsuspecting that others have such malevolence towards others! I liked the book because it's not graphic in blood and gore! But more of you have to figure out the characters and their relationships with each other.
I gave the book 5 stars because you find out the killer. But you have to read the book to get the motivations of the killer. People are really unsuspecting that others have such malevolence towards others! I liked the book because it's not graphic in blood and gore! But more of you have to figure out the characters and their relationships with each other.
January 18, 2022
Not a lot of a mystery, already at the beginning we are introduced to bad guy and chase is on, slow and boring. Characters are two dimensional and contemporary tropes are all over the place from diversity to anti-capitalism. All together good screenplay for soap opera but as a mystery novel need lot to be desired.
July 22, 2020
I like William Cook's writing style and his humor filled story of murder and intrigue. A genius at work in the university. A dog who is man's best friend and therapist... lots of action and heartfelt growth.
November 27, 2020
This story engaged me right from the start. Really good descriptions of landscape, seascape, weather . .. I usually just skip over those parts but found myself pulled in. I found the character development believable and well-paced. And the plot! Wow, so many corners I didn't foresee. Good book!
July 21, 2021
Who was the Mystery Woman?
From beginning to end the plot has so many twists and turns that it keeps you asking yourself who was seen going into the waves? Lots of sub plots. Loved this book. It was suspend um right to the end.
From beginning to end the plot has so many twists and turns that it keeps you asking yourself who was seen going into the waves? Lots of sub plots. Loved this book. It was suspend um right to the end.
July 23, 2021
Wow
Wow is all I can say about this book. All kinds of things happen that make you wonder if he is really the one doing the deeds or someone's ideas. Good characters good storyline
Wow is all I can say about this book. All kinds of things happen that make you wonder if he is really the one doing the deeds or someone's ideas. Good characters good storyline
March 2, 2022
A story that will keep you on your toes!
When so many horrible things keep happening in this small coastal town somebody needs to find the culprit who is causing all the chaos. There's mystery,, murder and tragedy enough to keep you turning the.
When so many horrible things keep happening in this small coastal town somebody needs to find the culprit who is causing all the chaos. There's mystery,, murder and tragedy enough to keep you turning the.
November 2, 2023
Outstanding mystery
This is the first book by William Cook that I have read, but it won't be the last. The plot is amazing, and full of surprises. The characters are well written, and have depth. I highly recommend it.
This is the first book by William Cook that I have read, but it won't be the last. The plot is amazing, and full of surprises. The characters are well written, and have depth. I highly recommend it.
July 15, 2020
A Very Different Story Line.
Fast paced, interesting, good characters,exciting ending. I was sorry for some of the characters, so pleased for others and justice was done!
Fast paced, interesting, good characters,exciting ending. I was sorry for some of the characters, so pleased for others and justice was done!
Read
July 27, 2020Really good story.loved the characters they work very well together
January 25, 2021
Late night
Had to sort out the characters and from there it all interesting and fun reading. Another hard to put down book.
Had to sort out the characters and from there it all interesting and fun reading. Another hard to put down book.
March 19, 2021
Couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The murders and the characters keep this tale on point to be un-put-downable.
A new favorite series and author.
A new favorite series and author.
April 1, 2021
Boa história , cheia de surpresas. Por vezes a narrativa e um poço prolixa . Mas ainda assim valeu a pena a leitura.
July 17, 2021
Couldn't put it down
I really could not put this book down, it is that good.. And adding Hammer into the mix was a great move. Dogs really do make life better.
I really could not put this book down, it is that good.. And adding Hammer into the mix was a great move. Dogs really do make life better.
July 30, 2021
Great Read!
Loved this mystery! Great characters, great story !
Finished in two days. Could have read in one but other things came first! Great read for crime/mystery lovers!
Loved this mystery! Great characters, great story !
Finished in two days. Could have read in one but other things came first! Great read for crime/mystery lovers!
August 1, 2021
Really good book. Plotting reminded me a lot of John Sanford's writing where the POV includes the bad guys and their arrogance/stupidity.
November 19, 2021
Professor Death is a sexual predator
William Cook may deserve more stars for this book . The more thought given to it the more chilling the tale .
William Cook may deserve more stars for this book . The more thought given to it the more chilling the tale .
April 19, 2022
This was the first book that I read in this series. It was an interesting who dun it and I look forward to reading the other books in The Driftwood Mysteries Series.
May 6, 2022
Great police thriller
This story kept you guessing until the end. Loved the main character Sterling- what a delusional man. Loved the romantic ending.
This story kept you guessing until the end. Loved the main character Sterling- what a delusional man. Loved the romantic ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews