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Jesse McDermitt Caribbean Adventure #6
Fallen King
The quiet and solitude found in the back country and wetlands of south Florida has been shattered. Someone is using explosives to fish the ecologically fragile patch reefs in the shallow waters of Florida Bay, north of the Keys. Retired Marine Jesse McDermitt doesn't like explosions in his backyard.
Knowing his penchant for inserting himself in matters best left to the authorities, his friends withhold information from him about the destruction to the delicate, living corals. Jesse doesn't much like this, either.
He discovers that a vicious Miami street gang is involved when he and his daughter witness a gruesome double murder on remote Cape Sable. Ignoring his friends advice, he digs for the truth. Why does a gang that deals strictly in lead, kilos, and large bricks of cash want to steal cheap boats in the Keys, just to poach a few bucks worth of gamefish?
What Jesse uncovers is far more sinister than he bargained for. A twisted psychopath is in control of the gang and trying to lure him out in the open. Jesse's instinct and training compel him to attack, but conflicts with his newfound parental need to protect. Jesse and the ones he cares for most are caught in the cross-hairs.
It's just another day in paradise in this sixth installment of the Jesse McDermitt series.
Knowing his penchant for inserting himself in matters best left to the authorities, his friends withhold information from him about the destruction to the delicate, living corals. Jesse doesn't much like this, either.
He discovers that a vicious Miami street gang is involved when he and his daughter witness a gruesome double murder on remote Cape Sable. Ignoring his friends advice, he digs for the truth. Why does a gang that deals strictly in lead, kilos, and large bricks of cash want to steal cheap boats in the Keys, just to poach a few bucks worth of gamefish?
What Jesse uncovers is far more sinister than he bargained for. A twisted psychopath is in control of the gang and trying to lure him out in the open. Jesse's instinct and training compel him to attack, but conflicts with his newfound parental need to protect. Jesse and the ones he cares for most are caught in the cross-hairs.
It's just another day in paradise in this sixth installment of the Jesse McDermitt series.
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First published February 12, 2015
1752 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Stinnett
56 books627 followersI'm a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and now, a full time novelist. Between those careers, I've also worked as a deckhand, commercial fisherman, divemaster, taxi driver, construction manager, and truck driver. I live in the Sea Islands, near Beaufort, SC, with my wife and youngest daughter. We also have three grown children, five grand children, three dogs and a whole flock of parakeets. I grew up in Melbourne, FL and have also lived in the Florida Keys and Cozumel, MX.
You can like me on Facebook, to get updates at https://www.facebook.com/WayneStinnet...
You can like me on Facebook, to get updates at https://www.facebook.com/WayneStinnet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 26, 2025
Another good action read from Stinnett. These books are all pretty formulaic, but they have good characters and the scenarios aren't too far out of the realm of possibility. No superhero escapades by any of the characters, and no villains too over-the-top. Just a good, fun read. 3 1/2 stars.
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July 22, 2019Free on amazon 22nd July 2019
February 10, 2016
Somehow, I've completed the entire Jesse McDermitt series and overlooked "Fallen King". As with all the other books in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. This one did take some time to launch, but once it started, you'll have to finish it before putting it down. The cast of characters are well developed, and readers are taken back to earlier times to ensure they know everything about that character.
I especially like the "Rules for dating a Marine's daughter" and thought they were hilarious! But, no doubt, true in every sense.
In this story, a Miami-based Haitian gang is going outside of the norm (drugs, prostitution, weapons, etc.) and using grenades to damage the ecosystems around Key West. It soon sinks in that the gang is trying to draw Jesse out of hiding, and this is why the thugs are operating in his neighborhood. His connections in the Homeland Group soon learn that an old foe of Jesse's is manipulating the gang so she can get even with him for an earlier encounter when treasure hunting. Kim develops a love life and goes out on her first date. Then the fireworks begin, and Jesse discovers that his "personal island" isn't as defensible as he thought.
Great story and highly recommended. Everyone should read all six books in the series - first-timers should start at #1 to keep characters and events straight. Looking for another Jesse story to come. Great job, Mr. Stinnett!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
I especially like the "Rules for dating a Marine's daughter" and thought they were hilarious! But, no doubt, true in every sense.
In this story, a Miami-based Haitian gang is going outside of the norm (drugs, prostitution, weapons, etc.) and using grenades to damage the ecosystems around Key West. It soon sinks in that the gang is trying to draw Jesse out of hiding, and this is why the thugs are operating in his neighborhood. His connections in the Homeland Group soon learn that an old foe of Jesse's is manipulating the gang so she can get even with him for an earlier encounter when treasure hunting. Kim develops a love life and goes out on her first date. Then the fireworks begin, and Jesse discovers that his "personal island" isn't as defensible as he thought.
Great story and highly recommended. Everyone should read all six books in the series - first-timers should start at #1 to keep characters and events straight. Looking for another Jesse story to come. Great job, Mr. Stinnett!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
June 9, 2017
Guy gets out of the military, buys a fishing boat and an island and subsequently finds himself catching bad guys with the government.
Yes. Yes, it is far-fetched. But it's a hell of a lot of fun. These are not the best-written books. They're not fine literature. They're not really even good literature. But they're compelling, have some characters you really can't get out of your head, and they're mindless escapes for a day or two.
Yes. Yes, it is far-fetched. But it's a hell of a lot of fun. These are not the best-written books. They're not fine literature. They're not really even good literature. But they're compelling, have some characters you really can't get out of your head, and they're mindless escapes for a day or two.
October 17, 2019
Brief synopsis from the book cover
The quiet and solitude found in the back country and wetlands of south Florida has been shattered. Someone is using explosives to fish the ecologically fragile patch reefs in the shallow waters of Florida Bay, north of the Keys. Retired Marine Jesse McDermitt doesn't like explosions in his backyard.
Knowing his penchant for inserting himself in matters best left to the authorities, his friends withhold information from him about the destruction to the delicate, living corals. Jesse doesn't much like this, either.
He discovers that a vicious Miami street gang is involved when he and his daughter witness a gruesome double murder on remote Cape Sable. Ignoring his friends’ advice, he digs for the truth. Why does a gang that deals strictly in lead, kilos, and large bricks of cash want to steal cheap boats in the Keys, just to poach a few bucks worth of gamefish?
What Jesse uncovers is far more sinister than he bargained for. A twisted psychopath is in control of the gang and trying to lure him out in the open. Jesse's instinct and training compel him to attack, but conflicts with his newfound parental need to protect. Jesse and the ones he cares for most are caught in the cross-hairs.
It's just another day in paradise in this sixth installment of the Jesse McDermitt series.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Action and Adventure
Suspense
Review:
This is the sixth installment in the Jesse McDermitt Series. As with the previous books in the series this one can also be read as a standalone novel. Each book contains an individual adventure that concludes at the end. When events or characters from previous books of the series are mentioned sufficient explanation is given so that it’s easy for the reader to follow what has happened before.
The book is vividly written, the author knows and loves the area very well and that shows in the great detail that is used to describe the landscape and unique atmosphere of South Florida and The Keys. The plot is executed well with the right mixture of action and adventure and suspense this made the story very captivating and fun to read.
The characters are your typical action and adventure heroes, though, strong and loyal with their hearth in the right place. Their actions are described with enough details to make them appear realistic.
Overall this is a great action and adventure novel, captivating, fun to read and set in a beautiful location.
The quiet and solitude found in the back country and wetlands of south Florida has been shattered. Someone is using explosives to fish the ecologically fragile patch reefs in the shallow waters of Florida Bay, north of the Keys. Retired Marine Jesse McDermitt doesn't like explosions in his backyard.
Knowing his penchant for inserting himself in matters best left to the authorities, his friends withhold information from him about the destruction to the delicate, living corals. Jesse doesn't much like this, either.
He discovers that a vicious Miami street gang is involved when he and his daughter witness a gruesome double murder on remote Cape Sable. Ignoring his friends’ advice, he digs for the truth. Why does a gang that deals strictly in lead, kilos, and large bricks of cash want to steal cheap boats in the Keys, just to poach a few bucks worth of gamefish?
What Jesse uncovers is far more sinister than he bargained for. A twisted psychopath is in control of the gang and trying to lure him out in the open. Jesse's instinct and training compel him to attack, but conflicts with his newfound parental need to protect. Jesse and the ones he cares for most are caught in the cross-hairs.
It's just another day in paradise in this sixth installment of the Jesse McDermitt series.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Action and Adventure
Suspense
Review:
This is the sixth installment in the Jesse McDermitt Series. As with the previous books in the series this one can also be read as a standalone novel. Each book contains an individual adventure that concludes at the end. When events or characters from previous books of the series are mentioned sufficient explanation is given so that it’s easy for the reader to follow what has happened before.
The book is vividly written, the author knows and loves the area very well and that shows in the great detail that is used to describe the landscape and unique atmosphere of South Florida and The Keys. The plot is executed well with the right mixture of action and adventure and suspense this made the story very captivating and fun to read.
The characters are your typical action and adventure heroes, though, strong and loyal with their hearth in the right place. Their actions are described with enough details to make them appear realistic.
Overall this is a great action and adventure novel, captivating, fun to read and set in a beautiful location.
December 10, 2019
The first three chapters of this book had too much backstory and not enough action. Those info dumps slowed the story down. Much of it could have been parceled out here and there throughout the book.
Stinnett uses the phrase ‘up on plane’ every time he has McDermitt take a boat out. It has been so overused in this and every one of his books that it has become annoying. As has telling us he pressed the button on a fob to open the doors to his boat shed then pressed another button on the fob to close them. His travelogues, too, are getting a bit tiring. Are you trying to impress us with your knowledge of the area or pad your word count, Mr. Stinnett?
Stinnett keeps his cast of characters as large as in previous books. With so many, it’s hard to keep them straight. Six books into this series and I’m still not sure who does and doesn’t live on Jesse’s island with him and who his bosses are and who are members of his team and who are just friends and acquaintances. Yes, he gives a brief bio of every character when they step on stage the first time, but by now, regular readers shouldn’t need that, should know the regulars well enough that their name alone is sufficient. These bios, too, break up the flow of the story and slow it down
Having said that, once Stinnett gets into his story, the pace takes off – dare I say it? – like a Cigarette boat up on plane. The action is crisp and clear and non-stop. And the reader gets caught up in events.
So, cut back on the repetition, Mr. Stinnett, and focus on the action.
Stinnett uses the phrase ‘up on plane’ every time he has McDermitt take a boat out. It has been so overused in this and every one of his books that it has become annoying. As has telling us he pressed the button on a fob to open the doors to his boat shed then pressed another button on the fob to close them. His travelogues, too, are getting a bit tiring. Are you trying to impress us with your knowledge of the area or pad your word count, Mr. Stinnett?
Stinnett keeps his cast of characters as large as in previous books. With so many, it’s hard to keep them straight. Six books into this series and I’m still not sure who does and doesn’t live on Jesse’s island with him and who his bosses are and who are members of his team and who are just friends and acquaintances. Yes, he gives a brief bio of every character when they step on stage the first time, but by now, regular readers shouldn’t need that, should know the regulars well enough that their name alone is sufficient. These bios, too, break up the flow of the story and slow it down
Having said that, once Stinnett gets into his story, the pace takes off – dare I say it? – like a Cigarette boat up on plane. The action is crisp and clear and non-stop. And the reader gets caught up in events.
So, cut back on the repetition, Mr. Stinnett, and focus on the action.
October 20, 2020
An engaging action novel that accelerates toward the end
About the only retraction to this book for me was the initial pace. Recognizing that this is the sixth book of a series and that I have read none of the others, it's perhaps my own fault that I had trouble envisioning how the initial details helped develop the story. Still, the action accelerates nicely as you approach the end, and you'll find yourself being spurred along to complete the book. For those looking for a good action novel with military and law enforcement themes, this is a good choice.
About the only retraction to this book for me was the initial pace. Recognizing that this is the sixth book of a series and that I have read none of the others, it's perhaps my own fault that I had trouble envisioning how the initial details helped develop the story. Still, the action accelerates nicely as you approach the end, and you'll find yourself being spurred along to complete the book. For those looking for a good action novel with military and law enforcement themes, this is a good choice.
October 30, 2016
Same blueprint as the other books in the series. If you like Jesse and the team in the other books you will enjoy this one, I did. This book was a little slower out of the gate than some and that is my only reason for the 4 star rating.
Wayne Stinnett does a good job managing many characters and developing relationships amongst themselves and the reader.
Looking forward to the my next adventure in the Keys.
Wayne Stinnett does a good job managing many characters and developing relationships amongst themselves and the reader.
Looking forward to the my next adventure in the Keys.
March 26, 2018
Book Candy
I'm going through this series too fast. Enjoying every book and starting the next in line as soon as the fire recharges. Author does a good job of coming up with a fresh plot/story every book while maintaining integrity of nasty villains and admirable heroes and beautiful women. May not improve your intellect or add to your vocabulary but you will hopefully have fun reading about Jesse and friends.
I'm going through this series too fast. Enjoying every book and starting the next in line as soon as the fire recharges. Author does a good job of coming up with a fresh plot/story every book while maintaining integrity of nasty villains and admirable heroes and beautiful women. May not improve your intellect or add to your vocabulary but you will hopefully have fun reading about Jesse and friends.
August 16, 2017
I have enjoyed all 6 books on Jesse Mc Dermitt that I have read. Lots of action., local friends, service buddies and girlfriends. Jesse is a little unbelieveable in being able to take such beatings and move on to some other action an hour later. Most situations are dire, but that is what makes the stories so interesting. I plan on reading the next couple of books,
October 10, 2017
I absolutely loved 'Fallen King'. The story line was well written and the way it played out kept me glued to the pages. Full of action, thrilling adventures, great dialog and awesome characters. I love Jesse. He is such a great lead. I can't wait to read the next book. A great add to your tbr list.
I love the Rules For Dating a Marine's Daughter.
I love the Rules For Dating a Marine's Daughter.
July 28, 2018
The Jesse McDermitt Caribbean Adventure series is one of the most enjoyable series of books I have read! And, Fallen King is an excellent contribution to the series. I am reading the next book, Fallen Honor, now. I will be very disappointed when the series ends. Hopefully, Mr. Stinnett will keep the Jesse McDermitt character alive, well and very active in the Keys for years to come!
October 28, 2018
Excellent.
I love this series. I would love to fly down from St Pete FL, and go out on Gaspars Revenge with Jesse and any of his dive buddies. I've never been snorkelling but I would love to learn. Homeland Security sure has it's hands full, but with the two teams in FL now trained and working diligently, I pray to God they can make a difference.
I love this series. I would love to fly down from St Pete FL, and go out on Gaspars Revenge with Jesse and any of his dive buddies. I've never been snorkelling but I would love to learn. Homeland Security sure has it's hands full, but with the two teams in FL now trained and working diligently, I pray to God they can make a difference.
August 3, 2019
Never a dull moment
As with all of the Jesse McDermott series there is never a dull moment. The story revives around several well developed likeable characters, as well as some really bad guys. And there is plenty of action. This would make a great movie. I highly recommend this book
As with all of the Jesse McDermott series there is never a dull moment. The story revives around several well developed likeable characters, as well as some really bad guys. And there is plenty of action. This would make a great movie. I highly recommend this book
August 4, 2019
Another sea story.
Caribbean, of course. Further activities of another Marine, one with money and time to spend doing what needs to be done. I like the writing style and the character development. Easy to follow and logical progression of the story line. Would have been pleased to go fishing with him.
Caribbean, of course. Further activities of another Marine, one with money and time to spend doing what needs to be done. I like the writing style and the character development. Easy to follow and logical progression of the story line. Would have been pleased to go fishing with him.
August 15, 2019
Lots of detail about guns and boats and such but lots of action as well
Not an all star literary marvel but good for this genre. As usual the bad guys talk a bit too long about killing the captured good guy giving his good guy friends the needed time to save him. Nonetheless a good read.
Not an all star literary marvel but good for this genre. As usual the bad guys talk a bit too long about killing the captured good guy giving his good guy friends the needed time to save him. Nonetheless a good read.
August 20, 2019
I love these books set in in the Florida Keys. These are exciting books, kind of like a Cracker version of James Bond. The plots are exciting and the descriptions of the back country in the Keys makes you want to head right down there. Being a Florida resident, this book seems to describe real places although they are all fiction and don't exist, but they sure could.
September 3, 2019
In this fantasy world off the coast of SW Florida by the keys, there is a man with his island. Now, who has boats stored under a stilt house, has multiple people living on the island with him, works with the Dept of homeland security, grows veggies and fishes a lot, and is way too involved in beating the bad guys? I love these stories. Who wouldn't want to be this guy?
Read and enjoy.
Read and enjoy.
September 8, 2019
A really well-written book. Jesse McDermitt has built his home on his island in the Keys. His daughter comes to visit as she has never met him before. A bunch of Haitian thugs kidnap Jesse and the race is on to find him. Several buddies, ex-Marines, and the Feds race to get him.
This was an exciting book. I highly recommend it. I will read the others in this series.
This was an exciting book. I highly recommend it. I will read the others in this series.
September 23, 2019
Unbelievably intense
A reclusive ex military character with his own island in the everglades area gets dragged in to a very deep and nasty incident with powerful enemies who are out to steal a treasure from him and kill him in the process. Intrigue, romance, murder and violence are the very least of his worries. Well written and an absolute delight to read.
A reclusive ex military character with his own island in the everglades area gets dragged in to a very deep and nasty incident with powerful enemies who are out to steal a treasure from him and kill him in the process. Intrigue, romance, murder and violence are the very least of his worries. Well written and an absolute delight to read.
August 9, 2022
Fallen King: Jesse McDermitt Novel (Caribbean Adventure Book 6)
Just as exciting as the first five books. The characters, some familiar, are believable and the descriptive scenery is enough to make the reader want to book a trip to the Keys. Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book in this series. Happy reading!
Just as exciting as the first five books. The characters, some familiar, are believable and the descriptive scenery is enough to make the reader want to book a trip to the Keys. Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next book in this series. Happy reading!
January 11, 2025
Good series
Love the various Keys themes, and excellent descriptors of the various ecosystems as well as the human cultures in the area. Good character development and varying storylines surrounding their various missions-- violence for good against evil, age old battles with varying spins all in a gorgeous setting.
Love the various Keys themes, and excellent descriptors of the various ecosystems as well as the human cultures in the area. Good character development and varying storylines surrounding their various missions-- violence for good against evil, age old battles with varying spins all in a gorgeous setting.
May 25, 2025
Characters you either know or want to know, exacting and appropriate action set against old Florida as few will ever see.
Being a Floridian, I enjoy the series because of the reverent descriptions of Florida’s waterways and back country that few will ever see. The great characters and well timed action are a bonus.
Being a Floridian, I enjoy the series because of the reverent descriptions of Florida’s waterways and back country that few will ever see. The great characters and well timed action are a bonus.
January 15, 2026
Lost a star for the tired trope of an untrained woman going into danger and being admired for her bravery and stubbornness.
A teenager ignoring requests to let multiple highly trained marines, Navy Seals, Coast Guard, and police officers is not brave, she is stupid and only adding to the problems of rescuing someone.
A teenager ignoring requests to let multiple highly trained marines, Navy Seals, Coast Guard, and police officers is not brave, she is stupid and only adding to the problems of rescuing someone.
May 10, 2017
Always a great read!
The Jesse McDermott novels are a series you just can't put down...every book is more enjoyable than the last. I usually read them in one or two sittings. Fun and exciting books.
The Jesse McDermott novels are a series you just can't put down...every book is more enjoyable than the last. I usually read them in one or two sittings. Fun and exciting books.
February 14, 2018
ACTION AND HISTORY OF STORY LINE
As with all of Wayne Stinnett ' s books, the action is hot and heavy. First time readers will also get background history of players in this story.
As with all of Wayne Stinnett ' s books, the action is hot and heavy. First time readers will also get background history of players in this story.
March 6, 2018
Love this series! Excellent character development, very descriptive of the area, surroundings, etc. I gave it 4 stars only because I felt the story line was a little less believable than some of the earlier books.
April 26, 2018
Brilliant
I am really enjoying reading this series. So we'll written with amazing characters. Following Jesse and the rest of the team is is fast paced and exciting. I urge you to stay reading today
I am really enjoying reading this series. So we'll written with amazing characters. Following Jesse and the rest of the team is is fast paced and exciting. I urge you to stay reading today
November 18, 2018
Fun read
I always enjoy Wayne Stinnett's books. I hope he keeps writing more so I can keep reading more. I think I've read all of them so far. They're exciting and keep you on your toes! It is also fun reading about the keys in the cold, snowy winter of Colorado.
I always enjoy Wayne Stinnett's books. I hope he keeps writing more so I can keep reading more. I think I've read all of them so far. They're exciting and keep you on your toes! It is also fun reading about the keys in the cold, snowy winter of Colorado.
February 27, 2019
Jesse’s adventures were some of the most intriguing in this novel!
I especially enjoyed this novel as there seemed to be more action and the introduction of new characters. There were more stories involved around the different characters.
I especially enjoyed this novel as there seemed to be more action and the introduction of new characters. There were more stories involved around the different characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews