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Beach Traffic: The Ocean Can Be Deadly
Missing at the Beach – The Ocean Can be Deadly!Graduate student Kat Benson was excited about seeing her college boyfriend, Liam Cross, at their college reunion on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Kat’s childhood friend, Heidi is looking for great sex and a fantastic weekend hookup. But, things turned bad quickly when they learn a friend of theirs had been brutally attacked. Federal and local law enforcement officials are on alert after a vicious murder on the beach and the disappearance of five women.
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- GenresMystery
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
About the author
Judith Lucci
63 books425 followersDr. Judith Lucci is an Amazon bestselling author who writes what she knows. She is the author of the Alex Destephano Medical Thriller Series and the soon to be released Michaela McPherson, Private Eye, a series centered on a retired homicide detective from Richmond, Virginia who really can’t retire.
“Before I wrote fiction, I was an academic writer who published research, theoretical works, text books and just about anything a nurse or college professor needed to publish to survive. The differences in academic writing and writing fiction are dramatic. Writing what I know propels me to pull from my clinical experiences, some good, some not and use popular fiction as a means to teach and advocate for others. My books have three purposes, to engage the reader, to entertain them and to educate about healthcare and perhaps, the darker side of hospital life.
I am a nurse and hold graduate and doctoral degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia. I have always been a reader and a writer and I love it. I am a member of the Virginia Writers Club, The Shenandoah Valley Writers and Sisters in Crime.
When I’m not writing I am probably teaching, paining on silk as I am a multi-media artist or playing with my many dogs. Please feel free to contact me at judithlucciwrites@gmail.com. I am excited about meeting you!
“Before I wrote fiction, I was an academic writer who published research, theoretical works, text books and just about anything a nurse or college professor needed to publish to survive. The differences in academic writing and writing fiction are dramatic. Writing what I know propels me to pull from my clinical experiences, some good, some not and use popular fiction as a means to teach and advocate for others. My books have three purposes, to engage the reader, to entertain them and to educate about healthcare and perhaps, the darker side of hospital life.
I am a nurse and hold graduate and doctoral degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia. I have always been a reader and a writer and I love it. I am a member of the Virginia Writers Club, The Shenandoah Valley Writers and Sisters in Crime.
When I’m not writing I am probably teaching, paining on silk as I am a multi-media artist or playing with my many dogs. Please feel free to contact me at judithlucciwrites@gmail.com. I am excited about meeting you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 7, 2019
Beach Traffic: The Ocean Can Be Deadly by Judith Lucci is an intricately woven tale with lots of action, suspense, twists, and turns. This author is very talented in creating suspense and tension with her written words, and her descriptive writing makes the reader feel they are participating in the action as events unfold. From the first page, the reader is drawn into a complex page-turner that switches back and forth to provide the reader with the points of view of the good guys as well as the bad ones,
A group of friends who attended Tulane University together are meeting for a reunion on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Liam Cross, a twenty-seven-year-old Casanova, wakes up on the beach with blood on his clothes and body and doesn't remember much about the previous night. He figured the reason was all the tequila shots he’d consumed. He does remember meeting Jenna, a fascinating and beautiful young woman and walking on the beach with her. While struggling to get back to the beach house he and his friends had rented, he finds a bloodstained sweater he thinks might belong to Jenna. Kat Benson had waited months for this weekend and was looking forward to seeing Liam, her college boyfriend, and hoping to figure out if their relationship was the real thing. The group of friends becomes concerned when one of their own turns up missing. FBI agents and CIA operatives join forces with local authorities to try to solve a rash of reports of young adults missing from the area and uncover a history of disappearances the small had chosen to ignore.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
A group of friends who attended Tulane University together are meeting for a reunion on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Liam Cross, a twenty-seven-year-old Casanova, wakes up on the beach with blood on his clothes and body and doesn't remember much about the previous night. He figured the reason was all the tequila shots he’d consumed. He does remember meeting Jenna, a fascinating and beautiful young woman and walking on the beach with her. While struggling to get back to the beach house he and his friends had rented, he finds a bloodstained sweater he thinks might belong to Jenna. Kat Benson had waited months for this weekend and was looking forward to seeing Liam, her college boyfriend, and hoping to figure out if their relationship was the real thing. The group of friends becomes concerned when one of their own turns up missing. FBI agents and CIA operatives join forces with local authorities to try to solve a rash of reports of young adults missing from the area and uncover a history of disappearances the small had chosen to ignore.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 25, 2019
Absolute crap. Horrible Grammer and ridiculous mistakes. For one, how about the dozen or so main characters all with the same voice and personality? Let's not forget the repetitive scenes, over and over again. No continuity. Something will happen then we go back a few hours, then fast forward followed by more repetition of the same words phrases and cliches. For example, we have numerous people use the phrase "beautiful people" . Sorry, no, just no. Or "he looked like a model" in thought followed immediately by the girl saying " you look like a model" ugh. Parts read like a term paper on human trafficking followed by "his head pounded" or "she rolled her eyes" over and over and over. I could go on and on but I've wasted enough time on this book.
June 26, 2019
Good story but...
The story is good -book gets a 4 for the story & a 1 for the horrible descriptions of the Outer Banks (I'm actually reading this near Cape Hatteras) . I almost quit the book a few pages in because of wrong the OBX was described. If you know & love the Banks as I do, avoid the book; if you don't, enjoy it but be aware the real OBX are nothing like the book says...
The story is good -book gets a 4 for the story & a 1 for the horrible descriptions of the Outer Banks (I'm actually reading this near Cape Hatteras) . I almost quit the book a few pages in because of wrong the OBX was described. If you know & love the Banks as I do, avoid the book; if you don't, enjoy it but be aware the real OBX are nothing like the book says...
March 17, 2019
Beach Traffic deals with sex trafficking, murder, and attempted murder in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was nice to see the CIA, FBI, Coast Guard, and local law enforcement working together instead of bickering over who had jurisdiction and would get to claim the glory when the case was solved. This wasn't a story where you had to figure out who the villains were as they are introduced at the very beginning of the story. There were still twists to be figured out as the story unfolds.
I was really looking forward to this book because I have read and thoroughly enjoyed other books by Judith Lucci. However, this was a bit of a disappointment. The group of friends from Tulane were about as mature as teenagers instead of 27-year-olds, IMO. Even though one of their own was viciously attacked and hospitalized, they went on with their party like nothing was wrong. They wandered the beach alone at night even though women had been abducted and murdered the night before. The Canadian taking over such a big part of the investigation, not to mention being rude as he**, didn't sit well with me. Liam and Mike were able to find drug evidence that the police hadn't found even though it was so obvious. Why hadn't the police noticed the big bonfire when it was occurring, since there were signs saying they were illegal? Mac and Jane were too old to be of interest to the criminals. To me, the ending didn't tie up all the loose ends and was just too easy. There were also inconsistencies in the time line and typos/grammatical errors throughout the book.
The story was okay and I did enjoy it. It just wasn't up to normal standards for this author.
I was really looking forward to this book because I have read and thoroughly enjoyed other books by Judith Lucci. However, this was a bit of a disappointment. The group of friends from Tulane were about as mature as teenagers instead of 27-year-olds, IMO. Even though one of their own was viciously attacked and hospitalized, they went on with their party like nothing was wrong. They wandered the beach alone at night even though women had been abducted and murdered the night before. The Canadian taking over such a big part of the investigation, not to mention being rude as he**, didn't sit well with me. Liam and Mike were able to find drug evidence that the police hadn't found even though it was so obvious. Why hadn't the police noticed the big bonfire when it was occurring, since there were signs saying they were illegal? Mac and Jane were too old to be of interest to the criminals. To me, the ending didn't tie up all the loose ends and was just too easy. There were also inconsistencies in the time line and typos/grammatical errors throughout the book.
The story was okay and I did enjoy it. It just wasn't up to normal standards for this author.
March 17, 2019
A Great Murder Mystery
What a well-written story, loaded with complex and flawed characters, some you would not want to meet in a dark alley. The setting is Out Islands in North Carolina and begins with Aapo el-Marsi, an Egyptian independent contractor, who will stop at nothing to obtain the American dream, even if it means working with Squatty, an obnoxious American gangster who el-Marsi hates and sees as inferior. It’s like the pot calling the kettle black when you discover the sort of business el-Marsi is in. And when Federal Agents Jane Anders and Paul Servo investigate a sadistic murder and the vanishing of young women, you are taken on a blood-curdling journey full of treachery, greed, international offenses, sexual exploitation, and unrequited love, keeping you guessing to the very end, reminding us that too much partying, high consumption of alcohol and the use of unlawful drugs can have dire consequences.
What a well-written story, loaded with complex and flawed characters, some you would not want to meet in a dark alley. The setting is Out Islands in North Carolina and begins with Aapo el-Marsi, an Egyptian independent contractor, who will stop at nothing to obtain the American dream, even if it means working with Squatty, an obnoxious American gangster who el-Marsi hates and sees as inferior. It’s like the pot calling the kettle black when you discover the sort of business el-Marsi is in. And when Federal Agents Jane Anders and Paul Servo investigate a sadistic murder and the vanishing of young women, you are taken on a blood-curdling journey full of treachery, greed, international offenses, sexual exploitation, and unrequited love, keeping you guessing to the very end, reminding us that too much partying, high consumption of alcohol and the use of unlawful drugs can have dire consequences.
February 21, 2019
A bunch of college friends are meeting in North Carolina to share a beach house on vacation. Liam gets there first and goes to a local bar. He wakes up on the beach the next morning with a terrible headache, covered in blood and no memory of what happened. When he sees his friend, Mike, he finally talks about it and they can't figure out what happened. Soon enough, almost all the guys and girls are there except Meredith and they start enjoying the beach. Meanwhile, women are starting to disappear in the area and two other women are attacked. This is a great thriller that involves the local police, CIA, the Coast Guard and whoever else they can get to help. The plot and characters were great and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
March 3, 2019
Glad I don't live where this book takes place. Spoiler alert.
The cops are blithering idiots. They let a retired cop from Canada act like one of their own and he treats the younger cop he is with like a rube. The local chief is clueless about his own turf, an undercover FBI agent is pegged by a confused dude with a serious drug and booze hangover, and the highly suspicious looking creeps aren't pointed out to the police, even after the group of girls have been hearing all the stories about the crime wave the tourists are in the middle of. The human trafficking is all too real and horrific. This book is just too unbelievable. The nasty Canadian's character just disappears, there are holes everywhere in the story, the book just...ends.
The cops are blithering idiots. They let a retired cop from Canada act like one of their own and he treats the younger cop he is with like a rube. The local chief is clueless about his own turf, an undercover FBI agent is pegged by a confused dude with a serious drug and booze hangover, and the highly suspicious looking creeps aren't pointed out to the police, even after the group of girls have been hearing all the stories about the crime wave the tourists are in the middle of. The human trafficking is all too real and horrific. This book is just too unbelievable. The nasty Canadian's character just disappears, there are holes everywhere in the story, the book just...ends.
May 31, 2021
A group of friends from Tulane University meet on the Outer Banks for their annual reunion. Just before they all arrive, a woman is murdered and one of their friends is injured. One of the friends is a suspect. Five young women have disappeared in a matter of days. Are these all related? The police and federal agents think so. There were a lot of characters in this book and the main ones were well developed. The various law enforcement agencies-local police, the CIA, the FBI and the Coast Guard-are well represented and the author is well versed in the crime of human trafficking. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. I look forward to reading more of Ms Lucci's books.
June 22, 2021
Beach Traffic describes vividly the scenery, people, and beach weekend action where fear and fun collide and the reader (you’ll be happy if your next!) is left questioning which will win out all the way to the intriguing and satisfying conclusion. The characters are so well developed I felt emotionally invested in the virtuous people though just who was who wasn’t always evident. Judith brings the dark issue of sex trafficking to light well and in realistic ways and is based on a true story. I love rooting for all beach bums and the honorable people in law enforcement so picking up this book was a no brainer. (Being a beach bum at heart, does that make me a no brainer person???) Enjoy the read!
June 4, 2019
Beach traffic
A total eye opener on a subject that is horrific, but set in a fictional story. The tragedy that this crime rains down on the victims and their families is horrendous. The story is told in a non threatening manner and it is not overwhelming with vivid scenes. It portrays how situations are not always as they seem. Interesting characters and believable plot make this book a good read. Glad to read and review it
A total eye opener on a subject that is horrific, but set in a fictional story. The tragedy that this crime rains down on the victims and their families is horrendous. The story is told in a non threatening manner and it is not overwhelming with vivid scenes. It portrays how situations are not always as they seem. Interesting characters and believable plot make this book a good read. Glad to read and review it
August 30, 2019
Intrigue at the beach
A group of friends holds a reunion in Nags Head, NC and gets more than they bargained for. Murder, mayhem and human trafficking among the Barbie and Kens of this world brings them sobering up in more ways than one. Cooperation between Coast Guard, FBI, Homeland and local police departments brings on a happy ending despite loss of life and lovers. Quick read. Loved it. You can always count on Judith Lucci for a good read.
A group of friends holds a reunion in Nags Head, NC and gets more than they bargained for. Murder, mayhem and human trafficking among the Barbie and Kens of this world brings them sobering up in more ways than one. Cooperation between Coast Guard, FBI, Homeland and local police departments brings on a happy ending despite loss of life and lovers. Quick read. Loved it. You can always count on Judith Lucci for a good read.
February 21, 2019
Beach traffic by judith lucci
This is truly a good book. Not only is it a good read but it gives a warning to young women the dangers of human trafficking. With spring break coming up it really makes you think twice about putting yourself in peril. Judith does keep you guessing until the very end. Love all her books.
This is truly a good book. Not only is it a good read but it gives a warning to young women the dangers of human trafficking. With spring break coming up it really makes you think twice about putting yourself in peril. Judith does keep you guessing until the very end. Love all her books.
Read
July 27, 2019The storyline is good and keeps your interest (sex trafficking on the Outer Banks in NC). lots of twists and turns and some of the characters were very likable (Mac, Jane) but the author really uses the same language repeatedly. It does seem like different descriptions of people & events would have been better but all in all, I did enjoy this book and read it in a day on the beach. Quick read.
January 12, 2020
Taken from the Headlines
This was a great book. Originally drawn to it because I love the Outer Banks. The story could be drawn from headlines. It was interesting to learn about trafficking. I didn’t realize how it was accomplished and where they were doing it. The police have their hands full with what is going on. Also like about the tech that is used.
This was a great book. Originally drawn to it because I love the Outer Banks. The story could be drawn from headlines. It was interesting to learn about trafficking. I didn’t realize how it was accomplished and where they were doing it. The police have their hands full with what is going on. Also like about the tech that is used.
February 23, 2019
A good read
As usual, I read before going to bed. I then woke up at 2:30 AM to finish the book. It was a good read and made me want to read more by Judith Lucci. It was a good reminder to not accept an obvious conclusion but to look for additional explanations.
As usual, I read before going to bed. I then woke up at 2:30 AM to finish the book. It was a good read and made me want to read more by Judith Lucci. It was a good reminder to not accept an obvious conclusion but to look for additional explanations.
May 25, 2019
Good easy read
This is a quick read. Has a little for everyone. Good police and crime (I like) has
romance (not so much). The characters seem real. The plot is a little over the top but still holds your interest.
This is a quick read. Has a little for everyone. Good police and crime (I like) has
romance (not so much). The characters seem real. The plot is a little over the top but still holds your interest.
August 17, 2019
A Deadly Reunion!
This book has the potential for a great series. There is nail-biting suspense and intrigue. Even if you think you might know what's going to happen next you're on the edge of your seat while you're reading.
This book has the potential for a great series. There is nail-biting suspense and intrigue. Even if you think you might know what's going to happen next you're on the edge of your seat while you're reading.
November 25, 2019
Scary
This story is kind of departure from most of her books to me. The story deals with a more in depth into the world of human trafficking. It is not a story that can put out of your mind easily. I found it hard to put down.
This story is kind of departure from most of her books to me. The story deals with a more in depth into the world of human trafficking. It is not a story that can put out of your mind easily. I found it hard to put down.
September 13, 2020
Good story
This book surely brought to light the sex trafficking problem in the world today. The book kept you on your toes until the end.Loved the main characters and can't wait to see what happens to Liam.
This book surely brought to light the sex trafficking problem in the world today. The book kept you on your toes until the end.Loved the main characters and can't wait to see what happens to Liam.
March 31, 2023
Beach Traffic
Trafficking women is a serious problem in the world today. This story took place in N.C. Powerful drugs were used to subdue the victims so that they could be shipped to the mid East into slavery. It held my interest until the end of the book.
Trafficking women is a serious problem in the world today. This story took place in N.C. Powerful drugs were used to subdue the victims so that they could be shipped to the mid East into slavery. It held my interest until the end of the book.
February 24, 2019
This book had a great story line. The idea of human trafficking is horrendous but HEA tempers that. The book had, in my opinion, too many characters and the pace was a bit slow.
May 13, 2019
Scary, eye opening book
Who knew the beach could be so dangerous, not from rip tide or sea life, but from humans! Judith Lucci writes a fantastic book. A must read!
Who knew the beach could be so dangerous, not from rip tide or sea life, but from humans! Judith Lucci writes a fantastic book. A must read!
May 29, 2019
Quick read but good
I enjoyed this book and like the author,a writing style. The book is short so it is a quick read.
I enjoyed this book and like the author,a writing style. The book is short so it is a quick read.
June 10, 2019
Very good fast-read
August 10, 2019
Old fashioned mystery
Very good mystery almost like the type like Ellery Queen. Nice scenery. Good message based on particular growing crime. Best charters, female police women
Very good mystery almost like the type like Ellery Queen. Nice scenery. Good message based on particular growing crime. Best charters, female police women
September 16, 2019
Very good
I like this book. There was s lot of action going on. I enjoyed the characters. It was kind of short though
I like this book. There was s lot of action going on. I enjoyed the characters. It was kind of short though
Read
April 4, 2020Not up to her usual standard of writing or care for her characters. This should be a short story, not a full length book. Way too much repetition. But the story premise was good.
December 18, 2020
Traffic
This book will have you taking a new look on what is going on in your neck of the woods. Scary to think people have no respect for humankind. Stay safe.
This book will have you taking a new look on what is going on in your neck of the woods. Scary to think people have no respect for humankind. Stay safe.
May 10, 2021
Another wonderful book by Judith Lucci! Her trademark, realistic, believable characters, shines yet again. This is a fast paced thriller that will keep you intrigued. I highly recommend it.
Read
May 17, 2021Great story, great writing, as always!
Well written story that captures current news, in a hard hitting tale of wrong place, bad luck. Thriller readers will enjoy this!
Well written story that captures current news, in a hard hitting tale of wrong place, bad luck. Thriller readers will enjoy this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews