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Jesse McDermitt Caribbean Adventure #1
Fallen Out
New Second Edition of the 1st novel in the exciting 14 volume Caribbean Adventure Series.
When Jesse McDermitt retires from the Marine Corps at age 37, he has no idea what he will do for the rest of his life. He only knows he doesn't want to spend the coming winter anywhere cold. His greatest skill is killing people from up to a mile away and he knows there aren't many job opportunities in the civilian world for that.
However, he also knows his way around boats and has an old friend living free and easy in the Florida Keys. Being an experienced diver and angler, he immediately heads south toward Key West and the end of the road.
With a single comment, a waitress in a waterfront restaurant in north Key Largo shakes loose a long dormant dream and Jesse runs with it. With the help of friends, new and old, he buys just the right boat to live on and soon starts a part time charter business.
Danger lurks in the sleepy little town of Marathon, in the middle of the Florida Keys, as well as in the swamps of the Everglades. But danger doesn't expect to run into a man like Jesse. A man who will not only respond swiftly in facing it, but with a vengeance unexpected.
When Jesse McDermitt retires from the Marine Corps at age 37, he has no idea what he will do for the rest of his life. He only knows he doesn't want to spend the coming winter anywhere cold. His greatest skill is killing people from up to a mile away and he knows there aren't many job opportunities in the civilian world for that.
However, he also knows his way around boats and has an old friend living free and easy in the Florida Keys. Being an experienced diver and angler, he immediately heads south toward Key West and the end of the road.
With a single comment, a waitress in a waterfront restaurant in north Key Largo shakes loose a long dormant dream and Jesse runs with it. With the help of friends, new and old, he buys just the right boat to live on and soon starts a part time charter business.
Danger lurks in the sleepy little town of Marathon, in the middle of the Florida Keys, as well as in the swamps of the Everglades. But danger doesn't expect to run into a man like Jesse. A man who will not only respond swiftly in facing it, but with a vengeance unexpected.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2014
3955 people are currently reading
2294 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Stinnett
55 books634 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 398 reviews
June 13, 2014
Titled "The Beginning", this was released after the first three books in the series. I found this to be very entertaining. It's not really what I would call an 'action thriller', although there is action in the story. Action junkies might find it lacking in that regard. There is a lot of boating and diving down in the Florida Keys, off Marathon Key. Makes for an interesting read, at least for me.
Jesse McDermitt, recently retired from the Marine Corps, just wants to be a charter boat captain. Circumstances tend to get in the way sometimes. Sort of reminds me of Doc Ford, ex CIA, and his biological supply company.
If readers are looking for a smoothly written novel, taking place in a interesting part of the country, this should appeal to them.
Jesse McDermitt, recently retired from the Marine Corps, just wants to be a charter boat captain. Circumstances tend to get in the way sometimes. Sort of reminds me of Doc Ford, ex CIA, and his biological supply company.
If readers are looking for a smoothly written novel, taking place in a interesting part of the country, this should appeal to them.
March 5, 2023
A new tough guy with a moral code, great friends, and a really nice boat to revisit in this series. I want to live on a boat now. 😊 Seriously, I like Jesse and his friends. I am looking forward to more adventures in the Keys.
January 5, 2015
This author got his author friends from kboards to flood Amazon with bogus complaints, resulting in the removal of every review I've written simply because I wrote an honest review of his book. My honest review, and likely one of the only ones you'll find follows:
Clearly, Wyane Stinnette has been able to exhort many acquaintances into writing reviews of Fallen Palm, much of which are skyward pointing praises. Unfortunately, this tactic is something of an epidemic here at Amazon, making it impossible to use the number of reviews and overall rating as any sort of metric to determine quality or readability. Readers looking for actual quality books are left to look for the rare honest reviews in endless haystacks, or stuck reading a sample of anything that looks promising before shelling out for it.
The problems with Fallen Palm by Wayne Stinnette begin even before buying the book and they are two-fold. I had no idea the author was gaming his rankings by frequently lowering the price to get lots of buys and then quickly ratcheting the price back up to catch unsuspecting customers at higher prices. Price history revealed this, and there are various apps to help you track this and steer you clear of cheats. Second, this book says it's the first in the series, but the actual first in the series is a completely different book. From what I can tell the actual first book called "the beginning" was actually released first, but may have suffered from poor results and was replaced with this one later as the first. The other then being called "the beginning" but this book being named the first in the series. Unfortunately, I bought both books in my hunt to find the actual first book that would help explain some of the things glossed over in this one, and my review of that schlock will be forthcoming.
In the book itself, issues pile up quickly but I'll start by reiterating how ticked off I am at the deceptive ratings. There, I've said it and hoping the point is taken to heart by those who seem to think they were doing this author a favor by piling high unearned praises.
Narrative is a key area where the book suffers. Clearly, Wyane Stinnette doesn't know how to get out of the way of his own narrative. As a result, the book often bogs down in backstory and exposition when it should instead be kicking into higher gears. After a few pages, readers get Jesse is a crotchety old dude, pushing 50 with a long history. Don't need to keep hearing about '83 or '74 or '68. All these way back dates kept reminding me that Jesse is better suited to a membership in AARP than as the guy coming to anyone's rescue.
Sometimes all the backstory in Fallen Palm leads to unintentionally comical results. The whole premise that kicks off the story is about the "drowning" of his friend Russ, who Jess says couldn't possibly have drowned because 25 years ago he could swim 6 miles of open ocean. Added to that is another backstory about Jesse and Russ finding buried treasure underwater in 1983 and how they got $100,000 for 160 pounds of silver bars they'd found no questions asked from another shady fellow. Unfortunately, the author didn't do the math, silver prices in1983 tanked and the haul's actual value was a tiny fraction of this, about 1/5th, and to a shady fence or such intending to melt down silver bars, even less. Thus, all this backstory to set up the reasons Jesse does what he does, don't even make sense. That's only chapter one!
Chapter 2 is where the reader knows for certain the author has a D & D-style character sheet for each character with little check boxes, stats, and such because we are treated to more and more information dumps from these. Has no one ever told the author less is sometimes more? Doesn't seem so as information dumps abound. Look a one-eyed half-orc lawful evil 6' 7" 320-pound blue-eyed brown-haired bad boy whose mother was a crack whore is approaching! Then ten weeks earlier, during his days off and several weeks later he took a walk! A month later he went for a swim, whereupon he finally meets our hero, Jesse.
Chapter 3 afternoon Sunday. It was early afternoon and... Well, gee, thanks for letting readers know twice in two lines it was afternoon and then for letting us know not only what was north, south, west, and east, but what was northeast, southeast, not far away and far off. Even more better every detail of getting ready for a storm, with even more endless backstory.
In Chapter 4 we get to go back two years, as if the past dozens of pages of little to nothing bogged down in backstory after backstory wasn't enough. To summarize, enter Alexis, the strong-willed, no-nonsense, yards yada yada stereotype woman to serve as the love/romantic interest.
Chapter 5 takes us to Bogie Channel, in the lee of Big Pine Key, approaching Spanish Harbor and Southeast Point, where Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge is located and our continued whirlwind tour of other things regurgitated from mapquest or Wikipedia, plus 5 more pages so Jesse can ask a riveting question about the storm approaching. Oh, yeah.
Chapter 6, oh joy nine days earlier yada yada yada happens, as if we needed more backstory in a story with negative forward momentum. Got that Boss?
Chapter 7 forward nine days, like Chapter 5, but afternoon instead of evening that day. Does the author think jumping around in time makes a simple story complex? Yes, he does, so he keeps doing it for the next few chapters. Unfortunately, simply rearranging the time order of chapters after the fact doesn't make the weak story work any better. The story is weak, the dialogue flat, the characters regurgitations from their D&D stat sheets.
I could continue with the chapter by chapter, but I think anyone reading this gets that this story doesn't live up to its high ratings in any way, shape or form. Since, I already purchased and read "the beginning" I will review that one too. I may read the rest too, if for no other reason than to ensure these poorly written books at least have a few honest reviews. Thankfully, Amazon allows readers to return books that don't meet expectations.
Finally, read paragraph 2 of this review to see why the "Afterword" of this book rings false. Whether a creative fiction or a loose play with truth, the afterward is meant to endear the book's author to readers, as is the author's gosh I'm just a regular guy spiel.
Readers are advised to avoid Wayne Stinnette and his books at all costs.
Clearly, Wyane Stinnette has been able to exhort many acquaintances into writing reviews of Fallen Palm, much of which are skyward pointing praises. Unfortunately, this tactic is something of an epidemic here at Amazon, making it impossible to use the number of reviews and overall rating as any sort of metric to determine quality or readability. Readers looking for actual quality books are left to look for the rare honest reviews in endless haystacks, or stuck reading a sample of anything that looks promising before shelling out for it.
The problems with Fallen Palm by Wayne Stinnette begin even before buying the book and they are two-fold. I had no idea the author was gaming his rankings by frequently lowering the price to get lots of buys and then quickly ratcheting the price back up to catch unsuspecting customers at higher prices. Price history revealed this, and there are various apps to help you track this and steer you clear of cheats. Second, this book says it's the first in the series, but the actual first in the series is a completely different book. From what I can tell the actual first book called "the beginning" was actually released first, but may have suffered from poor results and was replaced with this one later as the first. The other then being called "the beginning" but this book being named the first in the series. Unfortunately, I bought both books in my hunt to find the actual first book that would help explain some of the things glossed over in this one, and my review of that schlock will be forthcoming.
In the book itself, issues pile up quickly but I'll start by reiterating how ticked off I am at the deceptive ratings. There, I've said it and hoping the point is taken to heart by those who seem to think they were doing this author a favor by piling high unearned praises.
Narrative is a key area where the book suffers. Clearly, Wyane Stinnette doesn't know how to get out of the way of his own narrative. As a result, the book often bogs down in backstory and exposition when it should instead be kicking into higher gears. After a few pages, readers get Jesse is a crotchety old dude, pushing 50 with a long history. Don't need to keep hearing about '83 or '74 or '68. All these way back dates kept reminding me that Jesse is better suited to a membership in AARP than as the guy coming to anyone's rescue.
Sometimes all the backstory in Fallen Palm leads to unintentionally comical results. The whole premise that kicks off the story is about the "drowning" of his friend Russ, who Jess says couldn't possibly have drowned because 25 years ago he could swim 6 miles of open ocean. Added to that is another backstory about Jesse and Russ finding buried treasure underwater in 1983 and how they got $100,000 for 160 pounds of silver bars they'd found no questions asked from another shady fellow. Unfortunately, the author didn't do the math, silver prices in1983 tanked and the haul's actual value was a tiny fraction of this, about 1/5th, and to a shady fence or such intending to melt down silver bars, even less. Thus, all this backstory to set up the reasons Jesse does what he does, don't even make sense. That's only chapter one!
Chapter 2 is where the reader knows for certain the author has a D & D-style character sheet for each character with little check boxes, stats, and such because we are treated to more and more information dumps from these. Has no one ever told the author less is sometimes more? Doesn't seem so as information dumps abound. Look a one-eyed half-orc lawful evil 6' 7" 320-pound blue-eyed brown-haired bad boy whose mother was a crack whore is approaching! Then ten weeks earlier, during his days off and several weeks later he took a walk! A month later he went for a swim, whereupon he finally meets our hero, Jesse.
Chapter 3 afternoon Sunday. It was early afternoon and... Well, gee, thanks for letting readers know twice in two lines it was afternoon and then for letting us know not only what was north, south, west, and east, but what was northeast, southeast, not far away and far off. Even more better every detail of getting ready for a storm, with even more endless backstory.
In Chapter 4 we get to go back two years, as if the past dozens of pages of little to nothing bogged down in backstory after backstory wasn't enough. To summarize, enter Alexis, the strong-willed, no-nonsense, yards yada yada stereotype woman to serve as the love/romantic interest.
Chapter 5 takes us to Bogie Channel, in the lee of Big Pine Key, approaching Spanish Harbor and Southeast Point, where Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge is located and our continued whirlwind tour of other things regurgitated from mapquest or Wikipedia, plus 5 more pages so Jesse can ask a riveting question about the storm approaching. Oh, yeah.
Chapter 6, oh joy nine days earlier yada yada yada happens, as if we needed more backstory in a story with negative forward momentum. Got that Boss?
Chapter 7 forward nine days, like Chapter 5, but afternoon instead of evening that day. Does the author think jumping around in time makes a simple story complex? Yes, he does, so he keeps doing it for the next few chapters. Unfortunately, simply rearranging the time order of chapters after the fact doesn't make the weak story work any better. The story is weak, the dialogue flat, the characters regurgitations from their D&D stat sheets.
I could continue with the chapter by chapter, but I think anyone reading this gets that this story doesn't live up to its high ratings in any way, shape or form. Since, I already purchased and read "the beginning" I will review that one too. I may read the rest too, if for no other reason than to ensure these poorly written books at least have a few honest reviews. Thankfully, Amazon allows readers to return books that don't meet expectations.
Finally, read paragraph 2 of this review to see why the "Afterword" of this book rings false. Whether a creative fiction or a loose play with truth, the afterward is meant to endear the book's author to readers, as is the author's gosh I'm just a regular guy spiel.
Readers are advised to avoid Wayne Stinnette and his books at all costs.
June 11, 2022
A Marine retires, and goes to Florida to become a charter boat captain.
The book meanders as the guy encounters human traffickers, gets through a hurricane, meets some women, and hunts down a murderer.
Readable, but without a true climax.
The book meanders as the guy encounters human traffickers, gets through a hurricane, meets some women, and hunts down a murderer.
Readable, but without a true climax.
October 27, 2016
Good beginning for the series.
Retired to the beautiful Florida Keys, bought a boat and Jesse started second half of his life. Even bought a small island, with the help of good friends learning about chartering, being captain and fishing. Prepared for the hurricane, helped the people to ride it out, and had a hand capturing kidnappers. But this action put his life in danger. Reviews about sex, don't worry I'll explain; without any details what kidnappers did and between the two adults tastefully written sex. Entertaining, short story.
Retired to the beautiful Florida Keys, bought a boat and Jesse started second half of his life. Even bought a small island, with the help of good friends learning about chartering, being captain and fishing. Prepared for the hurricane, helped the people to ride it out, and had a hand capturing kidnappers. But this action put his life in danger. Reviews about sex, don't worry I'll explain; without any details what kidnappers did and between the two adults tastefully written sex. Entertaining, short story.
September 24, 2023
Well I’m hooked. Wayne Stinnett is the real deal. I’ll have to keep on keeping on reading till I get done with his work. Kinda like J.D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee.
April 8, 2017
First book of series by this author I have read. I found it very good and recommend. Look forward to reading other in this series.
January 28, 2021
A fun an entertaining book. Hit all the high and low notes of a good adventure story. Good guy meets bad guy. Bad guy does bad stuff. Good guy gets bad guy. Happy ending. Lots of military jargon.
December 7, 2014
A bit like a Dirk Pitt novel with less history. Jesse McDermitt retires from the marines and moves to south Florida where he uses money left to him to buy a boat and begins on a few adventures. I found this book interesting and the character of Jesse the kind of guy you want to have around when things get a bit hairy. This is a good adventure novel and anyone who is past military will really like the story and characters. Although it is a great read even if you aren't military but love an adventure.
November 24, 2018
Macho Marine with too Much Money
I tried. I really tried to read the whole book but was still bored at 42%. One ridiculous macho bar fight, an obvious upcoming love interest that had already been spoiled by other reviewers, and then just long stretches of routine life. I can't imagine what intrigued me to order this book in the first place.
I tried. I really tried to read the whole book but was still bored at 42%. One ridiculous macho bar fight, an obvious upcoming love interest that had already been spoiled by other reviewers, and then just long stretches of routine life. I can't imagine what intrigued me to order this book in the first place.
August 22, 2022
A short fun read. But if you are not into details on nautical terms for boating , fishing or diving you might get bore. Anyway the boat life and adventure is vividly described I just wish I could be there!
May 25, 2017
This guy is a cross between Doc Ford and Stone Barrington, or a mix of both. He's lucky like Stone and has ten keys this going like Doc. Great water and weather info.
July 12, 2024
Engaging plot. Wryly humorous moments and interesting twists. Likable characters and nasty baddies.. What else can readers asks for? Well narrated and romantically clean.
Read
January 19, 2018Fallen Out - Wayne Stinnett - (4th Novel) – (First in the Caribbean Adventure series).
When Gunny Jesse McDermitt decides to become a charter skipper in Florida when he is retired from the Marine Corps after twenty-years. Using a two-million dollar inheritance, he buys a top-of-the-range motor yacht (Gasper’s Revenge), equips it and hires a local (Jimmy), who has the local knowledge and skills, and sets up the business. He then buys and island and plans to build a house. In the bar he falls foul of a vicious gang of kidnappers / sex-slavers and of course wins the fight.
The characters are interesting and the writing style easy to read and enjoyable – so why only three stars?
I expected more from the 4th novel of an author who is topping the Kindle charts in the US. The essential elements of a story are missing. Everything is too easy for Jesse: he has no real goal beyond running the business; everything he does works out without complications; nothing gets in his way; he’s never really in danger; never has to take a tough decision. In essence there is no CONFLICT and so nothing to drive the story. Even the weak ending lacks drama and emotion.
Hopefully the next novel will be better and earn Wayne Stinnett's place in the charts.
When Gunny Jesse McDermitt decides to become a charter skipper in Florida when he is retired from the Marine Corps after twenty-years. Using a two-million dollar inheritance, he buys a top-of-the-range motor yacht (Gasper’s Revenge), equips it and hires a local (Jimmy), who has the local knowledge and skills, and sets up the business. He then buys and island and plans to build a house. In the bar he falls foul of a vicious gang of kidnappers / sex-slavers and of course wins the fight.
The characters are interesting and the writing style easy to read and enjoyable – so why only three stars?
I expected more from the 4th novel of an author who is topping the Kindle charts in the US. The essential elements of a story are missing. Everything is too easy for Jesse: he has no real goal beyond running the business; everything he does works out without complications; nothing gets in his way; he’s never really in danger; never has to take a tough decision. In essence there is no CONFLICT and so nothing to drive the story. Even the weak ending lacks drama and emotion.
Hopefully the next novel will be better and earn Wayne Stinnett's place in the charts.
April 26, 2016
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; APRIL 26, 2016
Narrator: Nick Sullivan
This surprised me by being able to hold my attention to the end. Perhaps it's because I had tried Randy Wayne White's Sanibel Flats and had been bored to death so I was expecting Stinnett's book to be the same. But I did want something laid back and entertaining so decided to take a chance when the blurb caught my eye.
I enjoyed the writing very much - it was laid back and Stinnett made me feel like I was on board Jesse's boat having a beer or two with him. As far as what I was in the mood for, this was perfect but if you're looking for a serious action thriller, this isn't it.
The Narrator: I like Nick Sullivan and he was as good here as in his other books. That he narrates the entire series is a deciding factor for me. I bought the first three full-length books as well and if I like them will complete the series.
A little over 5 hours, this prequel gives a very good back story to Jesse's character and how he ended up owning a fishing boat (now I want one!) and an island in the Keys (I want that, too!), albeit a tiny one with just 3 coconut trees. There's a little bit of action-suspense but really quite negligible. Read this if you want a glimpse of the laid back life in the Keys. The rest of the series are longer books averaging 8+ hours and sound more action-filled.
Narrator: Nick Sullivan
This surprised me by being able to hold my attention to the end. Perhaps it's because I had tried Randy Wayne White's Sanibel Flats and had been bored to death so I was expecting Stinnett's book to be the same. But I did want something laid back and entertaining so decided to take a chance when the blurb caught my eye.
I enjoyed the writing very much - it was laid back and Stinnett made me feel like I was on board Jesse's boat having a beer or two with him. As far as what I was in the mood for, this was perfect but if you're looking for a serious action thriller, this isn't it.
The Narrator: I like Nick Sullivan and he was as good here as in his other books. That he narrates the entire series is a deciding factor for me. I bought the first three full-length books as well and if I like them will complete the series.
A little over 5 hours, this prequel gives a very good back story to Jesse's character and how he ended up owning a fishing boat (now I want one!) and an island in the Keys (I want that, too!), albeit a tiny one with just 3 coconut trees. There's a little bit of action-suspense but really quite negligible. Read this if you want a glimpse of the laid back life in the Keys. The rest of the series are longer books averaging 8+ hours and sound more action-filled.
August 14, 2023
Great story with limited adventure
This book is an excellent story that is well written and draws you in to the characters and plot. However, as an adventure, it is a little slow and “everything” always turns out perfect. The book starts with Jesse’s retirement from the Marine Corp. He then travels to the Florida keys to be near a buddy and proceeds to buy a yacht and even an island. Yah, not like most people but he does it in a very non-braggadocios way. There are some bad guys that he gets the better of very quickly. One of them resurfaces and Jesse mounts a strike effort on him top easily take care of him. These are two adventure sections that are relatively small to the whole book. The rest of the book is Jesse getting his business up and running, taking divers out on dive adventures and protecting his boat from a hurricane. It’s a very de good story of retired marines, good friends and successful business start-up that is well written. If you are looking for a story like that then this is a good one. If you want a little more adventure, then this may not be for you.
This book is an excellent story that is well written and draws you in to the characters and plot. However, as an adventure, it is a little slow and “everything” always turns out perfect. The book starts with Jesse’s retirement from the Marine Corp. He then travels to the Florida keys to be near a buddy and proceeds to buy a yacht and even an island. Yah, not like most people but he does it in a very non-braggadocios way. There are some bad guys that he gets the better of very quickly. One of them resurfaces and Jesse mounts a strike effort on him top easily take care of him. These are two adventure sections that are relatively small to the whole book. The rest of the book is Jesse getting his business up and running, taking divers out on dive adventures and protecting his boat from a hurricane. It’s a very de good story of retired marines, good friends and successful business start-up that is well written. If you are looking for a story like that then this is a good one. If you want a little more adventure, then this may not be for you.
January 25, 2022
4.5 Stars
Fallen Out is pure, unadulterated fun. It was conceived by the author as the prequel to his Caribbean Adventure series, providing the backstory to his main character Jesse McDermitt. This particular book isn't plot heavy, it's just an extended introduction. Sure, there's a little action, a little adventure and a little humor, but mostly we learn Jesse's history. We meet him on his final day in the Marine Corps and follow him down to the Keys where he sets out creating a new civilian life. After 20 years as a Force Recon scout/sniper it's a bit of an adjustment... But he's a decent guy who loves South Florida, the water, fishing, and drinking beer. Head on a swivel, Jesse's always on the lookout for potential trouble, ready to confront any danger face-to-face.
I enjoyed this book immensely and appreciated Wayne Stinnett's ability to craft an engaging story and action hero without any real gratuitous language, sex or violence. Well done, sir.
Fallen Out is pure, unadulterated fun. It was conceived by the author as the prequel to his Caribbean Adventure series, providing the backstory to his main character Jesse McDermitt. This particular book isn't plot heavy, it's just an extended introduction. Sure, there's a little action, a little adventure and a little humor, but mostly we learn Jesse's history. We meet him on his final day in the Marine Corps and follow him down to the Keys where he sets out creating a new civilian life. After 20 years as a Force Recon scout/sniper it's a bit of an adjustment... But he's a decent guy who loves South Florida, the water, fishing, and drinking beer. Head on a swivel, Jesse's always on the lookout for potential trouble, ready to confront any danger face-to-face.
I enjoyed this book immensely and appreciated Wayne Stinnett's ability to craft an engaging story and action hero without any real gratuitous language, sex or violence. Well done, sir.
September 4, 2021
Good book, enjoyable read. I liked Jesse and the cast of characters. The keys and surrounding islands are a great location for the stories. I like Jesse brand of justice when another isn’t available. A good guy who sometimes ends up in ugly situations and has to make them right. Now here is the part that probably won’t keep me reading the series. He is military as are all his friends and therefore are trained in many forms of combat and survival which at least in the first book is repetitive. I get it, he’s a quiet badass. I admire all military and their commitment to our country but I don’t want to read about it over and over. There is no comic relief or really any side story to break away from Jesse and his focus so it’s a little all consuming. That may change as the follow up books come along and I may revisit them again at some point, but for now it’s just to driven for me.
October 25, 2015
I Read and Like....
I read and Like fiction authors who develop a strong character, and then use their research OR EXPERIENCE , and write stories which are filled with detail, and not only entertain, but educate me , ala Michael Crichton, David Baldacci, Patricia Cornwall or Tom Clancy. Wayne Stinnett has accomplished all of the above. His character, Jesse McDermitt has a history and is well developed. The story is full of adventure , action and detail. I checked Amazon and find this is one of several FALLEN novels. Hooray!! More adventures!! I highly recommend this book.
I read and Like fiction authors who develop a strong character, and then use their research OR EXPERIENCE , and write stories which are filled with detail, and not only entertain, but educate me , ala Michael Crichton, David Baldacci, Patricia Cornwall or Tom Clancy. Wayne Stinnett has accomplished all of the above. His character, Jesse McDermitt has a history and is well developed. The story is full of adventure , action and detail. I checked Amazon and find this is one of several FALLEN novels. Hooray!! More adventures!! I highly recommend this book.
March 11, 2018
I thought this book felt like a story, meaning it was like living along with the characters. It was not a superhero character, nor did we spend ten pages going through any explanation or subplot. It started and moved right along, at one point they mention it had been eighteen months and it was like okay good to know. Where most books take you through 300 pages in a two day, this one went for a long time but I was never bored.
I bought his second and third book all based on this one. Simple and easy reading and did not require a degree in philosophy or English literature to read either.
Good book
I bought his second and third book all based on this one. Simple and easy reading and did not require a degree in philosophy or English literature to read either.
Good book
June 3, 2015
This book is a prequel to other books in the series. I’m glad I read it first because when I read later books, I will already ‘know’ the characters.
It had an interesting main character and Stinnett does a good job writing action scenes. The reader can see what’s happening clearly. But his ‘breather’ scenes tended to drag on a little long as he detailed every action the characters took.
I want to read more of this series.
It had an interesting main character and Stinnett does a good job writing action scenes. The reader can see what’s happening clearly. But his ‘breather’ scenes tended to drag on a little long as he detailed every action the characters took.
I want to read more of this series.
August 25, 2021
Fabulous Florida Keys novel
Great story involving the Florida Keys, boating, fishing, diving, the U.S. Marine Corps, Florida swamps and parks, pirates and rescue. Jesse McDermitt is the last of the good guys who has the strength, the training and the smarts to rescue anyone in need. Wayne Stinnett writes with fluid expertise that is a joy to read. Recommended to anyone who enjoys a good story with action.
Great story involving the Florida Keys, boating, fishing, diving, the U.S. Marine Corps, Florida swamps and parks, pirates and rescue. Jesse McDermitt is the last of the good guys who has the strength, the training and the smarts to rescue anyone in need. Wayne Stinnett writes with fluid expertise that is a joy to read. Recommended to anyone who enjoys a good story with action.
March 8, 2015
Great book, I love the Keys and diving in the Gulf. I learned to dive there in 1959. So I'm drawn to life in the keys and stories about life in the keys. Jessie McDermitt, the main character in the book is a retired marine (There is no such thing as a former marine). He commands an interesting menagerie of well-developed characters in "Fallen Out" as Wayne Stinnett weaves a tantalizing story.
September 9, 2016
This book introduces the main characters in the Jesse McDermitt, Caribbean adventure series. The writing was ok, but characters were rather shallow. The action adventure wasn't too exciting. I will give the author one more chance with the next book.
December 27, 2014
Very good
This is one of those that I read one of the following sequels first, enjoyed it and then went back to read the beginning one
,
This is one of those that I read one of the following sequels first, enjoyed it and then went back to read the beginning one
,
April 4, 2023
Book #1 in the Jesse McDermitt series answers many of the backstory’s for the next several books in the series. A clean adventure series that takes place in the Florida Keys. RECOMMENDED
April 9, 2018
I decided to read this book because I wanted something light as well as something that could transport me to someplace "vacationesque." That means I wanted an escape from my current location and daily life ... so, escapism.
Well, that's what this book (and presumably the whole series) is. It's pure escapism. That said, I was hoping for something more here. The biggest problem is that there isn't a story in this book; it's essentially a collection of "here's what happens to Jesse McDermitt" anecdotes.
I don't want to completely knock the book. I definitely enjoyed following Jesse McDermitt down into the Florida Keys. I felt transported to the tropical atmosphere and could imagine myself out on the boat or hanging out at the various beach bars. So, terms of escapism, I got what I wanted.
But as I said, that escapism only goes so far. I kept waiting for the story to emerge, but it hasn't. Admittedly, I'm only 75% of the way through the book, so I suppose something could manifest, but that seems a little late....
The author certainly had enough material to craft a good story. For instance (Spoilers), he could have made a lot more of the sex slavers, but other than two somewhat brief encounters, that bit of drama is neatly wrapped up with a couple of sentences in passing.
Speaking of which, the novel's flow fluctuates rather sporadically. Sometimes, the author is describing a minute-by-minute account of what Jesse does when he wakes up. Other times, months are given nothing more than "summer was uneventful."
Oh and coffee. My God, I swear someone is always drinking coffee in this book. Either someone is waking up to the smell of it, pouring a cup, or being offered some.
Now, all of the above might not matter as much if the author had done one thing: developed Jesse McDermitt. From what I can see, he's the same guy without any change or growth. Every "problem" that McDermitt faces seems to have an instant solution. Let me explain:
McDermitt leaves the Marine Corps and just decides to head to the Keys without any sort of plan. But wouldn't you know it? A random waitress suggests he become a boat captain ... and that's what he does. Along the way, he just happens to spot a car that suits his needs and it's for sale! At the next bar, he meets a guy who just happens to be an expert on (whatever it is McDermitt needs throughout the book, be it inspecting a boat, knowing where to take customers, electronics, etc). And wouldn't you know it, when McDermitt buys a boat from a Coast Guard auction, he's able to be the best boat in the Keys. Oh and his parents have passed away, leaving McDermitt a fortune, so money isn't an issue, but once McDermitt's business does stand up, it quickly (effortlessly) becomes the best one in the Keys.
I can recognize an author writing about his own fantasy life, and I appreciate that, but in order for me, the reader, to really get into a story, I need an actual story, you know?
I bought this book as part of a bundle (for free) and I'm unsure if I should keep reading the rest of the books. I don't like being strung along without having an actual story.
Well, that's what this book (and presumably the whole series) is. It's pure escapism. That said, I was hoping for something more here. The biggest problem is that there isn't a story in this book; it's essentially a collection of "here's what happens to Jesse McDermitt" anecdotes.
I don't want to completely knock the book. I definitely enjoyed following Jesse McDermitt down into the Florida Keys. I felt transported to the tropical atmosphere and could imagine myself out on the boat or hanging out at the various beach bars. So, terms of escapism, I got what I wanted.
But as I said, that escapism only goes so far. I kept waiting for the story to emerge, but it hasn't. Admittedly, I'm only 75% of the way through the book, so I suppose something could manifest, but that seems a little late....
The author certainly had enough material to craft a good story. For instance (Spoilers), he could have made a lot more of the sex slavers, but other than two somewhat brief encounters, that bit of drama is neatly wrapped up with a couple of sentences in passing.
Speaking of which, the novel's flow fluctuates rather sporadically. Sometimes, the author is describing a minute-by-minute account of what Jesse does when he wakes up. Other times, months are given nothing more than "summer was uneventful."
Oh and coffee. My God, I swear someone is always drinking coffee in this book. Either someone is waking up to the smell of it, pouring a cup, or being offered some.
Now, all of the above might not matter as much if the author had done one thing: developed Jesse McDermitt. From what I can see, he's the same guy without any change or growth. Every "problem" that McDermitt faces seems to have an instant solution. Let me explain:
McDermitt leaves the Marine Corps and just decides to head to the Keys without any sort of plan. But wouldn't you know it? A random waitress suggests he become a boat captain ... and that's what he does. Along the way, he just happens to spot a car that suits his needs and it's for sale! At the next bar, he meets a guy who just happens to be an expert on (whatever it is McDermitt needs throughout the book, be it inspecting a boat, knowing where to take customers, electronics, etc). And wouldn't you know it, when McDermitt buys a boat from a Coast Guard auction, he's able to be the best boat in the Keys. Oh and his parents have passed away, leaving McDermitt a fortune, so money isn't an issue, but once McDermitt's business does stand up, it quickly (effortlessly) becomes the best one in the Keys.
I can recognize an author writing about his own fantasy life, and I appreciate that, but in order for me, the reader, to really get into a story, I need an actual story, you know?
I bought this book as part of a bundle (for free) and I'm unsure if I should keep reading the rest of the books. I don't like being strung along without having an actual story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2023
4.5 stars, maybe. It just doesn't have enough oomph to give it 5 but I will definitely continue reading the series.
Spoilers ahead.
The writing is easy to read and follow. A very pleasant book. Everything is done on easy mode, which actually adds to the enjoyment because there aren't really any elements of conflict or setbacks to deal with. The plot is also a little bit loose and doesn't find a direction until almost the end.
McDermitt has just retired from the USMC and goes down to Florida to find an old friend. This leads to that and he becomes the captain of a charter pleasure boat. The first part of the book just deals with the set up including meeting a deus ex machina first mate. In fact the book is full of deus ex machina characters who help him along the way, including even a romantic one to satisfy his needs and leaves when the plot no longer needs her.
Anyway he becomes a vastly successful charter captain in a few chapters. Then some bullies show up, he beats them up and gets rid of them (encountering his accommodating girlfriend at the same time). Later on he accidentally meets them again while sheltering from a storm. He finds out that they are sex slavers and rescues 3 women they captured. This seemed to be the end of the plot as I couldn't think of what else he'd be doing. However later on one of them escapes and the rest of the book is to do with dealing with that.
Overall the whole book seems to be a set up for the rest of the series. Just getting McDermitt set up as the charter captain. Capturing the slavers seem to be a warm up rather than the main plot of this book. But I enjoyed reading it and will be continuing the series.
Edit: Also has a lot of interesting descriptions of the area and about diving in general.
Spoilers ahead.
The writing is easy to read and follow. A very pleasant book. Everything is done on easy mode, which actually adds to the enjoyment because there aren't really any elements of conflict or setbacks to deal with. The plot is also a little bit loose and doesn't find a direction until almost the end.
McDermitt has just retired from the USMC and goes down to Florida to find an old friend. This leads to that and he becomes the captain of a charter pleasure boat. The first part of the book just deals with the set up including meeting a deus ex machina first mate. In fact the book is full of deus ex machina characters who help him along the way, including even a romantic one to satisfy his needs and leaves when the plot no longer needs her.
Anyway he becomes a vastly successful charter captain in a few chapters. Then some bullies show up, he beats them up and gets rid of them (encountering his accommodating girlfriend at the same time). Later on he accidentally meets them again while sheltering from a storm. He finds out that they are sex slavers and rescues 3 women they captured. This seemed to be the end of the plot as I couldn't think of what else he'd be doing. However later on one of them escapes and the rest of the book is to do with dealing with that.
Overall the whole book seems to be a set up for the rest of the series. Just getting McDermitt set up as the charter captain. Capturing the slavers seem to be a warm up rather than the main plot of this book. But I enjoyed reading it and will be continuing the series.
Edit: Also has a lot of interesting descriptions of the area and about diving in general.
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