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COASTAL CONSPIRACY: Coastal Adventure Series Number 1
Coastal Conspiracy is an exciting and suspenseful novel that combines elements of mystery, adventure, and suspense. The story revolves around Michael "Murph" Murphy and his girlfriend, Lindsay, who have a dream of purchasing a neglected marina on Virginia's Eastern Shore and making it their home. However, their plans get thrown into chaos when a bomb explodes on the property, putting their lives and their real estate deal in jeopardy.
Murph and Lindsay must dodge danger and work to uncover the identity of the mysterious bomber and the sinister motive behind the explosion. With time running out, they need to enlist the help of a wild group of marina charter fishing crews to assist them in their quest to survive and save their new home.
Coastal Conspiracy is the first book in the Coastal Adventure Series, promising readers a thrilling and action-packed narrative. This series offers a mix of standalone stories and interconnected plots, making it an engaging read for those who enjoy tales of intrigue, suspense, and adventure in a coastal setting.
Murph and Lindsay must dodge danger and work to uncover the identity of the mysterious bomber and the sinister motive behind the explosion. With time running out, they need to enlist the help of a wild group of marina charter fishing crews to assist them in their quest to survive and save their new home.
Coastal Conspiracy is the first book in the Coastal Adventure Series, promising readers a thrilling and action-packed narrative. This series offers a mix of standalone stories and interconnected plots, making it an engaging read for those who enjoy tales of intrigue, suspense, and adventure in a coastal setting.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2019
755 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Don Rich
34 books73 followersHi! Glad you took the time to read about me, though my Coastal Adventure Series is really much more interesting. But hey, click my "Follow" button and see what kind of trouble I get into. It beats reading the newspaper! (I try to stay out of those these days...)
I was born in Palm Beach County, Florida, and escaped in Y2K, 40 years and 1.1 million new neighbors later. I hate crowds, and by then the lines at the boat ramps on the weekends were hell... Anyway, in my early twenties I crewed on sportfishing boats. I started flying when I was old enough to see over the instrument panel and got my license at 16. I've logged time in over two dozen types of aircraft. I got my start as a real estate investor in my latter 20's. I've owned retail stores and was even a small-town mayor once. Why? I'm still asking myself that question now, several decades later.
When I moved to Virginia, I fell in love with the Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore (VA & MD), as well as the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and that's why my books are set in this area. I write books because it's fun. I create characters that I enjoy 'spending time with' because I write every day.
You're still here? If I haven't put you to sleep or chased you away by now, please feel free to click the button next to the "Follow" one and send me a "Friend" request. Like Belushi said about grabbing a beer in the opening scene of Animal House: "Don't cost nuthin'!"
I was born in Palm Beach County, Florida, and escaped in Y2K, 40 years and 1.1 million new neighbors later. I hate crowds, and by then the lines at the boat ramps on the weekends were hell... Anyway, in my early twenties I crewed on sportfishing boats. I started flying when I was old enough to see over the instrument panel and got my license at 16. I've logged time in over two dozen types of aircraft. I got my start as a real estate investor in my latter 20's. I've owned retail stores and was even a small-town mayor once. Why? I'm still asking myself that question now, several decades later.
When I moved to Virginia, I fell in love with the Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore (VA & MD), as well as the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and that's why my books are set in this area. I write books because it's fun. I create characters that I enjoy 'spending time with' because I write every day.
You're still here? If I haven't put you to sleep or chased you away by now, please feel free to click the button next to the "Follow" one and send me a "Friend" request. Like Belushi said about grabbing a beer in the opening scene of Animal House: "Don't cost nuthin'!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 3, 2025
This is the first book I have read by this author but it surely won’t be the last. That ending moved along at a fast clip and was very exciting. I like the characters and can’t wait to visit them all again to see how the marina has come along. I enjoyed the business and development thread that wound through all the near death experiences. A very fun read.
September 22, 2020
I fully enjoyed the story within "Coastal Conspiracy" by Don Rich. It is the first in his "Coastal" series, and I look forward to exploring the other books that follow. Having spent eight years in the Tidewater Virginia area with the Navy, I could easily relate with the setting and descriptions within the book. I can't tell you how many time we sat at anchor out on the Lynnhaven anchorage as our birds did their "touch and go" training. The descriptions brought back many memories. Well done, Mr. Rich. Keep them coming.
May 28, 2019
Page-turner
Read it in one day and enjoyed every page. I have a friend who does charters out of the Chesapeake Bay and now I better understand why he loves the water. The afternoon beer get togethers reminded me of the Friday night get togethers at Doc Ford's marina. And I loved the nicknames. BTW, near the end the Grisham is referred to as the Griffin. I made a note in case the writer wants to correct it. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Read it in one day and enjoyed every page. I have a friend who does charters out of the Chesapeake Bay and now I better understand why he loves the water. The afternoon beer get togethers reminded me of the Friday night get togethers at Doc Ford's marina. And I loved the nicknames. BTW, near the end the Grisham is referred to as the Griffin. I made a note in case the writer wants to correct it. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 21, 2019
Great beach books
I enjoyed this book. Great summer beach read, characters you want to get to know. Sunsets, boats, fishing & beaches. I have read all the books in the ESVA series and enjoyed them all
I enjoyed this book. Great summer beach read, characters you want to get to know. Sunsets, boats, fishing & beaches. I have read all the books in the ESVA series and enjoyed them all
August 20, 2019
lots of action, with lots of suspense.
The Chesapeake Bay area is new and different from the Key West area. But the action is non- stop. The writer hit all the marks for a great
series of adventures!
The Chesapeake Bay area is new and different from the Key West area. But the action is non- stop. The writer hit all the marks for a great
series of adventures!
March 16, 2019
Another greatbook and beginning of a new series with the old favorite characters and some more new unique ones.
I love the characters from the previous series. I also like meeting the new ones. These characters keep you turning pages way Into the night.
I love the characters from the previous series. I also like meeting the new ones. These characters keep you turning pages way Into the night.
October 7, 2019
Good quick read
Enjoyed the new found adventure. Great characters, fast paced, local descriptions spot on! Eager to add another interesting author and series to my list.
Enjoyed the new found adventure. Great characters, fast paced, local descriptions spot on! Eager to add another interesting author and series to my list.
December 17, 2019
A Perfect Beach Read
Even if you’re land-locked at home, this tale of a group of boat-loving wharf rats who swap fishing stories over beers at a small marina on the Eastern Shore of Virginia will draw you in. Recently relocated charter boat owner Michael “Murph” Murphy and his girlfriend, Lindsay, are in the process of buying the long-neglected marina with plans to fix it up and make it more attractive for tourists and other boat owners. The current marina residents are wary of the newcomers and their plans, until Lindsay and Murph are targeted by bomb-wielding criminals for no known reason.
The plot provides the action, but the quirky characters are the story. Spending time with Murph, Lindsay and guys named Baloney, Faffer, Ripper and Hard Rock will keep you utterly entertained. As this book is the first in a series, I plan on sitting down and enjoying more stories from this motley crew. They’re as refreshing as an ocean breeze on a summer day.
One person found this helpful
Even if you’re land-locked at home, this tale of a group of boat-loving wharf rats who swap fishing stories over beers at a small marina on the Eastern Shore of Virginia will draw you in. Recently relocated charter boat owner Michael “Murph” Murphy and his girlfriend, Lindsay, are in the process of buying the long-neglected marina with plans to fix it up and make it more attractive for tourists and other boat owners. The current marina residents are wary of the newcomers and their plans, until Lindsay and Murph are targeted by bomb-wielding criminals for no known reason.
The plot provides the action, but the quirky characters are the story. Spending time with Murph, Lindsay and guys named Baloney, Faffer, Ripper and Hard Rock will keep you utterly entertained. As this book is the first in a series, I plan on sitting down and enjoying more stories from this motley crew. They’re as refreshing as an ocean breeze on a summer day.
One person found this helpful
Even if you’re land-locked at home, this tale of a group of boat-loving wharf rats who swap fishing stories over beers at a small marina on the Eastern Shore of Virginia will draw you in. Recently relocated charter boat owner Michael “Murph” Murphy and his girlfriend, Lindsay, are in the process of buying the long-neglected marina with plans to fix it up and make it more attractive for tourists and other boat owners. The current marina residents are wary of the newcomers and their plans, until Lindsay and Murph are targeted by bomb-wielding criminals for no known reason.
The plot provides the action, but the quirky characters are the story. Spending time with Murph, Lindsay and guys named Baloney, Faffer, Ripper and Hard Rock will keep you utterly entertained. As this book is the first in a series, I plan on sitting down and enjoying more stories from this motley crew. They’re as refreshing as an ocean breeze on a summer day.
One person found this helpful
Even if you’re land-locked at home, this tale of a group of boat-loving wharf rats who swap fishing stories over beers at a small marina on the Eastern Shore of Virginia will draw you in. Recently relocated charter boat owner Michael “Murph” Murphy and his girlfriend, Lindsay, are in the process of buying the long-neglected marina with plans to fix it up and make it more attractive for tourists and other boat owners. The current marina residents are wary of the newcomers and their plans, until Lindsay and Murph are targeted by bomb-wielding criminals for no known reason.
The plot provides the action, but the quirky characters are the story. Spending time with Murph, Lindsay and guys named Baloney, Faffer, Ripper and Hard Rock will keep you utterly entertained. As this book is the first in a series, I plan on sitting down and enjoying more stories from this motley crew. They’re as refreshing as an ocean breeze on a summer day.
One person found this helpful
March 19, 2022
Good story, but I felt like I was starting in the middle of a series, not the first book. Too much referring to past interactions and adventures with the main characters, like we’re supposed to know what happened previously. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book, especially since I lived at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which gets mentioned a lot, in Virginia Beach during my high school years. And I’ve been to the Riviera Beach marina mentioned, having lived within walking distance. Maybe I should add another star for the connections.
March 17, 2020
This was my first Don rich read. He did a great job of weaving a community of characters into the story along with an ever-increasing plot tension. The stakes continue to rise as we head for the conclusion and there is a great twist as well.
August 27, 2019
Good read. Having been a charter boat captain I can attest to the authentic scenery in this book. With very few exceptions he is dead on. Highly recommend for all salt lovers.
July 7, 2021
First book in series includes international human smuggling
Don Rich uses COASTAL CONSPIRACY to introduce the characters yet includes intrigue and action from the start.
Murph and Lindsey place an offer on a run down Marina but run into issues from a developer and a human smuggler who is in residence at the Marina.
Old acquaintances and former finance appear with development plans far greater than Murph and Lindsey’s funds allow. After some review and negotiations a partnership is formed. The human trafficker does not like the arrangement and sets several bombs that fail to accomplish his goal. A kidnapping, chase, blown up boat and a second chase contribute to an exciting read opening the door for the next books in the series to see what comes next. Recommended. Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star
Thank you for looking at my review. If you found this review valuable please click on the Helpful Icon. Thanks 😊
Don Rich uses COASTAL CONSPIRACY to introduce the characters yet includes intrigue and action from the start.
Murph and Lindsey place an offer on a run down Marina but run into issues from a developer and a human smuggler who is in residence at the Marina.
Old acquaintances and former finance appear with development plans far greater than Murph and Lindsey’s funds allow. After some review and negotiations a partnership is formed. The human trafficker does not like the arrangement and sets several bombs that fail to accomplish his goal. A kidnapping, chase, blown up boat and a second chase contribute to an exciting read opening the door for the next books in the series to see what comes next. Recommended. Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star
Thank you for looking at my review. If you found this review valuable please click on the Helpful Icon. Thanks 😊
June 14, 2022
Michael "Murph" Murphy and his girlfriend, Lindsay, have plans to buy a run down marina with winnings from a marlin tournament. They ask for advice from Murph's old business partner, Casey and his ex-girlfriend, Dawn. They have the contacts and the finances to expand the marina much further than either Murph or Lindsay thought. Just a couple small problems. The owner wants to back out of the contract to sell it for a higher offer. Also, there is a human trafficking ring that like the marine just the way it is, because it hides their dirty deeds. Here a bomb, there a bomb. Will they survive? Was someone else involved altogether? Really good read!
February 3, 2021
This book would be helped by shorter paragraphs. I'm reading on Kindle, and the descriptions and conversations go on and on with no paragraphs in sight. Hard to take in. Other than that, even though this is book number 1, I feel like I jumped into the middle of an on-going saga. Even though the fishing scene seems real, a few of the subplots and characters seem pretty far-fetched. Also could use some cleaning up concerning typos.
February 10, 2021
I enjoyed the book. I don't know a lot about boats, the makes of any of them, but I was constantly turning the page to see what happens next.
Comfortable read, relatable characters, and a very believable plot.
Comfortable read, relatable characters, and a very believable plot.
June 6, 2021
Lindsay won my heart early in this story and all of her and Murph's friends reeled me in (pardon the pun, I couldn't resist).
A fun read. Interesting characters with realistic conflicts; talking about the good guys. Scummy characters with no redeeming values; the bad guys.
Beautiful women, good friends, nasty enemy's, fast boats, dynamic action. What more could you want?
Read it!
A fun read. Interesting characters with realistic conflicts; talking about the good guys. Scummy characters with no redeeming values; the bad guys.
Beautiful women, good friends, nasty enemy's, fast boats, dynamic action. What more could you want?
Read it!
July 18, 2023
I grew to like this book, although it was touch and go to begin with. This was book one, but I kept feeling that I came in in the middle of the series. By the end, I wanted to stay up late into the night to finish it. Now I am starting book two.
November 1, 2023
Marina Love
Like all the other Tropical Authors, Don Rich weaves a tale of intrigue, action, suspense and a dose of humor. One of the best books I've read so far. Love the story and the writing technique. Well done Don can't wait for the next one.
Like all the other Tropical Authors, Don Rich weaves a tale of intrigue, action, suspense and a dose of humor. One of the best books I've read so far. Love the story and the writing technique. Well done Don can't wait for the next one.
October 8, 2025
Great Read
Good book loved the plot the characters are great good premise learned a lot about marinas was upset to see a lead character being gone but appeared again to my joy but good read will be getting the next one!
Good book loved the plot the characters are great good premise learned a lot about marinas was upset to see a lead character being gone but appeared again to my joy but good read will be getting the next one!
January 21, 2026
Really enjoyed this book
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
December 18, 2019
Enjoyable light read
Loved the characters! Fun mystery read with lots of twists and turns. Quick read great for the beach. Looking forward to next in series.
Loved the characters! Fun mystery read with lots of twists and turns. Quick read great for the beach. Looking forward to next in series.
January 28, 2020
A light, fun read with a great deal of nautical information. It could have used more background on the relationships of the characters and less fishing detail.
March 24, 2020
Enjoyable read Love the characters Hope to see them soon Surprised at the ending, but that is a good novel should be
October 19, 2020
Not opting out yet
Jury still out on this author. His writing style just doesn't compare to the other tropical authors. I'll read book 2 before I move on.
Jury still out on this author. His writing style just doesn't compare to the other tropical authors. I'll read book 2 before I move on.
February 4, 2021
This was a very good book. I will be reading more of this author's work.
March 7, 2021
Good
a series about four friends and have a long history of working together. a simple shopping trip with a shooting.
a series about four friends and have a long history of working together. a simple shopping trip with a shooting.
May 12, 2021
Love Beer Thirty Gang
The characters are a very diverse group of people. Second read for this series and really love the story, the settings and the drama.
The characters are a very diverse group of people. Second read for this series and really love the story, the settings and the drama.
June 26, 2021
I loved the adventure and the cast of characters. Just downloaded book 2. I'm hooked. Thanks Don Rich!
October 14, 2021
Great start
I can tell I'm going to like this series already, its got everything I like, boats and fishing, gun fights, and a solid good verses evil.
I can tell I'm going to like this series already, its got everything I like, boats and fishing, gun fights, and a solid good verses evil.
April 19, 2022
Trite
Very predictable and unimaginative plot and story writing. The nicknames and "characters" have no depth to them - disappointing to say the least
Very predictable and unimaginative plot and story writing. The nicknames and "characters" have no depth to them - disappointing to say the least
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews