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The Forgotten Coast #0.1
Ebb Tide
No one is ever exactly as they seem, no matter how well you think you know them.
Maggie Seward's first case as a criminal investigator with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office involves the shooting death of an elderly man during what appears to be a home robbery. Who broke into the French's home? Was Robert French's murder the reason for the break-in, or a terrible, unexpected result?
The people of this quaint coastal area in the Florida Panhandle are shocked by the crime, but one of them is the one who pulled the trigger, killing a man who only had a few months to live.
Meanwhile, Maggie struggles to understand new mysteries in her own marriage. What is her husband and best friend really doing to earn a living? What other secrets is he keeping?
This is a novellette, not one of the regular books in the bestselling series. It is intended as a short "extra" or "bonus" read, and is also a prequel; set four years before the first book, Low Tide. It is intended for those who have read the series, and the fun is in knowing what is in store for these now-beloved characters.
As such, it's not a good introduction to the Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense series, and would not be the best entertainment value for your dollar.
New readers are always welcome to the fold, but this isn't the book for them. For that, check out the boxed set of the first four books, which is available at the same price. Then come back...we'll leave a light on for ya..
The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense series is clean suspense, with very little violence, very mild language and no sexual content. It is rich in coastal atmosphere, populated by textured, full-realized characters and liberally seasoned with dry humor.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2019
342 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Lee McKenna
23 books403 followersI live in small town Tennessee, with three children still at home and two grown kids just blocks away.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
I am an unrepentant romantic, a caffeine addict and a true dork. I apologize for none of these.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 21, 2019
3.5-Stars. A very promising prequel to the series.
(Included in Kindle Unlimited)
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
I'm going to review the first five books (and this prequel) as if they were one large volume, since the books end suddenly and mid-plot, often. I speculate that publishing 5x 200 page volumes might provide better income for her than a single large volume.
Which leads to a second problem: Endless repetition of character descriptions (including animals), and plot updates in each new volume (which you can skim over) but... These books cannot really be read separately, they must be read in order (at least books 1-5).
The Good
Firstly, McKenna shines at character development and description. There is a commanding feminine demeanour throughout these books, perhaps the best I've ever seen.
In fact, I would say characters and emotions are the lead attraction for me now, well ahead of the mystery/plots (which get better). The pacing is always good, and the prose also improves substantially over time. The dialogue is good, and the characters speak with (mostly) distinct voices.
There is a sub-plot which, to me, drives everything: The strange attraction between Maggie and Bennett Boudreaux. Boudreaux is the town "kingpin", ascribed with various crimes including murder, but his charm and eloquence make him impressive and attractive. The mystery of what binds Maggie and Boudreaux is resolved in three surprising parts throughout the first 5-6 books, and each scene and dialogue between Maggie and Boudreaux is superb.
I'm enjoying this series more and more, especially as the quality of prose and plotting improves.
(Included in Kindle Unlimited)
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
I'm going to review the first five books (and this prequel) as if they were one large volume, since the books end suddenly and mid-plot, often. I speculate that publishing 5x 200 page volumes might provide better income for her than a single large volume.
Which leads to a second problem: Endless repetition of character descriptions (including animals), and plot updates in each new volume (which you can skim over) but... These books cannot really be read separately, they must be read in order (at least books 1-5).
The Good
Firstly, McKenna shines at character development and description. There is a commanding feminine demeanour throughout these books, perhaps the best I've ever seen.
In fact, I would say characters and emotions are the lead attraction for me now, well ahead of the mystery/plots (which get better). The pacing is always good, and the prose also improves substantially over time. The dialogue is good, and the characters speak with (mostly) distinct voices.
There is a sub-plot which, to me, drives everything: The strange attraction between Maggie and Bennett Boudreaux. Boudreaux is the town "kingpin", ascribed with various crimes including murder, but his charm and eloquence make him impressive and attractive. The mystery of what binds Maggie and Boudreaux is resolved in three surprising parts throughout the first 5-6 books, and each scene and dialogue between Maggie and Boudreaux is superb.
I'm enjoying this series more and more, especially as the quality of prose and plotting improves.
February 8, 2020
It's fun to read a prequel and know where some of these characters go from there, especially when it's not always a good place. As usual, the writing is brilliant and the character interaction is what keeps bringing me back to this world. I read it in one night.
May 1, 2019
This is the prequel to The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series (which is outstanding, by the way). If you have read the books, you are already familiar with the characters here. And, if you love the series as much as I do, you love those characters too! However, this explains the backstory. It is poignant.
June 3, 2019
This novella is not so much of a mystery as an introduction to the relevant characters in the series. Being a novella and with the aim of introducing the characters, there wasn't a lot of room for suspects/red herrings.
But, having said this, I still enjoyed the story and I definitely enjoyed Ms. McKenna's style of writing. I will be reading more.
But, having said this, I still enjoyed the story and I definitely enjoyed Ms. McKenna's style of writing. I will be reading more.
May 28, 2019
Left Me Wanting More
I love Ms. McKenna's books, ALL of them. They're always interesting, informative , and exciting with a refreshing perspective . This one, as a prequel, left me wanting more background and historical family information! The case itself was too predictive and simple, so as a backdrop I would've expected more information on the family and character history! Just one man's opinion!
I love Ms. McKenna's books, ALL of them. They're always interesting, informative , and exciting with a refreshing perspective . This one, as a prequel, left me wanting more background and historical family information! The case itself was too predictive and simple, so as a backdrop I would've expected more information on the family and character history! Just one man's opinion!
April 29, 2019
Excellent
Very sad ending even though I knew what was coming. Dawn is always able to make me cry. Her characters are very real and believable. I wish they were on audible too.
Very sad ending even though I knew what was coming. Dawn is always able to make me cry. Her characters are very real and believable. I wish they were on audible too.
May 4, 2019
First let me say that I love this series and have been hooked since the first book. Normally I am not a fan of novellas nor do I like prequels after I have already read the series. However I did really enjoy this book. My only problem, which isn't normal for this author, was all of the typos especially towards the end of the book. It may be just downloading issue but typos drive me crazy. Again, not a normal issue with this series.
May 2, 2019
Certainly an outstanding storytelling masterpiece by one of my favorite authors. Ms, McKenna's stories are so easy to follow and I was overwhelmed with this compassionate story of one of State's most beautiful areas. Being from another West coast Florida County, I am definitely hooked on this outstanding series. This is a catch up book for me and I definitely enjoyed following the, somewhat, factual trials and tribulations that grabbed my attention and never let go!
As all Dawn McKenna books, there was no doubt it would another outstanding five star sensation. I have enjoyed following Maggie and Wyatt as they work toward peace and tranquility among
Florida's beautiful Northwest Gulf coast. This short story of Maggie's first murder investigation is definitely worthy of your time spent in following her excel as the new Lieutenant in the Sheriff's office! Too, she is somewhat overwhelmed in discovering her husband involvement in drug trafficking!
Ms. McKenna is so adept in her presentations, which definitely encourages her readers to successfully enjoy her descriptive storylines. These outstanding storylines and characters certainly touches any reader's heartstrings and maintains their uninterrupted attention from beginning to end.
Definitely recommend this compassionately outstanding masterpiece to all readers, regardless of your reading preference, as the compassionate stories will certainly touch your heart and not turn them loose! Your loss of you fail to follow Maggie and Wyattt as they have their hands full, when it comes to the safety and welfare of the people of Franklin County, ?Florida!😁
As all Dawn McKenna books, there was no doubt it would another outstanding five star sensation. I have enjoyed following Maggie and Wyatt as they work toward peace and tranquility among
Florida's beautiful Northwest Gulf coast. This short story of Maggie's first murder investigation is definitely worthy of your time spent in following her excel as the new Lieutenant in the Sheriff's office! Too, she is somewhat overwhelmed in discovering her husband involvement in drug trafficking!
Ms. McKenna is so adept in her presentations, which definitely encourages her readers to successfully enjoy her descriptive storylines. These outstanding storylines and characters certainly touches any reader's heartstrings and maintains their uninterrupted attention from beginning to end.
Definitely recommend this compassionately outstanding masterpiece to all readers, regardless of your reading preference, as the compassionate stories will certainly touch your heart and not turn them loose! Your loss of you fail to follow Maggie and Wyattt as they have their hands full, when it comes to the safety and welfare of the people of Franklin County, ?Florida!😁
October 1, 2022
Ebb Tide
Hmmm...What do I say? I enjoyed this book, as far as that went, but it ended way too soon! I knew it was a prequel, but I figured it would be longer. And more informative regarding the characters & the setting. It DID introduce (I don't think that's the correct word!) the main characters somewhat, but only barely mentioned a few accessory characters. It did speak about the general area of the story, which I really enjoyed, since I know the area. It was almost like being there again! I'm very thankful for that treat. IDK. Perhaps I had bigger expectations & disappointed myself. This book is well written & takes you to it's setting quickly. I would recommend it to any reader, rated PG-13 though because it does include a murder scene & ultimately the how's &why's. As far as "explaining" how the story throughout the book series begins, the "before" of it, well, it didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know, except for a few more details surrounding the separation of Maggie & David. Maybe if I had read it 1st I would've liked it better. I'm giving it 4 Stars because from this point on new readers of the series can read the series in order, with this 1st, thus without the disappointment I had. Which is NOT due to the writing itself, but the being out of sequence made my brain cringe! So don't let my words stop you from reading this nice, no sex, no actual violence, & not filled with profanity book! Then be sure to read the wonderful series that follows!!
Hmmm...What do I say? I enjoyed this book, as far as that went, but it ended way too soon! I knew it was a prequel, but I figured it would be longer. And more informative regarding the characters & the setting. It DID introduce (I don't think that's the correct word!) the main characters somewhat, but only barely mentioned a few accessory characters. It did speak about the general area of the story, which I really enjoyed, since I know the area. It was almost like being there again! I'm very thankful for that treat. IDK. Perhaps I had bigger expectations & disappointed myself. This book is well written & takes you to it's setting quickly. I would recommend it to any reader, rated PG-13 though because it does include a murder scene & ultimately the how's &why's. As far as "explaining" how the story throughout the book series begins, the "before" of it, well, it didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know, except for a few more details surrounding the separation of Maggie & David. Maybe if I had read it 1st I would've liked it better. I'm giving it 4 Stars because from this point on new readers of the series can read the series in order, with this 1st, thus without the disappointment I had. Which is NOT due to the writing itself, but the being out of sequence made my brain cringe! So don't let my words stop you from reading this nice, no sex, no actual violence, & not filled with profanity book! Then be sure to read the wonderful series that follows!!
April 30, 2019
First day
It's a good day - I have a new Dawn Lee McKenna book to devour. I try to slow down, to savor each ingredient , but I always end up taking it in like a starving person. The people, the charm of Apalach, the lives coming together through her creativity. Another well told story that's also a beautiful, painted canvas because I see and experience Maggie's forgotten coast with every page. I loved going back to the beginning knowing what's coming. Wyatt ' s sense of humor puts him at the top of my list of male favorites and is part of the charm of this series. I would recommend they be read in order but mostly I recommend you read them!
It's a good day - I have a new Dawn Lee McKenna book to devour. I try to slow down, to savor each ingredient , but I always end up taking it in like a starving person. The people, the charm of Apalach, the lives coming together through her creativity. Another well told story that's also a beautiful, painted canvas because I see and experience Maggie's forgotten coast with every page. I loved going back to the beginning knowing what's coming. Wyatt ' s sense of humor puts him at the top of my list of male favorites and is part of the charm of this series. I would recommend they be read in order but mostly I recommend you read them!
September 24, 2024
“Ebb Tide” is a short prequel to the 'Forgotten Coast' series.
It's Maggie Seward's first day as a lieutenant in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
She's working under her tutor and boss, Sheriff Wyatt Hamilton, to investigate a burglary and the murder murder of an elderly man.
At home her husband, David, has taken to drinking and erratic behaviour – she's convinced that he's is lying to her about his business dealings.
There's not a lot to it but will be enjoyed by those who have already read the series.
It's too short to really judge.
3 Stars.
It's Maggie Seward's first day as a lieutenant in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
She's working under her tutor and boss, Sheriff Wyatt Hamilton, to investigate a burglary and the murder murder of an elderly man.
At home her husband, David, has taken to drinking and erratic behaviour – she's convinced that he's is lying to her about his business dealings.
There's not a lot to it but will be enjoyed by those who have already read the series.
It's too short to really judge.
3 Stars.
May 27, 2019
Good beginning
Good beginning to a great series I have enjoyed reading each of the Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series books. The characters are engaging. Maggie, a police detective in a remote Gulf town on the Panhandle of Florida has a family and a rooster and a dog. The rooster named Stoopid isn’t stupid at all. The stories are fun, heartbreaking, and romantic. Good detective work too. Highly recommended.
Good beginning to a great series I have enjoyed reading each of the Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series books. The characters are engaging. Maggie, a police detective in a remote Gulf town on the Panhandle of Florida has a family and a rooster and a dog. The rooster named Stoopid isn’t stupid at all. The stories are fun, heartbreaking, and romantic. Good detective work too. Highly recommended.
June 23, 2019
The Zero Book; A Before Thought
I really loved the series of 10. The characters were drawn beautifully, and I mean drawn. You could see them. Also see the lovely old times of Florida, having been there in early 1950's when I was 6so I have memories of that. Both the characters and the environment just flowed. This add on just gives you a bit of storyline which you could have guessed at but just a bit of an additional touch.
I really loved the series of 10. The characters were drawn beautifully, and I mean drawn. You could see them. Also see the lovely old times of Florida, having been there in early 1950's when I was 6so I have memories of that. Both the characters and the environment just flowed. This add on just gives you a bit of storyline which you could have guessed at but just a bit of an additional touch.
July 17, 2020
Short but good
Hard for me to give anything 59 pages since i can’t say it got slow or kept up a good pace.
Suggestion is to read the 4 full length books first which I did, but it’s been awhile since I read them so the characters aren’t
fresh, but I slowly was recalling them.
Looking to read the next prequel hopefully I’ll have a good recall though by the time number 11 comes out I’ll be short on memory. No fun getting old and brain cells die rather quickly. 🤪
Hard for me to give anything 59 pages since i can’t say it got slow or kept up a good pace.
Suggestion is to read the 4 full length books first which I did, but it’s been awhile since I read them so the characters aren’t
fresh, but I slowly was recalling them.
Looking to read the next prequel hopefully I’ll have a good recall though by the time number 11 comes out I’ll be short on memory. No fun getting old and brain cells die rather quickly. 🤪
May 1, 2019
Awesome!
Thank you, Dawn Lee. I encountered Miss Evangeline and William and Robert outside the ice cream shop. That means the world to me. Them and Stoopid are my favorite characters.
Don’t give up, please. Eight years ago I was diagnosed stage IV advanced, inoperable. I’m still standing after one recurrence. We need you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers...
Thank you, Dawn Lee. I encountered Miss Evangeline and William and Robert outside the ice cream shop. That means the world to me. Them and Stoopid are my favorite characters.
Don’t give up, please. Eight years ago I was diagnosed stage IV advanced, inoperable. I’m still standing after one recurrence. We need you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers...
May 2, 2019
Thanks to a wonderful author.
I truly have wracked my brain for the right words of praise for this. I have often wondered just what happened between Maggie and David. How long has Maggie had our beloved Stoopid? So many questions are answered and some people are now even more alive in my head and ❤. Everyone should have the chance to read this Super Beginning.
I truly have wracked my brain for the right words of praise for this. I have often wondered just what happened between Maggie and David. How long has Maggie had our beloved Stoopid? So many questions are answered and some people are now even more alive in my head and ❤. Everyone should have the chance to read this Super Beginning.
May 6, 2019
A novella, but still good reading. Dawn Lee Mckenna is a great author, her The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense series is wonderful reading, if you haven't read it yet, please do. A little humor, but still mysterious. Begin with this book and read in order, otherwise, you will miss out on the storyline. Great read.
May 9, 2019
I love all the books in this series. Ebb Tide was a look into the past, a prequel actually. Very interesting to see our favorite characters in a "before" setting. I really don't think Dawn Lee could write anything that wasn't mesmerizing and I plan on getting my hands on everything this wonderful author writes!
August 7, 2024
A good beginning.
I’ve read all of Dawn Lee McKenna books. This one is like all the others. All are worth reading. In this story, Maggie (protagonist) was just promoted to the homicide squad and caught her first case. The book is short, and leaves you wanting more. It set the stage for the books that follow.
I’ve read all of Dawn Lee McKenna books. This one is like all the others. All are worth reading. In this story, Maggie (protagonist) was just promoted to the homicide squad and caught her first case. The book is short, and leaves you wanting more. It set the stage for the books that follow.
August 22, 2025
Great appetizer for a superb series
I've seen a few reviews suggesting that this prequel won't help a new reader much. I don't know why. All the major characters are introduced, their early stories laid out nicely without needless over-explanation or foreshadowing. It's just a quick read and gives a good sense of Dawn McKenna's style. Try it, you'll like it.
I've seen a few reviews suggesting that this prequel won't help a new reader much. I don't know why. All the major characters are introduced, their early stories laid out nicely without needless over-explanation or foreshadowing. It's just a quick read and gives a good sense of Dawn McKenna's style. Try it, you'll like it.
April 29, 2019
In the beginning
Great prequel to an awesome series. Dawn gives us the chance to meet the main characters and supporting roles. I would have given it 5 stars if the editing had been better. Spelling and typo mistakes proven to be rather annoying to me. .
Great prequel to an awesome series. Dawn gives us the chance to meet the main characters and supporting roles. I would have given it 5 stars if the editing had been better. Spelling and typo mistakes proven to be rather annoying to me. .
April 29, 2019
Finally I know the beginning!
A little look into the lives of the forgotten coast characters before the series began. Offers up a lot of background, especially about my favorite character Stoopid, the chicken!
A little look into the lives of the forgotten coast characters before the series began. Offers up a lot of background, especially about my favorite character Stoopid, the chicken!
May 6, 2019
The story behind the stories
This is a short prequel to the extremely popular Forgotten Coast mystery series by Dawn Lee McKenna. It fills in some blanks and provides backstory for the expanding series.
This is a short prequel to the extremely popular Forgotten Coast mystery series by Dawn Lee McKenna. It fills in some blanks and provides backstory for the expanding series.
May 1, 2019
Interesting
Readers often want to know what happened before the book begins. What caused this or why did that happened, etc. This prequel does give some infighting the main cha racters
Readers often want to know what happened before the book begins. What caused this or why did that happened, etc. This prequel does give some infighting the main cha racters
May 3, 2019
Great read!
I always enjoy reading the adventures of Maggie and it was nice to get a glimpse of the beginning of her career! And how Stoopid got his name! Can’t wait for the next book!
I always enjoy reading the adventures of Maggie and it was nice to get a glimpse of the beginning of her career! And how Stoopid got his name! Can’t wait for the next book!
May 11, 2019
Unforgotten Begins
A perfect beginning to the series,
with the promise of more to come. Now the reader wants to know more about Apalach and how Maggie copes with her family, career and future.
A perfect beginning to the series,
with the promise of more to come. Now the reader wants to know more about Apalach and how Maggie copes with her family, career and future.
May 16, 2019
Great background prequel for The Forgotten Coast
For those who have already enjoyed McKenna's Forgotten series, this is a good quick background read. Looking forward to the next McKenna book.
For those who have already enjoyed McKenna's Forgotten series, this is a good quick background read. Looking forward to the next McKenna book.
May 29, 2019
A wonderful series!
I hated for the series to end. I wish that it could have gone on and on! I loved all of the characters in all of the books. Please write another series and then another! I can’t get enough of your books!
I hated for the series to end. I wish that it could have gone on and on! I loved all of the characters in all of the books. Please write another series and then another! I can’t get enough of your books!
May 30, 2019
Super! This story needed to be added to the Forgotten Coast series in order to explain Dave and Maggie's painful divorce and the dreadful choice Maggie had to make. I love this series. It highlights one of my favorite places in the world--the Florida Panhandle.
June 1, 2019
Beginning
This is an introduction to many of the people in the Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series. It is more of a story length than novella, but it reminds those of us who are fans why we like the author.
This is an introduction to many of the people in the Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series. It is more of a story length than novella, but it reminds those of us who are fans why we like the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews