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Still Waters #3
Dead and Gone
p>
It’s just another day in Paradise, if Paradise was in Detroit.
In the quaint, coastal town of Port St. Joe, FL, Sheriff Evan Caldwell had been called out to the fancy new development to appease its influential owner and look into his missing shrubbery. He did not go out there to work a homicide, but since the old man in the pajamas probably didn’t bury himself, a homicide investigation is pretty much mandatory.
Finding out how and when the man died, and who killed and/or buried him, would be a lot easier if the Gulf County Medical Examiner hadn’t gone missing, and easier still if he hadn’t subsequently had the temerity to turn up dead.
Now Evan and his deputies have two deaths on their hands, and Evan’s life is further complicated by a county commissioner who thinks he knows something about law enforcement, a bright but morally ambiguous defense attorney trying to make a name for herself by ruining Evan, and a cat who seems unwilling to make himself more likable.
This is the third book in the Still Waters Suspense Series, a series known for its rich, coastal atmosphere, dry humor, and multilayered characters. See why The Still Waters Suspense Series has earned thousands of five-star reviews. Get your copy today!
It’s just another day in Paradise, if Paradise was in Detroit.
In the quaint, coastal town of Port St. Joe, FL, Sheriff Evan Caldwell had been called out to the fancy new development to appease its influential owner and look into his missing shrubbery. He did not go out there to work a homicide, but since the old man in the pajamas probably didn’t bury himself, a homicide investigation is pretty much mandatory.
Finding out how and when the man died, and who killed and/or buried him, would be a lot easier if the Gulf County Medical Examiner hadn’t gone missing, and easier still if he hadn’t subsequently had the temerity to turn up dead.
Now Evan and his deputies have two deaths on their hands, and Evan’s life is further complicated by a county commissioner who thinks he knows something about law enforcement, a bright but morally ambiguous defense attorney trying to make a name for herself by ruining Evan, and a cat who seems unwilling to make himself more likable.
This is the third book in the Still Waters Suspense Series, a series known for its rich, coastal atmosphere, dry humor, and multilayered characters. See why The Still Waters Suspense Series has earned thousands of five-star reviews. Get your copy today!
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2019
681 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Lee McKenna
23 books402 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 79 reviews
July 8, 2019
4 stars. Thoroughly enjoyable.
(included in Kindle Unlimited)
Very similar to the previous two books, but with much improved prose, and the character-driven humour here is really very good. I actually laughed out loud several times. Charming!
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
I'm very much enjoying the recurring characters in the series, and Evan is growing on me. He carries the terrible weight of his wife in a coma, and feeling at loose ends about committing himself to the community permanently.
The prose here has kicked up a notch, and is quite enjoyable, sometimes literate, and sometimes a bit philosophical (the philosopher-detective is my favourite fictional character). Evan hasn’t gotten there yet, but does touch upon it now and then.
The "notifications of family" are quite superb in this series, very heartfelt and poignant.
Full size image here
Notes and quotes:
Goff ’s appearance suggested he was the love child of Sam Elliot and Don Knotts, but he was smart as hell, cooler than a cuctunber in the midst of chaos, and a miraculously accurate sharpshooter.
Goff's comment about the real estate developer, Dinkleman:
“That man’s half a bubble shy of plumb if you ask me.”
Evan and Paula watch the gangly young assistant M.E.
Evan stared after the kid as he gamboled back the way he’d come, knees and elbows everywhere.
“If I was ten years younger, I’d probably fall in love with that goofball,” Paula said as she watched him run.
“Me, too,” said Goff.
Evan's cat Pluto, still being picky (our cats surely are):
Evan looked over at Plutes. “That seagull was much less of a jackass than you are, and everybody knows gulls are the jackasses of the sea.”
Evan speaks with the neighbouring police chief, Beckett:
“Looks like today’s the day,” Evan replied, then after a pause, “What exactly did you expect me to be calling about?"
“I got your BOLO, man,” Beckett said, and Evan could hear the grin. “I’ve been policing a long time, Hollywood; can’t say I’ve ever seen a BOLO for a tree before.”
He paused. “They don’t typically make themselves that hard to find. Not in my experience, anyway.”
.
(included in Kindle Unlimited)
Very similar to the previous two books, but with much improved prose, and the character-driven humour here is really very good. I actually laughed out loud several times. Charming!
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
Note: After reading all three books in the series, I have found that the police work and detection is adequate and often clever, but what shines is the development of the small community of recurring characters: the core characters, minor police, café & restaurant, shops and general area residents. It's not a soap opera per se, but a fine and developing collection of mostly sweet and interesting characters.
I'm very much enjoying the recurring characters in the series, and Evan is growing on me. He carries the terrible weight of his wife in a coma, and feeling at loose ends about committing himself to the community permanently.
The prose here has kicked up a notch, and is quite enjoyable, sometimes literate, and sometimes a bit philosophical (the philosopher-detective is my favourite fictional character). Evan hasn’t gotten there yet, but does touch upon it now and then.
The "notifications of family" are quite superb in this series, very heartfelt and poignant.
Full size image here
Notes and quotes:
Goff ’s appearance suggested he was the love child of Sam Elliot and Don Knotts, but he was smart as hell, cooler than a cuctunber in the midst of chaos, and a miraculously accurate sharpshooter.
Goff's comment about the real estate developer, Dinkleman:
“That man’s half a bubble shy of plumb if you ask me.”
Evan and Paula watch the gangly young assistant M.E.
Evan stared after the kid as he gamboled back the way he’d come, knees and elbows everywhere.
“If I was ten years younger, I’d probably fall in love with that goofball,” Paula said as she watched him run.
“Me, too,” said Goff.
Evan's cat Pluto, still being picky (our cats surely are):
Evan looked over at Plutes. “That seagull was much less of a jackass than you are, and everybody knows gulls are the jackasses of the sea.”
Evan speaks with the neighbouring police chief, Beckett:
“Looks like today’s the day,” Evan replied, then after a pause, “What exactly did you expect me to be calling about?"
“I got your BOLO, man,” Beckett said, and Evan could hear the grin. “I’ve been policing a long time, Hollywood; can’t say I’ve ever seen a BOLO for a tree before.”
He paused. “They don’t typically make themselves that hard to find. Not in my experience, anyway.”
.
May 16, 2019
I do enjoy this series and encourage readers to start at the beginning to fully appreciate the changes and challenges facing the main character, Evan Caldwell. He is conflicted, angry and in denial about certain circumstances in his personal life and yet handles his job and responsibilities with aplomb. The supporting characters are so quirky and yet they all mesh perfectly. And, the surfing cat with the killer claws whose main job in life seems to be to terrorize Evan and tip him over into the abyss? The perfect comic relief. Yes, I do enjoy this series. Come on Evan, face facts and make that decision so you can move forward instead of remaining stagnant and wallowing in grief. It is time. Looking forward to the next book.
May 14, 2019
Life and death
I expect the best from McKenna/Blackwell and I always get it! When you can write a cat as a character that comes to life the way Plutes does you're excellent at your craft! Though the plot revolves around two mysterious deaths I read each page smiling and sometimes laughing out loud. Then you get a glimpse of Evan's heart as he talks with his comatose wife or remembers growing up in foster care or is told, once again, you don't belong. Or dealing with Sarah, reaching for a better life than she was given. I love the setting of Port St Jo and just the overall feeling of being there in the middle of the creativity of Dawn Lee McKenna and Axel Blackwell. Ready for the next adventure!
I expect the best from McKenna/Blackwell and I always get it! When you can write a cat as a character that comes to life the way Plutes does you're excellent at your craft! Though the plot revolves around two mysterious deaths I read each page smiling and sometimes laughing out loud. Then you get a glimpse of Evan's heart as he talks with his comatose wife or remembers growing up in foster care or is told, once again, you don't belong. Or dealing with Sarah, reaching for a better life than she was given. I love the setting of Port St Jo and just the overall feeling of being there in the middle of the creativity of Dawn Lee McKenna and Axel Blackwell. Ready for the next adventure!
February 3, 2020
Another brilliant book in this series, which is quickly becoming my favorite. The dynamics between the characters (as always) is wonderful, and I can't wait to read what happens next!
May 15, 2019
Great read
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book, I’ve read all of Ms. Mkenna’s books and this one did not disappoint. Evan Caldwell is trying to to fit in even though being sheriff was pushed on to him, he does the job and does it right. I love the storyline of him and his cat Plutes, they are funny together. I’m anxious to see if Evan will take his wife off of life support and move on with his life. This is another great book in this series, I can’t wait for the next one.
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book, I’ve read all of Ms. Mkenna’s books and this one did not disappoint. Evan Caldwell is trying to to fit in even though being sheriff was pushed on to him, he does the job and does it right. I love the storyline of him and his cat Plutes, they are funny together. I’m anxious to see if Evan will take his wife off of life support and move on with his life. This is another great book in this series, I can’t wait for the next one.
May 15, 2019
This series just gets better and better!
The partnership of Dawn McKenna and Axel Blackwell seems to be made in heaven or at least in south Florida. However they came together, it is pure joy to read their collaboration. Evan, Sheriff of that small coastal town, had plenty of baggage of his own before becoming the boss. But the characters in town have nothing on him and the dead bodies show up in peculiar places. This book as well as the rest of the series, is entertaining and makes one enjoy the short trip to South Florida.
The partnership of Dawn McKenna and Axel Blackwell seems to be made in heaven or at least in south Florida. However they came together, it is pure joy to read their collaboration. Evan, Sheriff of that small coastal town, had plenty of baggage of his own before becoming the boss. But the characters in town have nothing on him and the dead bodies show up in peculiar places. This book as well as the rest of the series, is entertaining and makes one enjoy the short trip to South Florida.
May 15, 2019
Great story, well written, few editing errors.
The serious parts were dead serious (no pun intended) and the lighter parts were absolutely hilarious.
The psychology involved in Evan's observations and dialogue was spot on and an inspiration, in several instances.
Loved it from start to finish.
The serious parts were dead serious (no pun intended) and the lighter parts were absolutely hilarious.
The psychology involved in Evan's observations and dialogue was spot on and an inspiration, in several instances.
Loved it from start to finish.
May 15, 2019
Absolutely adore this series
Yet another well deserved triumph for the authors. The location sounds breathtaking and the description makes me want to visit. The characters spring off the page and to life in my mind's eye. A truly enjoyable read. Next one ASAP please!
Yet another well deserved triumph for the authors. The location sounds breathtaking and the description makes me want to visit. The characters spring off the page and to life in my mind's eye. A truly enjoyable read. Next one ASAP please!
May 15, 2019
Such a good read
Been waiting for this book and it did not fail to keep me interested. When reading the writing just pulls you into the story so much you can feel the same and hear the ocean.
Been waiting for this book and it did not fail to keep me interested. When reading the writing just pulls you into the story so much you can feel the same and hear the ocean.
May 16, 2020
Evan has kept the cat that the boyfriend gave to his wife. Even though it is a lot of work cleaning up the messes, and the claw marks he gets. The boyfriend has moved on, but Evan hasn’t. He is deep in guilt, but does his job, with calmness.The continuing problems with trees being stolen from a new development. Then finding a corpse under one of the trees. You have two plots and they are connected. Good series
May 20, 2019
Evan and his crew does and outstanding sleuthing job in this outstanding suspenseful episode in Ms. McKenna's mainstay area of Florida's beautiful NW coastline. I have enjoyed her very descriptive episodes of this area to be overwhelmingly impressive, with exceptionally entertaining revelations of expert policing by her many different characters. This one is one exciting episode after another. Great story!
No problem awarding five stars to this outstanding masterpiece masterpiece of ongoing police activities and there is definitely plenty of heartwarming episodes to maintain any reader's undivided attention from beginning to end. Evan, the Sheriff, and his colleagues work together in overcoming many unanswered questions in solving a couple of different types of deaths, but not without outstanding police work!
The characters were perfectly selected for their assigned roles and their storylines successfully depicted their each and every assignment with astonishing exploits. Great teamwork and entertaining revelations throughout their many heartwarming endeavors l
I have enjoyed many other books by Ms. McKenna mostly involving this coastal area of Florida and most definitely recommend all of her novels regardless of your reading preference. This one is definitely worthy of your time, as you will enjoy each and every exciting adventure following Sheriff Evan and his colleagues throughout their many heartwarming endeavors! Give this novel a try, as I am sure you will find it to be a five star masterpiece, also!! Definitely your loss if you don't climb aboard for another outstanding and descriptive investigative journey among Florida's beautiful Northwest Gulf coast! I am from this great State and love it dearly. The only bad part is definitely fact the Author refers to eat other University in Tallahassee, but never the BEST University (GATOR Country) in Gainesville!!!!😁
No problem awarding five stars to this outstanding masterpiece masterpiece of ongoing police activities and there is definitely plenty of heartwarming episodes to maintain any reader's undivided attention from beginning to end. Evan, the Sheriff, and his colleagues work together in overcoming many unanswered questions in solving a couple of different types of deaths, but not without outstanding police work!
The characters were perfectly selected for their assigned roles and their storylines successfully depicted their each and every assignment with astonishing exploits. Great teamwork and entertaining revelations throughout their many heartwarming endeavors l
I have enjoyed many other books by Ms. McKenna mostly involving this coastal area of Florida and most definitely recommend all of her novels regardless of your reading preference. This one is definitely worthy of your time, as you will enjoy each and every exciting adventure following Sheriff Evan and his colleagues throughout their many heartwarming endeavors! Give this novel a try, as I am sure you will find it to be a five star masterpiece, also!! Definitely your loss if you don't climb aboard for another outstanding and descriptive investigative journey among Florida's beautiful Northwest Gulf coast! I am from this great State and love it dearly. The only bad part is definitely fact the Author refers to eat other University in Tallahassee, but never the BEST University (GATOR Country) in Gainesville!!!!😁
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November 9, 2021p>
It’s just another day in Paradise, if Paradise was in Detroit.
In the quaint, coastal town of Port St. Joe, FL, Sheriff Evan Caldwell had been called out to the fancy new development to appease its influential owner and look into his missing shrubbery. He did not go out there to work a homicide, but since the old man in the pajamas probably didn’t bury himself, a homicide investigation is pretty much mandatory.
Finding out how and when the man died, and who killed and/or buried him, would be a lot easier if the Gulf County Medical Examiner hadn’t gone missing, and easier still if he hadn’t subsequently had the temerity to turn up dead.
Now Evan and his deputies have two deaths on their hands, and Evan’s life is further complicated by a county commissioner who thinks he knows something about law enforcement, a bright but morally ambiguous defense attorney trying to make a name for herself by ruining Evan, and a cat who seems unwilling to make himself more likable.
This is the third book in the Still Waters Suspense Series, a series known for its rich, coastal atmosphere, dry humor, and multilayered characters. See why The Still Waters Suspense Series has earned hundreds of five-star reviews,
Very good. Finished series, . STILL WATERS
It’s just another day in Paradise, if Paradise was in Detroit.
In the quaint, coastal town of Port St. Joe, FL, Sheriff Evan Caldwell had been called out to the fancy new development to appease its influential owner and look into his missing shrubbery. He did not go out there to work a homicide, but since the old man in the pajamas probably didn’t bury himself, a homicide investigation is pretty much mandatory.
Finding out how and when the man died, and who killed and/or buried him, would be a lot easier if the Gulf County Medical Examiner hadn’t gone missing, and easier still if he hadn’t subsequently had the temerity to turn up dead.
Now Evan and his deputies have two deaths on their hands, and Evan’s life is further complicated by a county commissioner who thinks he knows something about law enforcement, a bright but morally ambiguous defense attorney trying to make a name for herself by ruining Evan, and a cat who seems unwilling to make himself more likable.
This is the third book in the Still Waters Suspense Series, a series known for its rich, coastal atmosphere, dry humor, and multilayered characters. See why The Still Waters Suspense Series has earned hundreds of five-star reviews,
Very good. Finished series, . STILL WATERS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2020
No over done suspense stuff
What I most liked about this book and as best I can recall the previous books is there is no over the top suspense where one the characters are facing sure death only for the protagonist to do some miraculous act to save themself or someone else.
This is low key, but entertaining. The dialogue is real, as are the characters. I was never bored. When the murders are acutely being resolved I thought must be something unexpected coming to fill the end of the story.
Nope, I was actually at the end. WOW, a book where I didn’t get bored with dramatics and unnecessary blah, blah.
I’ll be searching Amazon Kindle for more books by the same authors that I’ve not already read.
What I most liked about this book and as best I can recall the previous books is there is no over the top suspense where one the characters are facing sure death only for the protagonist to do some miraculous act to save themself or someone else.
This is low key, but entertaining. The dialogue is real, as are the characters. I was never bored. When the murders are acutely being resolved I thought must be something unexpected coming to fill the end of the story.
Nope, I was actually at the end. WOW, a book where I didn’t get bored with dramatics and unnecessary blah, blah.
I’ll be searching Amazon Kindle for more books by the same authors that I’ve not already read.
August 2, 2021
In the small coastal town of Port St Joe, Florida, Sheriff Evan Caldwell's newest investigation begins with a new developer's recently planted trees being stolen, which quickly escalates into something much more serious. There is also the matter of the missing medical examiner.
I really enjoy the humorous moments throughout the storyline between Evan and his colleagues, as well as Evan's thoughts as he deals with the head of the town council and the disgruntled developer, whose expensive landscaping continues to disappear in the middle of the night.
I really enjoy the humorous moments throughout the storyline between Evan and his colleagues, as well as Evan's thoughts as he deals with the head of the town council and the disgruntled developer, whose expensive landscaping continues to disappear in the middle of the night.
May 26, 2019
Never a disappointment!
You did it again. I'm no longer surprised. I'm grateful that your books keep my mind off of current day events; keep me focused and at my age that's a big challenge; distract me from cooking, cleaning, dieting, getting out of my PJ's.....thank you thank you,thank you.....I love you Dawn. Praying for you and looking forward (soon) for your next book. Many blessings
You did it again. I'm no longer surprised. I'm grateful that your books keep my mind off of current day events; keep me focused and at my age that's a big challenge; distract me from cooking, cleaning, dieting, getting out of my PJ's.....thank you thank you,thank you.....I love you Dawn. Praying for you and looking forward (soon) for your next book. Many blessings
June 4, 2019
I'm thoroughly enjoying and impressed with this McKenna/ Blackwell bonding. Evan Caldwell is a complex character and the continuing exploration of his tale is terrific. Surrounded by a cast of strong characters, this evolving series just gets better and better. Each new story builds on the relationships he has and we get to know him more. You can't help looking forward to seeing where it goes and rooting for him.
April 22, 2020
Great read
Evan and Goff are being driven crazy by a developer constantly on the phone complaining. A young defense lawyer decides to flex her claws willing to go to any lengths to promote herself using the Tommy Morrison case to get publicity. Add Plutes being his wonderful cat self all add to Evan’s building headache. Add finding a body buried completely under a palm tree and a missing ME and you have Evan’s life.
Evan and Goff are being driven crazy by a developer constantly on the phone complaining. A young defense lawyer decides to flex her claws willing to go to any lengths to promote herself using the Tommy Morrison case to get publicity. Add Plutes being his wonderful cat self all add to Evan’s building headache. Add finding a body buried completely under a palm tree and a missing ME and you have Evan’s life.
August 21, 2020
Another Good Read
I like books that have a mystery to solve and I like the grittyness of the crime and this book delivered that. What took it up to the Five Star was the cat that had a personality. An animal really adds a lot to a story line without ever saying a word. Also, the main character had personal problems that showed that he had heart. Another good situation for a book.
I like books that have a mystery to solve and I like the grittyness of the crime and this book delivered that. What took it up to the Five Star was the cat that had a personality. An animal really adds a lot to a story line without ever saying a word. Also, the main character had personal problems that showed that he had heart. Another good situation for a book.
May 26, 2019
Very interesting mystery!
These are entertaining mystery stories set in Port St Lucie, in the Florida Panhandle. Small town politics, family entanglements, long memories, and murder form an interesting police investigation. Characters are enjoyable, well developed, and likeable. It is an adventurous, interesting puzzle with many ancillary activities!
These are entertaining mystery stories set in Port St Lucie, in the Florida Panhandle. Small town politics, family entanglements, long memories, and murder form an interesting police investigation. Characters are enjoyable, well developed, and likeable. It is an adventurous, interesting puzzle with many ancillary activities!
June 3, 2019
Third Book In A Great Series
Dawn Lee and Alex are doing an outstanding job writing this series. Sheriff Evans and his reluctant crew, Plutes the cat, Sarah and Hanna create very interesting stories. Looking forward to more.
FYI this book starts with a short but intense murder scene.
Dawn Lee and Alex are doing an outstanding job writing this series. Sheriff Evans and his reluctant crew, Plutes the cat, Sarah and Hanna create very interesting stories. Looking forward to more.
FYI this book starts with a short but intense murder scene.
December 21, 2020
A good, solid series
This third book in the series has gotten better and more entertaining than the first two, although references to the stories in the earlier work led me to twenty those books. Very good police narrative and accurate police procedural elements. The book makes one want to live in such a place.
This third book in the series has gotten better and more entertaining than the first two, although references to the stories in the earlier work led me to twenty those books. Very good police narrative and accurate police procedural elements. The book makes one want to live in such a place.
October 12, 2021
A good police procedural with interesting characters and a different plot line.
Another interesting installment of the Evan Caldwell series. This could stand alone but to have a better understanding of the characters a reader should start with the first in the series. A good police procedural with interesting characters and a different plot line.
Another interesting installment of the Evan Caldwell series. This could stand alone but to have a better understanding of the characters a reader should start with the first in the series. A good police procedural with interesting characters and a different plot line.
November 24, 2021
Better
This was much better than the first 2 in this series. I appreciated the way Evan dealt with the nasty little lawyer. It seems as though the Dr is wanting him to make some decisions about his wife. He should have known what she would want in this situation. That is a topic often not discussed enough.
This was much better than the first 2 in this series. I appreciated the way Evan dealt with the nasty little lawyer. It seems as though the Dr is wanting him to make some decisions about his wife. He should have known what she would want in this situation. That is a topic often not discussed enough.
May 17, 2019
Dawn & Axel have come up with a great series. Evan is a funny, serious character, Love his cat, Plutus is so funny, can't believe all the antics he comes up with. Please, if you read, start from book #1, otherwise you will miss out on some special reading. Now patiently waiting on book 4
May 18, 2019
Another entertaining read
I have a difficult time trying to decide some new remark about Dawn Lee McKenna 's books. I have read everything one she's written and have never been disappointed. This one was up to her previous works.
I have a difficult time trying to decide some new remark about Dawn Lee McKenna 's books. I have read everything one she's written and have never been disappointed. This one was up to her previous works.
May 19, 2019
Good read
I like reading about Evan's life only thing I feel so sorry for the guy. He didn't have a good childhood or marriage. The job seems the only thing he likes and sometimes he don't like it either. It's a good read.
I like reading about Evan's life only thing I feel so sorry for the guy. He didn't have a good childhood or marriage. The job seems the only thing he likes and sometimes he don't like it either. It's a good read.
May 20, 2019
That cat
Another great installment in the series. Excellent mystery series and the writing is outstanding. I especially liked the very beginning with stalking of a killer. Can’t wait for next book.
Another great installment in the series. Excellent mystery series and the writing is outstanding. I especially liked the very beginning with stalking of a killer. Can’t wait for next book.
May 21, 2019
Loved it
I loved this book. My only complaint was that it ended too soon. I wanted to keep reading. The book really drew me in and the characters felt very real. I highly recommend any book written by this pair.
I loved this book. My only complaint was that it ended too soon. I wanted to keep reading. The book really drew me in and the characters felt very real. I highly recommend any book written by this pair.
May 23, 2019
The best yet
This book was so well written it was hard to put down! The characters are believable, funny, and maddening. I'm enjoying getting to know Evan better as he begins to get his life together. Go Evan!
This book was so well written it was hard to put down! The characters are believable, funny, and maddening. I'm enjoying getting to know Evan better as he begins to get his life together. Go Evan!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews