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Shark Key Adventures #1
Lost Key
She never asked to be a hero. Heroes seldom do.
Nearly a century ago, a treasure of unimaginable value was lost beneath the tropical waters of the Florida Keys.
But when a ruthless real-estate developer threatens Shark Key Campground and Marina, former journalist Kate Kingsbury must find it before her friends and neighbors lose the only homes they know.
It’s taken Kate Kingsbury two years to find peace after her husband was killed in a home invasion. Now she’s found her refuge, living the free and easy boat life at Shark Key Campground and Marina. Except that nothing in life is free. Or easy.
Shark Key is home to a rag-tag group of folks, scraping to get by on an island known more for its lively night-life and exclusive vacation homes than for stable jobs or affordable living. In fact, Kate quickly learns that the average local cobbles together a living from three or more jobs, just to afford their rent. She’s grateful to have Danny’s small pension and a home on a derelict houseboat named Serenity.
Shark Key’s owner, Chuck Miller, is a third generation Conch who’s committed to giving single moms a safe place to raise their kids. Until he gets a little behind on his payments and shady Miami slumlord Monty Baumann swoops in to steal the tranquil little island out from under him.
Shark Key’s last hope is an unbelievable legend from Chuck’s grandfather, a former gangster who worked for the infamous Al Capone. And when the only clue they have is stolen by one of Baumann’s hired thugs, the Shark Key family must band together to retrieve it and find the treasure.
But can they recover it before it’s too late?
Nearly a century ago, a treasure of unimaginable value was lost beneath the tropical waters of the Florida Keys.
But when a ruthless real-estate developer threatens Shark Key Campground and Marina, former journalist Kate Kingsbury must find it before her friends and neighbors lose the only homes they know.
It’s taken Kate Kingsbury two years to find peace after her husband was killed in a home invasion. Now she’s found her refuge, living the free and easy boat life at Shark Key Campground and Marina. Except that nothing in life is free. Or easy.
Shark Key is home to a rag-tag group of folks, scraping to get by on an island known more for its lively night-life and exclusive vacation homes than for stable jobs or affordable living. In fact, Kate quickly learns that the average local cobbles together a living from three or more jobs, just to afford their rent. She’s grateful to have Danny’s small pension and a home on a derelict houseboat named Serenity.
Shark Key’s owner, Chuck Miller, is a third generation Conch who’s committed to giving single moms a safe place to raise their kids. Until he gets a little behind on his payments and shady Miami slumlord Monty Baumann swoops in to steal the tranquil little island out from under him.
Shark Key’s last hope is an unbelievable legend from Chuck’s grandfather, a former gangster who worked for the infamous Al Capone. And when the only clue they have is stolen by one of Baumann’s hired thugs, the Shark Key family must band together to retrieve it and find the treasure.
But can they recover it before it’s too late?
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2019
2430 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Chris Niles
8 books30 followersChris(tine) Niles has been telling stories since she was a lying kid. Now she’s figuring out how to make a career of it. Because she likes to eat, she tried for about fifteen minutes to write romance. But her characters kept killing each other, so she switched to thrillers.
She lives in northeastern Indiana with her husband, two daughters, and a hungry four-legged sack of fur named Franklin. When she's not writing, she loves to travel around the world, always finding great hiding places for bodies whether she's in the city or the wilderness.
She lives in northeastern Indiana with her husband, two daughters, and a hungry four-legged sack of fur named Franklin. When she's not writing, she loves to travel around the world, always finding great hiding places for bodies whether she's in the city or the wilderness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 7, 2020
My spouse read this book and here's her review:
This novel is a light, fast-paced tale set on a Florida Key. The major ingredients are mobster treasure that was stolen years sprinkled with friendships formed and strengthened in adversity. Kate Kingsburg found herself on a hidden Key with her traumatized dog Whiskey, following the death of her young rookie police spouse. Pushing away anyone wanting to get close to her, she is drawn in to help Shark Key campground and marina owner Chuck. He is at risk of losing his land and heritage due to a scheming land developer.
I found the ending slightly muddled but otherwise the book was an enjoyable read.
This review was edited by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
This novel is a light, fast-paced tale set on a Florida Key. The major ingredients are mobster treasure that was stolen years sprinkled with friendships formed and strengthened in adversity. Kate Kingsburg found herself on a hidden Key with her traumatized dog Whiskey, following the death of her young rookie police spouse. Pushing away anyone wanting to get close to her, she is drawn in to help Shark Key campground and marina owner Chuck. He is at risk of losing his land and heritage due to a scheming land developer.
I found the ending slightly muddled but otherwise the book was an enjoyable read.
This review was edited by Shawn Callon, author of The Diplomatic Spy.
November 17, 2020
Rip off
A blatant rip off of Wayne Stinnett’s books.
Kate, the most unappealing and unlikeable lead character I’ve ever read.
But it was free and I can now delete it.
A blatant rip off of Wayne Stinnett’s books.
Kate, the most unappealing and unlikeable lead character I’ve ever read.
But it was free and I can now delete it.
August 22, 2021
Fantastic story set in America's tropical paradise with fast-paced action, wonderful characters, and brilliant writing.
November 11, 2020
Felt a little ho-hummish here..Even tho I did like Lost Palm. Perhaps I should've read this one first to get a better feel of island?! And that real estate thug!! Who the Sam Hill does he think he is? He sure as heck "Ain't All That!"
Even tho I gave this a 4-it's really kinda like a 3.5---- don't get me wrong tho'- I still like Chris's writing!!
Sit back and put yer feet up , if nothing else, enjoy the Floridian vibe....😀 P/
Even tho I gave this a 4-it's really kinda like a 3.5---- don't get me wrong tho'- I still like Chris's writing!!
Sit back and put yer feet up , if nothing else, enjoy the Floridian vibe....😀 P/
November 27, 2023
I found the book Lost Key a nice time-filling read with several holes. I listened to this as a special purchase price audio book buy from Chirp Audio Books. It helped fill the time on a Thanksgiving trip drive from Grants, NM to Pueblo, CO. While it admirably filled the time, I found it had some logic holes that desperately needed filling.
The biggest hole for me was a monetary one. I know from friends experience that scuba diving is one of the most expensive hobbies one can get into. It is eclipsed only by astral photography and yachting, as a rich man's hobbies. So, our unlikely heroine seems to have no problem with the purchase of better than average dive gear on a rookie police widow's pension. Add to this she also feeds a 120 pound German shepherd on that same small pension in the overpriced area of the Florida Keys.
I did find that Chris Niles has some experience in boating and scuba diving in Florida. She also had done some historical research into the Flagler railroad expansion of early Florida. I was also impressed as to how she tied this story into the Geraldo Rivera vault fiasco of April 1986.
As an audio book I was pleasantly impressed with Kelsey Ann O'Dowd as the female character narrator. Her voices gave distinct characterization to each of the females in the story. The narrator for the male characters, Brian Meslar, seemed to me to be over-the-top for each male voice he portrayed. His voices and delivery seemed better suited for a melodrama or radio commercial announcements. He presented a decent contrast to Kelsey's alto voice, but each of his men were given either a baritone or a deep bass.
The author's post script note on the audio book has given me a reason to hope that some of these glaring holes in our heroine's back story may be better filled by reading her prequel, Lost Palm. Coincidentally, this title was also included in the special price section of Chirp Audio Books.
The biggest hole for me was a monetary one. I know from friends experience that scuba diving is one of the most expensive hobbies one can get into. It is eclipsed only by astral photography and yachting, as a rich man's hobbies. So, our unlikely heroine seems to have no problem with the purchase of better than average dive gear on a rookie police widow's pension. Add to this she also feeds a 120 pound German shepherd on that same small pension in the overpriced area of the Florida Keys.
I did find that Chris Niles has some experience in boating and scuba diving in Florida. She also had done some historical research into the Flagler railroad expansion of early Florida. I was also impressed as to how she tied this story into the Geraldo Rivera vault fiasco of April 1986.
As an audio book I was pleasantly impressed with Kelsey Ann O'Dowd as the female character narrator. Her voices gave distinct characterization to each of the females in the story. The narrator for the male characters, Brian Meslar, seemed to me to be over-the-top for each male voice he portrayed. His voices and delivery seemed better suited for a melodrama or radio commercial announcements. He presented a decent contrast to Kelsey's alto voice, but each of his men were given either a baritone or a deep bass.
The author's post script note on the audio book has given me a reason to hope that some of these glaring holes in our heroine's back story may be better filled by reading her prequel, Lost Palm. Coincidentally, this title was also included in the special price section of Chirp Audio Books.
January 31, 2021
Another who dunnit, that definitely keeps the reader's undivided attention throughout this compelling story of unending excitement! The final is a little disappointing, but I guess all's well that ends well!
Certainly five stars worthy, as Kate, and her bunch of Conch's, are kept busy throughout this ongoing series of heartwarming entertainment! There are no slow downs throughout this compelling series of unending exciting adventures, as a dedicated group of people work together in their attempts to recover an abundance of hidden treasure of the coast of the Florida Keys! Plenty of suspenseful moments,especially in the waning moments of this compassionately motivated story!
The Author's outstanding descriptive storylines successfully maintains anyone's undivided attention throughout this compelling story of unending exciting, and somewhat heartwarming, experiences. Too, the Author's successful selection of characters were perfectly selected for their commanding assignments throughout this polarizing series of outstanding accomplishments!
Definitely recommend this well defined story to all readers, regardless of your reading preference. The fast moving series of events perpetually motivates you to continue reading to see what will happen next! Too, you will find very few slow downs throughout the entire. Hard to put down, as Kate, and crew, work together like a well oiled machine in their quest in locating a long ago buried treasure! Try it! You'll love it!!!😃
Certainly five stars worthy, as Kate, and her bunch of Conch's, are kept busy throughout this ongoing series of heartwarming entertainment! There are no slow downs throughout this compelling series of unending exciting adventures, as a dedicated group of people work together in their attempts to recover an abundance of hidden treasure of the coast of the Florida Keys! Plenty of suspenseful moments,especially in the waning moments of this compassionately motivated story!
The Author's outstanding descriptive storylines successfully maintains anyone's undivided attention throughout this compelling story of unending exciting, and somewhat heartwarming, experiences. Too, the Author's successful selection of characters were perfectly selected for their commanding assignments throughout this polarizing series of outstanding accomplishments!
Definitely recommend this well defined story to all readers, regardless of your reading preference. The fast moving series of events perpetually motivates you to continue reading to see what will happen next! Too, you will find very few slow downs throughout the entire. Hard to put down, as Kate, and crew, work together like a well oiled machine in their quest in locating a long ago buried treasure! Try it! You'll love it!!!😃
February 10, 2021
I have so many other authors series that I need to complete, I'm not sure why I started a new one. However - I am glad I did. Lost Key is set on Shark Key, in the lower Florida Keys. The storyline is similar to other 'treasure hunting' stories based in the Keys, but the author throws in an unusual twist regarding the source of the treasure. There is quite a bit of character development in this, the first of the series, but I was unsure as to who the prevailing character was for much of the book. I take that as a positive, meaning the author spent time on all of the characters, even those eventually 'lost' before the end of the book. Overall, it was a very enjoyable story line, not new, but refreshed enough to keep me up late turning pages, wanting to see how it ended. I look forward to the next three books in her series, and have already begun #2.
March 18, 2021
Family isn't always those connected by blood, family is our community.
Kate's life was turned upside down. She is so shaken she feels the need to start over some where new. Where no one knows about her past or how deeply scarred it hayloft her. She and Whiskey live at the marina, on a houseboat with no motor. This is where the thriller begins. Chuck, the owner shares a fanciful tale of his grand father and Al Capones secret room with boxes of gold coins and jewels.
A local land baron has his sights set on Chuck's marina without finding Capone's chest of gold, the marina will be reposed and turned into another multi-millionaire gated community. Yacht's, private planes and scuba gear are put into play as the search begins, they have less than 2 weeks and time is running out.
Kate's life was turned upside down. She is so shaken she feels the need to start over some where new. Where no one knows about her past or how deeply scarred it hayloft her. She and Whiskey live at the marina, on a houseboat with no motor. This is where the thriller begins. Chuck, the owner shares a fanciful tale of his grand father and Al Capones secret room with boxes of gold coins and jewels.
A local land baron has his sights set on Chuck's marina without finding Capone's chest of gold, the marina will be reposed and turned into another multi-millionaire gated community. Yacht's, private planes and scuba gear are put into play as the search begins, they have less than 2 weeks and time is running out.
February 23, 2021
A little too
So I love the description of the Keys, the mangroves, the waters. The characters are all great... except Kate. I get she went through a lot and she’s got baggage but I just got sick of her constant nastiness towards people that were doing awesome things for her. It got a little repetitive that she didn’t get out of her own way. I’m guessing people are like that sure - but it was a little too much for me in the main character. Hoping the next book she’s a little more balanced out.
So I love the description of the Keys, the mangroves, the waters. The characters are all great... except Kate. I get she went through a lot and she’s got baggage but I just got sick of her constant nastiness towards people that were doing awesome things for her. It got a little repetitive that she didn’t get out of her own way. I’m guessing people are like that sure - but it was a little too much for me in the main character. Hoping the next book she’s a little more balanced out.
January 1, 2021
A sleepy island becomes the focus for criminals and their high rise development
Generations have enjoyed the life and sunsets on this friendly Florida key island but life changes quickly when gangsters threaten foreclosure and hired killers are sent to threaten enforce compliance. Excellent characters, outstanding action, fascinating plot with plenty of twists and turns right to the end. Well worth the time.
Generations have enjoyed the life and sunsets on this friendly Florida key island but life changes quickly when gangsters threaten foreclosure and hired killers are sent to threaten enforce compliance. Excellent characters, outstanding action, fascinating plot with plenty of twists and turns right to the end. Well worth the time.
January 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. The author’s notes at the end state she is trying to provide insight into the life of a local rather than the perspective of a visitor to the keys. In my opinion she succeeded.
While the plot encounters over-the-top action, it never pushed me outside the storyline. Obviously a place where everyone has a backstory and fends for themselves, they are also small town friendly and reach out to help others in need.
Recommended read!
While the plot encounters over-the-top action, it never pushed me outside the storyline. Obviously a place where everyone has a backstory and fends for themselves, they are also small town friendly and reach out to help others in need.
Recommended read!
May 23, 2023
Adventurous tale set in the Florida Keys. Kate is living in a houseboat without a motor in a slip somewhere in the FL Keys. She connects with a group of locals who are fighting to keep their key from a ruthless developer's hands. As she works with this found family, she slowly begins to shed some of the pain that sent her far from home. Lots of excitement and thrills as this ragtag group of folk battle the mercenary world. I look forward to more in this series.
August 31, 2021
This is the first in this series and the first I have read this author. At the start of the book it seemed to drag a bit, but then got interesting. It did seem that the ending was really rushed, almost like the author met his number of word commitment and just ended it. I am not sure I will read future books in this series.
September 1, 2021
I liked the heroine of the story an her dog Whiskey. The other characters are also likeable. And if you want to learn about how boats work or about scuba diving, this is a book for you. There are a lot of details in the story. The action is spread thin, while the conversations go on. And then it's over. The author explains what happens after the fact and the reader doesn't see it coming.
September 14, 2021
It's a good story but nothing great, IMHO. The characters were well developed, but some lack depth/credibility in crises like Steve and Vince. For the most part, the story was predictable. What damaged it the most for me was the endless, tedious details of every scene or place that dulled the interest. Other than that, it is well written.
November 18, 2021
Developers push ahead to destroy PARADISE!
Laid back lifestyle! Community family! SUDDENLY AT RISK!!
Third generation marina camp ground owner, falls on hard times with bad economy. Forced to borrow money and tough to pay back! Bank calls loan!
A beautiful story bringing locals together in order to save their living arrangements.
Well written! A GREAT READ!!
Laid back lifestyle! Community family! SUDDENLY AT RISK!!
Third generation marina camp ground owner, falls on hard times with bad economy. Forced to borrow money and tough to pay back! Bank calls loan!
A beautiful story bringing locals together in order to save their living arrangements.
Well written! A GREAT READ!!
July 7, 2022
Wild lively crew of Conchs save an historical Key camp ground after salvaging an Al Capone legacy treasure. Fun chases, weird criminal elements and deep friendships among the locals all add up to one lively fast paced read. I’ve already moved to the second book in this series since I liked the characters so much!
October 14, 2022
Leaky boats
Very entertaining! This book gives a glimpse of "the life" some dream of - carefree? But, it goes further to show the life we should all strive for - one with family/friends who pull together to keep each other afloat while traveling through life on leaky boats! Fun read!
Very entertaining! This book gives a glimpse of "the life" some dream of - carefree? But, it goes further to show the life we should all strive for - one with family/friends who pull together to keep each other afloat while traveling through life on leaky boats! Fun read!
April 9, 2023
It wad no Clive Cussler adventure, but I had high hopes for this key west set treasure hunt. 3/4 of the book is spent chasing the bad guy, and it gets old quick. The characters felt like a bunch of old people, and Kate's back story is not as important as you think it's going to be. 'D like to give this series a second chance and try the next book, but if it's more of the same I'll skip the third.
January 31, 2024
People helping people
Great story! Kate and her island friends delve into an adventure that started in Old Chicago back in the days of Al Capone. This is a story about how friends bond together to help one another. Even when pushed to the breaking point. Will they find what they are looking for? Is it even real?
Great story! Kate and her island friends delve into an adventure that started in Old Chicago back in the days of Al Capone. This is a story about how friends bond together to help one another. Even when pushed to the breaking point. Will they find what they are looking for? Is it even real?
June 29, 2025
interesting plot and great setting
I found this debut novel somewhat intriguing. I know very little about the islands that make up the Florida keys, Shark Key is an interesting place filled with quirky characters. Looking for more story development in the other books that follow.
I found this debut novel somewhat intriguing. I know very little about the islands that make up the Florida keys, Shark Key is an interesting place filled with quirky characters. Looking for more story development in the other books that follow.
July 23, 2025
Sadly broken
The story starts out well, but then is bogged down with conveniently overheard private conversations (alla Miss Marple), characters without a clue what situational awareness is and random deaths that don't seem to effect anyone. Really wanted it to be better... Whiskey was the only one I ended up connecting to...
The story starts out well, but then is bogged down with conveniently overheard private conversations (alla Miss Marple), characters without a clue what situational awareness is and random deaths that don't seem to effect anyone. Really wanted it to be better... Whiskey was the only one I ended up connecting to...
May 29, 2020
Outstanding First Book of This Series
Great book - story and characters and excitement with an excellent ending. I will read more of this series and other of Chris's books
Thanks to Cap Daniels, author of a 10 book Chase series, for recommending Chris Niles to read.
Great book - story and characters and excitement with an excellent ending. I will read more of this series and other of Chris's books
Thanks to Cap Daniels, author of a 10 book Chase series, for recommending Chris Niles to read.
June 1, 2020
The Keys. Family. A furry friend.
This book is definitely a great read . The setting is spectacular: the Keys. The characters are friends/family you would want to ultrasound own. And ,of course Whiskey . Gotta have a protector/friend. 🙂
This book is definitely a great read . The setting is spectacular: the Keys. The characters are friends/family you would want to ultrasound own. And ,of course Whiskey . Gotta have a protector/friend. 🙂
September 6, 2020
Great read! Of course because I lived in the Keys for 3 years, it was fun to be able to follow where the characters lived and recognize places. This was a very good mystery too. I’ll be reading book 2 of this series!
November 17, 2020
Syspenseful, Action-Packed Mystety!
From the beginning, there seems to be little hope for justice as a local wealthy "thug" takes advantage of honest, caring people in a family-like community. Action increase right up to the surprise ending!
From the beginning, there seems to be little hope for justice as a local wealthy "thug" takes advantage of honest, caring people in a family-like community. Action increase right up to the surprise ending!
November 17, 2020
Life in the Florida Keys.
An exciting story with so many twists and turns with danger around every corner. This story also deals with learning how to handle the grief of a loved one. A super good book.
An exciting story with so many twists and turns with danger around every corner. This story also deals with learning how to handle the grief of a loved one. A super good book.
November 19, 2020
Good read!
Wow! It's been a while since I had read an entire book in two evenings. Great adventure and. Mystery. This is my kind of book. Now will you let me remove this book so I can get another book to read?
Wow! It's been a while since I had read an entire book in two evenings. Great adventure and. Mystery. This is my kind of book. Now will you let me remove this book so I can get another book to read?
November 25, 2020
Captivating!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end. Hard to put down. Great variety of experiences I could identify with, and recognize the author's knowledge. Good adventure and treasure hunt. Buy this book!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end. Hard to put down. Great variety of experiences I could identify with, and recognize the author's knowledge. Good adventure and treasure hunt. Buy this book!
January 25, 2021
Book about a grieving widow and her friend, a native Florida and their search for lost treasure. Kept me interested. Not a crime or mystery novel per se, more a contemporary novel with a brief look back to the origin of the treasure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews