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In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Jesse McDermitt has rebuilt his island in the Content Keys far better than it was before the storm. The task was enormous, but so was his need to make things better.

Unbeknownst to Jesse, an environmentally conscious woman from his past has stumbled onto a drug manufacturing cartel in Virginia while working on a pollution mitigation problem. The cartel responds by sending someone to murder people Jesse cares for. A contract killer stalks the woman all the way to Miami, leaving bodies in his wake.

With the help of an old flame in the FBI, Jesse goes to the snow-covered Appalachians to get to the root of the trouble; an unscrupulous prosecutor and dirty sheriff, who are producing LSD on an unbelievable scale.

Is Jesse out of his element this time? Can he protect the people he cares for most? It’s a race against time and Mother Nature to find a killer stalking the quiet neighborhoods of Coconut Grove.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2019

889 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Wayne Stinnett

55 books634 followers
I'm a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and now, a full time novelist. Between those careers, I've also worked as a deckhand, commercial fisherman, divemaster, taxi driver, construction manager, and truck driver. I live in the Sea Islands, near Beaufort, SC, with my wife and youngest daughter. We also have three grown children, five grand children, three dogs and a whole flock of parakeets. I grew up in Melbourne, FL and have also lived in the Florida Keys and Cozumel, MX.

You can like me on Facebook, to get updates at https://www.facebook.com/WayneStinnet...

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5 stars
1,442 (69%)
4 stars
499 (24%)
3 stars
101 (4%)
2 stars
12 (<1%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
6,209 reviews80 followers
December 2, 2022
Jesse just finished rebuilding his island after a hurricane, when a woman from his past turns up. She stumbled onto an LSD lab in rural Virginia. Jesse goes undercover, so we get a halfway decent hicksploitation novel.
Profile Image for Jim A.
1,267 reviews82 followers
March 30, 2020
Most of this book takes place in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Jesse is up there to discover who killed his ex wife's current lover. That leads to illegal whiskey and then to LSD being made on one of farms. Jesse, a local judge, and an FBI agent from a previous story combine to bring down the bad guys. The end game takes place in the Everglades when one of the baddies finds himself out of his element in the 'Glades, not the hills of Virginia. And then there's Jesse's usual bad luck with women and relationships. Makes for a very entertaining and fast moving story.

A lot of relationships between the characters is dependent upon the previous books in the series. Not critical, but it helps to know who the players are.
Profile Image for Annette Stokes.
28 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2019
Jesse McDermitt in the snowy north. What?

Wayne Stinnetts books take you on a journey to places some of us have never seen. His description of the places give you just enough to visualize where the story takes place and to learn some about the area. Add in Jesse McDermitt and adventure and suspense begin. This one takes Jesse out of his element but as always Jesse easily adapts to his surroundings. This latest story keeps you going to the last page.
I highly recommend all of Mr Stinnetts books. This one continues the story of Jesse McDermitt and his friends and coworkers and as always is an easy enjoyable read.
29 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2019
Rising star was as good or better than any book you've ever written. I absolutely loved it. I just wish it didn't have to end! Please never change your style of writing. I prefer a Storyteller over a polished author any day. You are a great Storyteller. Thank you for bringing me into your story. I feel like family every time I read one of your books. This was no exception. I can't wait for your next book to come out.
Profile Image for Don Rich.
Author 36 books72 followers
December 2, 2019
Another great installment in the Jesse McDermitt series! Wayne Stinnett shows us that it doesn't matter where Jesse is, either way inland, on his island, or in the 'glades, he's a force to be reckoned with, especially when his family is threatened.
203 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2019
A salty.dog triumphs again

The only issue I have ever had with Stinnett's books is that they can't be put down, and they seem to fly by. I'm always left wanting more - almost to the point of rereading the entire series again from the beginning.

Jesse McDermott seems to have some shared literary DNA with David Wolf from Jeff Carson. Solitary, resourceful, former military, more interested in solving crimes than to.ance or sex. Both are widowers, both have grown children and both are very readable. McDermitt, of the two, is far more invincible and has a much wider world.




36 reviews
April 23, 2020
Thank you Wayne!!

I cannot tell you how much I love your Jesse McDermitt books! The characters are all so real it is almost as though you actually know them. When you're on Jesse's island,walk into Rusty's bar or talk to Deuce or Chyrel. It was great all the exes in one room and I don't really like breakup with Sara very much and I'm not a big fan of Savannah at all. How much I would love to see it for myself, so thank you for bringing it to live for me.
73 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2019
VERY VERY good reading

I'm going to be a little more careful in my opinion on this book. I highly recommend reading this series of Wayne Stinnett. All of his books are written in a way that makes you feel like you are standing next to the people in the book.

He has done a great job with this book and I am waiting for the next book to be published.
Profile Image for Stephen Cruickshank.
35 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2019
Rising water

Another fantastic book from Wayne i have read and re read his books and will no doubt add this to the list of book's i will have to read again and again the story was fantastic and bringing all the women in his life at the end was just so funny and a great way to finish the book with his meeting up with Savannah and Flo for Christmas was the best
Profile Image for Robyn Balmer.
190 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2024
I am slowly reading all of Wayne Stinnett’s books and “Rising Spirit” is the last one I have read, and it was terrific. This book takes Jesse McDermitt away from the Florida Keys to the snow-covered Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. His first wife’s partner was murdered by some drug traffickers, and she travelled to her daughter’s home to recover. Jesse was worried that his daughter and her family, who lived close by Jesse, were in danger of exposure to these drug trafficking people and he decided to check them out in Virginia.
Jesse managed to obtain the assistance of a local Judge, Ollie, and an old FBI acquaintance to foil the plans of an LSD syndicate.
I love the characters that Wayne Stinnett has developed in this series. I feel as if I know them as he describes them so well. Jesse is a terrific character with many skills and can cope in any situation, but he has a bit of trouble with women. I was glad that he has now reunited with Savannah and Florence but I’m sad that Sarah is now history.
Anyone would enjoy this book, but one would appreciate it more if you have read the previous books of the series and would know Jesse’s acquaintances and lady friends better. It is a fast-paced story with lots of drama and action and I will be glad to give it five stars. I’m looking forward to the next one but I’m worried that Jesse is getting too old to keep up with his adventures.
Profile Image for BJ.
465 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2020
He's really not "out of his element"

This one might be one of the best Jesse adventure yet! Lots of good action, just Jesse doing what he does best. Loved judge Ollie and his part in this one. I lived just south of where this all took place and it brought back some memories. As for the women of Jesse's life... Just the last chapter, and the women were the ones that worked out out, all without bloodshed!
Profile Image for John  Halajko.
88 reviews
August 16, 2023
Jesse’s Woman Woes

Well another good read from Mr Stinnett did not have the tension of some of his other novels but still a good read. You could almost feel the sweat on Jesse’s as more and more women from his past showed up…we were missing an free spirit on an island, a Miami cop and a Doctor to round out the group! Will be interested in seeing where his love life goes but it was nice he finally has met Flo and made amends.
23 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2020
Good story.
Jesse is pullled away from his Florida Keys stomping grounds and finds some shenanigans in the Carolinas that his code of honor=r requires he set straight. I good romp told in Wayne Stinnetts’ impeccable style.
Fans of Jesse McDermitt will like it.
114 reviews
October 4, 2021
Great storyline

I'm not much for water, water, water so this was even better on land and some water. Entertaining romp with all the women. Glad to see the take down of the druggies/shiners and old Stu. Kept me entertained the whole way.
Profile Image for Brenda Jenkins Kleager.
105 reviews29 followers
February 27, 2022
Book Maybe 21

I have been reading the Jesse McDermitt and Charity Styles Series for a couple months. Good page turners and enjoyable reads. Start at the beginning. I think Fallen Palm.
1 review
June 13, 2024
I am a huge fan of Wayne Sennett, but this series is subpar. The Jesse and Charity series were excellent, but I could have told anyone not knowing the authors that Me Synettee did not write this series by himself. Give me more Jessee and Charit books written by you and you alone.
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Profile Image for joe kraus.
178 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2024
Awesome

Another great book and enjoyed reading about the DeHaviland Beaver. My husband worked on them for about 5 years after we got out of the military. The anaconda couldn't have eaten a better guy!!!
145 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2020
Riding Spirit

I like the way Mr. Stinnett tells a story. He keeps the purpose of it constantly moving throughout the book.
2 reviews
January 22, 2021
Like a fine wine

Every novel gets better and better. I am ready to dive into the next one. Going to be a late night again.
1 review
April 7, 2021
Another wonderful book by this author!

As always, Wayne Stinnett takes the reader on another great Caribbean adventure. Jesse McDermitt never fails to keep you turning the pages.
43 reviews
August 24, 2021
Wayne

What can I say that I haven’t said about every book of yours that I’ve read. Wonderful characters, great story
15 reviews
March 3, 2022
what a fantastic book

Wayne did a great job on this one. One twist after another. The guy has a way with words. That’s for sure.
23 reviews
April 6, 2022
New location new twist

New location new twist to the mystery novels enjoy this one also get bounced around a little bit but it was great I’m glad Clough got to meet her dad
560 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2023
Jesse is reunited with Savannah and Florence.
Now to begin a life growing old together.
But with evil in the world, can Jesse really find
peace.
7 reviews
March 14, 2024
A wrap!!

Really enjoyed this book. You kind of wrapped up a series in book 16. Put Jesse on the spot but let him feel good about it all. Thanks for another well written book.
138 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2024
Outstanding read. Rising Spirit is another of Wayne Stinnett's wonderful works of art. A very interesting plot, well put together. this is a difficult book to put down.
Profile Image for Scott Reas.
43 reviews
March 20, 2025
Jessie is finally nearing home

Wayne’s Best Yet. I am thrilled to have many more of his Yarns to Savor, I’ve worked my way through many of his Tall Tales and enjoyed them all.
243 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2025
great action packed read

I wasn’t sure I’d like leaving the beaches and water behind; but this ended up being a great book! Lots of action and a wonderful ending!
258 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2020
After completing "Rising Water", book #15, I moved on to book #16 the last available book to date in the series (#17 will be released later this year) and I have to say it is every bit as good as was "Rising Water".

I not only recommend this book as well, I also recommend the entire series. In addition I "highly recommend" reading the series from its beginning for if you may become confused by some of the references to Jesse McDermitt's past. That of course is up to you, as the book can be read as a standalone novel and I know the price of the entire series is going to be steep.

It's, as always, all about priorities and costs afterall.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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