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Jeri Howard Mystery #4
Don't Turn Your Back On The Ocean
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN ON A PI'S VACATION?
A dead body on the beach, most likely.
In this riveting fourth mystery in the Jeri Howard Private Investigator Series, Janet Dawson takes readers on a road trip down the California coast to Monterey,where Jeri is looking to catch a respite from the PI life to relax and visit family. Easier said than done. From the first moment of her arrival in the quiet seaside town, nothing is as it seems.
First, some maniac is mutilating brown pelicans on Monterey Bay. Jeri's cousin, Donna, who works for the Department of Fish and Game, wants Jeri all over the case. And another one too--something even more sinister that went down only miles from Monterey. And Jeri's other cousin, Bobby, is the prime suspect.
A local fisherman and erratic alcoholic, Bobby is getting into deep water. His girlfriend went missing after the couple had an altercation at a bar up the coast. When a woman's body washes ashore, it seems to the local cops that Bobby’s involved in both cases.
Suddenly Monterey Bay's picturesque waters have become a dark and overpowering force for the vacationing detective and her family. The whole town’s awash in secrets, but answers are in as short supply as healthy pelicans. The only thing Jeri knows for sure? Don't ever turn your back on the ocean.
A dead body on the beach, most likely.
In this riveting fourth mystery in the Jeri Howard Private Investigator Series, Janet Dawson takes readers on a road trip down the California coast to Monterey,where Jeri is looking to catch a respite from the PI life to relax and visit family. Easier said than done. From the first moment of her arrival in the quiet seaside town, nothing is as it seems.
First, some maniac is mutilating brown pelicans on Monterey Bay. Jeri's cousin, Donna, who works for the Department of Fish and Game, wants Jeri all over the case. And another one too--something even more sinister that went down only miles from Monterey. And Jeri's other cousin, Bobby, is the prime suspect.
A local fisherman and erratic alcoholic, Bobby is getting into deep water. His girlfriend went missing after the couple had an altercation at a bar up the coast. When a woman's body washes ashore, it seems to the local cops that Bobby’s involved in both cases.
Suddenly Monterey Bay's picturesque waters have become a dark and overpowering force for the vacationing detective and her family. The whole town’s awash in secrets, but answers are in as short supply as healthy pelicans. The only thing Jeri knows for sure? Don't ever turn your back on the ocean.
438 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 1994
223 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dawson
65 books71 followersJanet Dawson is the author of The Sacrificial Daughter, first in a new series featuring geriatric care manager. She has also written thirteen novels featuring Oakland private investigator Jeri Howard. Her first, Kindred Crimes, won the St. Martin's Press/Private Eye Writers of America contest for best first private eye novel. The most recent book in the series is The Devil Close Behind.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 23, 2021
Vacation in Monterey, family visit turns into investigation into pelican mutilation, environmental pollution, murder…plus suspicious accidents at Mom’s restaurant. Jeri got her hands full
May 13, 2021
You’re always guaranteed something different and intriguing with private investigator, Jeri Howard. In this case her investigation has an environmental theme. While on holiday in Monterey, she’s asked to help find someone who’s mutilating pelicans. Then her cousin, Bobby, becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his lover. And if that’s not enough to keep Jeri occupied, someone’s trying to destroy her mother’s restaurant business with acts of sabotage.
Are all three issues linked or nothing more than coincidence?
Naturally, Jeri focuses on the murder, crossing swords with the local police in the process. Though warned off, she continues to probe and dig, uncovering a growing list of murder suspects with good motives and means. Jeri’s investigation certainly reveals the divisions with the otherwise peaceful Monterey community.
As the case grows bigger, Jeri seeks help from former employer and mentor, Errol, who still has plenty to offer, despite retiring as a private investigator. With him on board, the investigation gains traction until Jeri homes in on the killer for an exciting chase climax.
And yes, there are links to the pelican mutilation and restaurant sabotage, rounding off the investigation nicely.
It’s another detailed, meticulous investigation that reveals Jeri Howard’s determination and guts, alongside her family loyalties and fragilities. It all adds to the depth of the characters and story, leading to a more satisfying read.
Are all three issues linked or nothing more than coincidence?
Naturally, Jeri focuses on the murder, crossing swords with the local police in the process. Though warned off, she continues to probe and dig, uncovering a growing list of murder suspects with good motives and means. Jeri’s investigation certainly reveals the divisions with the otherwise peaceful Monterey community.
As the case grows bigger, Jeri seeks help from former employer and mentor, Errol, who still has plenty to offer, despite retiring as a private investigator. With him on board, the investigation gains traction until Jeri homes in on the killer for an exciting chase climax.
And yes, there are links to the pelican mutilation and restaurant sabotage, rounding off the investigation nicely.
It’s another detailed, meticulous investigation that reveals Jeri Howard’s determination and guts, alongside her family loyalties and fragilities. It all adds to the depth of the characters and story, leading to a more satisfying read.
October 29, 2023
free ebook set 1-5
this is 4
after her last case, she went to visit mom in montery. her cousin there asked her to help look into the case of who is catching pelicans and cutting their bills. also a woman, from cal poly slo , is missing.
she was found murdered. her boyfriend is the pi's cousin who everyone thinks killed her
she is looking into it, but there is something he is not telling her, about what they fought about the day before she disappeared
also the pi's moms restaurant is being targeted, someone is trying to shut her down by changing salt for sugar, a mouse in a dinner plate, a stink bomb, etc, so she is trying to figure out who did it
her mom has a new boyfriend, 10 yrs younger than her. his sister in law works there. his brother was killed in a car accident. the girl had gone to his boatyard asking questions about how they dispose of things. she went to cp slo and worked at the water board and knew what was allowed to be dumped
she figured out the sister in law from the boat place was dumping stuff in the ocean. the girl that got killed figured it out so she killed her
she got her and her helper arrested during a boat chase to stop them
this was the best in the series as it was partly in slo and i remember the places that used to be here that were in the book
she kind of made up with her mom and spent another night with her. her cat is upset she is gone so long from home!
this is 4
after her last case, she went to visit mom in montery. her cousin there asked her to help look into the case of who is catching pelicans and cutting their bills. also a woman, from cal poly slo , is missing.
she was found murdered. her boyfriend is the pi's cousin who everyone thinks killed her
she is looking into it, but there is something he is not telling her, about what they fought about the day before she disappeared
also the pi's moms restaurant is being targeted, someone is trying to shut her down by changing salt for sugar, a mouse in a dinner plate, a stink bomb, etc, so she is trying to figure out who did it
her mom has a new boyfriend, 10 yrs younger than her. his sister in law works there. his brother was killed in a car accident. the girl had gone to his boatyard asking questions about how they dispose of things. she went to cp slo and worked at the water board and knew what was allowed to be dumped
she figured out the sister in law from the boat place was dumping stuff in the ocean. the girl that got killed figured it out so she killed her
she got her and her helper arrested during a boat chase to stop them
this was the best in the series as it was partly in slo and i remember the places that used to be here that were in the book
she kind of made up with her mom and spent another night with her. her cat is upset she is gone so long from home!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2021
"Beautiful Ariel Logan was last seen quarreling with her boyfriend outside a Monterey pub. Now she lies dead on a California beach. An autopsy reveals that Ariel's death is no accidental drowning, but a cold-blooded killing.
Vacationing private investigator Jeri Howard has more than professional interest in the case: Ariel's boyfriend, the prime murder suspect, is Jeri's rowdy cousin Bobby Ravella. Despite Bobby's refusal to defend himself, Jeri believes in his innocence, and instinct tells her the murder is part of a far larger evil. To find the truth, Jeri goes fishing for a big one in deep and treacherous waters and discovers that Ariel's short life was not free from dark secrets ..."
~~back cover
I generally don't read this kind of mystery, but it's set in the Monterey Bay area, which is home. It was fun reading about all the places I know so well. And it was a very good mystery: well plotted, interesting characters, fast paced. Towards the end, I couldn't put it down.
Vacationing private investigator Jeri Howard has more than professional interest in the case: Ariel's boyfriend, the prime murder suspect, is Jeri's rowdy cousin Bobby Ravella. Despite Bobby's refusal to defend himself, Jeri believes in his innocence, and instinct tells her the murder is part of a far larger evil. To find the truth, Jeri goes fishing for a big one in deep and treacherous waters and discovers that Ariel's short life was not free from dark secrets ..."
~~back cover
I generally don't read this kind of mystery, but it's set in the Monterey Bay area, which is home. It was fun reading about all the places I know so well. And it was a very good mystery: well plotted, interesting characters, fast paced. Towards the end, I couldn't put it down.
December 30, 2019
This novel is another great look at Oakland Private Investigator Jeri Howard. This time Jeri visits her family in Monterey and gets involved in family drama, environmental issues and a murder investigation. Although this book was written in 1994 it does not seem dated. Of course the use of land lines, pay phones and phonebooks are not germane today but the environmental issues raised and the relationships between all the characters seem very contemporary.
I enjoy reading about Howard because she is a strong, self-assured female who is not perfect but not saddled with an anti-hero backstory either. Her stories follow a linear trajetory and she doesn't rush her endings. She also doesn't burder her narrative with a unnecessary ramblings about the clothes Jeri wears or overdone explanations of sunsets.
As an aside, it never fails to surprise me what people will do for money. Where is an avenging angel when you need one?
I enjoy reading about Howard because she is a strong, self-assured female who is not perfect but not saddled with an anti-hero backstory either. Her stories follow a linear trajetory and she doesn't rush her endings. She also doesn't burder her narrative with a unnecessary ramblings about the clothes Jeri wears or overdone explanations of sunsets.
As an aside, it never fails to surprise me what people will do for money. Where is an avenging angel when you need one?
February 8, 2023
Janet Dawson is an author that I have not read before. I found this book on my kindle and I am not sure when I acquired it. I am sure I was drawn to the book because of its location the Monterey Bay. I love this area and am very familiar with it. Janet Dawson does an excellent job of describing the area. I noticed the lack of cell phones and other 2023 items but thought maybe it was set at a different time. When I started to write this review I realized the book was written in 1994 there that mystery was solved. I bring this up because the book is so well written that I thought it was written in current times. I will also admit that the ecological aspect of this story and the mutation of sea life was really hard for me to read. I know this is fiction but I pray it stays that way.
March 20, 2018
I enjoyed the characters in this book. The dialogue was realistic and believable. The plot was interesting and the setting--all along the Central California Coast--was a delight. I'm guessing this was the author's first novel and she did quite well. My only fault was the almost obsessive way she described every single setting. While I understand the need to set the scene, extremely detailed descriptions pale after a while and lead to skimming.
But her characters shine and the way she tied the separate plot lines together at the end was well done.
In short, this was a worthwhile and entertaining read and I recommend it to any who like PI style mysteries.
But her characters shine and the way she tied the separate plot lines together at the end was well done.
In short, this was a worthwhile and entertaining read and I recommend it to any who like PI style mysteries.
February 28, 2021
Jeri finally travels to Monterey for an oft-postponed visit to her mother, only to find herself investigating three interrelated mysteries involving family and friends. I like the fact that her mentor Errol, now retired in Carmel, plays a larger role in this one. The descriptions of both the provincial nature of Monterey as well as its stunning natural environment make this one a delight to read. Jeri's character is even more deeply developed as we see her interact with her mother, who both worries over her behavior and resents her intrusion into her life.
September 5, 2019
I just love this series by Janet Dawson. Her characters are finely drawn and quite human. The stories are interesting and make sense, (unlike some authors, the story, even when complicated, can be followed and enjoyed!)
I am now on to reading the next book in the series and I would suggest reading these books in order since they do follow on the heels of one another. I recommend this author and this series highly.
I am now on to reading the next book in the series and I would suggest reading these books in order since they do follow on the heels of one another. I recommend this author and this series highly.
September 22, 2021
Lots of twists and turns when Jeri goes to Monterey to visit her mother and her large extended Irish/Italian family. Her relationship with her mother has always been complicated and it continues even as her mom's restaurant is targeted by pranks to cause closure and trouble with the health department. At the same time, one of her cousins, a fisherman trying to keep his boat and crew afloat is suspected of murdering his upper crust girlfriend.
September 21, 2025
To me this is the best yet. Thoroughly believable story with descriptions that have you there all the way.
Jeri, at long last, is able to make the trip to Monteray to see her mother and many other relations. Little did she know that a vacation was going to turn into a three pronged case. This takes all her skills, plus some help from her mentor, to unravel a tangled weave. Really enjoyed this novel.
Jeri, at long last, is able to make the trip to Monteray to see her mother and many other relations. Little did she know that a vacation was going to turn into a three pronged case. This takes all her skills, plus some help from her mentor, to unravel a tangled weave. Really enjoyed this novel.
June 3, 2018
Good Whodunit!
Likeable protagonist, a female private investigator, a few mysteries, skillfully woven and unraveled in the blockbuster finale. This author writes skillfully, creates interesting characters the reader gets to know and crafts a sense of place, setting a scene that soon absorbs us. I recommend the series.
Likeable protagonist, a female private investigator, a few mysteries, skillfully woven and unraveled in the blockbuster finale. This author writes skillfully, creates interesting characters the reader gets to know and crafts a sense of place, setting a scene that soon absorbs us. I recommend the series.
December 9, 2020
This one takes her home, literally, to Monterey, where her mother lives. She has a rocky relationship with her mother as she has never forgiven her mother for leaving her marriage.
There is lots going on in this book, and at times, I was having a hard time keeping up with the three different storylines. somehow she manages to bring them all back together.
There is lots going on in this book, and at times, I was having a hard time keeping up with the three different storylines. somehow she manages to bring them all back together.
July 15, 2021
Each book is better than the last!! This author researches thoroughly her subject lines and then weaves those into this incredibly good story. So good that it’s hard to put the book down, you just want to continue reading until you can finish it. This is an incredibly good series one of the best I’ve ever read. I keep coming back to read the next book because I know it’s gonna be great!!
May 4, 2025
In this story, Jeri is visiting her numerous family members, and her oft-mentioned but not seen Mother. Naturally she gets three cases to investigate, for free, while on vacation. The plots intersect in a way that can't be foreseen. The MC's family is developed, but still not much development of Jeri as a person.
April 11, 2018
loved the title.
This mystery had a lot of twists and turns. I enjoy reading about Jeri Howard PI. My criticism is -too much discussion on roads or highways. If you're not from California its just annoying. Most of the time it's not necessary to the storyline.
This mystery had a lot of twists and turns. I enjoy reading about Jeri Howard PI. My criticism is -too much discussion on roads or highways. If you're not from California its just annoying. Most of the time it's not necessary to the storyline.
May 17, 2018
Loving Monterey, and California, was of special interest, the whales at Pelican Point, was done with great detailed. Problems with Bobby, and argument and now Ariel is missing. A good nvestigating mystery, and will look for more to read by her.
September 3, 2018
Boring and slow
The main character Jerry, a private detective returns home for vacation but ends up solving a murder and other crimes. Her personality is very lacking and has no humor making this story very humdrum.
The main character Jerry, a private detective returns home for vacation but ends up solving a murder and other crimes. Her personality is very lacking and has no humor making this story very humdrum.
May 14, 2021
Jeri is a PI in California, single and lives with her feisty cat Abigail. Several things I have observed about Jeri, she has tunnel vision when it comes to solving a case. Also she has a obnoxious overbearing personality with no filter or decorum when it comes to getting answers.
March 13, 2018
Apparently the Ravella family spent decades catching and killing every fish they could and now they're spending decades complaining about the fish being gone.
March 15, 2018
Enjoyed this book from start to finish. Looking ford to more books by Janet Dawson.
March 20, 2018
Good story
Good research. That's what makes a book believable. I enjoyed the characters believing in their weakness and strengths. I will read more of janet's books.
Good research. That's what makes a book believable. I enjoyed the characters believing in their weakness and strengths. I will read more of janet's books.
March 26, 2018
Loved it! I really like Jeri!
I am enjoying this series immensely! Jeri is tough, persistent and gets things done. I am off to read the next one.
I am enjoying this series immensely! Jeri is tough, persistent and gets things done. I am off to read the next one.
May 20, 2018
Riveting!
The story line e was well paced . I enjoyed the settling and it carried me along. A great rainy day read
The story line e was well paced . I enjoyed the settling and it carried me along. A great rainy day read
December 13, 2018
Lotsa of left wing politics and religious history is buffeted, plot could’ve done with out these .
June 25, 2020
I'm enjoying this series!
November 15, 2020
Amazing
This book was fantastic. I love mysteries. I misses the first book by this author, bit so did download it. Enjoy
This book was fantastic. I love mysteries. I misses the first book by this author, bit so did download it. Enjoy
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February 11, 2021Read 2/21
May 3, 2021
Fantastic
Another winner and the reason I love this series your characters and the story line are excellent and fun to read.
Another winner and the reason I love this series your characters and the story line are excellent and fun to read.
May 17, 2021
Great book. Love this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews