TALES FROM PORT STARBIRD: The Storm Ketchum Tales

by Garrett Dennis

More slices of island life on the Outer Banks, from the author who took you to PORT STARBIRD!The Storm Ketchum Tales are short stories that are set in the world of the Storm Ketchum Adventures series of island mystery novels. The Tales can be read along with, or independently of, the Adventures. This volume contains all six previously published short Tales, plus chronological annotations that tie together the Adventures and the Tales, and a previously unpublished Tale titled ROUTE 101.An Olde Christmas CarolThe Sad Blue BoatCora's TreeDixie IslandThe Wayward MarinerPharaoh's TreasureRoute 101Join amateur sleuth Storm 'Ketch' Ketchum and his Kinnakeet Boatyard friends for mystery, history, and adventure on the picturesque Outer Banks of North Carolina, where intrigue always seems to be just around the next corner!If you're pining for John D. MacDonald and Travis McGee, Ketch might be your guy. Like Hemingway's Old Man, he reveres his island and the sea; but unlike Santiago, he doesn't fish - and despite his solitary nature, he and his boatyard friends find themselves embroiled in coastal intrigue more often than not. If you read the Hardy Boys series as a kid; if you're a fan of the Outer Banks lore of David Stick, Judge Charles Whedbee, or Ben Dixon MacNeill; or if an ecological and literary juxtaposition of Barbara Kingsolver, Randy Wayne White, Jimmy Buffett, and Carl Hiaasen might float your boat, you should enjoy the Storm Ketchum Adventures.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2020

Reviews

[Lana Kortchik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection of short stories about Storm Ketchum's adventures with his dog Jack. The writing is beautiful and the characters are wonderfully realistic and relatable. I found that I have become so attached to the characters, I was looking forward to getting back to them.

These stories have everything - friendship, mystery, suspense, adventure. My favourite character is definitely the dog, Jack. Loyal, smart and loving, he steals the show every time. The relationship between the man and his dog is developed with so much detail and so realistically, I thought it was the most beautiful thing about these stories. As someone who always had dogs growing up, I loved every word. I would recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys well-written stories that leave you wanting more.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice bunch of stories. I just love the setting of them. They all take place in the outerbanks of North Carolina. One of my favorite places in the world. I’m from the most opposite side of the state in the mountains so I love visiting the other side. There’s something so peaceful and serene about the place. And the people there are so nice, I always feel so welcome and at home like I’m around family. It’s such a beautiful place in more ways than one. So it was such a delight to find some stories set there. The stories, while short, were very good. It was so relaxing listening to them. Such a cozy feeling. When winter comes, I’m going to listen to them again.

The narrator was ok. I wasn’t crazy about her voice for the most part. It felt more like she was reading to children. But it wasn’t bad enough to that I didn’t enjoy the stories.

[Mb Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Collection!!

Tales From Port Starbird is the definitive collection of stories which fill the spaces between the three novels in the world of Storm Ketchum which is based in North Carolina's Outer Banks. I have fallen in love with this series and the characters the author brings to life in the Outer Banks setting. Whether you are a fan of mystery, adventure, or history of the Outer Banks, this collection has it all and is highly recommended. Let me not fail to mention that this collection includes a new, previously unpublished story titled ROUTE 101 which is a fascinating trip back into time and is a more than worthy addition to this collection. Please keep this good stuff coming Mr. Dennis!!

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Olde Christmas Carol: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 1) is my first read from author Garrett Dennis.
The Sad Blue Boat: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 2) is my second read from author Garrett Dennis.
Cora's Tree: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 3) is my third read from author Garrett Dennis.
Dixie Island: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 4) is my sixth read from author Garrett Dennis.
The Wayward Mariner: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 5) is my seventh read from author Garrett Dennis.
Pharaoh’s Treasure: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales Book 6) is my eighth read from author Garrett Dennis.
Route 101: A Storm Ketchum Tale (Storm Ketchum Tales) is my ninth read from author Garrett Dennis.
The great thing about this compilation is that they're tied together by narration placing the stories in the proper sequence of all the Storm Ketchum tales. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. Up next is Port Fee. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018). (less)

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales from Port Starboard is a collection of clean, quirky island stories and mysteries featuring a amateur sleuth of sorts. The setting is as important a character as the people in the books, and it was fun to get a taste of island life.

These stories are written to compliment the authors other books. This book also includes chronology synopses in between the stories so readers can place the stories with the authors other books. Unfortunately the explanations in between stories are distracting in audio format.

The narrator of the audiobook has a pleasant, easy going style that compliments the books.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Andrea Latham · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are short stories that