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Rick Waters #1
Blue Waters
★★★★★ "It grabs your attention and won’t let go!" - Reader Review___
A casual outing with a metal detector ends in a surprising not treasure... but the shocking remains of a gruesome murder!
Rick Waters is a jack-of-all treasure hunter, diver, part-time detective.
Never any good at holding down a steady job, Rick does whatever he can to make a living, from searching for stolen cars or missing persons, to catching and selling catfish from the bayou, or gambling in pool halls.
Whatever it takes to one day fulfill his his very own fishing yacht and charter business!
Little does Rick know, his latest foray into the bayou with his metal detector will forever change his life.
From the bayous of southeast Texas to the seedier neighborhoods of Houston, from the sparkling beaches of the Virgin Islands to the Voodoo drug dens of Haiti, Rick’s quest to find a killer will take all of his wits and skill to stay alive and bring justice for a young woman's murder.
And if he’s lucky, he might find some treasure after all.
Buckle up, grab your copy and enjoy the ride!
A casual outing with a metal detector ends in a surprising not treasure... but the shocking remains of a gruesome murder!
Rick Waters is a jack-of-all treasure hunter, diver, part-time detective.
Never any good at holding down a steady job, Rick does whatever he can to make a living, from searching for stolen cars or missing persons, to catching and selling catfish from the bayou, or gambling in pool halls.
Whatever it takes to one day fulfill his his very own fishing yacht and charter business!
Little does Rick know, his latest foray into the bayou with his metal detector will forever change his life.
From the bayous of southeast Texas to the seedier neighborhoods of Houston, from the sparkling beaches of the Virgin Islands to the Voodoo drug dens of Haiti, Rick’s quest to find a killer will take all of his wits and skill to stay alive and bring justice for a young woman's murder.
And if he’s lucky, he might find some treasure after all.
Buckle up, grab your copy and enjoy the ride!
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2020
788 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 15, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story! Rick is a jack of all trades. When he is out, treasure hunting, he stumbles upon a dead body. Along with his trusty bird, Chief, he sets out to solve the case.
September 26, 2020
Great Story Uninspired Ending
I immensely enjoyed the Rick Waters character and the interesting and fairly exciting storyline (can ya tell there's a BUT coming) but, the ending was way to abrupt, contrived, and simplistic without a hint or clue (allowing the reader more conceivable options) to its possibility in the story! I would've given it a higher rating but for this disappointing ending. I'll certainly try the next one.
I immensely enjoyed the Rick Waters character and the interesting and fairly exciting storyline (can ya tell there's a BUT coming) but, the ending was way to abrupt, contrived, and simplistic without a hint or clue (allowing the reader more conceivable options) to its possibility in the story! I would've given it a higher rating but for this disappointing ending. I'll certainly try the next one.
December 29, 2024
Well worth the read!
Exciting, riveting, full of suspense and danger. I enjoyed hearing about the relationship between Rick and his b I rd Chief.
Exciting, riveting, full of suspense and danger. I enjoyed hearing about the relationship between Rick and his b I rd Chief.
August 10, 2025
meh, it was OK. there was way too much going on between hunting for the treasure, solving murders, and then add the random stories pertaining to his love for pool and gambling
March 18, 2022
Home town
I was more surprised than ever as I read the first few paragraphs of Blue Waters and Rick Waters was fishing in waters I had fished as a kid. I was born in Jefferson County, Texas and fished most of the bayou, creeks, rivers, lakes and any other body of water that might have fish. Mr. Stone had my attention then and all the way through the entire book. I thought Blue Waters was well written and flowed quite naturally and was thrilled when his dream came to fruition at the end. I intend to read more of Eric Chance Stone's books.
I was more surprised than ever as I read the first few paragraphs of Blue Waters and Rick Waters was fishing in waters I had fished as a kid. I was born in Jefferson County, Texas and fished most of the bayou, creeks, rivers, lakes and any other body of water that might have fish. Mr. Stone had my attention then and all the way through the entire book. I thought Blue Waters was well written and flowed quite naturally and was thrilled when his dream came to fruition at the end. I intend to read more of Eric Chance Stone's books.
March 27, 2021
Like a bang.
Like many others I was curious enough about Eric Stone to look him up & found out I loved his music. “If You Ain’t Been Aground...” in particular is in a ton on my playlists. I may not be a sailer, but as an overlander in Appalachia the song is easily relatable to getting stuck off-road! Turns out, Mr. Stone is a true jack of all trades & this book proves it. Felt a real & easy connection to the lead character. The plot was enjoyable while avoiding the often predictable. Keep these books jammin’ along! Keep the shiny side up & the greasy side down!
Like many others I was curious enough about Eric Stone to look him up & found out I loved his music. “If You Ain’t Been Aground...” in particular is in a ton on my playlists. I may not be a sailer, but as an overlander in Appalachia the song is easily relatable to getting stuck off-road! Turns out, Mr. Stone is a true jack of all trades & this book proves it. Felt a real & easy connection to the lead character. The plot was enjoyable while avoiding the often predictable. Keep these books jammin’ along! Keep the shiny side up & the greasy side down!
May 14, 2021
Nice, easy and informative mystery.
I enjoyed the story a lot and got a good education about treasure hunting, voodoo, birds, places, and countries. The surprises at the end were pretty clever. Didn't believed much about his hero fights, but that's ok. The story is written in plain language and without any physiological or philosophical regard to crime, except of course the reason for hating the father.
I enjoyed the story a lot and got a good education about treasure hunting, voodoo, birds, places, and countries. The surprises at the end were pretty clever. Didn't believed much about his hero fights, but that's ok. The story is written in plain language and without any physiological or philosophical regard to crime, except of course the reason for hating the father.
September 25, 2020
Good Read
Well thought out characters, unique pet, & a down to earth Texan feel. The kind of man who won’t rip you off, but won’t take any garbage from you either. A story that runs the gamut from Florida to Texas to the island that is both French & Spanish to the USVI. A story so odd it hooks you & wont let you put it down!!
Well thought out characters, unique pet, & a down to earth Texan feel. The kind of man who won’t rip you off, but won’t take any garbage from you either. A story that runs the gamut from Florida to Texas to the island that is both French & Spanish to the USVI. A story so odd it hooks you & wont let you put it down!!
September 29, 2020
Rick Waters Scores
My first Rick Waters novel. He can handle himself well and he has a pet Cockatoo that goes almost everywhere with him. Rick works on two cases at once. He is on the trail of Fletcher’s gold bar treasure and is hired to find the killer of a man’s daughter. Voodoo is involved with the death of the daughter. Told in the third person. Five Stars.
My first Rick Waters novel. He can handle himself well and he has a pet Cockatoo that goes almost everywhere with him. Rick works on two cases at once. He is on the trail of Fletcher’s gold bar treasure and is hired to find the killer of a man’s daughter. Voodoo is involved with the death of the daughter. Told in the third person. Five Stars.
October 27, 2020
Songwriter to novelist
I've been a fan of Eric's music for many years. I was interested in seeing his transition from songwriter to novelist.
Eric knocked it out of the park. A well written enjoyable story. Interesting characters with plenty of plot twists.
I can't wait for Rick's second adventure.
I've been a fan of Eric's music for many years. I was interested in seeing his transition from songwriter to novelist.
Eric knocked it out of the park. A well written enjoyable story. Interesting characters with plenty of plot twists.
I can't wait for Rick's second adventure.
December 13, 2020
That VooDoo that you do so well
A great story that shows the author truly knows his subject matter. Great detail about places many have heard of but few have seen for themselves. A genuine look into Gulf Coast life provides the setting for a fast paced and very entertaining mystery adventure.
A great story that shows the author truly knows his subject matter. Great detail about places many have heard of but few have seen for themselves. A genuine look into Gulf Coast life provides the setting for a fast paced and very entertaining mystery adventure.
December 14, 2020
Really great read
For an authors first book, it was surprisingly well written. Shorter than I would’ve liked but very well written. There’s lots of adventure and interesting characters and it keeps a very good pace. Hoping as the author develops the character he will go into more detail on his life but definitely a great start to a series. Looking forward to more.
For an authors first book, it was surprisingly well written. Shorter than I would’ve liked but very well written. There’s lots of adventure and interesting characters and it keeps a very good pace. Hoping as the author develops the character he will go into more detail on his life but definitely a great start to a series. Looking forward to more.
January 31, 2021
Somewhat belieable
I have !lived and worked in those parts of Texas as well as in New Orleans. All those references and locations were very believable. I tracked along with story and enjoyed the tale. The ending however seemed way too convenient for real life. Like the author suddenly decided he didn't have anymore time or words to offer.
I have !lived and worked in those parts of Texas as well as in New Orleans. All those references and locations were very believable. I tracked along with story and enjoyed the tale. The ending however seemed way too convenient for real life. Like the author suddenly decided he didn't have anymore time or words to offer.
September 22, 2020
Remarkable
For a first book you would think that he has been writing for years. The story line was excellent and kept me interested the whole time. I would recommend him to anybody who likes authors like Wayne Stinnett, CLR Dougherty, and Randy Wayne White! Excellent writing!
For a first book you would think that he has been writing for years. The story line was excellent and kept me interested the whole time. I would recommend him to anybody who likes authors like Wayne Stinnett, CLR Dougherty, and Randy Wayne White! Excellent writing!
September 25, 2020
Intriguing storyline
Read this based on the recommendation of Wayne Stinnet and thoroughly enjoyed it. Rick Waters is a character you can quickly come to like. I look forward to reading more of Eric’s stories. And thanks Wayne for introducing us.
Read this based on the recommendation of Wayne Stinnet and thoroughly enjoyed it. Rick Waters is a character you can quickly come to like. I look forward to reading more of Eric’s stories. And thanks Wayne for introducing us.
Read
October 12, 2020This was a great read ever changing...Most books I can figure out what is coming next !, not this time it went from right to left & back to left to right. I was not happy with the end though too abrupt and was frustrated not seeing any info fore the next series I would have gladly pre paid for it
October 27, 2020
Captivating plot
Unlike some other writers every page is full of fast mind provoking writing. No words wasted on mindless trivia. I did not see the ending coming!!!! Looking forward to more by this author.
Unlike some other writers every page is full of fast mind provoking writing. No words wasted on mindless trivia. I did not see the ending coming!!!! Looking forward to more by this author.
November 10, 2020
Not only can the man write a good song, but evidently he can write a good book. I was intrigued within the first few pages and couldn't put it down. I love Chief and can't wait to read about their further adventures.
January 1, 2021
Great read
Sometimes an author comes along who evidently has the ability to craft a plot that captures the readers attention from the very first chapter. Such is the ability of Eric Stone........
G
Sometimes an author comes along who evidently has the ability to craft a plot that captures the readers attention from the very first chapter. Such is the ability of Eric Stone........
G
September 30, 2020
First novel
Read it through in one sitting. Eric joins my other favorite authors, his mentors. Guess I will have to try his music too.
Read it through in one sitting. Eric joins my other favorite authors, his mentors. Guess I will have to try his music too.
October 9, 2020
Enjoy
I Enjoyed this book very much . Great story Eric. Look forward to the next adventure. Well worth a read
I Enjoyed this book very much . Great story Eric. Look forward to the next adventure. Well worth a read
October 13, 2020
Outstanding first novel. Read in one sitting. Keep them coming.
November 6, 2020
Great Story
Well
I can see that Rick is going to be in the same League as my other friends that are in the Caribbean area!
Well
I can see that Rick is going to be in the same League as my other friends that are in the Caribbean area!
November 19, 2020
Blue Waters
Great adventure story. Really liked the way he kept it interesting by changing the adventures as the main character has more than one focus going on.
Great adventure story. Really liked the way he kept it interesting by changing the adventures as the main character has more than one focus going on.
December 6, 2020
Plot has a lot of unexpected twists and turns. Well done.
Read
January 5, 2021Enjoyed the book. Good character portrait. Look forward to the next read.
July 26, 2021
Great start
Good beginning to a series, worth staying tuned for. From Texas to the Caribbean. It should be fun.
I look forward to the next.
Good beginning to a series, worth staying tuned for. From Texas to the Caribbean. It should be fun.
I look forward to the next.
Read
October 26, 2021Excellent book Eric covered all the emotions a person could have in there life. I enjoyed it so much I bought his second book and I'm not waiting for vacation to read it.
October 23, 2024
This was suspense meets smile generating fun
I love a lot of the Tropical Authors' books, but this series didn't show on my radar until a recent newsletter. After devouring Festive Sommer (Nicholas Harvey), I was ready to get to know Rick Waters. At 65, an avid reader all my life, and so many good stories, I've become picky. Now, I can't wait to pick Book 2 as my next read to dive into! Why? Just start reading, you'll discover the answer, I'm sure! Thank you to all those authors encouraging Eric Stone. I'm also looking forward to his 🎶, another deep passion of mine.
I love a lot of the Tropical Authors' books, but this series didn't show on my radar until a recent newsletter. After devouring Festive Sommer (Nicholas Harvey), I was ready to get to know Rick Waters. At 65, an avid reader all my life, and so many good stories, I've become picky. Now, I can't wait to pick Book 2 as my next read to dive into! Why? Just start reading, you'll discover the answer, I'm sure! Thank you to all those authors encouraging Eric Stone. I'm also looking forward to his 🎶, another deep passion of mine.
December 20, 2024
Rick is a private detective, a treasure hunter, a pool hustler, and a good guy. He travels with his cockatiel Chief, and on one of his treasure hunts he comes across a dead body. The victim, Cara, was the popular daughter of a wealthy developer. Rick takes the case, and his search for Cara’s killer takes him from Texas to the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and New Orleans. What he learns is even more horrifying than he could have imagined.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews