The Acadia Enigma

Special Projects Group #1

by Steven Becker, Chuck Benton

A rash of killings threatens “The Way Life Should be” in Downeast Maine

The Downeast region of the Maine coast is known for its independent, hard-working people, its picturesque settings — and its seafood. But behind the thousand islands, the countless miles of coastline, and the postcard scenery, bad things are happening in Acadia National Park.

Kendra Hale, fresh off a dangerous assignment in Miami, is brought in by the FBI’s Special Projects Group to assist area law enforcement in their investigation. Though she’s drawn in by the friendly people, good food, and beauty of the area, her investigation places her in the crosshairs of a serial killer.

Genres: Mystery

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2020

Reviews

[Jennifer]

That was quite an adventure in the air and on the water. Kendra is young and a bit inexperienced but she is smart and tough. She has some good people surrounding her and I expect more good things from this series.

[Jim Phillips]

The start of a new series with Kendra Hale as a member of a FBI Special Projects Group. She is a strong female character conduction a murder investigation. Contains an excellent storyline with plenty of non-stop action and lots of suspense. A real page turner with an excellent location that was really quite enjoyable. Highly recommended read by a very talented author.

[Jim]

I was surprised I really liked this one. It's something kinda different. I read it in one afternoon/ evening. Double protagonists who are pretty green FBI agents make for a pretty interesting read. Of course having a soulless villain helps as well. This is first book in "Special Projects" series. I'm downloading book two of this series and will read sometime soon. Check it out.

[Antigone Walsh]

Ends Justify the Means

A novice FBI agent is assigned to a special unit. While her profilingbskills are stellar, her field experience is minimal. Assigned to a serial killer case in Maine, her intellectual skills may target the killer but her inexperience will get her killed.

Not super impressed with this one. None of the characters, especially agent Kendra, was especially interesting, engaging or believable. All the technical stuff about boats and planes was boring. The killer is revealed early on and he is not much on the evil villain scale. Readable but forgettable.

[Tom]

a fun new series

A fun read based on the Maine Coast. A new SPG agent is thrown into a murder investigation on the Maine coast to try and find a connection between three murder suspects that seem to be unconnected. As a brand new agent this is also a test run for Kendra and she is paired up with Ian and his yacht aerial. A fast paced story with lots of twists and turns. I look forward to reading the next book

[Deena]

If you like detective stories, this is a fast moving one with many adventures in the beautiful scenic areas of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor in Maine, and many surrounding islands. An FBI SPG new-bee, Kendra Hale, and Ian as they investigate Taylor and his cohorts. Kendra uses her special skills, with help from Ian, and the SPG in Washington, and local agencies, as they track down and capture Taylor and his cohorts. I'll definitely read the next books by Steven Becker and Chuck Benton.

[Marion Ryder]

I really liked this book. The storyline was very good and the characters very believable. I live about 2 hrs away from the setting of this book and Steven Becker got it spot on when describing it. I would highly recommend it. If you like boats, the ocean and murder mysteries this is the book for you.

[Benjamin A. Peckham,Sr]

Mystery and much more

Meet Ian and Kendra and follow them in this new adventure. Maine and mysterious boat trips and money all are pieces of a puzzle that the Special Projects Group assign to a new agent in the field and a reactivated agent who has been enjoying his boat. What could go wrong?

[Gary Wood]

I enjoyed this first installment. There were a few things that I could be critical about, yet I cannot write fiction and this book delivers good enough storylines and characters I'm moving on to Cape Cod Enigma (Book 2). The 4 stars represent a book I enjoyed reading and I believe others who like accurate details, enjoyable settings, and a few laughs and suspense will enjoy it as well!

[John M. Hutchinson]

another Great Steven Becker Book

I read another series by Becker and really liked it, so I hope this series will be as good. This was another book hard to put down. At the end of each pages you had to read the next one.

[Betty Keeton]

Didn't finish.

This is the first Becker novel I didn't finish. Story just didn't hold my interest. Maybe the title character will develop into more likable character in series.

[Dale]

I was terribly disappointed in this book. Found myself skimming it most of the way through. The author(s) went on and on about old airplanes, pistols, etc. Won't read Book 2.

[Ruth Blaha]

Enjoyed it - Steven Becker is one of my favorite authors and enjoyed reading this new series

[Paula Coffer]

Plane or boat? Time for adventure

I recommend this book completely. Kendra is an adventurous FBI agent with intelligence and spunk. She learns fast and achieves results.

[Isaac King]

Boring!

Goes into too much detail on subjects not germane to the book. It causes the flow of the story to drift.

[Laura]

Great new chary

What a good new read. New characters and new places with the same great story telling we have come to expect. I love Maine, and the water.

[Michael DiPinto]

Great read

If New England is or was your back yard you will enjoy this book, set in Maine. This is a fast and enjoyable read.

[Kari]

Really enjoyed the story of Kendra's entre into the SPG. Good story line - lots of room for development of characters and story line. It's a great 1st book for the series.

[Katherine]

A nicely paced mystery.

[Lee Brothers]

WOW!!! This new series starts out with a bang!! With nonstop action and a roller coaster ride of a storyline, you just can’t put the book down!! It is so good!!

[Jason]

FBI in Maine

The FBI takes time off from chasing domestic terrorists to seek out criminals, I believe Joe Biden stole the election

[Terry M.]

Boats and planes in Maine

Good thriller. Kit of detail in description if workings of boats and planes. Maine harbors and islands listed in great detail.

[L.a.l]

Wild west on the East coast

Loved the details and twists that brings a ending you love!
Looking for the next book and what new relationships evolve.

[Sharon Walls]

Action!T

This was a great read! Lots of action with enough downtime to catch your breath! Characters are lifelike. Story line is real! Very worthwhile!

[paulette sarelli]

Great FBI thriller

This story kept you on the edge of your seat until the end. Loved the way Kendra developed her leads. It was a great read! Can't wait to see what happens next!

[Sue]

In a very few words, brilliant, awesome.

[Donald F. Maynor]

A fantastic start to a new series! I can't wait for the next one! Becker continues to produce well-written, engrossing, and highly entertaining stories.

[Barbara]

An interesting new series with some well-known people from other books by Steven Becker makes for a really great start...Can't wait for the next chapter!