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Jerry Snyder Caribbean Mystery #1
Wayward Sons
Where Jerry Snyder goes, trouble follows. Someone tried to kill him and his bride on their honeymoon in the Virgin Islands. And moving there permanently is proving to be anything but tranquil.
First, he’s working for the secretive Armstrong Organization—a group dedicated to hunting terrorists, drug smugglers, and the nastiest criminals since Blackbeard.
Second, his partner is DJ Martin, a one-legged Airborne vet who has the temperament of a croc with a toothache. DJ has never met a nose he couldn’t break, and he’s tested plenty of them.
When a body washes ashore at an island resort in Culebra, a family desperate for help turns to Jerry and DJ. Sailing the Caribbean looking for answers, their course proves deadlier than either man bargained for. And when Jerry’s past dealings appear on the horizon, the two men have to find common ground to overcome a cunning, powerful enemy with a desire more dangerous than murder.
First, he’s working for the secretive Armstrong Organization—a group dedicated to hunting terrorists, drug smugglers, and the nastiest criminals since Blackbeard.
Second, his partner is DJ Martin, a one-legged Airborne vet who has the temperament of a croc with a toothache. DJ has never met a nose he couldn’t break, and he’s tested plenty of them.
When a body washes ashore at an island resort in Culebra, a family desperate for help turns to Jerry and DJ. Sailing the Caribbean looking for answers, their course proves deadlier than either man bargained for. And when Jerry’s past dealings appear on the horizon, the two men have to find common ground to overcome a cunning, powerful enemy with a desire more dangerous than murder.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2021
955 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Stinnett
56 books626 followersI'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...
You can like me on Facebook, to get updates at https://www.facebook.com/WayneStinnet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 25, 2021
The characters drive this book, and hopefully it will be the driving force for the series as it progresses. The plot was twisted and had a satisfying ending, and the writing is topnotch. Looking forward to more books in the series.
April 8, 2021
Tough book to get through.
This book took way to long to get into. Was not really a fan of this book. I understand that this was the first book in the series but there seemed to me that it took a long time for anything to develop. I was not a big fan of either of the main characters of the book. Think I will stick to the Jesse McDermott books.
This book took way to long to get into. Was not really a fan of this book. I understand that this was the first book in the series but there seemed to me that it took a long time for anything to develop. I was not a big fan of either of the main characters of the book. Think I will stick to the Jesse McDermott books.
April 6, 2021
A Introduction to Jerry Snyder
This book was a bit different than I expected. Jerry Snyder was an eas character to dael with but DJ was harder to accept. The storyline was plausible but DJ's attitude seemed to get in the way. It may take Book 2 to decide on whether ot not to follow Jerry Snyder!
This book was a bit different than I expected. Jerry Snyder was an eas character to dael with but DJ was harder to accept. The storyline was plausible but DJ's attitude seemed to get in the way. It may take Book 2 to decide on whether ot not to follow Jerry Snyder!
April 8, 2021
Out of the past, into the future
Five stars is a rating I rarely give, so it behooves me to explain myself. I've been a.Wayne Stinnett fan for a long time. I can't be certain which of his Jess McDermit books I read first - it may have actually been the first one - but since I started I've become hooked and have not only grabbed every spin off, I've re-read almost all of them. Heck, once I start, I'm doing nothing but until I've finished.
All his characters have a military history. At some point they served. The code of honor they all seem to share could have come from no otherplace , frankly. And here we have Jerry Snyder, a former cop and parajumper living in the Caribbean, working for the Armstrong Foundation along with DJ Martin, an irascible vet with a prosthetic leg and a fondness for alcohol. Jerry and his wife Alicia - a former nurse, although like a Marine, one could say there are no former nurses - first appeared as victims in one of Stinnett's spinoffs, as did Martin. The Foundation was a front for a wealthy man to use to find ways to right wrongs under cover of oceanographic research.
In this first collaborative volume, Stinnett and Stewart Matthews have done a great job of juggling multiple storylines. From personal histories driving present motives, from an unlikely pairing to solid partnership, from Big Pharma to corrupt cops, littered with read bodies and betrayals, this one bodes well for the future of the series. There are mentions of the history that the characters have, explained in depth in author's notes and providing me some.far-reaching in the near future, but not necessary to enjoy this book. I suspect I'll also be looking to Matthew's catalog as.well.
I started it in the evening, put it down when I wasn't able to read.further, and then picked it up again before it got light out to finish it. Clear your schedule - he warned.
Five stars is a rating I rarely give, so it behooves me to explain myself. I've been a.Wayne Stinnett fan for a long time. I can't be certain which of his Jess McDermit books I read first - it may have actually been the first one - but since I started I've become hooked and have not only grabbed every spin off, I've re-read almost all of them. Heck, once I start, I'm doing nothing but until I've finished.
All his characters have a military history. At some point they served. The code of honor they all seem to share could have come from no otherplace , frankly. And here we have Jerry Snyder, a former cop and parajumper living in the Caribbean, working for the Armstrong Foundation along with DJ Martin, an irascible vet with a prosthetic leg and a fondness for alcohol. Jerry and his wife Alicia - a former nurse, although like a Marine, one could say there are no former nurses - first appeared as victims in one of Stinnett's spinoffs, as did Martin. The Foundation was a front for a wealthy man to use to find ways to right wrongs under cover of oceanographic research.
In this first collaborative volume, Stinnett and Stewart Matthews have done a great job of juggling multiple storylines. From personal histories driving present motives, from an unlikely pairing to solid partnership, from Big Pharma to corrupt cops, littered with read bodies and betrayals, this one bodes well for the future of the series. There are mentions of the history that the characters have, explained in depth in author's notes and providing me some.far-reaching in the near future, but not necessary to enjoy this book. I suspect I'll also be looking to Matthew's catalog as.well.
I started it in the evening, put it down when I wasn't able to read.further, and then picked it up again before it got light out to finish it. Clear your schedule - he warned.
August 3, 2022
A whole new series?
I just finished reading this book and it appears to me that it’s the beginning of a new series that ties in with Mr Stinett’s other series with all of our old friends. I’m very happy about that. This book is a little more graphic than some others, but it’s still as good as the rest. St Thomas seems to be the home of this book. The same exciting intrigue holds my attention as in his other southern books. And isn’t it a great thing when good tales come together? The book one is on my radar now.
I just finished reading this book and it appears to me that it’s the beginning of a new series that ties in with Mr Stinett’s other series with all of our old friends. I’m very happy about that. This book is a little more graphic than some others, but it’s still as good as the rest. St Thomas seems to be the home of this book. The same exciting intrigue holds my attention as in his other southern books. And isn’t it a great thing when good tales come together? The book one is on my radar now.
February 22, 2024
I am slowly purchasing all e-books written by Wayne Stinnett because I love his Caribbean series. However, I am glad I didn’t purchase “Wayward Sons” as I got it from Kobo at no cost.
I remember Jerry Snyder and DJ Martin from a previous book but the story about this beginning partnership was so very confusing. D.J. wasn’t the same man in this book. He wasn’t at all likable or admirable. I couldn’t understand a lot of the text, not like Wayne Stinnett’s usual writing. At the beginning of the book, I was going to sleep, and I have never done that while reading his books as I usually read them in a day. The story was disjointed, and the book was easy to put down. There were a lot of descriptions of places that weren’t necessary, and it took a lot of reading time and it made the story slow-paced.
One of my questions was “Who is Arlen?”. I don’t think he was explained. I couldn’t understand the Epilogue. It didn’t make sense to me.
I am hoping that someone who starts reading Wayne Stinnett’s books doesn’t begin with “Wayward Sons” as they will not want to keep reading any of his other books.
I remember Jerry Snyder and DJ Martin from a previous book but the story about this beginning partnership was so very confusing. D.J. wasn’t the same man in this book. He wasn’t at all likable or admirable. I couldn’t understand a lot of the text, not like Wayne Stinnett’s usual writing. At the beginning of the book, I was going to sleep, and I have never done that while reading his books as I usually read them in a day. The story was disjointed, and the book was easy to put down. There were a lot of descriptions of places that weren’t necessary, and it took a lot of reading time and it made the story slow-paced.
One of my questions was “Who is Arlen?”. I don’t think he was explained. I couldn’t understand the Epilogue. It didn’t make sense to me.
I am hoping that someone who starts reading Wayne Stinnett’s books doesn’t begin with “Wayward Sons” as they will not want to keep reading any of his other books.
April 28, 2021
Not sure how often co-authoring is successful? This one:Failure
Let me preface my review by saying I've read ALL 26+ Wayne Stinnet books and loved every one of them... This one, if it wasn't on a tablet, I'd of burned! The characters weren't nearly as well developed as in any of Wayne's books, the plot and storyline was ALL over the place and some of the writing (Not sure how co-authoring/collaborative writing is supposed to go) was so verbose and tedious I wanted to stab my eyes! The ending/climax, wasn't! It was like an afterthought! AND I have no idea what the Epilog proved or meant or accomplished! As much as I've always finished a Stinnett book in a day or two and then regretted it because now I'd have to wait X amount of time for the next one, this book I had to trudge through and force myself to continue and if the next one NEVER comes it'll be too soon... Mr. Stinnett PLEASE write alone!
Let me preface my review by saying I've read ALL 26+ Wayne Stinnet books and loved every one of them... This one, if it wasn't on a tablet, I'd of burned! The characters weren't nearly as well developed as in any of Wayne's books, the plot and storyline was ALL over the place and some of the writing (Not sure how co-authoring/collaborative writing is supposed to go) was so verbose and tedious I wanted to stab my eyes! The ending/climax, wasn't! It was like an afterthought! AND I have no idea what the Epilog proved or meant or accomplished! As much as I've always finished a Stinnett book in a day or two and then regretted it because now I'd have to wait X amount of time for the next one, this book I had to trudge through and force myself to continue and if the next one NEVER comes it'll be too soon... Mr. Stinnett PLEASE write alone!
April 18, 2021
New Series Off to a Great Start
Having read most of Wayne Stinnett's previous work, I was very eager to read
WAYWARD SONS. To my mind it is perhaps his best work to date. Misters Stinnett and Matthews have spun an intricate tale of corporate malpractice and injustice. Complex characters introduced in earlier works are faced personal differences as they attempt to take big pharma down a notch or two. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is it's extended length. Another are the threads from both the Caribbean Adventure Series and the Caribbean Thriller Series. If you have enjoyed even just one of those books you really owe it to yourself to read WAYWARD SONS. I for one am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Having read most of Wayne Stinnett's previous work, I was very eager to read
WAYWARD SONS. To my mind it is perhaps his best work to date. Misters Stinnett and Matthews have spun an intricate tale of corporate malpractice and injustice. Complex characters introduced in earlier works are faced personal differences as they attempt to take big pharma down a notch or two. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is it's extended length. Another are the threads from both the Caribbean Adventure Series and the Caribbean Thriller Series. If you have enjoyed even just one of those books you really owe it to yourself to read WAYWARD SONS. I for one am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
February 20, 2024
Wayward Sons - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Ex-cop Jerry Snyder and his fellow-veteran pal DJ Martin work for Jack Armstrong as 'oceanographic investigators', helping catch the bad guys - but not always following the letter of the law. On their latest assignment, the duo become embroiled in a pharmaceutical company executive's power bid, that winds up with deadly results. With hints of Erin Brockovich to spice up the plot, the victims are the patients in a new drug trial, a would-be whistleblower, and the journalist he confessed to...plus Jerry, Alicia and DJ.
Can they save young Flor, and her Mom, (who works for the company)? Danger's always close at hand, as they get closer to the truth.
Find out how things turn out, in Wayne Stinnett's and Stewart Matthews' excellent crime-thriller, Wayward Sons, by getting your copy today!
Ex-cop Jerry Snyder and his fellow-veteran pal DJ Martin work for Jack Armstrong as 'oceanographic investigators', helping catch the bad guys - but not always following the letter of the law. On their latest assignment, the duo become embroiled in a pharmaceutical company executive's power bid, that winds up with deadly results. With hints of Erin Brockovich to spice up the plot, the victims are the patients in a new drug trial, a would-be whistleblower, and the journalist he confessed to...plus Jerry, Alicia and DJ.
Can they save young Flor, and her Mom, (who works for the company)? Danger's always close at hand, as they get closer to the truth.
Find out how things turn out, in Wayne Stinnett's and Stewart Matthews' excellent crime-thriller, Wayward Sons, by getting your copy today!
October 18, 2021
Who wrote this book??
I have read several Wayne Stinnett books. This can not be his book. Why his name is on it beats me. I had a hard time believing he wrote the book. It is not his style. It was his characters but not his book
The for shadowing of Charity was to simple minded and felt like a last minute walk on hot coals. Mr Stinnett find another co author. You should set the outline for them and then read the book before it is published.
So disappointed I usual read his books in a day or so but this one was so boring it took a full week.
I have read several Wayne Stinnett books. This can not be his book. Why his name is on it beats me. I had a hard time believing he wrote the book. It is not his style. It was his characters but not his book
The for shadowing of Charity was to simple minded and felt like a last minute walk on hot coals. Mr Stinnett find another co author. You should set the outline for them and then read the book before it is published.
So disappointed I usual read his books in a day or so but this one was so boring it took a full week.
April 10, 2021
Excellent First Book of a Series
Really enjoyed this. Wayne Stinnett has been a favorite author and I've read all his books. His Jesse series is my all time favorite by Mr. Stinnett. This collaboration seems to have spun off a great new series. Interesting characters especially DJ. Jerry and Alicia are a great counterpoint to DJ. Good, complex mystery in a Caribbean setting and it's all good! Will definitely be looking forward to the next one.
Really enjoyed this. Wayne Stinnett has been a favorite author and I've read all his books. His Jesse series is my all time favorite by Mr. Stinnett. This collaboration seems to have spun off a great new series. Interesting characters especially DJ. Jerry and Alicia are a great counterpoint to DJ. Good, complex mystery in a Caribbean setting and it's all good! Will definitely be looking forward to the next one.
April 12, 2021
Another Series Is Born
This was a page turner, from the beginning to the end. I could hardly wait to find our what exciting messes the characters were facing. Each chapter captivated my curiosity driving me on to read more. What fun to run into old friends in unlikely settings, as Charity appears. I enjoyed reading this book immensely and was sorry when the last page was turned.
This was a page turner, from the beginning to the end. I could hardly wait to find our what exciting messes the characters were facing. Each chapter captivated my curiosity driving me on to read more. What fun to run into old friends in unlikely settings, as Charity appears. I enjoyed reading this book immensely and was sorry when the last page was turned.
April 26, 2021
This book was hard to get into although it was the first in this series. I have read all of Wayne
Stinnett books and they usually flow but this one had a sections that slowed down with descriptions and longer scene descriptions then usual. But was a good story over all. I will have to wait for the next book on the Jerry Snyder series to see how the screens flow. The book had a good bases and the story was different, but still a good read.
Stinnett books and they usually flow but this one had a sections that slowed down with descriptions and longer scene descriptions then usual. But was a good story over all. I will have to wait for the next book on the Jerry Snyder series to see how the screens flow. The book had a good bases and the story was different, but still a good read.
May 21, 2021
Hard to finish
The main story in this 'new' series was good. HOWEVER... I found myself plodding through the book. The inordinate amount of location descriptions was, well, tiring. About 1/3 or more of this book involved naming and describing every little bay, town, dock, channel, street, alley, building entryway and on and on that didn't have anything to do with anything. And they passed a lot of them! Just stick to the story. Sorry, but I just found it tedious.
The main story in this 'new' series was good. HOWEVER... I found myself plodding through the book. The inordinate amount of location descriptions was, well, tiring. About 1/3 or more of this book involved naming and describing every little bay, town, dock, channel, street, alley, building entryway and on and on that didn't have anything to do with anything. And they passed a lot of them! Just stick to the story. Sorry, but I just found it tedious.
December 9, 2021
I'm a big fan of Wayne Stinnett. This book was written with a co-author. I think that the co-author added 150 to many pages. This book was way longer then the normal Stinnett books. It plodded through many sections. I truly believe this book would have been very good with 200 less pages. The characters were very good, and the plot was also very good, but both were ruined by to much narrative. Please Wayne come back to putting out 200 to 300 page books.
January 13, 2026
An Expedition in search of a reason
Although the novel starts with plenty of action and intrigue the story gets stretched out as we go island hopping searching for clues and more evidence. If you are familiar with the locale and love sea transport I'm sure you would enjoy this book with a bit of mystery thrown in. If you like and are familiar with the murder mystery genre you may be a little disappointed.
Although the novel starts with plenty of action and intrigue the story gets stretched out as we go island hopping searching for clues and more evidence. If you are familiar with the locale and love sea transport I'm sure you would enjoy this book with a bit of mystery thrown in. If you like and are familiar with the murder mystery genre you may be a little disappointed.
April 16, 2021
Slow start but great read once I was able to get into it. Not a fan of DJ Martin. Claiming that he has come to take life as it comes is no excuse for the way that he treated his partner (Jerry) throughout the adventure. Hoping that the ending is an indicator that his personality will be softened a bit in future stories. If not, the next book in the series will be the last for me.
April 24, 2021
I Totally Lost Interest
I threw in the towel at 64%... I quit caring. I didn't find Jerry interesting and DJ, at least up to the point I stopped was unlikable.
I am a huge fan of Jesse McDermitt and hoped/expected more.
For some reason, I also thought "Jerry" was a wimpy name for a hero.
I threw in the towel at 64%... I quit caring. I didn't find Jerry interesting and DJ, at least up to the point I stopped was unlikable.
I am a huge fan of Jesse McDermitt and hoped/expected more.
For some reason, I also thought "Jerry" was a wimpy name for a hero.
May 19, 2021
I chose to read this because I like Wayne's stories and I was disappointed. I was frustrated by the non-partnership of DJ and Jerry so much that I almost gave up halfway through the book. I did enjoy the 2nd half of the book. The plot wrap up was a little too convenient. Definitely not up to Wayne's standards. I don't think I will buy any more of this series.
July 5, 2021
This never ends
A truly great story by a great author this is one book you cannot put down .I think the main characters are really great and the story was a good one .it's rainy season her in costa Rica so this book kept me interested for a good couple days ciao from San Rafael de heredia stay safe ...
A truly great story by a great author this is one book you cannot put down .I think the main characters are really great and the story was a good one .it's rainy season her in costa Rica so this book kept me interested for a good couple days ciao from San Rafael de heredia stay safe ...
March 14, 2022
Not a Stinnett book
The only portion of the book written by Stinnett seemed to be what was taken from a prior Charity book. The rest of the book written by Mr. Matthews offers a disjointed story. Not bad but not real good. Sorry. Maybe Mr. Stinnett spoiled me with his unique style of writing.
The only portion of the book written by Stinnett seemed to be what was taken from a prior Charity book. The rest of the book written by Mr. Matthews offers a disjointed story. Not bad but not real good. Sorry. Maybe Mr. Stinnett spoiled me with his unique style of writing.
July 16, 2023
This was a difficult book to get through, but I do like the characters and the story line, once it was sorted, was plausible. I had much going on which only gave me a little time each evening to read and that may have led to the trouble getting started. Going to give book two a shot after I try another series book 1.
February 16, 2024
New Series
I've read and enjoyed several of the Jesse McDermott books. This is a little different with the main characters being an "Odd Couple". Jerry is a straight laced former cop while DJ is an out of control former special forces operative. The early parts of the book tend to be a little wordy but the book finishes strongly.
I've read and enjoyed several of the Jesse McDermott books. This is a little different with the main characters being an "Odd Couple". Jerry is a straight laced former cop while DJ is an out of control former special forces operative. The early parts of the book tend to be a little wordy but the book finishes strongly.
January 25, 2025
Slow Start then Picks up Speed
After the first couple chapters with all the in fighting between partners I was ready to give up! It picked up later but I’m still not sure I’ll read another one? And what happened to Charity she shows up does nothing??? Wayne stick to the Jesse and Charity novels
After the first couple chapters with all the in fighting between partners I was ready to give up! It picked up later but I’m still not sure I’ll read another one? And what happened to Charity she shows up does nothing??? Wayne stick to the Jesse and Charity novels
April 9, 2021
Wonderful
Getting started with this book was difficult. I was hoping for the usual characters. A few were mentioned, but felt like a tease. Once into story though it was, as per usual with Steinberg, a great read.
Getting started with this book was difficult. I was hoping for the usual characters. A few were mentioned, but felt like a tease. Once into story though it was, as per usual with Steinberg, a great read.
April 9, 2021
Two More Characters to Love
This joint venture between two of my favorite authors took awhile to come to life for me. When it did, it was at a good clip. Looking forward to learning more of the back story of DJ and Jerry.
This joint venture between two of my favorite authors took awhile to come to life for me. When it did, it was at a good clip. Looking forward to learning more of the back story of DJ and Jerry.
April 12, 2021
Not a fan.
I absolutely love the Jessie McD series. In fact I have read them twice. This new DP and DJ series did not hold my interest at all. Didn't care for the storyline. Don't think I will read this series.
I absolutely love the Jessie McD series. In fact I have read them twice. This new DP and DJ series did not hold my interest at all. Didn't care for the storyline. Don't think I will read this series.
April 16, 2021
Priceless pairings: Stinnett & Matthews with Jerry Snyder & DJ Martin
I thoroughly enjoyed the two seemingly mismatched partners working through their personal issues and taking on a corrupt pharmaceutical company. Score one for the good guys!
I thoroughly enjoyed the two seemingly mismatched partners working through their personal issues and taking on a corrupt pharmaceutical company. Score one for the good guys!
April 21, 2021
A good start but not Jesse McDermitt
The book dragged somewhat but finally picked up the pace in the last half. DJ was a very unlikeable character. Maybe he can become more than a drunk in the sequels or just get bumped off.
The book dragged somewhat but finally picked up the pace in the last half. DJ was a very unlikeable character. Maybe he can become more than a drunk in the sequels or just get bumped off.
April 22, 2021
Caribbean Intrigue
Two newly minted Knights in slightly tarnished armor have just arrived in the Caribbean basin and are busy toppling pawns and dispatching the evil knights.
Kudos to Wayne Stinnett and Stewart Mathews for a new adventure series.
Two newly minted Knights in slightly tarnished armor have just arrived in the Caribbean basin and are busy toppling pawns and dispatching the evil knights.
Kudos to Wayne Stinnett and Stewart Mathews for a new adventure series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews