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Life at sea isn’t always tranquil. Anchored off a remote cay in the Bahamas, former Marine Chase Gordon spots another vessel suddenly boarded. Before he can react, the skipper is kidnapped at gunpoint.
Chase rushes aboard to investigate, only to find the man’s terrified teenage daughter hiding in a locker. When one of the kidnappers returns, Chase makes a split-second choice: protect the girl at all costs.
Now he’s drawn into a desperate hunt across turquoise waters, racing to track down her father while evading the dangerous men who want her silenced. With every mile of ocean closing in, Chase must rely on his instincts, his boat, and his courage to survive.
Dark Cay is a pulse-pounding Caribbean thriller filled with suspense, danger, and high-seas adventure in the tradition of John D. MacDonald and Clive Cussler.
Dark Cay is a high-stakes nautical thriller that blends action, suspense, and the raw beauty of the Bahamas. Expect fast-moving boat chases, ruthless kidnappers, and a reluctant ex-Marine hero forced to protect an innocent girl against overwhelming odds. This story explores loyalty, survival, and danger in paradise, where every uncharted cay hides both refuge and risk. It isn’t a cozy mystery or a light sailing yarn—it’s a tense, salt-sprayed adventure where family bonds and human courage are tested on the open water.
Chase rushes aboard to investigate, only to find the man’s terrified teenage daughter hiding in a locker. When one of the kidnappers returns, Chase makes a split-second choice: protect the girl at all costs.
Now he’s drawn into a desperate hunt across turquoise waters, racing to track down her father while evading the dangerous men who want her silenced. With every mile of ocean closing in, Chase must rely on his instincts, his boat, and his courage to survive.
Dark Cay is a pulse-pounding Caribbean thriller filled with suspense, danger, and high-seas adventure in the tradition of John D. MacDonald and Clive Cussler.
Dark Cay is a high-stakes nautical thriller that blends action, suspense, and the raw beauty of the Bahamas. Expect fast-moving boat chases, ruthless kidnappers, and a reluctant ex-Marine hero forced to protect an innocent girl against overwhelming odds. This story explores loyalty, survival, and danger in paradise, where every uncharted cay hides both refuge and risk. It isn’t a cozy mystery or a light sailing yarn—it’s a tense, salt-sprayed adventure where family bonds and human courage are tested on the open water.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2021
740 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Pratt
24 books201 followersDouglas Pratt was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He has been writing since the third grade. During high school, Douglas dabbled in short stories and poems.
Douglas graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Journalism. He lives in Mason, Tennessee, and spends his spare time on his sailboat.
Douglas graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Journalism. He lives in Mason, Tennessee, and spends his spare time on his sailboat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 11, 2022
Dark Cay is a wonderfully delightful action novel
I like the development of the characters and story line having finished the second book. Douglas Pratt is a gifted writer and often feel like I'm in the keys, a welcoming feeling often as I live in Western Washington. In the same class as some of my other favorites like Cap Daniels and Matthew Rief. Good work.
I like the development of the characters and story line having finished the second book. Douglas Pratt is a gifted writer and often feel like I'm in the keys, a welcoming feeling often as I live in Western Washington. In the same class as some of my other favorites like Cap Daniels and Matthew Rief. Good work.
February 17, 2021
Dark Cay, the second book in Douglas Pratt’s Chase Gordon Tropical Thrillers series, takes his writing to a whole new level. When Chase witnesses an assault and kidnapping while moored near another sailboat in the Grand Bahama Bank, his investigation of the sinking sailboat discovers the Captain’s teenaged daughter. After one of the kidnappers returns, he rescues her and returns to his home base in Florida. It soon becomes apparent that the adventure is not over, and her life and his are in danger. As Chase tries to find the girl’s kidnapped father, the trail leads to Joe Loggins, a billionaire whose power reaches into the highest levels of government, and into the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Coast Guard, and local authorities investigating the case. Chase calls in all his resources to help, but the denouement pits Chase against Loggins and his henchmen at Loggins’ remote Florida estate. The book is a non-stop, adrenaline-fueled romp, a classic case of good versus evil, and a pleasure to read. Chase Gordon is a quintessential hero who should take his place with the best of them.
February 19, 2024
"Dark Cay" by Douglas Prat is an entertaining, fast-pace read. Chase Gordon is snorkeling in an isolated cay in the Bahamas. While prepping freshly caught lobster a large vessel drops anchor nearby. Some time later 2 fast boat show up boarding that vessel. Chase notices two men putting a third into one of the fast boats & leave quickly; the large boat leaves in the opposite direction. Chase suspects the large boat is unmanned & goes to investigate finding it's rigged to sink also there's a teenage female hiding with a pile of money. This starts the adventure with Chase facing-off against mercenaries, a political king-maker billionaire megalomaniac along with the Miami drug czar. Lots of twists, turns & action. There are places where the plot stumbles & the ending is strange. 3.5-4 stars.
July 2, 2021
Dark Cay - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Chase Gordon sails to the rescue, after Lily and her dad Travis Porter flee the gangsters, sent to recover the $4billion accountant Travis stole from a Mob boss, making ex-Army Chase a target too.
Having a Jack Reacher-like moral code, (to punish criminals and protect the underdog) Chase leaves no stone unturned to save and hide 14 year old Lily, rescue her father and save the good guys from the cannibalistic, flesh-hungry alligators on a remote estate. Can he do the impossible, like Ethan Hunt?
Get your copy of Dark Cay, Douglas Pratt's amazing Chase Gordon's riveting crime-thriller, that will totally grip and keep you there on the edge of your seat, as the action and danger seem all too real and the tension becomes almost unbearable!
May 5, 2022
Chase seems to be in the right place at the wrong time and finds himself in the Bahamas near another boat that is boarded by thugs and the owner dragged off. He decides to check on the boat as it seems to be moving and finds a teen alone & hiding with a bag of money.
Her Dad stole from the wrong person and tried to evade his reach without success. Chase spends the book hiding/saving her and her Dad meanwhile putting an end to quite a number of bad guys. Although in the process his "girlfriend" Missy gets hurt and he owes the local kingpin Moreno a favor.
A good story but slightly unbelievable that a guy (even former Force Recon) could manage this on his own.
Her Dad stole from the wrong person and tried to evade his reach without success. Chase spends the book hiding/saving her and her Dad meanwhile putting an end to quite a number of bad guys. Although in the process his "girlfriend" Missy gets hurt and he owes the local kingpin Moreno a favor.
A good story but slightly unbelievable that a guy (even former Force Recon) could manage this on his own.
February 6, 2021
Another great story by Douglas Pratt. Chase being Chase takes some time off and went asea to a quiet anchorage. He witnesses an abduction and after the attackers left, goes on to see if he can help. He finds a young girl hiding aboard that was left behind. After hearing what happened, Chase goes on to make things right and in the end, succeeds.
The cast of regular characters is great. This book was hard to put down. Douglas Pratt has a winner with this series. I hope to see many more adventures.
The cast of regular characters is great. This book was hard to put down. Douglas Pratt has a winner with this series. I hope to see many more adventures.
May 30, 2021
More Adventures For Chase
Chase is a trouble magnet! He can’t steer clear of it. While in the middle of nowhere beside an uninhabited island and one other boat he witnesses the kidnapping of the captain. Investigating after the kidnappers leave he finds a 13 year old girl and lots of money. Chase heads back to Florida with the girl and promises to look for her father. There are numerous attempts on his life, a rich mogul, the mob boss is back and so is Missy. Lots of drama and suspense and I devoured this one in a day.
Chase is a trouble magnet! He can’t steer clear of it. While in the middle of nowhere beside an uninhabited island and one other boat he witnesses the kidnapping of the captain. Investigating after the kidnappers leave he finds a 13 year old girl and lots of money. Chase heads back to Florida with the girl and promises to look for her father. There are numerous attempts on his life, a rich mogul, the mob boss is back and so is Missy. Lots of drama and suspense and I devoured this one in a day.
June 11, 2021
Chase chases bad guys
Chase can't stay out of trouble or ignore someone who is in trouble. He's kind of pulled into resolving kidnappings as they tend to occur when he is around. Dead people do too.
Chase continues to play with fire, that being his boss lady at the bar she owns.
I got lost or terribly confused about a dozen times while reading. Being patient and waiting on an explanation worked sometimes. Rereading a few pages did too but sometimes there was no resolution. There were a couple of edits that needed fixing but nothing outrageous.
Chase can't stay out of trouble or ignore someone who is in trouble. He's kind of pulled into resolving kidnappings as they tend to occur when he is around. Dead people do too.
Chase continues to play with fire, that being his boss lady at the bar she owns.
I got lost or terribly confused about a dozen times while reading. Being patient and waiting on an explanation worked sometimes. Rereading a few pages did too but sometimes there was no resolution. There were a couple of edits that needed fixing but nothing outrageous.
April 10, 2022
I thought the stories were good,the problem I had with the book was the continuity of the book,would change subjects and locations rapidly causing confusion.At times I thought there were pages missing in the Kindle edition.Also the author would go deep into back stories and very descriptive about items the reader doesn't need to know,like the difference between different types of bullets ,or eyes adjusting to light and dark and military training.overall I am sticking with it.The editing was pretty good as far as correctness in language and spelling.But is a "Goodread"
November 29, 2022
Outstanding
Chase Gordon, a former serviceman, gets accidentally tied in with a father and daughter who are on the run from a ruthless business man and killer. The father has stolen $4 Million from the unscrupulous businessman and is now being hunted down Chase manages to rescue the daughter and hide her away. Thugs are sent to recapture the daughter to be used as persuasion bait to get her father to talk. Gordon tracks down the ruthless businessman and tries to rescue the father.
Chase Gordon, a former serviceman, gets accidentally tied in with a father and daughter who are on the run from a ruthless business man and killer. The father has stolen $4 Million from the unscrupulous businessman and is now being hunted down Chase manages to rescue the daughter and hide her away. Thugs are sent to recapture the daughter to be used as persuasion bait to get her father to talk. Gordon tracks down the ruthless businessman and tries to rescue the father.
March 28, 2024
love the characters
Chase is resourceful and persistent. He has an edge that keeps him clear headed and moving forward. There were parts of this story I personally didn’t like (the only reason for 3 stars instead of higher) and not quite my tastes, but overall it was well told and kept me reading. Even if I did skip ahead in a few places. Douglas Pratt has a good narrative pace and an engaging style. I’ll keep reading the series and hope to see some of the characters from this book pop up again.
Chase is resourceful and persistent. He has an edge that keeps him clear headed and moving forward. There were parts of this story I personally didn’t like (the only reason for 3 stars instead of higher) and not quite my tastes, but overall it was well told and kept me reading. Even if I did skip ahead in a few places. Douglas Pratt has a good narrative pace and an engaging style. I’ll keep reading the series and hope to see some of the characters from this book pop up again.
November 13, 2024
I like the action of the story - rarely a moment to breath. However, the storyline seems to jump from past to future to present or from one location to another. It's very distracting and sometimes hard to follow. The overly verbose descriptions of basically irrelevant information caused me to skim quite a few parts. It was hard to get into the book in the very beginning but that changes pretty quickly one the real story starts to unfold. Slightly unbelievable - similar to a Reacher book - but entertaining none the less.
December 16, 2025
Chase is driven to do the right thing, even when he envisions his future as a beach bum and sailing bum. Circumstances drop bad news into his lap. He discovers that he is totally not making good decisions, “Instead, you hid out in a shitty hotel and drank yourself into oblivion.”
He continually gets the wrong answer. Why? “I underestimated Loggins and his men.”
That however it what defines him, bad decisions combined with the desire to do good at all cost, plus the skills to make it happen. Those who like heroes, action, deceit, and gators will appreciate this one.
He continually gets the wrong answer. Why? “I underestimated Loggins and his men.”
That however it what defines him, bad decisions combined with the desire to do good at all cost, plus the skills to make it happen. Those who like heroes, action, deceit, and gators will appreciate this one.
December 22, 2021
I seldom read a book as quickly as this one. Too often, books acclaimed to be “action thrillers” drag along as the author adds too much detail to the story. Not Douglas Pratt! This story moved right along, encouraging me to continue to each new chapter. Chase Gordon is as tough as they get. But he continues to expose his weakness; always trying to do what’s right, regardless of the risk.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and I look forward to the next Chase Gordon adventure.
I enjoyed this book tremendously and I look forward to the next Chase Gordon adventure.
January 25, 2023
Action packed, thrilling adventure with our lovable Recon marine. Danger seems to follow Chase no matter where he goes. He spends a lot of time on land in this story, Carina stays safely in her berth near the Tilly Inn. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as the clues accumulated and Chase was able to solve the mystery. The ending is very satisfactory and I’m looking forward to his next adventure.
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September 4, 2023Taken From the Wrong Man
Chase Gordon gets pulled into another dangerous situation after he witnesses a man being led away from a boat.
On checking it out, he finds the14-year-old daughter of the kidnap victim hiding on the boat.
Thus begins his newest misadventure as he fights to protect the teen from some tough characters. A fun read that I recommend to lovers of lighter drama.
Chase Gordon gets pulled into another dangerous situation after he witnesses a man being led away from a boat.
On checking it out, he finds the14-year-old daughter of the kidnap victim hiding on the boat.
Thus begins his newest misadventure as he fights to protect the teen from some tough characters. A fun read that I recommend to lovers of lighter drama.
November 17, 2023
Chase is taking some time off on his boat, in the most secluded spot he could find. Another boat anchors in the area, but far enough away to not be a bother. Two cigarette boats attack that one and kidnap it's owner. Chase investigates and finds the man's 14 yr old daughter hiding. Her dad is a money launderer for a billionaire political broker. Now Gordon needs to keep her safe while her deals with all the mercenaries sent to kill him, wile he tries to find her dad.
October 15, 2025
I enjoyed this book because it moved along well. It was a thriller that takes place starting out at sea. Chase Gordon finds himself a witness to a possible kidnapping and then finds himself a bodyguard for a young girl with problems who is looking for her father. Chase gets caught up in survival mode when one thing leads to another and pretty soon he is being ambused, beat up, and in danger of not seeing tomorrow.
July 28, 2021
Dark Cay, interesting story, fast paced, but some fight scenes unrealistic, as is the hero of the book, going so overboard with his rescue attempt. Time frames didn't seem to work either.
Interesting storyline, fast paced but some fight scenes unrealistic, as are the time lines. Kept me reading though so over all it was a decent read.
Interesting storyline, fast paced but some fight scenes unrealistic, as are the time lines. Kept me reading though so over all it was a decent read.
March 2, 2022
Excellent story line, great action, classic settings
When a billionaire decides on revenge, there is little to stop him and those he hires for the dirty work. Chase stumbles on part of the deed while diving near the Bahamas and spots trouble on a neighboring sail boat. Great action, very good characters, plenty of surprises, and twists. A grand addition to the series.
When a billionaire decides on revenge, there is little to stop him and those he hires for the dirty work. Chase stumbles on part of the deed while diving near the Bahamas and spots trouble on a neighboring sail boat. Great action, very good characters, plenty of surprises, and twists. A grand addition to the series.
December 1, 2022
A Real Page-Slider
Very engaging story from the first page. Author has an easy style that puts "life" into the characters in a realistic way. I very much enjoyed the author's clever word use and understated humor to keep the reader engaged. This was the first book of the series I read, but I purchased Book 1 and I'm looking forward to more adventures. Well done!
Very engaging story from the first page. Author has an easy style that puts "life" into the characters in a realistic way. I very much enjoyed the author's clever word use and understated humor to keep the reader engaged. This was the first book of the series I read, but I purchased Book 1 and I'm looking forward to more adventures. Well done!
January 24, 2023
a power packed story
I’m not a true water person but listening to the thoughts of Chase about snorkeling, boating, just being on his own makes the reader dream. Fast paced, as Chase tries to keep a young girl safe while he looks for her fathers abductor. I loved the writing and the story
I’m not a true water person but listening to the thoughts of Chase about snorkeling, boating, just being on his own makes the reader dream. Fast paced, as Chase tries to keep a young girl safe while he looks for her fathers abductor. I loved the writing and the story
April 29, 2023
I haven’t yet read the first book in the series. This one has an exciting storyline and nonstop action. People are at risk, the bad guy is determined. The good guy is even more determined!
Some deux ex machina to pull things back from the brink of despair but not enough to stop reading!
Overall, worth the read! A great way to pass a couple of hours!
Some deux ex machina to pull things back from the brink of despair but not enough to stop reading!
Overall, worth the read! A great way to pass a couple of hours!
November 19, 2023
Too real!
Probably just like real life, with so much corruption around. Makes you wonder how much IS true. I felt sorry for the girl, loved Chase and gritted my teeth over the slimy politicians. I must say, I hate these follow up endings. Half I can' figure out how to download them. I'm going to stop trying.
Onward now to my next Douglas Pratt book!
Probably just like real life, with so much corruption around. Makes you wonder how much IS true. I felt sorry for the girl, loved Chase and gritted my teeth over the slimy politicians. I must say, I hate these follow up endings. Half I can' figure out how to download them. I'm going to stop trying.
Onward now to my next Douglas Pratt book!
November 25, 2023
Chase's getaway turns into a lot more than he bargained for
More thrilling action from the Chase Gordon book series. Chase has come to the aid of a young girl in need of serious help and in the process someone he cares about gets hurt, he also finds himself in debt to a man who wanted him dead not long ago but he forges on to do the right thing his way.
More thrilling action from the Chase Gordon book series. Chase has come to the aid of a young girl in need of serious help and in the process someone he cares about gets hurt, he also finds himself in debt to a man who wanted him dead not long ago but he forges on to do the right thing his way.
February 29, 2024
Great read but…
Why do I have to sign up for another email spam just to read the epilogue? I love these stories, exciting plot, a flawed hero that can’t help but right the wrongs & help in any way he can & a breathtaking setting, fantastic read I couldn’t put down. I will finish the series but that’s ridiculous. Knocked off a star because of it.
Why do I have to sign up for another email spam just to read the epilogue? I love these stories, exciting plot, a flawed hero that can’t help but right the wrongs & help in any way he can & a breathtaking setting, fantastic read I couldn’t put down. I will finish the series but that’s ridiculous. Knocked off a star because of it.
May 3, 2024
This book was shaping up to be a 3-star until two-thirds of the way in, when one of the main characters does something so utterly stupid and out of character that I had to stop reading. I know the book is kinda fluffy, the first one was as well, but at that moment I no longer cared about the story and marked the book as Read.
February 3, 2021
Excellent!
Every book of his has kept me up until finished! Now 1:46 am, but I finished! A little confusing at beginning if you don’t know boating terminology, but the rest of story is fabulous!
Every book of his has kept me up until finished! Now 1:46 am, but I finished! A little confusing at beginning if you don’t know boating terminology, but the rest of story is fabulous!
February 14, 2021
Chase Gordon will never run away from a challenge. He takes on an emotional, unforgettable run for your life series of events in this book. Enthralling characters placed in dangerous situations that will keep your hear pumping with vigor. Highly Recommended.
January 23, 2022
Fast paced, good read you won't be able to put down!
Wonderful read, I couldn't put it down. Just kept reading. Gordon is the real hero and with good reason. Trying to keep a 14 year old safe and out of danger. Very impressed with the author as he keeps it interesting.
Wonderful read, I couldn't put it down. Just kept reading. Gordon is the real hero and with good reason. Trying to keep a 14 year old safe and out of danger. Very impressed with the author as he keeps it interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews