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Tidal Rage
OUT ON THE WATER, THERE ARE NO RULES
On the cruise ship circuit, Sebastian McKenzie is a star. A brilliant pianist and singer, he entertains the wealthy guests every night in the piano bars and restaurants of the world’s leading cruise liners. But he never stays with the same ship for long. And some of the other entertainers have nicknamed him the Grim Reaper, because whenever Sebastian is on board, people go missing.
After escaping from prison, Josef Werner is driven to a safe hideout in the Didim area of Turkey. He sets up his base in the beautiful bay of Akbuk, and buys two isolated villas high on a hill overlooking the bay. But Werner has been followed by a private eye named Cortez, and the premises are bugged.
Max Cutler is an All-American boy: tall, blond and handsome, with a sharp wit and a keen eye for female company. A stand-out student at law school, he is immediately recruited into the Secret Service, to protect America’s interests overseas. Max is in Europe, breaking up a violent counterfeiting ring in Germany, when he hears that his baby sister Elisa has disappeared from a cruise ship in Alaska.
In a gripping thriller crossing three continents, these three men find their fates are entwined.
On the cruise ship circuit, Sebastian McKenzie is a star. A brilliant pianist and singer, he entertains the wealthy guests every night in the piano bars and restaurants of the world’s leading cruise liners. But he never stays with the same ship for long. And some of the other entertainers have nicknamed him the Grim Reaper, because whenever Sebastian is on board, people go missing.
After escaping from prison, Josef Werner is driven to a safe hideout in the Didim area of Turkey. He sets up his base in the beautiful bay of Akbuk, and buys two isolated villas high on a hill overlooking the bay. But Werner has been followed by a private eye named Cortez, and the premises are bugged.
Max Cutler is an All-American boy: tall, blond and handsome, with a sharp wit and a keen eye for female company. A stand-out student at law school, he is immediately recruited into the Secret Service, to protect America’s interests overseas. Max is in Europe, breaking up a violent counterfeiting ring in Germany, when he hears that his baby sister Elisa has disappeared from a cruise ship in Alaska.
In a gripping thriller crossing three continents, these three men find their fates are entwined.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 18, 2021
A vacation aboard a cruise ship -it should be full of fun and entertainment, surrounded by miles of beautiful ocean, and one certainly shouldn’t feel trapped or afraid, but what if there was a serial killer on board?
Sebastian McKenzie is an entertainer on some of the world’s leading cruise liners, a pianist of considerable talent, and very popular with the wealthy guests, Sebastian has a nickname - The Grim Reaper, because which ever ship he’s on, people disappear! After all, what better place than a cruise liner in the middle of the ocean, to dispose of a body!
Max Cutler is a Secret Service Agent, and he’s presently tracking a major counterfeiting gang in Germany - a gang who are completely ruthless and definitely not averse to ‘getting rid’ of anyone who stands in their way.
However, investigations come to a halt for Max, when he receives the awful news that his 18 year old sister Elisa, has gone missing whilst on an Alaskan cruise with her parents. It’s after this, that events become really interesting, as the two investigations merge. Max discovers that many people have gone missing on cruise ships, but are never fully investigated (that would be bad for business), so he sets up his own company MIDAS - Marine Investigations for Deaths At Sea, with shocking results!
Tidal Rage is a well written, deftly plotted, page turner, complex in its detail, it is nevertheless expertly carried out, and has a large cast of characters, some of them really horrifying individuals, not least a sadistic serial killer with a very strange fetish. * There is some reference to animal abuse that forms a tiny part of the storyline*. Author David Evans has done a great job, and I would be happy to read anything he produces in the future.
*My thanks to David Haviland of Loudhailer Books, for inviting me to read Tidal Rage. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Sebastian McKenzie is an entertainer on some of the world’s leading cruise liners, a pianist of considerable talent, and very popular with the wealthy guests, Sebastian has a nickname - The Grim Reaper, because which ever ship he’s on, people disappear! After all, what better place than a cruise liner in the middle of the ocean, to dispose of a body!
Max Cutler is a Secret Service Agent, and he’s presently tracking a major counterfeiting gang in Germany - a gang who are completely ruthless and definitely not averse to ‘getting rid’ of anyone who stands in their way.
However, investigations come to a halt for Max, when he receives the awful news that his 18 year old sister Elisa, has gone missing whilst on an Alaskan cruise with her parents. It’s after this, that events become really interesting, as the two investigations merge. Max discovers that many people have gone missing on cruise ships, but are never fully investigated (that would be bad for business), so he sets up his own company MIDAS - Marine Investigations for Deaths At Sea, with shocking results!
Tidal Rage is a well written, deftly plotted, page turner, complex in its detail, it is nevertheless expertly carried out, and has a large cast of characters, some of them really horrifying individuals, not least a sadistic serial killer with a very strange fetish. * There is some reference to animal abuse that forms a tiny part of the storyline*. Author David Evans has done a great job, and I would be happy to read anything he produces in the future.
*My thanks to David Haviland of Loudhailer Books, for inviting me to read Tidal Rage. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
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July 26, 2021DNF at 31%. No Rating.
This book was disturbing.
Copious amounts of blood, corpses, and violence are usually within my realm of tolerable but Tidal Rage had a warped quality that didn't sit well.
Containing one of the most sinister killers I've read about, you may like this if you prefer creepy characters with bizarre fetishes. It was too much for me.
In addition, I should have paid more attention to the bottom portion of a friend review that mentions animal death because I avoid this scenario in books whenever possible. Although it's a VERY small portion overall, I don't enjoy that type of suspense.
Downloaded from Amazon Unlimited.
This book was disturbing.
Copious amounts of blood, corpses, and violence are usually within my realm of tolerable but Tidal Rage had a warped quality that didn't sit well.
Containing one of the most sinister killers I've read about, you may like this if you prefer creepy characters with bizarre fetishes. It was too much for me.
In addition, I should have paid more attention to the bottom portion of a friend review that mentions animal death because I avoid this scenario in books whenever possible. Although it's a VERY small portion overall, I don't enjoy that type of suspense.
Downloaded from Amazon Unlimited.
July 5, 2021
This fast-paced story revolves around Sebastian, Jozef and Max, three men with very different backgrounds whose lives come together in an unexpected way.
The good points of this book are that the story is good; a serial killer that plays the piano beautifully, a criminal and an ex-Secret Service agent - lots of international crime but also interesting characters. The author is also very good in describing different countries, cities, places, history, science, psychology and more.
And there is where things go wrong: there is Too Much Information. Literally every paragraph is filled with extra information we often don't need.
The book begins with a short and very thrilling chapter. But before we are back to this situation, we are more than halfway in the book. In the mean time we read how Sebastian came into this world and exactly why he is who he is, but we are a whole lot wiser about Bavarian woods, the art of counterfeiting, and much, much more. We read about Sebastians cabin boy on one of the ships where he works as an entertainer- the author takes a couple of pages to introduce him and tell about his background and his life. And then this parts ends with the death of this person. It's going nowhere - the cabin boy plays no further role and is not interesting.
And this goes on and on.
Then suddenly we again read some very good and interesting parts and you get the feeling we are back on track with the story. But no, alas.
I would love to read more of this author but I hope he'll find a good editor to help him to get rid of so many irrelevant details.
Thanks to Netgalley and Loudhailer books for this digital review copy.
The good points of this book are that the story is good; a serial killer that plays the piano beautifully, a criminal and an ex-Secret Service agent - lots of international crime but also interesting characters. The author is also very good in describing different countries, cities, places, history, science, psychology and more.
And there is where things go wrong: there is Too Much Information. Literally every paragraph is filled with extra information we often don't need.
The book begins with a short and very thrilling chapter. But before we are back to this situation, we are more than halfway in the book. In the mean time we read how Sebastian came into this world and exactly why he is who he is, but we are a whole lot wiser about Bavarian woods, the art of counterfeiting, and much, much more. We read about Sebastians cabin boy on one of the ships where he works as an entertainer- the author takes a couple of pages to introduce him and tell about his background and his life. And then this parts ends with the death of this person. It's going nowhere - the cabin boy plays no further role and is not interesting.
And this goes on and on.
Then suddenly we again read some very good and interesting parts and you get the feeling we are back on track with the story. But no, alas.
I would love to read more of this author but I hope he'll find a good editor to help him to get rid of so many irrelevant details.
Thanks to Netgalley and Loudhailer books for this digital review copy.
June 14, 2021
‘No day is a good day to die...’
Sebastian McKenzie is a brilliant pianist, working as an entertainer on some of the world’s leading cruise liners. Josef Werner is a criminal, a key part of a European counterfeiting ring. Max Cutler is a member of America’s Secret Service, working on breaking up the counterfeiting ring Josef Werner is part of. When Max’s young sister Elisa goes missing from a cruise ship off Alaska, his life changes forever. He is determined to find out what happened to Elisa, and it just so happens that after leaving the Secret Service, he has access to the financial means to do so.
After learning about Sebastian’s disadvantaged birth and past, we quickly learn that he is a murderer with a fetish. And what better place to murder than on an ocean liner where the evidence can be (comparatively easily) disposed of?
Josef Werner, with the help of a corrupt politician, manages to escape custody. He establishes a new base in Turkey and is after revenge.
And Max Cutler? He is determined to use his skills and contacts to finish off the counterfeiting ring and to find out what happened to Elisa.
All these strands are brought together in a fairly satisfying conclusion, but Mr Evans’s inclusion of excessive detail (at times) reduces the tension in what should be a gripping read. While I enjoyed the novel, I believe that a good story could have been even better with some judicious editing.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Loudhailer Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Sebastian McKenzie is a brilliant pianist, working as an entertainer on some of the world’s leading cruise liners. Josef Werner is a criminal, a key part of a European counterfeiting ring. Max Cutler is a member of America’s Secret Service, working on breaking up the counterfeiting ring Josef Werner is part of. When Max’s young sister Elisa goes missing from a cruise ship off Alaska, his life changes forever. He is determined to find out what happened to Elisa, and it just so happens that after leaving the Secret Service, he has access to the financial means to do so.
After learning about Sebastian’s disadvantaged birth and past, we quickly learn that he is a murderer with a fetish. And what better place to murder than on an ocean liner where the evidence can be (comparatively easily) disposed of?
Josef Werner, with the help of a corrupt politician, manages to escape custody. He establishes a new base in Turkey and is after revenge.
And Max Cutler? He is determined to use his skills and contacts to finish off the counterfeiting ring and to find out what happened to Elisa.
All these strands are brought together in a fairly satisfying conclusion, but Mr Evans’s inclusion of excessive detail (at times) reduces the tension in what should be a gripping read. While I enjoyed the novel, I believe that a good story could have been even better with some judicious editing.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Loudhailer Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 25, 2021
Author David Evans published the novel “Tidal Rage” in 2021. This is Mr. Evan’s first publication.
I obtained this novel through promotion by the publisher. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence, mature situations, and mature language. The story is predominantly set on cruise ships. The primary character is Max Cutler an experienced Secret Service agent.
Sebastian McKenzie is a very odd man. He is also a brilliant musician so his eccentricities are overlooked. He is part Asian and has an unusual look. He has spent years at sea being the star performer on one cruise ship after another. He doesn’t stay too long on any one ship. He isn’t very social but that isolation suits him well. He is an accomplished serial killer that no one knows exists. His first murder was of a neighbor girl as a child. Now his victim tally is in double digits. He has discovered that deaths at sea fall into a gray area. The next port of call handles the investigations. Missing passengers are often attributed to suicide or just wanting to disappear. The cruise lines just want any bad publicity to go away.
Cutler has been working in Europe with Interpol. The case he is completing has put ex-Stasi agent Josef Werner behind bars. Werner has been making millions counterfeiting US currency. Cutler's work on the case is disrupted when his 18-year-old sister Elisa disappears. She has been on a cruise with their parents. Cutler takes a leave of absence and flies to Alaska to meet his parents. The gray area on crimes at sea emerges as he begins his investigation. He resigns from the Secret Service and forms his own investigation agency to focus on crimes at sea.
Werner uses his organization and wealth to arrange an escape from custody. Cutler’s attention is fixed on the tragedies his family has suffered. Even with the disappearance of his sister he has not forgotten about Werner. He has a new employee looking for Werner. Cutler and his team must face challenges from many fronts. He wants to bring both Werner and those behind his sister's disappearance to justice.
I enjoyed the 8.5+ hours I spent reading this 297-page thriller. There were a few ‘technical errors’ in the story and the writing is not the best. That said the story is a very enjoyable thriller and a quick read. The selected cover art is appropriate to the story. I give this novel a 3.8 (Rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I obtained this novel through promotion by the publisher. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence, mature situations, and mature language. The story is predominantly set on cruise ships. The primary character is Max Cutler an experienced Secret Service agent.
Sebastian McKenzie is a very odd man. He is also a brilliant musician so his eccentricities are overlooked. He is part Asian and has an unusual look. He has spent years at sea being the star performer on one cruise ship after another. He doesn’t stay too long on any one ship. He isn’t very social but that isolation suits him well. He is an accomplished serial killer that no one knows exists. His first murder was of a neighbor girl as a child. Now his victim tally is in double digits. He has discovered that deaths at sea fall into a gray area. The next port of call handles the investigations. Missing passengers are often attributed to suicide or just wanting to disappear. The cruise lines just want any bad publicity to go away.
Cutler has been working in Europe with Interpol. The case he is completing has put ex-Stasi agent Josef Werner behind bars. Werner has been making millions counterfeiting US currency. Cutler's work on the case is disrupted when his 18-year-old sister Elisa disappears. She has been on a cruise with their parents. Cutler takes a leave of absence and flies to Alaska to meet his parents. The gray area on crimes at sea emerges as he begins his investigation. He resigns from the Secret Service and forms his own investigation agency to focus on crimes at sea.
Werner uses his organization and wealth to arrange an escape from custody. Cutler’s attention is fixed on the tragedies his family has suffered. Even with the disappearance of his sister he has not forgotten about Werner. He has a new employee looking for Werner. Cutler and his team must face challenges from many fronts. He wants to bring both Werner and those behind his sister's disappearance to justice.
I enjoyed the 8.5+ hours I spent reading this 297-page thriller. There were a few ‘technical errors’ in the story and the writing is not the best. That said the story is a very enjoyable thriller and a quick read. The selected cover art is appropriate to the story. I give this novel a 3.8 (Rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
June 15, 2021
So I have decided from now on I will not cruise alone and stay away from the musicians after reading this book. The things this guy gets away with are beyond and it’s scary to think you can be lost at sea and maybe no one will ever know what happened. This is an exciting read about a serial killer with a strange obsession (other than murder) and the complex team of characters who get involved in his story. It’s gripping and has the makings of a really dark tv series but no idea who they would get to play the lead.
July 10, 2021
This was a entertaining read. The story is mostly told through the viewpoint of three main characters, a secret service agent, a counterfeiter and a serial killer, the plot is helped a lot by viewpoints from other characters some of whom get elevated to not-quite-a main character and others just have the one appearance.
Our secret service agent - Max, is hot on the heels of capturing Werner a serious criminal who is bent on destabilising the American economy by flooding it with counterfeit bills, when he (Max) learns that his sister has gone missing. Without a body and no information on what happened, Max decides to set up an agency to investigate unexplained incidents where people have gone missing at sea which coincidentally puts him and his new agency onto the trail of a serial killer. Max and his team have to pull together the threads of all their investigations and one by one, have the perps brought to justice...
I enjoyed the story, I think if you could imagine the merging of the Bourne movies with a season of Criminal Minds, it should give you an idea of how things go down, as well as if this could be something you would also enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of Tidal Rage in return for a honest review.
Our secret service agent - Max, is hot on the heels of capturing Werner a serious criminal who is bent on destabilising the American economy by flooding it with counterfeit bills, when he (Max) learns that his sister has gone missing. Without a body and no information on what happened, Max decides to set up an agency to investigate unexplained incidents where people have gone missing at sea which coincidentally puts him and his new agency onto the trail of a serial killer. Max and his team have to pull together the threads of all their investigations and one by one, have the perps brought to justice...
I enjoyed the story, I think if you could imagine the merging of the Bourne movies with a season of Criminal Minds, it should give you an idea of how things go down, as well as if this could be something you would also enjoy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of Tidal Rage in return for a honest review.
July 18, 2021
Sebastian McKenzie is a pianist on board a luxury liner.
Max Cutler is a secret services agent who is at present tracking a counterfeiting gang in Germany where Josef Werner has a key part.
I found it difficult to keep up with the story as it jumped from one character to another and different timelines without warning.
The characters and story seemed promising to start with but as I got further into the book I found them annoying and very unbelievable.
Sadly I didn't complete the book.
Max Cutler is a secret services agent who is at present tracking a counterfeiting gang in Germany where Josef Werner has a key part.
I found it difficult to keep up with the story as it jumped from one character to another and different timelines without warning.
The characters and story seemed promising to start with but as I got further into the book I found them annoying and very unbelievable.
Sadly I didn't complete the book.
July 7, 2021
The main plot is based on a serial killer working as a pianist on board a number of international cruise ships. There is also an exciting secondary, intertwined plot that runs throughout the book. The key protagonist is an ex-US Secret Service agent who wants resolution and retribution for the death of his sister.
This isn't the genre of book that I would normally read, and I was a bit hesitant about starting it. However, after reading the first chapter I was totally hooked and couldn't stop reading it.
Mysterious deaths or disappearances on a cruise ship open up many intriguing possibilities. The cruise companies naturally try to downplay or hide any serious incident. In international waters, no police force would have full jurisdiction over the case and often cannot be bothered to investigate. The killer can also stop off at various spots on the route of a cruise ship to kill and return to the liner before the bodies are found. Perhaps a cruise ship is the right environment for a perfect crime.
I loved the author's attention to detail in describing the various places the characters visited. Also, being a military buff, - the details of the types of weapon systems used.
The plot and overall pace of Tidal Rage were so enthralling, I believe that it would make an amazing action movie.
This isn't the genre of book that I would normally read, and I was a bit hesitant about starting it. However, after reading the first chapter I was totally hooked and couldn't stop reading it.
Mysterious deaths or disappearances on a cruise ship open up many intriguing possibilities. The cruise companies naturally try to downplay or hide any serious incident. In international waters, no police force would have full jurisdiction over the case and often cannot be bothered to investigate. The killer can also stop off at various spots on the route of a cruise ship to kill and return to the liner before the bodies are found. Perhaps a cruise ship is the right environment for a perfect crime.
I loved the author's attention to detail in describing the various places the characters visited. Also, being a military buff, - the details of the types of weapon systems used.
The plot and overall pace of Tidal Rage were so enthralling, I believe that it would make an amazing action movie.
July 7, 2021
I was hoping for a good thriller to get my teeth into, but unfortunately, for me, this wasn't it.
The story starts aboard a cruise ship where a murder takes place. On this ship is the very talented Sebastian plays piano and entertains. It does seem that on every ship Sebastian is on, a disappearane or murder occurs. Josef is an escaped ex con now living the high life in a luxurious house.
Max is an up and coming secret service agent who seems to be doing a surveillance on Josef.
The story ties them together when Max's sister goes missing on a cruise.
For me, this story did not flow well and I couldn't really get into the plot, but I do appreciate receiving an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story starts aboard a cruise ship where a murder takes place. On this ship is the very talented Sebastian plays piano and entertains. It does seem that on every ship Sebastian is on, a disappearane or murder occurs. Josef is an escaped ex con now living the high life in a luxurious house.
Max is an up and coming secret service agent who seems to be doing a surveillance on Josef.
The story ties them together when Max's sister goes missing on a cruise.
For me, this story did not flow well and I couldn't really get into the plot, but I do appreciate receiving an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2021
Thank you Loudhailer books for a kindle copy of Tidal Rage by David Evans. Here is the description of book and then my review:
OUT ON THE WATER, THERE ARE NO RULES
On the cruise ship circuit, Sebastian McKenzie is a star. A brilliant pianist and singer, he entertains the wealthy guests every night in the piano bars and restaurants of the world’s leading cruise liners. But he never stays with the same ship for long. And some of the other entertainers have nicknamed him the Grim Reaper, because whenever Sebastian is on board, people go missing.
After escaping from prison, Josef Werner is driven to a safe hideout in the Didim area of Turkey. He sets up his base in the beautiful bay of Akbuk, and buys two isolated villas high on a hill overlooking the bay. But Werner has been followed by a private eye named Cortez, and the premises are bugged.
Max Cutler is an All-American boy: tall, blond and handsome, with a sharp wit and a keen eye for female company. A stand-out student at law school, he is immediately recruited into the Secret Service, to protect America’s interests overseas. Max is in Europe, breaking up a violent counterfeiting ring in Germany, when he hears that his baby sister Elisa has disappeared from a cruise ship in Alaska.
In a gripping thriller crossing three continents, these three men find their fates are entwined.
my review:
This book was very intriguing and for the type of book I don't normally read it kept me reading. This is why you don't judge a book by it's cover. I liked how it kept my attention, was fast paced in parts, the matrix like fighting because I wish I could learn. I liked Max and his fight for his sister, the atmosphere of the ship life and describing the cultures and landscapes of different Countries. I didn't like Sebastian or how the story was a little too descriptive when it came to the cast of characters.. All in all it is a thrilling good read. Four Stars
OUT ON THE WATER, THERE ARE NO RULES
On the cruise ship circuit, Sebastian McKenzie is a star. A brilliant pianist and singer, he entertains the wealthy guests every night in the piano bars and restaurants of the world’s leading cruise liners. But he never stays with the same ship for long. And some of the other entertainers have nicknamed him the Grim Reaper, because whenever Sebastian is on board, people go missing.
After escaping from prison, Josef Werner is driven to a safe hideout in the Didim area of Turkey. He sets up his base in the beautiful bay of Akbuk, and buys two isolated villas high on a hill overlooking the bay. But Werner has been followed by a private eye named Cortez, and the premises are bugged.
Max Cutler is an All-American boy: tall, blond and handsome, with a sharp wit and a keen eye for female company. A stand-out student at law school, he is immediately recruited into the Secret Service, to protect America’s interests overseas. Max is in Europe, breaking up a violent counterfeiting ring in Germany, when he hears that his baby sister Elisa has disappeared from a cruise ship in Alaska.
In a gripping thriller crossing three continents, these three men find their fates are entwined.
my review:
This book was very intriguing and for the type of book I don't normally read it kept me reading. This is why you don't judge a book by it's cover. I liked how it kept my attention, was fast paced in parts, the matrix like fighting because I wish I could learn. I liked Max and his fight for his sister, the atmosphere of the ship life and describing the cultures and landscapes of different Countries. I didn't like Sebastian or how the story was a little too descriptive when it came to the cast of characters.. All in all it is a thrilling good read. Four Stars
June 9, 2021
I loved the sound of the plot line for this book, it is set on a cruise ship, people start to go missing but what is happening to them? there is all these different characters some with shady pasts that you wouldn't want to meet on a dark night and others that have secrets, you never really know anyone. It is about three different men who cross into different countries, but their stories are intertwined throughout the book. I liked how the book flowed through out, I was never really sure what was going to happen which I liked and I found the ending brought everything together nicely.
August 12, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Loudhailer Books for the electronic copy.
I didn't really enjoy this book at all. The jumps between timelines - between Sebastian McKenzie and Max Cutler's lives were really difficult to follow; you're reading about Sebastian, his childhood and his obsessions, then interrupted to read about a talented Secret Service agent-in-the-making, Max Cutler, and all the attendant boring detail of what his training consisted of; then his assignment in Europe tracking a counterfeiting gang. Meanwhile years are passing whilst Sebastian is perfecting his art of killing, torturing, with horrific and seemingly gratuitous violence, his chosen victims, as he cruises the high seas as a talented pianist.
Their paths eventually cross but I found it all rather "contrived". The writing really didn't "flow".
Not for me I'm afraid.
I didn't really enjoy this book at all. The jumps between timelines - between Sebastian McKenzie and Max Cutler's lives were really difficult to follow; you're reading about Sebastian, his childhood and his obsessions, then interrupted to read about a talented Secret Service agent-in-the-making, Max Cutler, and all the attendant boring detail of what his training consisted of; then his assignment in Europe tracking a counterfeiting gang. Meanwhile years are passing whilst Sebastian is perfecting his art of killing, torturing, with horrific and seemingly gratuitous violence, his chosen victims, as he cruises the high seas as a talented pianist.
Their paths eventually cross but I found it all rather "contrived". The writing really didn't "flow".
Not for me I'm afraid.
June 6, 2021
When Secret Service agent Cutler’s sister dies on an Alaskan cruise, he investigates as he knows it wasn’t suicide as it was declared. When his parents are murdered, he knows he must take matters in his own hands. Using funds he banked in a counterfeiting case, he forms his own investigate firm to solve cases that governments closed. A number of cases are brought together while two major cases converge, both of which have exceptionally bad characters involved. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2024
Synopsis (from the publisher, the provider of the book for me to review.)
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OUT ON THE WATER, THERE ARE NO RULES
On the cruise ship circuit, Sebastian McKenzie is a star. A brilliant pianist and singer, he entertains wealthy guests every night in the piano bars and restaurants of the world’s leading cruise liners. But he never stays with the same ship for long. And some of the other entertainers have nicknamed him the Grim Reaper because whenever Sebastian is on board, people go missing.
After escaping from prison, Josef Werner is driven to a safe hideout in the Didim area of Turkey. He sets up his base in the beautiful bay of Akbuk and buys two isolated villas high on a hill overlooking the bay. But Werner has been followed by a private eye named Cortez, and the premises are bugged.
Max Cutler is an All-American boy: tall, blond and handsome, with a sharp wit and a keen eye for female company. A stand-out student at law school, he is immediately recruited into the Secret Service, to protect America’s interests overseas. Max is in Europe, breaking up a violent counterfeiting ring in Germany, when he hears that his baby sister Elisa has disappeared from a cruise ship in Alaska.
In a gripping thriller crossing three continents, these three men find their fates are entwined.
I have always said that the #1 reason I do not want to go on a cruise is because I would be stuck with about 6998 people I don't want to necessarily see again ... that now involves cruise staff so it is probably 8898 out of 9000 on board. (Although I am a great conversationalist, I don't drink, gamble, eat off most buffets or sit in the sun, so why would I be on the cruise in the first place?)
This book is bloody and gory and I think it would fit on streaming television perfectly (ala White Lotus, where anything can and will happen!) as it was kind of overly graphic, word-wise. And in that I mean it is easier to see someone die on screen and it be over than read what was exactly going on. The truth here: when I was 9, I decided to read JAWS a book my mom had on the shelf and told me not to read....the description of the girl being eaten was so raw and vivid that I threw up and refused to go in Lake Huron for the rest of the summer!
The book is not new but it was new to me and I recommend it highly to lovers of great mysteries and taking a vacation on the page. Mr Evans has also written many other novels so I look forward to adding them to my TBR list if I have not read them already.
4/5 knives
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OUT ON THE WATER, THERE ARE NO RULES
On the cruise ship circuit, Sebastian McKenzie is a star. A brilliant pianist and singer, he entertains wealthy guests every night in the piano bars and restaurants of the world’s leading cruise liners. But he never stays with the same ship for long. And some of the other entertainers have nicknamed him the Grim Reaper because whenever Sebastian is on board, people go missing.
After escaping from prison, Josef Werner is driven to a safe hideout in the Didim area of Turkey. He sets up his base in the beautiful bay of Akbuk and buys two isolated villas high on a hill overlooking the bay. But Werner has been followed by a private eye named Cortez, and the premises are bugged.
Max Cutler is an All-American boy: tall, blond and handsome, with a sharp wit and a keen eye for female company. A stand-out student at law school, he is immediately recruited into the Secret Service, to protect America’s interests overseas. Max is in Europe, breaking up a violent counterfeiting ring in Germany, when he hears that his baby sister Elisa has disappeared from a cruise ship in Alaska.
In a gripping thriller crossing three continents, these three men find their fates are entwined.
I have always said that the #1 reason I do not want to go on a cruise is because I would be stuck with about 6998 people I don't want to necessarily see again ... that now involves cruise staff so it is probably 8898 out of 9000 on board. (Although I am a great conversationalist, I don't drink, gamble, eat off most buffets or sit in the sun, so why would I be on the cruise in the first place?)
This book is bloody and gory and I think it would fit on streaming television perfectly (ala White Lotus, where anything can and will happen!) as it was kind of overly graphic, word-wise. And in that I mean it is easier to see someone die on screen and it be over than read what was exactly going on. The truth here: when I was 9, I decided to read JAWS a book my mom had on the shelf and told me not to read....the description of the girl being eaten was so raw and vivid that I threw up and refused to go in Lake Huron for the rest of the summer!
The book is not new but it was new to me and I recommend it highly to lovers of great mysteries and taking a vacation on the page. Mr Evans has also written many other novels so I look forward to adding them to my TBR list if I have not read them already.
4/5 knives
October 25, 2024
David Evans' novel "Tidal Rage" masterfully intertwines two riveting plots: the main story follows a sinister serial killer who, while working as a pianist aboard various international cruise ships, commits a series of chilling murders. Alongside this, an engrossing secondary plot captivates readers, featuring an ex-US Secret Service agent driven by a deep desire for resolution and retribution for his sister's untimely death. Initially skeptical, I found myself irresistibly drawn into the narrative from the very first chapter, unable to put the book down.
Evans crafts a perfect backdrop for the perfect crime within the confines of a cruise ship—a setting ripe with mystery and devoid of strict jurisdictional oversight, where serious incidents are often minimized or overlooked by cruise companies. This lack of authority coupled with the freedom to disembark momentarily provides the killer an almost flawless opportunity to evade capture.
What truly enhances the reading experience is Evans' meticulous attention to detail. His vivid descriptions of the exotic locales visited by the characters are deeply immersive, and as a military enthusiast, I found his accurate depictions of weapon systems particularly compelling.
The pacing and complexity of the plot in "Tidal Rage" are so gripping that it's easy to envision this novel being adapted into a thrilling action movie. David Evans has certainly crafted a standout piece that resonates with excitement and intrigue.
Evans crafts a perfect backdrop for the perfect crime within the confines of a cruise ship—a setting ripe with mystery and devoid of strict jurisdictional oversight, where serious incidents are often minimized or overlooked by cruise companies. This lack of authority coupled with the freedom to disembark momentarily provides the killer an almost flawless opportunity to evade capture.
What truly enhances the reading experience is Evans' meticulous attention to detail. His vivid descriptions of the exotic locales visited by the characters are deeply immersive, and as a military enthusiast, I found his accurate depictions of weapon systems particularly compelling.
The pacing and complexity of the plot in "Tidal Rage" are so gripping that it's easy to envision this novel being adapted into a thrilling action movie. David Evans has certainly crafted a standout piece that resonates with excitement and intrigue.
November 23, 2021
This book while not something I would normally read really grabbed my interest. I really liked the way that the author talked about something super serious like a murder but didn't make it to dark, and at the same time this book wasn't too complicated in its detective searches liked I was worried about in the beginning. I did find parts of this book a little hard to follow with all of the point of view changes however, I realised why they were important for the story line so I understand why they were there. This book does have everything that a good murder mystery needs, murder, secrets, corruption and place it on what should be a perfectly relaxing cruise ship makes for a very good plot in my eyes. While this book left a little bit to be desired at some points the good parts really made up for it and I'm very glad that I got the opportunity to read it. The ending was amazing!! I can't wait to see what else David Evans writes.
September 20, 2021
This book is based on a very intriguing idea - a serial killer aboard a cruise liner, moving from one ship to the next, the death being classed as a disappearance or suicide. Add to this a serial killer with a skewed perspective of life; a rather weird fetish stemming from his history and you have an interesting story. But add to all of THIS a man who is determined to find justice for his sister; who has access to unlimited funds and the best minds working for him.
Action-packed, vicious, stomach-turning, this is a book that might offend sensitive stomachs but holds your attention even though there are a multitude of characters and backstories. It ends with a massive bang.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this book.
Action-packed, vicious, stomach-turning, this is a book that might offend sensitive stomachs but holds your attention even though there are a multitude of characters and backstories. It ends with a massive bang.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this book.
June 14, 2021
Full of twists and turns and a great plot on the high seas. The author reminds me of Le Carre with his intricate detail and subplots
Max Cutler starts out as an honest Secret Service agents but uses money from a German gang to set up an investigative company to look for answers to who killed his sister on a cruise ship of Alaska
Midas ( Marine Investigations for deaths at Sea) comes across a pattern of deaths, there is a serial killer on the loose, and Cutler with his company of investigators and special service operations is soon on his trail.
Excellent plot and well written. Would love to see this story on the large screen
Well done David Evans, can't wait for your next book
Max Cutler starts out as an honest Secret Service agents but uses money from a German gang to set up an investigative company to look for answers to who killed his sister on a cruise ship of Alaska
Midas ( Marine Investigations for deaths at Sea) comes across a pattern of deaths, there is a serial killer on the loose, and Cutler with his company of investigators and special service operations is soon on his trail.
Excellent plot and well written. Would love to see this story on the large screen
Well done David Evans, can't wait for your next book
July 15, 2022
This novel focuses on three men. Sebastian Mckenzie is a cruise ship entertainer and serial killer. Josef Werner is a criminal who has escaped from prison after trying to execute a scheme to bring down the U.S. economy by flooding the market with counterfeit money. Max Cutler is a secret service agent who investigated Josef Werner before quitting the secret service when he sister goes missing from a cruise ship. This novel has all the makings of a solid read, but I found it hard to get sucked into the suspense because of the jump in viewpoints and timelines of the characters, and the over-abundance of details on various topics.
November 27, 2023
An engrossing story of three men and how their worlds will collide, with sp much action and tension that you'll be tempted to read in one sitting. Max Cutler will leave the Secret Service to found an investigative business that will focus on those persons who are missing from cruise ships. Current cases are investigated by a mixed bag of departments with little resolution, Max will change that. His sister is one of the missing person cases.
there are 3 distinct characters in this book. How their stories meld into one twisted investigation makes an excellent read.
there are 3 distinct characters in this book. How their stories meld into one twisted investigation makes an excellent read.
Did Not Finish
February 24, 2025DNF @ 34%
This book was denser than I thought it would be. Every single character mentioned had a back story, a trajectory, and where and what they were doing in current times. At 34%, the reader was no closer to tying the three main characters together (or their respective plot lines), and it felt like a slog at times reading. The character development was interesting, but too detailed to be immersive for me.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This book was denser than I thought it would be. Every single character mentioned had a back story, a trajectory, and where and what they were doing in current times. At 34%, the reader was no closer to tying the three main characters together (or their respective plot lines), and it felt like a slog at times reading. The character development was interesting, but too detailed to be immersive for me.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2021
This book didn’t start well an Assassin and a serial killer both after the same girl on a cruise ship in the middle of the the ocean, more than a bit over the top. It’s also I thought over descriptive which would normally put me off but a couple of chapters in I forgot all about the negatives because the author just pulled me in. Two parallel story lines, fast paced and well scripted, well researched make this a very hard to put down book. Looking forward to more from David Evans hope for more of the same
Thanks to David Haviland, loudhailer books for this opportunity to read this.
Thanks to David Haviland, loudhailer books for this opportunity to read this.
October 11, 2022
The story confused me for a while because there were three storylines going and I didn't know where it would take me. The character, Sebastian was a very lonely figure and I felt empathy for him. But, as the story developed, Sebastian became such a creepy character. Honestly, he scared me too death! Once all three storylines came together, I couldn't put the book down! A lot of thrills and chills, suspense and drama!
Thank you #David Evans and #NetGalley for A/C!
Thank you #David Evans and #NetGalley for A/C!
March 24, 2024
I don't know who the intended audience is for this book, but it isn't me. This was too much slasher gore and kinks that I'm very not into for me. The narrative skips around a lot in both character and timeline, which was annoying and difficult to follow.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
February 25, 2025
Well it's different. A gifted musician that is beyond twisted. Sabastian thinks he is above being caught as he begins to follow his more base needs. Is Sabastian the main character or is it Cutler? Both men have strong storylines. The first part of the book has Sabastian as the story being told. The second part of the book has Cutler's story. I didn't feel drawn into the book but it wasn't a bad story. Just not my cup of tea.
August 15, 2021
I'm not sure where any of the bad reviews are coming from here. This was an easy 5 stars from me
Excellently constructed with great characterization and a superb, thrilling plot.
Genuinely struggled to put it down.
Will eagerly await the next one from this author.
Many thanks
Excellently constructed with great characterization and a superb, thrilling plot.
Genuinely struggled to put it down.
Will eagerly await the next one from this author.
Many thanks
January 7, 2022
Superb read, detailed, thrilling.A right page turner
Highly reccomend
Highly reccomend
September 2, 2023
Only made it to 18% before giving up... I understand the need for a characters history and how it might be relevant to the story/plot. But at 18%, we still haven't even gotten to the primary story.
October 22, 2024
"Tidal Rage is an exceptional read—remarkable, thrilling, and utterly transformative. It offers an exquisite narrative that is both energizing and gratifying. Truly a terrific literary journey!"
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