What do you think?
Rate this book
Deep Focus
Who wouldn't want to shoot a movie in paradise? What could possibly go wrong?
Divemasters Boone Fischer and Emily Durand have left the relative bustle of Cozumel to start anew on the sleepy Sister Island of Little Cayman; population 200, give or take. In the Cayman Islands, the reefs are so spectacular and extensive, you can dive a different site every day of the year.
When a prominent film studio decides to shoot their upcoming science-fiction flick in the waters of the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman, everything initially goes well. Eccentric director Heinz Werner is brought on board, and the producers are lucky enough to score a popular young celebrity for their leading sexy starlet, Brooke Bablin.
After a series of strange incidents and the abrupt disappearance of the lead actress, the production of Man O' War is suddenly in jeopardy. Is the movie suffering a stroke of bad luck? Or is it something more sinister?
Boone and Emily will have a chance to discover the answer firsthand, as the couple finds themselves thrust into the middle of this ill-fated production... where careers, reputations, and lives are at stake.
Divemasters Boone Fischer and Emily Durand have left the relative bustle of Cozumel to start anew on the sleepy Sister Island of Little Cayman; population 200, give or take. In the Cayman Islands, the reefs are so spectacular and extensive, you can dive a different site every day of the year.
When a prominent film studio decides to shoot their upcoming science-fiction flick in the waters of the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman, everything initially goes well. Eccentric director Heinz Werner is brought on board, and the producers are lucky enough to score a popular young celebrity for their leading sexy starlet, Brooke Bablin.
After a series of strange incidents and the abrupt disappearance of the lead actress, the production of Man O' War is suddenly in jeopardy. Is the movie suffering a stroke of bad luck? Or is it something more sinister?
Boone and Emily will have a chance to discover the answer firsthand, as the couple finds themselves thrust into the middle of this ill-fated production... where careers, reputations, and lives are at stake.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2022
244 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Nick Sullivan
208 books99 followersBorn in East Tennessee, Nick Sullivan has spent most of his adult life as an actor in New York City, working in theater, television, film, and audiobooks. After recording hundreds of books over the last twenty years he decided to write his own. Nick has been scuba diving for almost as long as he'd been acting, and his new series was inspired by his experiences in the Caribbean. "Deep Shadow" is set in the island of Bonaire and the second book, "Deep Cut", takes place on the Dutch island of Saba. "Deep Roots" takes place in the off-shore cayes of Belize, and "Deep Devil" is set in Cozumel. His first novel, "Zombie Bigfoot", hit #1 in Horror Comedy on Amazon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 22, 2022
Nick Sullivan continues to impress and improve his ever expanding “The Deep” series of audiobooks. With every new release, each story in the series builds upon the previous ones. However, it is nice that you can simply pick up any of the books in the series and enjoy them as a stand-alone novel if so desired. “Deep Focus”, the fifth and newest audiobook in the series, is no exception. Even though it is a lighter and more fun story, it is just as mysterious, and action filled as the previous stories. I’m still impressed that Mr. Sullivan is both the author and narrator of these audiobooks, and I can say that I have never been disappointed with any of his audiobooks I have listened to. Both Boone Fischer and Emily (Em) Durand are just so likable and interesting characters along with the numerous Caribbean locations in which the stories take place, I find myself coming back and always wanting more. I’m glad to hear that we may not have to wait over a year for the next one, right? If you enjoy great whodunits, warm beaches, and even a bit of a diving lesson, you are in for a treat with this audiobook. I recommend you give Deep Focus a listen along with the others in this series when you simply want to kick back and not only be entertained but also be educated.
As I stated earlier, Deep Focus opens a bit differently from the previous audiobooks in the series. The listener is dropped off in the middle of a b-rated movie set consisting of pirates, young adults and plenty of bad choices found in the early “creature double feature” movies. There is walking the plank, loads of rum, women covering themselves barely with small bathing suits and a covert set of events that will keep the listener engaged until the end. Even though this story had less scenes consisting of the two main characters being underwater I still learned quite a bit about diving, which I do with each successive story I listen to. Not sure if it is the author intent, but next time I’m in the warm waters of the Caribbean, I may have to do some more underwater activities. The level of research Mr. Sullivan puts into his stories continues to amaze me as well. Details around lionfish and other creatures found under the sea fascinate me even more. I always get so much out of the end notes chapter seeing just how much goes into each one of his novels. All I can say is that I’m excited for the next audiobook’s location as it is one that I’m quite familiar with; and loved it.
Along with the wonderful research, I find the writing style and scene descriptions to be detailed just like you would find on a movie set. Close your eyes while listening and you will be able to imagine being there with Boone and Emily. Even in the fifth audiobook, we still have the romantic banter, sexual tension, and fun between these two main characters as they continue to grow within themselves and each other. I found the many other new characters also engaging while also possessing depth. At the heart of the story, we have a kidnapping, this time not Emily, and the team begins to follow the breadcrumbs left behind to solve the case. What makes the story interesting is that others just feel the kidnapped individual departed the island on their own free will. It is always interesting to see how the various items come together in a climax of both action and intrigue. Along with this, we are always presented with various twists and turns that come out of nowhere leading us down different paths. Add to this some new and exciting technology and this is what makes Deep Focus such a great story to listen to.
I enjoyed the multiple plugs and insertion of Zombie Bigfoot (another great story written and narrated by Mr. Sullivan) sprinkled throughout the tale. If you have not listed to this one, I also highly recommend it to all my readers. I welcomed the multiple flashbacks that Emily had as it showed her vulnerability and the impact of previous incidents that have greatly affected her life. We also get a glimpse in to how this impacts Boone’s life as well. With each new story we get a deeper look this wonderful fictional couple, and each time I find them more and more interesting.
Turing my attention to the audiobook’s narration, if you have read any of my previous The Deep series reviews, you will not be surprised when I say that Mr. Sullivan’s narration is exceptional. His voice brings the characters to life while not overdoing things and I’m sure being the author of the work helps. The narration supports each character by feeling unique and having personality as well. Being able to properly voice female characters along with a good Russian accent is not easy, but the narrator pulls them off. There were no noticeable audio artifacts or glitches I can recall. I am often not a fan of authors narrating their own work, but in this case, I can say that for Mr. Sullivan it works wonderfully.
For parents and younger listeners, I would say this book can be enjoyed by young adults and up. It does contain some mature language, implied drug use, and subject matter that may not be suitable for younger listeners. The more mature content is not excessive or used without justification by the character, but I did want to make the listener aware that it existed.
In summary, while listening to this audiobook I was surprised how closely it related to actual events that happened on a movie not that long ago. Mr. Sullivan discusses this in the audiobook’s afterword chapter. If you are looking for an audiobook that gives you the ability to be both entertained and educated, with a high level of research to ensure it is authentic, I have to say that Deep Focus meets and exceeds my expatiations here. I can also say that if you find that you enjoyed this audiobook, pick up any of Mr. Sullivan’s others and you will not be disappointed.
As I stated earlier, Deep Focus opens a bit differently from the previous audiobooks in the series. The listener is dropped off in the middle of a b-rated movie set consisting of pirates, young adults and plenty of bad choices found in the early “creature double feature” movies. There is walking the plank, loads of rum, women covering themselves barely with small bathing suits and a covert set of events that will keep the listener engaged until the end. Even though this story had less scenes consisting of the two main characters being underwater I still learned quite a bit about diving, which I do with each successive story I listen to. Not sure if it is the author intent, but next time I’m in the warm waters of the Caribbean, I may have to do some more underwater activities. The level of research Mr. Sullivan puts into his stories continues to amaze me as well. Details around lionfish and other creatures found under the sea fascinate me even more. I always get so much out of the end notes chapter seeing just how much goes into each one of his novels. All I can say is that I’m excited for the next audiobook’s location as it is one that I’m quite familiar with; and loved it.
Along with the wonderful research, I find the writing style and scene descriptions to be detailed just like you would find on a movie set. Close your eyes while listening and you will be able to imagine being there with Boone and Emily. Even in the fifth audiobook, we still have the romantic banter, sexual tension, and fun between these two main characters as they continue to grow within themselves and each other. I found the many other new characters also engaging while also possessing depth. At the heart of the story, we have a kidnapping, this time not Emily, and the team begins to follow the breadcrumbs left behind to solve the case. What makes the story interesting is that others just feel the kidnapped individual departed the island on their own free will. It is always interesting to see how the various items come together in a climax of both action and intrigue. Along with this, we are always presented with various twists and turns that come out of nowhere leading us down different paths. Add to this some new and exciting technology and this is what makes Deep Focus such a great story to listen to.
I enjoyed the multiple plugs and insertion of Zombie Bigfoot (another great story written and narrated by Mr. Sullivan) sprinkled throughout the tale. If you have not listed to this one, I also highly recommend it to all my readers. I welcomed the multiple flashbacks that Emily had as it showed her vulnerability and the impact of previous incidents that have greatly affected her life. We also get a glimpse in to how this impacts Boone’s life as well. With each new story we get a deeper look this wonderful fictional couple, and each time I find them more and more interesting.
Turing my attention to the audiobook’s narration, if you have read any of my previous The Deep series reviews, you will not be surprised when I say that Mr. Sullivan’s narration is exceptional. His voice brings the characters to life while not overdoing things and I’m sure being the author of the work helps. The narration supports each character by feeling unique and having personality as well. Being able to properly voice female characters along with a good Russian accent is not easy, but the narrator pulls them off. There were no noticeable audio artifacts or glitches I can recall. I am often not a fan of authors narrating their own work, but in this case, I can say that for Mr. Sullivan it works wonderfully.
For parents and younger listeners, I would say this book can be enjoyed by young adults and up. It does contain some mature language, implied drug use, and subject matter that may not be suitable for younger listeners. The more mature content is not excessive or used without justification by the character, but I did want to make the listener aware that it existed.
In summary, while listening to this audiobook I was surprised how closely it related to actual events that happened on a movie not that long ago. Mr. Sullivan discusses this in the audiobook’s afterword chapter. If you are looking for an audiobook that gives you the ability to be both entertained and educated, with a high level of research to ensure it is authentic, I have to say that Deep Focus meets and exceeds my expatiations here. I can also say that if you find that you enjoyed this audiobook, pick up any of Mr. Sullivan’s others and you will not be disappointed.
April 13, 2023
LOVED, LOVED this book that takes a different direction from the other marvelous books in the series. There is more humor and humorous situations, less time spent underwater (though we still have the glorious island and ocean descriptions that Nick Sullivan does so well), and if I'm not mistaken, a ZERO BODY COUNT. It's like this book is a breather.
Readers get an interesting and enticing bring-to-date of Boone & Em’s prior adventures detailed in the prior four books, and that was not only great for new-to-the-series readers, but it was a fun flashback for series addicts (moi, for example). I really enjoyed that this BTD also explained how they’ve financed their life because inquiring minds want to know.
The plot is terrific, the antics are plentiful, and Emily fans (moi, for example) will enjoy that she literally is the star of the story. Author Sullivan is also Narrator Sullivan, and he keeps getting better and better. He nails each gender and multiple accents (and one excellent character, Werner, sounds a little like one of Mike Meyers's Sprockets!), so it's easy to just get immersed in the story.
Highly recommend the book as a stand-alone and the whole terrific series. Happily, the next book, DEEP HEX, is already out in the world with a #1 New Release in Travel Adventure Fiction banner hanging out with it. Will be devouring it soon.
Readers get an interesting and enticing bring-to-date of Boone & Em’s prior adventures detailed in the prior four books, and that was not only great for new-to-the-series readers, but it was a fun flashback for series addicts (moi, for example). I really enjoyed that this BTD also explained how they’ve financed their life because inquiring minds want to know.
The plot is terrific, the antics are plentiful, and Emily fans (moi, for example) will enjoy that she literally is the star of the story. Author Sullivan is also Narrator Sullivan, and he keeps getting better and better. He nails each gender and multiple accents (and one excellent character, Werner, sounds a little like one of Mike Meyers's Sprockets!), so it's easy to just get immersed in the story.
Highly recommend the book as a stand-alone and the whole terrific series. Happily, the next book, DEEP HEX, is already out in the world with a #1 New Release in Travel Adventure Fiction banner hanging out with it. Will be devouring it soon.
March 11, 2022
3.5 stars
This is the 5th book in the the deep diving series. I recommend starting from the beginning so that you’ll understand references to past events, I would for sure recommend at least reading book 4 (deep Devil) as there is more spill over into this book than the others.
Boone and Emily are back at it again. A little past the last book, Boone and Emily find themselves in Little Cayman, as you could have guess by the ending of the last book.
The first chapter opens with a scene from a movie being filmed and by the end of the day the lead actress is abducted. Of course we know somehow Boone and Emily are going to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and somehow get involved in a bad situation. In this book Emily somehow stumbles into a new occupation. This book doesn’t not have as much life threatening things happening to Emily and Boone as others, so they get a little break.
If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series you’ll like this one too, same stuff new island a little bit of a lighter and happier read though. I’m looking forward to the next island and adventure.
This is the 5th book in the the deep diving series. I recommend starting from the beginning so that you’ll understand references to past events, I would for sure recommend at least reading book 4 (deep Devil) as there is more spill over into this book than the others.
Boone and Emily are back at it again. A little past the last book, Boone and Emily find themselves in Little Cayman, as you could have guess by the ending of the last book.
The first chapter opens with a scene from a movie being filmed and by the end of the day the lead actress is abducted. Of course we know somehow Boone and Emily are going to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and somehow get involved in a bad situation. In this book Emily somehow stumbles into a new occupation. This book doesn’t not have as much life threatening things happening to Emily and Boone as others, so they get a little break.
If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series you’ll like this one too, same stuff new island a little bit of a lighter and happier read though. I’m looking forward to the next island and adventure.
February 27, 2022
Nick Sullivan continues his adds another to his list or winners. I have enjoyed all of the Deep Series but this book was special for me because in 1991 I moved to Cayman Brac and worked as a dive-master/ instructor and dive boat captain. I then moved to Grand Cayman in 1997 and have been here ever since. I love the way he presents the Cayman Islands and its people, capturing the true spirit and joy of the islands. Of all my many dives from the years in the dive business the site Joys Joys on Little Cayman remains my favorite of all dive sites. I was thrilled when they picked it as on of the sites for the movie shoot. The adventures of Boone and Emily as they make the way through the Caribbean are a delight to follow and I look forward to the next captivating tale.
October 10, 2022
Throughly Entertaining and Deliteful
This is the 5th book of Nick's that I've read. Similar to the other, in that I read it straight through. It has a wonderful mix of humor, drama, and who-done-it all mixed in with the beauty of the Carribean. If only I could visit or live there. When I was younger there was television show called "Adventures in Paradise." It involved a crewed sailing yacht and its adventures in the South Pacific. It was one my favorite shows to watch. Nick's books are the first series of similar adventures that I have enjoyed since those days...and I've read many thousands of boooks since then. I'm hoping for the next book in this series. Thanks Nick for feeding my addiction to well written books. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
This is the 5th book of Nick's that I've read. Similar to the other, in that I read it straight through. It has a wonderful mix of humor, drama, and who-done-it all mixed in with the beauty of the Carribean. If only I could visit or live there. When I was younger there was television show called "Adventures in Paradise." It involved a crewed sailing yacht and its adventures in the South Pacific. It was one my favorite shows to watch. Nick's books are the first series of similar adventures that I have enjoyed since those days...and I've read many thousands of boooks since then. I'm hoping for the next book in this series. Thanks Nick for feeding my addiction to well written books. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
January 20, 2022
Boone and Emily are back in another awesome Caribbean adventure with some old friends and enemies! With each of these books I actually learn a bit about these beautiful islands. I learned a few interesting film facts about the Cayman Islands in this book, but I don't want to add spoilers.
Nick Sullivan wrote and narrated another great story in this Caribbean adventure series! I hope to see much more of Boone and Emily in his future books!
Side note. The only small disappointment about this book is that the film director's previous film was canceled. Zombie Bigfoot sounds like it would have been an awesome movie! lol If you're a fan of Nick Sullivan you'd understand.
Nick Sullivan wrote and narrated another great story in this Caribbean adventure series! I hope to see much more of Boone and Emily in his future books!
Side note. The only small disappointment about this book is that the film director's previous film was canceled. Zombie Bigfoot sounds like it would have been an awesome movie! lol If you're a fan of Nick Sullivan you'd understand.
March 21, 2022
Nick has done it again! What an amazing imagination this guy has. As a frequent traveler to the Caribbean myself, I really like all the factual local references. In his afterword, he states this book is a little longer than the others in the series, but I could have used a few more pages. So many characters that could have been developed further. I was hoping Chip would reappear with a better attitude (after the beating) and somehow make a positive contribution to the investigation and becoming friends with BoonEmily. Oh well, maybe some of these guys will resurface in one of the future books in the series.
October 8, 2024
Good guys over bad guys with exciting adventures.
Started with Wayne Stinnett and Jesse etal recommended by a dear friend in CA of all places! At a point, I caught up and while awaiting Wayne’s next book, started adventuring into Tropical Authors.
Every one is as good as the next. First was Dawn Lee, then Nick Sullivan. I haven’t even scratched the surface, but now have a treasure trove of new reading to explore… A lifetime of reading to anticipate great Adventures.
Thank you Steve (CA) and Wayne.
Started with Wayne Stinnett and Jesse etal recommended by a dear friend in CA of all places! At a point, I caught up and while awaiting Wayne’s next book, started adventuring into Tropical Authors.
Every one is as good as the next. First was Dawn Lee, then Nick Sullivan. I haven’t even scratched the surface, but now have a treasure trove of new reading to explore… A lifetime of reading to anticipate great Adventures.
Thank you Steve (CA) and Wayne.
April 11, 2022
It's hard to choose a favorite book from Nick Sullivan's Deep series, they're all favorites. Suffice it to say this one is my NEW favorite, at least until the next one comes along.
The adventures of island-hopping divemasters Boone and Emily continue in the Cayman Islands with Deep Focus. Mr. Sullivan's knowledgeable insights into the motion picture industry enhance this tale of kidnapping, sabotage, and saltwater intrigue.
And, yes, it has iguanas. And even a penguin, too. Sort of.
The adventures of island-hopping divemasters Boone and Emily continue in the Cayman Islands with Deep Focus. Mr. Sullivan's knowledgeable insights into the motion picture industry enhance this tale of kidnapping, sabotage, and saltwater intrigue.
And, yes, it has iguanas. And even a penguin, too. Sort of.
January 19, 2022
Fun and action packed read. I love stories set in the islands and this couple Boone and Emily are really interesting characters. Trouble seems to find them and the plot twists as the story unfolds. The ending not too surprising but satisfying. This is a great light reading series, good for escape.
February 14, 2023
fun couple
Have elevated Boonemily to the top of my fun reads list. They are so adept at ignoring all the warning signs of impending peril they bring a huge smile to my face. Two new faves to add to my list which grows longer as I expand my tropical reading. Great characters, great stories - what’s not to love?
Have elevated Boonemily to the top of my fun reads list. They are so adept at ignoring all the warning signs of impending peril they bring a huge smile to my face. Two new faves to add to my list which grows longer as I expand my tropical reading. Great characters, great stories - what’s not to love?
October 28, 2024
I just love the Deep series, with Boone and Emily. This is the fifth in the series. It was a little bit longer and a little less violent than the previous four. It was also a little more meandering, especially when it came to the movie making process. Looking forward to the sixth in the series, Deep Hex.
November 21, 2025
I loved this one! The whole film idea was brilliant! I was invested in all the different characters and we saw a couple of baddies left from the last book which was nice. Their part confused me at first but I got it later. Emily is a hoot! I love her attitude and optimism and her jokes she plays on Boone. I cant wait for the next one!
January 20, 2022
awesome reading
Fabulous story with intriguing characters that just keep you wanting more! Boone and Emily are great characters who you just keep wanting to be part of their lives.
Fabulous story with intriguing characters that just keep you wanting more! Boone and Emily are great characters who you just keep wanting to be part of their lives.
February 13, 2022
excellent
A very good story. The writing is outstanding and the plot fast paced and interesting. I hope (and believe)this series is destined to keep going. Would love to see a film come from these.
A very good story. The writing is outstanding and the plot fast paced and interesting. I hope (and believe)this series is destined to keep going. Would love to see a film come from these.
September 13, 2022
I love Boonemily!
Easy, enjoyable books - please keep writing and traveling around! When will they get married? It is time kiddo! Great author and thank you for tge suggestion of other authors!
Easy, enjoyable books - please keep writing and traveling around! When will they get married? It is time kiddo! Great author and thank you for tge suggestion of other authors!
February 10, 2022
Fun #5
This was a happier lighter read than the first four…no murders. Our same story with our same characters with a monkey thrown in A light fun beach read
This was a happier lighter read than the first four…no murders. Our same story with our same characters with a monkey thrown in A light fun beach read
February 18, 2022
Awesome series
Highly recommend the whole series. Story is great. Characters are great. Boone and Ems adventures are crazy but believable. Series is a must read.
Highly recommend the whole series. Story is great. Characters are great. Boone and Ems adventures are crazy but believable. Series is a must read.
July 9, 2023
Great story
Congratulations to Nick & Co. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next story of Emily & Boone.
Congratulations to Nick & Co. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next story of Emily & Boone.
February 15, 2024
great story
This author has a great imagination plus writing skills. I have come to turn away from several authors to make his reads a priority. Boonemily make great characters.
This author has a great imagination plus writing skills. I have come to turn away from several authors to make his reads a priority. Boonemily make great characters.
May 15, 2025
Always a fun read
Boone and Em are great characters and the plot is great. Read it and enjoy the journey. Looking forward to more escapades.
Boone and Em are great characters and the plot is great. Read it and enjoy the journey. Looking forward to more escapades.
July 20, 2025
Great Read
A bit slow at first, but picks up speed as the book gets going. Not much in the way of diving, but a fun read nonetheless.
A bit slow at first, but picks up speed as the book gets going. Not much in the way of diving, but a fun read nonetheless.
October 22, 2025
Entertaining
This story is a great blend of adventure, intrigue and some crazy, silly and laugh out loud moments.
Always enjoy catching up with boonemily and friends.
This story is a great blend of adventure, intrigue and some crazy, silly and laugh out loud moments.
Always enjoy catching up with boonemily and friends.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews