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Mailboat V: The End of Summer
A teen without hope. A killer luring his next victim. An inevitable clash…The story continues from Mailboat I through IV
For teen mail jumper Bailey, the carefree days aboard the Mailboat aren’t so carefree anymore. Traumatized by a lifetime of loss in foster care—not to mention this summer’s maelstrom of murders—she’s convinced it’s better to abandon her newly found grandfather, Mailboat Captain Tommy, before he has the chance to abandon her. Meanwhile, Tommy, harboring his own scars, fears the distance Bailey keeps means she’ll leave him forever, like his son left them both.
Police Detective Monica Steele is bone-tired investigating the violence that swept her town this summer, with ties to a long-ago ring. Still, it’s hard to resist the quiet invitations of her ex, Officer Ryan Brandt—even if he did cheat on her ten years ago. There’s just one he’ll hate her when he learns she aborted their child.
Angelica Read is getting nowhere investigating the murder of her own husband, a former member of the ring. But she’ll never agree to ally herself with Detective Steele; not when the cold-hearted detective is convinced Angelica had to have known her husband’s past.
With trust running thin, will unlikely allies band together in time to stop the shadowy mastermind behind this summer of blood? Or will fractured relationships give him free rein to work his lights and mirrors, bringing their world crashing down?
The End of Summer is the fifth book in the stunning Mailboat Suspense Series. If you love an ensemble cast of life-like characters, and plot twists that shatter your expectations, then you’ll love Danielle Lincoln Hanna’s breathless new novel!
Buy The End of Summer to submerge into the suspense today!This series is written to be read in order. Don’t forget to pick up the previous titles in the Mailboat Suspense Series!
Mailboat The End of the Pier
Mailboat The Silver Helm
Mailboat The Captain’s Tale
Mailboat The Shift in the Wind
For teen mail jumper Bailey, the carefree days aboard the Mailboat aren’t so carefree anymore. Traumatized by a lifetime of loss in foster care—not to mention this summer’s maelstrom of murders—she’s convinced it’s better to abandon her newly found grandfather, Mailboat Captain Tommy, before he has the chance to abandon her. Meanwhile, Tommy, harboring his own scars, fears the distance Bailey keeps means she’ll leave him forever, like his son left them both.
Police Detective Monica Steele is bone-tired investigating the violence that swept her town this summer, with ties to a long-ago ring. Still, it’s hard to resist the quiet invitations of her ex, Officer Ryan Brandt—even if he did cheat on her ten years ago. There’s just one he’ll hate her when he learns she aborted their child.
Angelica Read is getting nowhere investigating the murder of her own husband, a former member of the ring. But she’ll never agree to ally herself with Detective Steele; not when the cold-hearted detective is convinced Angelica had to have known her husband’s past.
With trust running thin, will unlikely allies band together in time to stop the shadowy mastermind behind this summer of blood? Or will fractured relationships give him free rein to work his lights and mirrors, bringing their world crashing down?
The End of Summer is the fifth book in the stunning Mailboat Suspense Series. If you love an ensemble cast of life-like characters, and plot twists that shatter your expectations, then you’ll love Danielle Lincoln Hanna’s breathless new novel!
Buy The End of Summer to submerge into the suspense today!This series is written to be read in order. Don’t forget to pick up the previous titles in the Mailboat Suspense Series!
Mailboat The End of the Pier
Mailboat The Silver Helm
Mailboat The Captain’s Tale
Mailboat The Shift in the Wind
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2022
21 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Lincoln Hanna
15 books66 followersDanielle Lincoln Hanna is the author of the Mailboat Suspense Series, set in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. While she now lives in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, her first love is still the Great Plains of North Dakota where she was born. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking with her boyfriend Charles, adventuring with her puppy Angel, and avoiding surprise attacks from her cat Fergus.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 23, 2023
I'm done. SPOILER! That's it - a regular soap opera of drama. Add a character, kill it off. There is no end to this thing. So, I'm done. I don't care who did it. The one I cared about was Bailey and she walked away two thirds of the way through this one. Will she come back? I don't care. Will Ryan adopt her? I don't care. I'm done.
July 2, 2024
Where is the closure? I read 5 of these books and you’re telling me I’m left clueless with no actual ending? I’ve never been so annoyed with a series in my life.
August 7, 2024
I really like this series but hate the way she ends her books! Reading the prequel next while waiting for Book VI.
September 3, 2022
This book is an awesome addition to the Mailboat Suspense Series. Danielle's story is heart-rendering and goes deep into the psyche of the characters as they try to unravel the mystery behind the murders in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. My understanding of the predicaments the characters find themselves in has grown from this book.
September 13, 2024
So good!!!!
Another cliff hanger ending!!! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. There always seems to be some new twist to the plot. Hopefully dear Bailey will be more present in the next book and let her grandpa into her life.
Another cliff hanger ending!!! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. There always seems to be some new twist to the plot. Hopefully dear Bailey will be more present in the next book and let her grandpa into her life.
July 10, 2023
Loved the fast paced story but now tick tock tick tock as we wait for the next book in the series. And I seriously hope the story finally wraps up in Book VI.
September 7, 2023
I've seldom been so conflicted in penning a review on a book, no make that a series, that I've enjoyed so much and devoured.
I binge-read the five volumes in as many days, and thoroughly enjoyed them - captivating story lines, diverse characters, good plot development, crisp and entertaining prose - a lot to like, in short. I gave the first four books a four (and a half) star rating, therefore, and I rarely venture beyond three. Three would be for a well-written, enjoyable book, and ratings that scrabble higher than that up the ladder would signify books of which I re-read portions for the sheer enjoyment of the word-art unfolding on the canvas, or indeed books that I plan to re-read entirely, focusing purely on the joyful interaction of the words, rather than the storyline itself.
Yet .. Book 5 gets only a three (and a half) pentapointer (star) rating. Was it less enjoyable? Sloppily written? Un-entertaining? None of the above. All of the good things mentioned above still apply. But as my eyes drifted off the final page of this volume, a sense of growing irritation set in.
After five volumes - five volumes - (italicized, mind), the author still has not managed to bring the various strands of narrative to a conclusion, whether it be satisfying and feel-good or not. I noticed that some readers were harping on this even after the first book, but I happily took the plunge, knowing full well that I was letting myself in for a fiver.
I have to reluctantly agree with another reviewer that this is now taking on elements of a soap opera. Delayed gratification is one thing, but the uncomfortable suspicion (which I hated for entering what I like to refer to as my mind) that the author is playing her reading audience lobbed a star off the rating with some alacrity.
I hate that my judgement had been steered thusly. I like the author's output, I love the fact that she interacts with her reading public, I double love her mention of her furry companions, particularly so the German Shepherd, and I greatly respect the amount of toil that has clearly gone into bringing the series to the point we are at now.
The characters are engaging, each one occupying a space in my happy reminiscences of all that I had read. I hate feeling that I would, in retrospect, rather have known what the situation was and then only decided whether or not to embark on this journey of reading delight once the series was definitely, irrevocably complete.
I binge-read the five volumes in as many days, and thoroughly enjoyed them - captivating story lines, diverse characters, good plot development, crisp and entertaining prose - a lot to like, in short. I gave the first four books a four (and a half) star rating, therefore, and I rarely venture beyond three. Three would be for a well-written, enjoyable book, and ratings that scrabble higher than that up the ladder would signify books of which I re-read portions for the sheer enjoyment of the word-art unfolding on the canvas, or indeed books that I plan to re-read entirely, focusing purely on the joyful interaction of the words, rather than the storyline itself.
Yet .. Book 5 gets only a three (and a half) pentapointer (star) rating. Was it less enjoyable? Sloppily written? Un-entertaining? None of the above. All of the good things mentioned above still apply. But as my eyes drifted off the final page of this volume, a sense of growing irritation set in.
After five volumes - five volumes - (italicized, mind), the author still has not managed to bring the various strands of narrative to a conclusion, whether it be satisfying and feel-good or not. I noticed that some readers were harping on this even after the first book, but I happily took the plunge, knowing full well that I was letting myself in for a fiver.
I have to reluctantly agree with another reviewer that this is now taking on elements of a soap opera. Delayed gratification is one thing, but the uncomfortable suspicion (which I hated for entering what I like to refer to as my mind) that the author is playing her reading audience lobbed a star off the rating with some alacrity.
I hate that my judgement had been steered thusly. I like the author's output, I love the fact that she interacts with her reading public, I double love her mention of her furry companions, particularly so the German Shepherd, and I greatly respect the amount of toil that has clearly gone into bringing the series to the point we are at now.
The characters are engaging, each one occupying a space in my happy reminiscences of all that I had read. I hate feeling that I would, in retrospect, rather have known what the situation was and then only decided whether or not to embark on this journey of reading delight once the series was definitely, irrevocably complete.
August 11, 2022
A note before my review. It’s hard to review this book without spoilers and this series is best read in order.
Family and relationships. These are very hard waters to navigate in the best of times and Bailey has never seen the best of times. I really wanted Bailey and Tommy to have this really awesome moment together before I read this book. Well, they did. Typical for Bailey, their moment is full of shoals and in trying to steer clear, she gets dragged into a whirlpool of her own making.
Ryan and Monica had the moment I was hoping for and are currently a beacon of light in a stormy book.
Angelica. What to say about her? Angelica’s family tries very hard to help her with the loss of her husband but she’s determined to find out who killed him. She’s in over her head and threats to her sons just reinforce her desperate need and her connection to Roland.
Then there’s Bud. He’s a character I have hated in every single book and yet, now I also feel sad for him. I’m actually looking forward to seeing what comes next for him.
Tommy’s flashbacks are increasingly difficult (and, for me, exceptionally realistic) to maneuver. For some, it may be important to know that the subject of PTSD is handled realistically. As a personal violence survivor, I found some of Tommy’s experiences hard to read as they mirrored much of my own experience.
As part of Danielle’s ERT, I read advance copies of her books and point out errors and issues with the writing or storyline. Usually, I make notes as I read. This time, I got to page 33 and gave up on making notes and just read the book because I was so involved with the story. I read the book a second time in order to make notes.
Even after reading the prior 4 books and the prequel, I was blown away with the intricacies of the plot in this one. Danielle has an exceptionally tricky mind, I can’t wait for Mailboat VI!
Family and relationships. These are very hard waters to navigate in the best of times and Bailey has never seen the best of times. I really wanted Bailey and Tommy to have this really awesome moment together before I read this book. Well, they did. Typical for Bailey, their moment is full of shoals and in trying to steer clear, she gets dragged into a whirlpool of her own making.
Ryan and Monica had the moment I was hoping for and are currently a beacon of light in a stormy book.
Angelica. What to say about her? Angelica’s family tries very hard to help her with the loss of her husband but she’s determined to find out who killed him. She’s in over her head and threats to her sons just reinforce her desperate need and her connection to Roland.
Then there’s Bud. He’s a character I have hated in every single book and yet, now I also feel sad for him. I’m actually looking forward to seeing what comes next for him.
Tommy’s flashbacks are increasingly difficult (and, for me, exceptionally realistic) to maneuver. For some, it may be important to know that the subject of PTSD is handled realistically. As a personal violence survivor, I found some of Tommy’s experiences hard to read as they mirrored much of my own experience.
As part of Danielle’s ERT, I read advance copies of her books and point out errors and issues with the writing or storyline. Usually, I make notes as I read. This time, I got to page 33 and gave up on making notes and just read the book because I was so involved with the story. I read the book a second time in order to make notes.
Even after reading the prior 4 books and the prequel, I was blown away with the intricacies of the plot in this one. Danielle has an exceptionally tricky mind, I can’t wait for Mailboat VI!
October 12, 2024
It’s not over. I must now wait for the next addition and hopefully the finale.
I will admit I found myself saying, “Oh no!” and “I didn’t see that coming!” many times.
The investigation to all the recent deaths continues. Who is responsible? Neighboring police departments and outside agencies have been called in to assist with the investigation. Monica has received a call from The Man Upstairs and he suggests some personal information no one should know. She must decide if withholding this private part of her life will jeopardize the case and realizes she must have a serious discussion with Ryan.
Angelic Read is becoming more impatient with the lack of information on her husband’s death and continues to question who was this man she was married to?
Should she return to Lake Geneva and confront Monica and Wade?
Mailboat Captain Tommy Thomlin is growing stronger each day, because of his physical therapy he is able to walk further and is able to stand for periods of time. It’s time to leave the protection and comfort that living with Wade and Nancy has provided and get on with his life. His biggest concern is Bailey. Why isn’t she answering his calls and messages? Regardless of what he’s told he know he must speak with her face-to-face and determine if she wants him in her life.
So frustrating the conclusions aren’t provided only more questions and the next book in the series isn’t available yet, only on-line prequel about Bailey.
I will admit I found myself saying, “Oh no!” and “I didn’t see that coming!” many times.
The investigation to all the recent deaths continues. Who is responsible? Neighboring police departments and outside agencies have been called in to assist with the investigation. Monica has received a call from The Man Upstairs and he suggests some personal information no one should know. She must decide if withholding this private part of her life will jeopardize the case and realizes she must have a serious discussion with Ryan.
Angelic Read is becoming more impatient with the lack of information on her husband’s death and continues to question who was this man she was married to?
Should she return to Lake Geneva and confront Monica and Wade?
Mailboat Captain Tommy Thomlin is growing stronger each day, because of his physical therapy he is able to walk further and is able to stand for periods of time. It’s time to leave the protection and comfort that living with Wade and Nancy has provided and get on with his life. His biggest concern is Bailey. Why isn’t she answering his calls and messages? Regardless of what he’s told he know he must speak with her face-to-face and determine if she wants him in her life.
So frustrating the conclusions aren’t provided only more questions and the next book in the series isn’t available yet, only on-line prequel about Bailey.
September 10, 2023
Still keeping my attention! But alas! Now I wait for book 6 to be released. Lol. This series is like reading a book that ends on a cliffhanger at the end of a chapter but then you have to read the next book in the series to see what happens next. Really good series though so if you want to read it, prepare to buy all the series so you aren’t stalled.
April 4, 2024
Great series with much movement, depth of characters, twist in plot and a setting that is so well done.
Author knows the psyche of trauma and coping techniques and process in living more healthy with it. Each character is a sinner and a saint. Well done! Applause for your writing group and your process
Author knows the psyche of trauma and coping techniques and process in living more healthy with it. Each character is a sinner and a saint. Well done! Applause for your writing group and your process
May 29, 2024
Spoiler alert.
While I did enjoy this book, I am frustrated that after five books, Bailey’s story is still being drug out. Do Bailey and Tommy make up? Does Ryan get her away from Bud? Do Monica and Ryan get together and adopt her? So many unanswered questions. As much as I want to know what happens to her, I’m not convinced I’ll get answers in book 6. I think I’m done with this series.
While I did enjoy this book, I am frustrated that after five books, Bailey’s story is still being drug out. Do Bailey and Tommy make up? Does Ryan get her away from Bud? Do Monica and Ryan get together and adopt her? So many unanswered questions. As much as I want to know what happens to her, I’m not convinced I’ll get answers in book 6. I think I’m done with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
I really doubt that I'll finish this book. It has no end! Daniele you are a great writer -- move on. I live 40 miles from LG and I know of the boats. It's a nice little town. I've been there. After book 3 of this series I feel like I'm reading the same book with 4 and 5. Someone called it a soap opera series. Yes! That's exactly how it is. There are plenty of little towns. Plenty of plots for someone with your imagination to get started. Book 1 was great. Downhill from there on.
November 25, 2022
Love this series of books! Every exciting, that it takes place in Lake Geneva is a bonus!
March 7, 2023
Book five - this one is one of my favorites in the series!! So exciting ending. Now I can’t wait for book Six!!!
September 8, 2023
Well, I’m definitely in suspense! Sad that Mailboat VI isn’t due until 2025!
December 22, 2023
Again?
How long can this go on? I have binge read five books now. I dont believe this is the ending. I need an arrest, justice, closure... enough already...lol
How long can this go on? I have binge read five books now. I dont believe this is the ending. I need an arrest, justice, closure... enough already...lol
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews