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Red Below Deck: A Mystery Thriller
The best-kept secrets are not buried… they’re below deck. When CPS agent Kay Star and her life partner and associate Lina Smith are called to investigate a case on an anchored yacht off the coast, they have no idea what they’re about to discover. There’s blood on the decks, twenty-five bodies in pieces, and two very unlikely a little boy who will not acknowledge or communicate with anyone and an uncooperative man they believe to be a pirate. To top it all off, the mysterious man turns out to be Lina's long-lost foster brother, a brother she thought had died tragically years ago. As ancient secrets suddenly emerge from the shadows and the bloody yacht is traced back to a missing millionaire, Kay and Lina are forced to face a gruesome past and a harrowing truth… The skeletons in the closet always resurface.
286 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2022
8 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 10, 2023
I had high hopes for this book as it got great reviews. But it was just silly with a stupid plot. The protagonist’s partner, Lina, was also her girlfriend. It felt like every page had to remind us of their relationship, with silly sexual encounters. I just rolled my eyes and skipped over. I guess the author wanted Lina to appear to be a badass, but she was just immature and obnoxious. It is supposedly a mystery with pirate folklore, but I had a hard time keeping interest especially as the plot wore on. In the end, I was skimming to get to the end.
August 7, 2022
So, I started this book thinking I was reading an investigative story. (Not a police procedural, as the investigators here are with DCS, but we know from the beginning that there's more to them. than meets the eye.) So, I'm thinking they have some special training, maybe military skills. Then I read further on and I'm wondering if I have somehow stumbled into a sci-fi novel, then there are blatant horror overtones. Now I'm not sure what I'm reading, but I know I'm totally hooked and I'm not going to be stopping until the last page. Be forewarned, this book hooks you before you have finished the first chapter.
The characters here, especially the 'villains' are treated with a bit of a heavy hand, especially when the big reveal occurs; but somehow that touch of melodrama, almost to the point that it becomes cringe-worthy actually works. I can't explain it, but it does. There are multiple red herrings used to perfection and people hiding in plain sight whose true identities have a tendency to blow the reader's mind when they are revealed. At least, it did for this reader.
I promise you, that this will not be like any other thriller you have read and I hope this review will encourage you and not discourage you from reading it. It is not what you are expecting, but it sure is worth the gamble.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.
The characters here, especially the 'villains' are treated with a bit of a heavy hand, especially when the big reveal occurs; but somehow that touch of melodrama, almost to the point that it becomes cringe-worthy actually works. I can't explain it, but it does. There are multiple red herrings used to perfection and people hiding in plain sight whose true identities have a tendency to blow the reader's mind when they are revealed. At least, it did for this reader.
I promise you, that this will not be like any other thriller you have read and I hope this review will encourage you and not discourage you from reading it. It is not what you are expecting, but it sure is worth the gamble.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.
August 5, 2022
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
In this story Lina, now a member and partner of Kay in the CPS agency, have been assigned an investigation where a child was discovered on a yacht where a massacre happened. When they arrived at the sea town, they were met by the sheriff after Kay wound up hitting someone with her car. This person seemed to perform this stunt all of the time. After they went to the B&B where they were staying, they were met by an FBI agent who was supposed to take them to the hospital to get Lina checked out for the hit she received in the car accident, instead he took them to the police station where there was a person in jail that they needed to talk to. When they arrived, Lina wound up talking to the individual who turned out to be someone that Lina knew.
The next day, they finally got to the hospital where the child found on the yacht was, and Kay try to get information, but he could only mimic Kay’s attempts using sign language. Later, another FBI agent, Reed, took them back to the B&B where she wanted to speak with the owner, but he wasn’t around. The next day they discovered that the owner had still not showed up. Kay, Lina and Reed went the next day to the last location where they believed Estes, the owner had gone. This site was about ten miles out and where a lighthouse was found. In addition, it was also the site where the yacht was at and where they also discovered the boat Estes had used. After experiencing an incident at the lighthouse, one of the sheriff’s deputies, who had taken the trio out went for help. Once he was able to contact them and return to the island, the 3 plus 2 deputies went to investigate the yacht. While there, they found unknown people aboard and tried to catch them. They had to fight the group, but after the two that were on the Bridge were killed, someone took over controlling the ship remotely and had them on a collision course going into the rocks. Kay then attempted to find a way to override the course. She succeeded, but the boat scrapped the rocks opening a hole. The boat began sinking.
To learn what followed after this, who was responsible for the massacre on the yacht and how the FBI played into the story, then you need to read this book.
In this story Lina, now a member and partner of Kay in the CPS agency, have been assigned an investigation where a child was discovered on a yacht where a massacre happened. When they arrived at the sea town, they were met by the sheriff after Kay wound up hitting someone with her car. This person seemed to perform this stunt all of the time. After they went to the B&B where they were staying, they were met by an FBI agent who was supposed to take them to the hospital to get Lina checked out for the hit she received in the car accident, instead he took them to the police station where there was a person in jail that they needed to talk to. When they arrived, Lina wound up talking to the individual who turned out to be someone that Lina knew.
The next day, they finally got to the hospital where the child found on the yacht was, and Kay try to get information, but he could only mimic Kay’s attempts using sign language. Later, another FBI agent, Reed, took them back to the B&B where she wanted to speak with the owner, but he wasn’t around. The next day they discovered that the owner had still not showed up. Kay, Lina and Reed went the next day to the last location where they believed Estes, the owner had gone. This site was about ten miles out and where a lighthouse was found. In addition, it was also the site where the yacht was at and where they also discovered the boat Estes had used. After experiencing an incident at the lighthouse, one of the sheriff’s deputies, who had taken the trio out went for help. Once he was able to contact them and return to the island, the 3 plus 2 deputies went to investigate the yacht. While there, they found unknown people aboard and tried to catch them. They had to fight the group, but after the two that were on the Bridge were killed, someone took over controlling the ship remotely and had them on a collision course going into the rocks. Kay then attempted to find a way to override the course. She succeeded, but the boat scrapped the rocks opening a hole. The boat began sinking.
To learn what followed after this, who was responsible for the massacre on the yacht and how the FBI played into the story, then you need to read this book.
August 6, 2022
CPS agent Kay and her partner Lina is given a case and they are dispatched to a yacht. When they come onto the scene they discover a horrific crime scene. There are twenty five bodies scattered around and two survivors are found. This just the beginning of a mystery that will take the characters through some unexpected twists and turns. An exciting thriller that will keep the reader guessing until the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2022
This book was quite the journey! I absolutely loved reading it.
I've read another book by the Author and was very impressed and this one had the same effect.
You have a little paranormal stuff going on. Lots of twists and turns.
The ending actually surprised me for once.
I love that the author made this LGBT inclusive.
It was such a unique and quick read!
I would 100% recommend.
I've read another book by the Author and was very impressed and this one had the same effect.
You have a little paranormal stuff going on. Lots of twists and turns.
The ending actually surprised me for once.
I love that the author made this LGBT inclusive.
It was such a unique and quick read!
I would 100% recommend.
August 7, 2022
This story has a lot going on. It's a mystery set in a coastal town. The two Child Protective Services social workers that are asked to come and help a mute child found in a shipwrecked yacht spattered all over with blood, encounter more than I can even begin to describe. If you enjoy a lot of adventure, some laughter, some secrets and many surprises, you will want to read Red Below Deck.
August 5, 2022
Kay Star and Lina Smith are requested to evaluate a young boy that was the only survivor of a massacre on a ship. A pirate that turns out to be Lina's stepbrother. A suspense filled novel with danger lurking on the ship.
August 5, 2022
I enjoyed this mystery. The characters were realistic and relatable. The story was well written, action packed and full of suspense with an unexpected twist at the end. I would recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 6, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable. Fast paced. Couldn't read this fast enough! This is a real page turner with interesting characters and a great storyline. Would definitely recommend reading this.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2022
Twists and turns will keep you guessing and suspense keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next. An intriguing read that will keep you thinking with every turn of the page.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2022
This is a nonstop suspense book with the perfect amount of thriller and a touch of comedy. Recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews