Florida's Underwater Investigation Unit did its job too well, uncovering corruption at the highest levels. Political pressure disbanded the unit, but public outcry and its string of successes brought it back. Unfortunately, the UIU's first case is a personal one for Sloan McPherson and her partner, former Navy diver Scott Hughes.
Longtime family friend Fred Stafford has disappeared. His truck is found near an unmarked sinkhole, and as Sloan continues her investigation, she realizes how little she knows about the missing man.
In no time at all, Sloan and Scott find themselves joining a treasure-hunting band of underwater cavern divers, becoming involved in a cold case, and even looking into the buried secrets of the long-ago past.
~
I always look forward to reading the latest Underwater Investigation Unit thriller. I've learned a lot about diving in different locations-- in Dark Dive, it's sinkholes and underwater caverns-- and about the state of Florida itself. Florida seems to be the home of abandoned "pet/monsters": pythons, anacondas, Nile crocodiles... let alone the native alligators, and Sloan has to take the wildlife into account each time she dives.
The diving sequences are always riveting. You never know what's going to spring at Sloan from out of the murk, and I have to admit that I enjoy the vicarious scares. But it's not all fast-paced thrills and technical gadgetry. I wish every state in the country could have someone with the savvy of Sloan's boss, George Solar. To smooth the way for his investigators, Solar has two RVs-- one filled with lawyers ready, willing, and able to get search warrants and other legal necessities, and the second armed with CSI techs and all the lab equipment they need to avoid the interminable delays of local law enforcement backlogs. Sweet, eh?
Even sweeter is the fact that the cast of characters is just as strong as the story, the thrills, and the technology. I like Sloan's irreverent voice, and her partner Scott is increasingly figuring into the stories. In addition, there's always a one-time character whom you wish could become a recurring one. In Dark Dive, it's octogenarian Gayle Pinnesky. I just loved her to bits!
Exciting story, lots to learn, fantastic setting with a touch of the alien about it, and great characters. If you haven't already gone diving with Andrew Mayne's Underwater Investigation Unit, it's time you did!
Dark Dive by Andrew Mayne
eISBN: 9781662506451
Thomas & Mercer © 2024
eBook, 296 pages
Thriller, #5 Underwater Investigation Unit
Rating: A
Source: Net Galley
It can be hard for an action/adventure series to also have solid characters, Cathy, but Sloane sounds like a great character. I like it that she has depth (no pun intended!), and you can follow story arcs as well as the actual story.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I also love how Sloan's character has grown as the series progresses.
DeleteHmm...not for me, I think, but I'm glad that you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone gets a vicarious thrill from things looming up out of the murk. ;-)
DeleteSince diving would not be an activity that I could or would actually do in this life, reading about it is the next best thing. Creatures? Wow! You gave a good take on all the things here. And this is #5? I best get going before long. (I keep saying that - right? There are so, so many books and series that I want to sample. Kind of exhausting - ha!)
ReplyDeleteVery exhausting!
DeleteI love the whole idea of an Underwater Investigation unit. And I love reading about diving...though I'm way too chicken to ever give it a try in real life. ;D
ReplyDeleteI'd do it if it was in clear water. I have this thing about being in murky water where I can't see what's in there with me. :-)
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