A Jesse McDermitt Novel (Caribbean Adventure Series Book 2)

I knew when I saw the words Travis McGee that this was a real reader. And my bet was that would be a worthy read. I think John MacDonald would be proud. The plot holds up as a page turner. The characters are well defined. The use of the setting is extremely well done. You not only want to read the next book in the series but you want to immediately plan a trip to the Florida Keys. And by the way, if you haven't yet met Travis McGee you have another treat ahead of you. They are older but still great reads. MacDonald was an environmentalist before Carl Hiaasen was born. Well done Wayne Stinnett. I will be recommending your books and looking forward to your other stories. Thank you.

Jesse McDermitt is a believable character - a retired Marine, strong, smart, loyal, and skilled. He is someone you would be proud to know. It was easy to build up empathy for him, and when tragedy strikes, there was sympathy as well. It was easy to get wrapped up in the intrique of the story, and when it came to the end, I couldn't wait to order the next book in the series.

I became hooked on this series and bought all four books. Yes, there is a lot of detailed description of boating, sea lanes, reefs, etc, but I found it to be like watching a movie...the author paints a very clear word picture. Spoiler alert: I did not like the way the second book ended. Yes, I understand the rationale, but I still didn't like it. Still, highly recommended.

Fallen Palm plucked me out of a chilly New England day and delivered me into the summery islands of South Florida. Wayne Stinnett's literary craftsmanship guided me into the vivid adventure and always kept me guessing.

I became hooked on this series and bought all four books. Yes, there is a lot of detailed description of boating, sea lanes, reefs, etc, but I found it to be like watching a movie...the author paints a very clear word picture. Spoiler alert: I did not like the way the second book ended. Yes, I understand the rationale, but I still didn't like it. Still, highly recommended.

Fallen Palm plucked me out of a chilly New England day and delivered me into the summery islands of South Florida. Wayne Stinnett's literary craftsmanship guided me into the vivid adventure and always kept me guessing.

I found this series while looking for a new book to read. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. I have already bought the next few books in the series. It makes a nice change from the other kind of thrillers that I usually read. I will definitely be finishing the series and eagerly awaiting new Jesse McDermitt adventures

This book had my attention from the beginning. Grew to love the characters, and could easily picture them in my mind. However, I did NOT like the ending :( I did not see that coming and wish it didn't end the way that it did. I gave it four stars because of that.

It was a steady good read with me getting to know the characters and interesting twists along the way. I love when a writer can write so you see your surroundings and the characters in your mind, which I did. I look forward to reading more of his books.

Fallen Palm was a Great first book by Wayne. Having visited the Florida Keys, the characters and setting are completely believable. Fallen Palm was a good read, and I look forward to reading Fallen Hunter when it is released. The reason for only 4 stars is because in the first release there were minor editorial mistakes that should had been caught and corrected, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it for those looking for more books by another Author who shows potential to develop stories and turn them into Great books.

Good story, but predictable. One thing didn't ring true, however. Any knowledgeable boater wouldn't think of leaving his vessel in a marina if he could move it to a hurricane hole. Otherwise, the author is very knowledgeable about his topic.

FALLEN PALM is Wayne Stinnett's second book in his Jesse McDermitt Series in which former Force Recon Marine Jesse retires to the waters off he south Florida coast to become a Fishing Boat Captain. Taking up with his old Marine Corps buddy, Rusty, who runs a local bar & restaurant Jesse soon finds a First Mate, makes friends all across the region - and finds a new love.
Just when Jesse's life couldn't get any better, tragedy strikes, and sets in motion a series of events to set the tone for the rest of the book if not the series itself. And it's a captivating, page turner of a story.
Wayne Stinnett has managed to create what just may turn out to be the next great hero for the ages. Elvis Cole, Jesse Stone, Mitch Rapp, etc all have different occupations and intriguing lives that millions delve into on a regular basis, seeing such characters as real - or at least wanting to believe they could be real - and have made each of them a great success. Jesse McDermitt, while still early on, may well deserve a place among them - and Wayne Stinett a place among the men that created them for having created Jesse and brought him to life.

Interesting characters; action-packed story line. A second or third edit would help clear up some inconsistencies and incorrect word usage, but they didn't stop me from reading. Will probably buy the next one to see where the story goes.

I give this book this rating 5 stars because of its ability to keep my interest even thought it was my first sea adventure . I don't know anything about boats , different types , there speeds and such , but he explained so much that it made it easy to understand and follow . I loved the twists and turns and anyone that likes action will truly love this book . Look forward to following this series to see where it takes me on the next great adventure .

So I haven't read a lot since childhood. I got burnt out on reading at a young age and never found much interest later in life. Downloaded Fallen Palm and started reading. Over the course of a couple weeks I read about 30 pages. Picked it up this past Saturday and got hooked on it big time. Excellent book and great detail on so many levels. Looking forward to the next book Fallen Hunter!

Although the story was good I left romance novels many years ago. Having the main female character die at the end even further ruined the story for me. The characters were strong, the writing enjoyable but I'd rather there be more substance and depth than romance and mush.

Remember John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee series? If you loved his books you'll love this one. The attention to detail reminded me of James Michener. I simply can't believe this is the author's first book- it's just too good! The descriptions and pace had me hooked. A very satisfying read. I'm looking forward to the next book.

I just finished Fallen Palm and I'm already missing my new friends from The Florida Key's! Loved the action, the attitude, and the love shared between family and friends alike. Looking forward to reading more Jesse McDermitt novels!

This was a good read and like others have said had me drawn in from the start. I look forward to see how the story continues and if I had anything negative to say it would be that I was not ready for it to end....Semper Fi Wayne

My introduction to Wayne Stinnett's - the Jesse McDermitt book Series - occurred when I purchased the prequal, "Fallen Out" during the Veteran's day charity event. I gave that book a five star review and looked forward to reading "Fallen Palm", the 1st book in the series. I was disappointed after completing this read, as I expected a polished version like the prequel. I do understand that authors usually duplicate character and location information, carrying identical facts from book to book, and I accept that. However, in addition to the carry-over information, I found the story filled with redundant travels along the same routes, descriptions of the boat controls and its reactions to changes, weaponry statistics and typos / formatting errors throughout. Afterward, I discovered that the highly rated prequel was, in fact, the authors' fourth published book in the series and "Fallen Palm" was the first...so that might account for the drastic changes between the two books.

Nevertheless, I did enjoy the story but thought it was rather drawn out. The main character, Jesse McDermitt, a retired Marine, is hailed as a superhero. Yet, he allows himself to be overtaken by one of the story's villains after leaving his wallet open and ID clearly visible on the boat consul - when he is supposed to be somebody else who's leading the villain into a trap. A dumb error on his part! The story line was interesting - readers are exposed to the world of sex slave trading, drug trafficking. and organized crime activities to name a few. Like everyone else, I did not expect the ending and wish it would have turned out differently! Perhaps, I'll learn why the author did this in the next story.

I do plan to purchase the next book in the series and hope that Mr. Stinnetts' writing style is improved.

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel

I bought Wayne's book out of curiosity because the author is a personal friend and wasn't aware of his writing skills. When he announced that he was publishing a book and when the premise was announced I had to read it. Being a former Marine and knowing that Wayne's protagonist was a retired Marine getting caught up in intrigue and seeking revenge for the death of his friend I was more than curious.
The book moved you from first person to 3rd person scenarios seamlessly. It sets you up with great detail and vivid pictures of the places you visit. The technological terms and equipment are explained and actually educate the reader and leave them with a clear understanding of what is happening. You are actually taken on a trip through the Keys on watercraft of various descriptions and you visualize them in great detail. You travel the twists and turns of the required canal travel in that area. It was a book I became engrossed in from the beginning and rode the emotional roller coaster to the end.

This is a great book, I am glad it's a series. I could not put it down. The character's were so real, I feel like I know them. I can't wait for the next book. The authors description of places and people made the book. GOOD JOB

Fallen Palm is an excellent beginning to what should be a great series based in the Florida Keys. As other reviewers have mentioned, the characters and setting were completely believable. I've know Wayne since the early 70's (middle school, high school, hanging at the beach, playing football and raising general havoc). Who would have imagined this? Well done!

I write Caribbean novels for a living, so I know the good from the bad, and Wayne Stinnett is an author to watch. He writes with authority, and a clean, pure understanding of South Florida that even seasoned writers would envy. Stinnett allows you to taste and feel each situation and this debut of enticing characters and dicey situations makes for great reading. Congratulations Wayne. You're on your way!

Michael Reisig -- author of "The Road To Key West" and "Back On The Road To Key West"

Got the makings of a good series storyline but writes to the same recipe for each episode . If he keeps adding boats and people to his island he will run out of space. His stories are a bit like adolescent action comics which use words instead of pictures. I think he can do better. It's time now for a more mature tale so, c'mon Wayne.

Got the makings of a good series storyline but writes to the same recipe for each episode . If he keeps adding boats and people to his island he will run out of space. His stories are a bit like adolescent action comics which use words instead of pictures. I think he can do better. It's time now for a more mature tale so, c'mon Wayne.

Sections would have been aided by extensive editing as one poorly developed action sequence jumps to another in rapid-fire. Quite shallow development as well. Nothing remotely close to Randy Wayne White or John P MacDonald's versions of the same character.

Stinnette creates likable characters, interesting plot lines, and he does a good job writing the narrative and dialogue. The problem for me was that he focused too much on the wrong parts of the story. There are scenes where characters are driving boats and paragraph after paragraph are devoted to describing the route that they take with nothing coming of it except that they reach their destination. On the other hand, there are scenes, such as the climax, where more details of the conflict would have made the story much more exciting. Stinnette shows he has all the tools to tell an exciting story, I hope that in his sequels he has more focus on the action that makes people read adventure novels. I would have given this book two and a half stars if allowed.

It's difficult to imagine what the writer was thinking when he wrote the book--or how much of himself he gave away. I've read many books that left me wondering if it wasn't true. But what is fiction if not truth overexagerated?

We begin with a man who has experienced the spoils of war. He is a with depth. He also has a past drinking problem, although he does know right from wrong. We see the perfect protagonist in the making.

I often think of great writers who have stood the test of time. What is it that they knew? How could such masterpieces roll off their fingertips--or, rather, lead pencils? Of course, a brilliant hero must have an adversary, or an antagonist. At some point the two must collide.

Fallen Palm begins with an ex-military man living out his retirement in Key West. Stinnet paints a glorious, impressionistic view of a place for which most of us dream. His protagonist even has his own island, does laid-back charter fishing for extra income. For the most part, everyone leaves him alone. Here, he can live his life in peace, and hope that the love of his life returns. Her name is Alex, and he has never forgotten her.

His name is Jesse, and his life is about to change. We fInd that he has hooked up with some Navy Seals, one of which had a father, Russell, who was Jesse's military superior.

There is more than meets the eye here. Jesse is told that his ex-commander is dead. Was he murdered? Or did he drown? Right away a ripe, bloated red-herring is dragged through the water.

Meanwhile, a hurricane looms in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening to inundate South Florida.

We find nonstop action: a page turner.

The action abruptly turns to Lester, who is in the process of fencing treasure found while scuba diving. We see he has a book that has the name "Jesse" stenciled in it. There appear to be GPS coordinates as well. The antagonist smells blood in the water.

What will happen next?

Ironically Jesse reunites with Alex, and they are now head-over-heals with each other, two stubborn souls reunited. Jesse takes Alex to his retreat, and Alex learns that the house and the property are everything she's dreamed of. He tells her he's done it all for her.

Do I smell a wedding?

So now Stinnett throws everybody for a loop. We see that the government has them all under surveillance.

Who is playing who? And what is actually going on? You must pay attention!

Like all good books and movies, we find a chase, excepts it's on the water--two charter boats going full steam ahead. It gets wild in a hurry.

We see tragedy--a twist of fate that is all too real. This book may shock you in the end, so buckle up your seat belt.

Compared to many great writers of centuries past, I found the book delivered subtle messages, like some secrets to happiness. Although I have never been to Key West, I felt like I was there, navigating cuts and passages through low and deep water. Stinnett has a mastery to fill in the detail. I recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers, and has dreamed of going to Key West.

Spoiler alert: Casino Royale: Vesper Lynn dies so that Bond dedicates himself to killing bad guys. Ok, it worked for James Bond. I was very, very disappointed in the last third of the book.

1. Since Alex had contact with the bad guys in Miami, she should not have been VISIBLE at the same location with the bad guys, for the very reason that if one of them recognized her the entire operation would fall apart.

2. Jesse has an open wallet and gives himself away?

3. The guy who thinks of "everything" doesn't protect his wife? Really?

Everyone in the book is too smart for a series of mistakes to be a plot "twist." I can only say.. very disappointing. When I can see the bad news coming from 50 pages away, it's not suspense.

Wow, following the prequel, this book just does not cut it. The story was good up to a point. The demise of one character was not good. Too much build up, then bam it is over for the character. Not the way to address loyalty to the reader. Other thoughts below but these are all plot giveaways so do not read this review any further if you have not read the book.
************************************SPOILER ALERT***************************************

Taking Alex to the dock in Miami where she and her car were seen by the bad guys was a dumb move by Jesse. Even dumber was having her at the party in which the same bad guys were expected to appear. Then leaving the women alone while the men went off and hunted one of four bad guys continued the dumb streak. And why put the DHS guy (Tony) at the dock with a gun if he could not do anything to anybody in that position? And finally building up the romance with Alex and Jesse then to just terminate it brutally in the end was the author's dumb mistake. Looking at the Big Picture in this book, only Jesse McDermitt can do anything to the bad guys. Can you really see a battle-tested Navy Seal telling Jesse, "this is your operation, you run it?" If the series continues in this vain, then Mr Stinnett has blown a rare chance at a successful series. I will read the next book, with trepidation. And so help me God, if Lester returns, I will trash the book and write a one star review. (Without Lester's return, I still wrote a one star review of the next book.)

Good writing reveals clear thinking and, consequently, guides the writer into thinking even more clearly during the writing process. This maxim most definitely does not apply to this author. Examples:

1) One of the worst endings I have ever encountered in that it was horribly brutal, totally unnecessary, in no way made sense as a development in the plot - and, to top it off just to make sure it is the VERY worst possible, the author throws in a dash of racism out of nowhere. The author announces that a BLACK man did the worst part of the horrible deed, this being a character who served no other purpose, who was never even mentioned in the book until the end. Did the author think "whoops, I haven't included a black man committing a crime against a white victim. Better throw it in before the end." ( By the way, I am neither black nor male. I am, however, an intelligent person who is aghast at sheer stupidity.)

2) As to adventure and thrills?!?!?! More than half of this book is filled with the most miniscule detail of boats and water and anything remotely associated with boats and water. Each and every turn of every possible route on the water is included, even those routes not taken. Also, exactly how deep the water is, etc., etc., etc. Are you kidding me? What does this contribute other than serving as filler for the author to boast about how much he knows about the area? How does all of this advance the plot in any way? It doesn't!

3) In keeping with throwing elements in for whatever reason or non-reason, a dog shows up. Normally, this can only be a good thing and a welcome addition. The thing is, despite obvious intelligence, this dog isn't the added boost that he should have been. The author doesn't include enough info this time, no endearing qualities that all animal lovers are so familiar with. Guess the author values non-sentient things (see above) much more than furry companions.

4) A lot of the dialogue is juvenile and annoying, with Jimmy saying "dude" at least twice in every sentence and the silly, overworked "Captain fill -in-the-blank" nonsense.

Another great read by Stinnett. Spoiler alert.

This one starts with Jesse McDermitt waking up in an alcoholic haze. He hoisted a few with guys twenty years younger and is paying the price.

Jesse is a retired Force Recon Marine. He's 6'3" and weighs two hundred and thirty pounds. He's a handsome guy, lithe and no stranger to taking care of himself.

He retired six years ago as a Gunnery Sgt. A Gunner Sgt. who trained snipers for Force Recon and moved to Key West. He inherited money from his grandparents who had raised him since his parents deaths. His father was killed in Vietnam and his mother committed suicide. She couldn't live without her man. Jessie was eight and had been born in Ft. Myers and had been all over the keys with his grandfather who he called Pap.

Jesse bought an island. Its only about two acres. Built a stilt house and a boat called Gaspars Revenge. He earns a living as a part time charter fisherman. He takes people out to fish. His part time first mate is Jimmy Saunders an easy going local man. Jimmy also served in the Navy.

After getting up Jesse heads for the Rusty Anchor, a local bar, owned by Rusty Thurman who's Jesse's best friend. Rusty had also been a Force Recon Marine and had served with Jesse. He left after one tour because his wife died giving birth to his only child. Daughter Julie. He raised Julie and she's one very capable young lady.

On arrival at the bar Rusty tells him that three men who are seated at a table were waiting for him. Jesse heads over and is greeted by a tall blond guy. The guy says his dad is Russell Livingston. Jesse though he look familiar. Russ Livingston had been his Platoon Sgt. and a guy he'd learned a lot from. Seems Russ had died and his son Russell Jr. a man they all call Deuce. Deuce is a Navy SEAL. He wants Jesse to take him to Conrad Reef so he can spread his Dad's ashes. His dad had drowned. Jesse is more than happy to help out. Russ was a good friend though Jesse finds it hard to believe the man drowned. Russ was an experienced diver and part fish. He also had a metal detector and he and Jesse had hunted for gold before. They had found silver one time and split the money. Russ was an avid gold hunter.

Lester Antonio was a loser from Philly. He happened to catch Russ as he was leaving from a dive. Russ took Lester under his wing and showed him how to dive and find gold. A deed that would cost him his life.

So begins another damned fine read by Stinnette.

This one has Jesse, Rusty, Julie, Deuce, Lester, Art and Tony two of Deuce's SEAL team members, Sonny Beech a loan shark, a man who will use Lester to find gold, Hurricane Wilma, Alex a woman Jesse will marry, a woman who will be murdered on her wedding day, Jesse becoming party of Deuce's Counter Terrorist team, Alex and Jesse finding a dog all alone on an island, a dog who actually catches fish, an Portuguese Water dog that Jesse will keep and name Pescador, a dog that will save his life, a dog that will rip the throat out of the man who wounds Jesse, Jason Smith who's Duece's boss, a Smith Jesse dislikes on sight, a Jesse who's one good judge of character, Sonny Beech decides Jesse knows where more gold is, a Sonny who decides Jesse needs to be kidnapped and brought to him, Walt O'Hara and Tomas the two men in charge of the kidnap attempt on Jesse, the two men who will take Alex, rape and beat her half to death, a Jesse who finds Lester half dead on an island, a Jesse who leaves him right there to die and Jesse McDermitt once again working for the Govt., looking for revenge, helping his friends and staying alive.

Five Stars

After getting all excited reading the first novel in this series, "Fallen Out," I was somewhat disappointed in this story. But I did read it to the very shocking end. In this story, Jesse has built his house on his private island and is no longer living on his yacht. He stops in at Rusty's bar and grill in the evening where three serious looking young men sit. Julie tells Jesse they've been waiting for him. 'Deuce' Livingston is the son of Platoon Sergeant Russ Livingston whom Jesse had been under his command. They had become close friends. Deuce tells Jesse his father had drowned and wanted Jesse contacted to help spread his ashes on Conrad Reef, a favorite fishing place for Russ and Jesse as years have gone by. Russ apparently died in a SCUBA diving accident, but Jesse doesn't believe it was an accident. Both Jesse and Deuce start searching for the truth which leads them to a terrorist cell which is searching for Jesse. There is just a bit too much overdone descriptions throughout this story rather than following the plot with intensity. One thing for sure, one learns how to back a cruiser into a narrow channel or dock!

Some who have reviewed "Fallen Palm" have given it very poor, and in my opinion, undeserved reviews but then any and all reviews are simply a matter of "opinion" and mine is quite different from theirs.

When an author begins to write a series the story-line at times begins to take on a life of its own and in the course of its writing events take place that further develop the character(s), flesh them out, making them more "believable" and at the same time more complex and that calls for in most cases more explanation. Jesse McDermitt is, to me, an extremely complex character and at times I found myself wanting to know more about what "truly" makes him "tick" and "Fallen Palm" does that quite well (those of you who understand what I'm attempting to say I think will agree, those who don't understand will not).

I highly recommend this book and I laud Mr. Stinnett for giving his character(s) a much greater depth by writing "Fallen Palm" as he did for not only did we receive more insight into the protagonist we also received a great "set up" for book three.

Yes it is an "action" book, and there is definitely action in it, but remember even "heroes" need their "R&R".

Thank you Mr. Stinnett.

I enjoyed the first in the series much more than this one. Tons of boring descriptions, very little action until the end, and a very predictable ending made this a less than interesting tale. If you are into boating you might enjoy this book a bit more than I did, but the story itself was pretty lame and there was no suspense, thrill, or twist to hold your interest.
I consider my rating a very GENEROUS 3 STAR rating, mostly because I think the author is a better author than this book alone would indicate.
I MIGHT try the next one in the series, but if it follows the footprint of this one, I'll call it quits on the "Fallen" series

As I sit here looking over the questions that best describe this book, I realize that just one word is inaccurate in some of those questions. For example, describe the plot - some twists and full of surprises; the mood - hopeful, suspenseful, thoughtful and a little dark; the characters - developed and complex. To understand why I say this, you have to read the story. Stinnett's books are not easy to write about as almost all of the story or stories is the story, leaving no avenue to cover without giving something away. Also, by the time you finish reading about a new character, you know about 85 to 95% about that character; the rest you will find out in another book, if they live that long. One of the qualities I like about his books, you have no idea what character(s) will show up in another book.

This book did start out slow only because he was giving background info about Jesse and some of his most trusted friends. Once you realize this, at least to me, it was no longer slow. And something told me to start keeping tract of who and what these friends and enemies knew and did and I was right! And I advise you to do this for EVERY ONE OF HIS BOOKS.

That being said, I enjoyed reading this book as I did all of them. After being in the marines for so long, Jesse had mixed feelings about retiring, but knew in his heart it was time. He moves to the Keys and, after being mistaken for a Captain, he decides to buy a boat and charters diving and fishing trips. However, before he can get started, something bad happens that he feels he personally has to take care of. Thus begins the exciting and suspenseful story of Jesse after the marines. That is all you get. Sorry can't and won't give anything away that happened in this story!!

This book took a turn, no, a couple of turns that I did not see coming. It kept me glued to the story to see what was going to happen next. Some of the turns were dark, in a bad but good way?! After you read the book you will agree but disagree with that statement just as I did when I wrote it. Then read the rest of his books in this series as you don't know what is going to happen at the turn of a page. This is my review for all of the books in this series, because everything I said above holds true for all of his stories. ( I will say this, You Will Hate to Love Book 2!!!) And while you wait for the 8th book (or whatever book you may be waiting for after reading this review) start his new series about Charity Styles, first book titled "Merciless Charity." No I will not tell you who she is, but you are going to LOVE this series too!!!!

HAPPY READS

This is not the usual type of book for me to read however I took to it like a duck takes to water. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I just wish that Alex had lived . She and Jesse made a great couple. She is going to be hard to replace but perhaps that was the author's intention. Maybe I'll read more books like this in the future but I think it was all the different characters that got my interest. I highly recommend the Jesse McDermitt novels to all of you readers who enjoy reading a well planned book and a story about a retired marine.

Mysteries, thrillers, almost any book written about and/or by a Florida author is a must-read. Kindle Unlimited is a godsend when looking for new writers and the Jesse McDermitt series piqued my interest immediately. Fortunately, I read Fallen Out before reading Fallen Palm or I probably would have stopped reading. I seem to recall reading Fallen Out is a prequel and was written after the series had been established. If that is correct, Mr. Stinnett's writing improved immensely with each book and I'm looking forward to following the further adventures of Jesse McDermitt. I hope as the progression of the series continues, the plots are less telegraphed, derivative and contrived. (The death of Alex and the convenient discovery of Lester on the island, for example). Travis McGee improved with age and so can Jesse.

I enjoy books like this in a series. Wayne Stinnett has done a good job with the characters, the development of them in the mind's eye, and being consistent with them over the first few books I've read. I'm looking forward to continue reading the series. I just finished Fallen Pride. The setting is the Florida Keys, and mixing in the scenery and character of the setting is very well done, as well. One nit would be how does a two acre limestone atoll handle 18 people from a restroom facility perspective...but I'm really nit-picking. The plots are well drawn, with a bit of plausability stretch, which probably kept me from giving the fill five stars. This being said, I am sincerely enjoying the series and hope other readers do as well.

This series tells the adventures of retired Marine Jesse McDermitt as he operates a fishing/diving charter service in the Florida keys. As a contractor with a special branch of DHS, McDermitt takes on sex slavers, terrorist groups, and drug smugglers.
This book is actually the first of the series and tells how Jesse gets involved with the DHS after the murder of his old marine buddy over lost treasure. The crime lord also happens to have dealings with terrorism and kidnapping.
What I like are the martial arts fight scenes (very few) and the "island vibe" that the stories excel at.
There is an extreme amount of detail regarding the various geographical descriptions of the islands and Everglades areas. A lot of this doesn't really add to the story except to throw in hundreds of extra words to the total word count.
The boat descriptions are also detailed bit actually add meaning to the storyline.
These are not Clive Cussler caliber books but are good escapist writing.

I was totally immersed in the story after reading the first two pages and couldn't put it down. Well researched, knowledgeable author, really well developed characters, tremendous story line, exciting twists and turns, a real HERO in Jesse and ..VERY well written! What more could you ask? Of course, after reading books one and two...I am anxiously moving on to book three. I guess retired marines do have salty language, but the storyline is awesome. Powerful reading. Mr. Stinnett, you not only have a new loyal fan...I have a new favorite author!

I'm just into the second book in this series but liking what I'm reading - plenty of adventure, likeable characters, logical actions, great descriptions of the area, nasty villains and a hero we understand. Although we know he doesn't live in a perfect world and will probably get stabbed, shot and beaten up we read along hoping nothing too tragic will happen but some times bad stuff is the transition to the next book. Looking forward to next book.

Why is it that in “man’s world”, the woman has to be raped and murdered to make the story interesting? You had me till then, but ya lost me hard. This is such crap that is repeated so often in movies and books with big tuff men, where they can’t seem to be Interesting unless the woman is ruined. Or their daughter is kidnapped by slavers. Get a grip and get original. What a disappointing ending. The writing wasn’t half bad till then, but I just can’t relate to this macho crap where a woman has to be destroyed in order for the man to look like he has emotion or something. Would have been 5 stars with a different ending. Sorry for your loss.

I really enjoyed the book and the whole story. It was a great escape and I really got caught up in it which is what an author needs to be able to do. I was really saddened by the ending but an author writes the way he feels, just like a movie. My biggest downfall with the book was the constant jumping back and forth from present time then 3 weeks back, then 2 , then last week, then back to current. It was hard for me to follow all the time and I wondered why it was just not written in chronological order but it is his book and his idea. Just my opinions on the book but I will continue on with the series.

This is the second Jesse McDermitt novel I've read in the series. Good story with a predictable plot. For the core characters, decent background information to enhance the current and future plotlines. Not as good as Doc Ford but improving.

The plot really thickened in this book. Added so many characters you needed a scorecard. It was hard at times to keep all the people straight. The precise planning of first book was different here because so many people were involved. I know it was developing for next book, but not a fan of the ending.

I really like this series. It reminds me of the John MacDonald Travis Magee series with a modern twist. Sometime the boating details are a little detailed but if you are like me you speed read through them.

Though at times the writing is a little too technical for me and I have difficulty keeping up with all the characters, as soon as I finish one book in the series, I am ready to start the next. The books have an enjoyable mixture of romance and suspense. Gotta go, gotta read!

The author provides a great, well structured story-line which had me hooked from beginning to end - an ending that I hadn't expected. I loved the setting and the author's descriptions of the various parts of The Keys, whether real or imaginary for the purpose of the story. I felt the heat of the sun, the movement of the boats and the welcome provided by The Rusty Anchor bar. The characters were charismatic, gentle and at times brutal but never boring. True friendship was highlighted which I found very moving and there was just the right amount of romance. I didn't want the story to end, nor did I want it to end the in way that it did, but I am sure the author will have plenty more to offer in Fallen Hunter, his sequel to Fallen Palm.

I just discovered this series a few days ago. But I enjoyed them so much, I read all of them in a happy binge. I'm a fan of action adventure stories and though unique, Wayne's books could be described as a combination of the works of Lee Child, Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy. His Jesse McDermit books will definitely be right beside those authors in my personal library.

As a usually landlocked (Virginia mountains) lover of fishing and diving, I also really appreciate the detailed descriptions of the workings of the boats, and the area around the Keys. It's made me think seriously about heading down there next chance I get. Who of us wouldn't be enticed by the thought of having their own self sufficient island?

I can't wait to see what Wayne, and Jesse, do next!

This writer is is actually a good writer. Start to finish, you're in for the ride. Smooth,catchy dialog, great story and it really moves.
Plan on losing a little sleep. I stayed up and finished it in one day.
I'll take more time on the next one.
Jack Frazier, Tucson,AZ

Jessie had transformed from a spun up Force Recon Marine to a civilian Captain of a charter boat and liked his new life. He now had the woman of his dreams as his third wife. Tragedy struck and Jessie was once again an operator in the new world of international terrorism!