Book Review: The Crushing Depths

21 Jul

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.

Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue — and right where the killer wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than a half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award.

From her early years eagerly reading Nancy Drew mysteries, to paging through Agatha Christie novels or watching on-the-edge-of-her-seat adventure movies, Dani has always enjoyed mystery and suspense. She considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves — full of plot twists and peril, love, and longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit http://www.danipettrey.com.

 

My Impressions:

Fans of the first book in Dani Pettrey’s Coastal Guardians series will not be disappointed with her latest fast-paced, action-packed novel, The Crushing Depths. The ensemble cast is back with all their skills to get to the bottom of mysterious activity on an oil rig off the North Carolina Coast. While all your favorites make an appearance, most of the book focuses on Rissi and newcomer to the Coast Guard Investigative Service team, Mason. As their investigation intensifies, so does the chemistry between the two making this book a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.

A centuries old curse, modern drilling, and eco-activists set the stage for The Crushing Depths. The various threads serve to keep the investigators and the reader guessing. But the methodical and intuitive team is matchless in their dogged determination to find the truth. The ensemble cast Pettrey creates is varied and interesting. Their interactions and side plots also promise more intriguing cases and romance to come. Rissi and Mason get the spotlight though, and their history as teenagers gives them a great foundation for finding love as adults. While the plot kept me turning the pages and the romance was just right, I especially liked the setting of this book. I really want to head to the North Carolina coast now! Pettrey always infuses her novels with solid spiritual messages, and this book is no exception.

Great setting, page-turning plot, endearing characters, and sparks galore make The Crushing Depths a very enjoyable read! If this is your first introduction to this series, get books 1 and 2 and settle in for some fun!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

 

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