A well crafted plot with some unexpected turns. I enjoyed the atmospheric writing and the characters.
Many thanks to Level Best and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A solid second entry in this series. I still really like the characters, side characters also. Would definitely read more

Thanks to Netgalley for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Great for Fall Reading
Deadly Tides, the second installment in this enthralling series, functions seamlessly as a standalone read. Despite not having immersed myself in the first book, I found myself effortlessly drawn into the narrative, swiftly devouring its pages within a span of two days. While the intricate storyline predominantly revolves around the complex relationship between Jax Turner and his former wife Abbey Kaneoka, it's worth noting that the case they confront this time stands independently from the preceding narrative.

However, I must mention that, in my opinion, there might be a slightly excessive focus on the dynamics between Jax and Abby. The primary plotline delves into the mysterious disappearance of a surfer, intricately entwined with the discovery of a solitary foot on the beach. The lingering question persists: does this detached extremity belong to the missing surfer? Notably, the nexus between Jax and Abby's personal struggles and the unfolding criminal investigation becomes apparent when Abby's mother wanders onto the shore one eventful night. Suffering from Alzheimer's, her dissatisfaction with the food at her care facility forms a peculiar connection to the unfolding events.

The narrative gradually unfurls, steadily building suspense until an unexpected climax propels the story to an impactful conclusion. Personally, I was captivated by the author's vivid depiction of the coastal town, with its enchanting woods and tempestuous ocean, illustrating how the environment significantly shapes the characters. With a compelling blend of dual narratives, a series of bodies, and a host of divergent motives, the story coalesces into a gripping and highly accessible book. Eager anticipation lingers for the next installment, as it appears the author still has a few surprises in store for her avid readers.

A heartfelt thanks to Netgalley and Level Best Books for generously providing a review copy.

If you haven't read anything in the news about a foot in a tennis shoe washing up on the Pacific Coast in the Pacific Northwest in the past twenty years, you've missed out on some great reading. But there have been multiple feet wash up over time, many with similar explanations. All spooky stuff though, sure enough!
Now there's a novel about a couple of feet that wash up but they differ markedly from the others. These were intentionally cut off.
There are suspects everywhere. A couple are real shockers. Others are real creeps. Some appear to be young and innocent. The book was quite good. It is set in my old area which added a lot of personal interest for me.
The descriptions of the outdoors there are fantastic. I can feel the mist in the air and smell the ferns and trees as I run through the woods with the characters.
Another highlight is the assisted living facility that is overrun with incompetence. Get her out of there!

I loved, loved, LOVED every bit of this story. From start to finish, I was hooked. From character to plot-to-story development, absolutely FANTABULOUS. There were so many suspects and angles to the mystery with one twist after another. Phew! Quite a roller-coaster ride, this one.

Coming to the mystery behind the severed feet, initially, we are given the impression that this might not be a case of killer on prowl. When people jump into the ocean or accidentally drown, limbs are the first body parts to wash up to the shore. But then, autopsy might reveal something sinister, such as, the feet were chopped off...

The killer's identity was a no shocker for me. I had my doubts. But their deception, gosh! It sent shivers down my spine.

If you are looking for a totally engrossing and mind-blowing police procedural set in small town, I highly recommend Deadly Tides by Mary Keliikoa.

This is the first book I've read by this author and, I have to admit, it had me reading ' just one more page ' until I had reached the end. Just as you think you know the murderer, it sends up red flags over someone else so you're never quite sure who's responsible. The characters seemed real and believable, with the location described well. Will have to try book 1 at some point to see if that's good too.

Severed feet washing up on the beach leads Sheriff Jax Turner back, at least for the moment, to his wife Abby, an FBI SA. They spit in the wake of the death of their child from leukemia, the grief making life just so difficult for them. Now, though, they're healing- separately- and this case, involving two different men (and their feet) sees them use their individual strengths together to find the villain. It's nicely atmospheric (a beach town!) and the relationship feels authentic. And they're mystery- well no spoilers from me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Deadly Tides is the second book in this series, but can easily read as a standalone. A great part of the story in Deadly Tides revolves around Jax Turner and his ex-wife Abbey Kaneoka but the case they have to solve this time has nothing to do with the earlier book.
So, this makes for my only comment on this story: for me, there is a little too much emphasis on the relationship between Jax and Abby. The other main story is that of the missing surfer and the foot that was found on the beach – but is this foot part of the missing surfer? What links Jax’ and Abbys’ story with the crime is the fact that Abby’s mother wandered out to the beach one night – the poor woman is suffering from Alzheimer's and was not happy with the food she was served one night in the care home where she lives.
What follows is a slow-burning mystery that picks up the pace at the surprising end. I loved the description of the coastal town, the woods, the ocean and how living in a place like that influences the people. So, we have two stories, a couple of bodies, several very different motives, al thrown together in what turned out to be an interesting and very readable book. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, because I think the author still has some surprises in mind for her readers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Level Best Books for this review copy. This review is my 500th review for Netgalley!

What a wonderful whodunnit mystery.
This is the second book in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone.
Sheriff Jax Turner has recently returned back to work after having time off when his five year old daughter passed away from leukaemia and the divorce from his FBI agent wife Abby.
But Jax and Abby's lives are thrown back together after single foot is found and the owner of that foot belongs to a local surfing legend.
Then when a leg missing its owner turns up things take a brilliantly crafted twist.

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

In this story Abby, Jax's ex-wife, has been notified that Dora, her mother, has left the facility once again. Abby begins her search for her mother eventually finding her on the beach holding a severed foot. Abby then calls Jax to have him meet her without providing any information. She hands the foot to Jax and tells him what happened. Abby then returns her mother to the facility. Later Abby gets notified that the FBI has been requested to help with the discovery of another severed foot that was found earlier.

Jax is later requested to perform a welfare check and when he arrives, he finds after starting his search, blood, and then calls in for more help. As Jax continues searching, he finds a bike that was tossed over a cliff and then later a body. This body did not turn out to be the missing person.

Once Jax gets the report back on the severed foot, he finds out that it is Terry, the missing person. As he now has a murder investigation, he begins looking for more information. On the beach where the foot was found, he is working with Rachel and her dog Koa. Koa finds a body and it turns out to be related to the investigation Abby is working. Now the two cases are related.

To discover what the cases had in common, who was the killer and what both Abby and Jax had to go through to find the answer, then you need to read this book.

This established series set the bar high for the second story and boy was it great too!
We follow Jax, a sheriff in the small town of Misty Pines, his staff, and his ex wife who he lost in a family tragedy but who he wants back desperately.
Abby, Jax's ex loses her dementia suffering mum, as she breaks.out of her assisted living home, and can't be found. Abby, so worried about this situation, searches everywhere. She finally finds her mum on the beach gripping a trainer with a severed foot inside..So starts an investigation that involves Jax, his crew and Abby and her partner as FBI agents on two separate investigations as another missing person turns up dead.
..I was hooked in chapter one. I couldn't put it down!. As the story progresses, there are many suspects to choose. Just what I enjoy!! Who could be the murderer?.
A fantastic 5*read!.
Many thanks to Level Best Books for the chance to read this arc copy via Netgalley.
#Netgalley, #levelbeatbooks, #mary.kelikoa.author.

Sheriff Jax Turner continues his struggles in everyday life: an understaffed department, city council, counselling with his ex-wife, and grief. A welfare check reveals a missing person, theft, blood in the woods, a foot washed ashore. FBI agent Abby, ex-wife, is working on a case with another foot washed ashore. Are the dismemberments accidental or intentional? Are the cases related? This is another twisty well-plotted mystery in Misty Pines.

I received a complimentary ARC of this excellent novel from Netgalley, author Mary Keliikoa, and IBPA publisher Level Best Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Deadly Tides of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Mary Keliikoa to friends and family. She writes a compelling mystery with personable characters and defines for us the beauty of her coastal Oregon setting.
I ask for this book because of the setting in the small coastal towns off of Highway 101. I have only been through this area once, but it is near the top of my bucket list - it is a place of serenity and beauty to take your breath away. Mary Keliikoa brings us that in this tale - as well as a fine case for applying the adage 'live and let live' among family members. Contentment is all we should ask for, especially for our children. Altogether a fine read. Part of a series, I must read the rest.

Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for this DRC.
This second book in the series was better than the first. I still don’t care about Sheriff Jax Turner but this mystery was planned out better and the guilty more believable, if you can stand the fact that no one in these books ever tells the whole truth the first time, including Sheriff Turner and his ex-wife.
#Deadly Tides #NetGalley

An intriguing mystery. Interesting connections between cases. Personal issues also involved. Clever mystery. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Intertwined stories – one a procedural of investigation of one or more possible crimes and the other a domestic soap opera about two of the investigators. The thread about solving the crimes is nicely done. There are plenty of suspects, twists, red herrings. I’m probably not a fair judge of the domestic saga since for me it is just clutter. But I don’t think it’s as well written. It is very redundant. And it all comes to a thriller type ending. Many readers will find this book more interesting than I did.

I loved this second mystery in the series. The characters are great and really make the story; they're nuanced and believable, flaws and all. The tension between Jax and Abby as they deal with the aftermath of their daughter Lulu’s death, along with the development of the relationships between the members of the raw team that Jax is building at work, really make this story for me. I enjoyed the mystery, though the most likely candidate for the killer is fairly obvious early on, in spite of the red herrings. I look forward to reading the further adventures of Jax, Abby, and the team!

How did Nora get out of the facility, walk three miles away, and end up with a bloody tennis shoe in her hands?

Meanwhile, not much farther away a famous surfboard designer is missing and a bloody tennis shoe is also found somewhere on the scene.

We meet Jax, Abby, Margot, and a full cast of characters in this tense thriller that also has some romance involved.

Abby and Jax were married and now divorced, but they still work together. In comes Margot who was the nurse for Abby and Jax's daughter who passed away from Leukemia.

What was Margot doing here? What made her move to the sleepy town of Misty Pines?

Jax found out she recently moved here and next to one of the murder victims. Margot is also "after" Jax even though Jax still loves Abby.

Lots going on and lots of tension that will keep your interest.

Will the murders be solved, and will they find out what Nora saw and why she had the bloody tennis shoe in her hand and what the significance of the severed feet on the murdered victims means?

Even though this was the second book in the series, it worked well as a stand alone.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Misty Pines Mystery book#2

A Psychological suspense

This is a satisfying whodunit mystery and a well-crafted page-tuner. It brings Jax Turner, a small seaside town sheriff, to focus on his community while holding tight to the hope of getting back with his FBI agent ex-wife, Abby Kanekoa.

After looking into the request to make a welfare check on his brother a surf shop owner’s, Jax sets out only to find the man absent, looking further he finds tracks leading to a pool of blood and a severed foot on the beach...The find is not the only one recovered...FBI needed to be called bringing Jax” former wife into the picture.....and a dual investigation is launched.

What is not to like, this story is simply a fantastic read. We follow two interesting threads that eventually mesh together. While Jax does his investigation Abby’s troubles continues with her mother who has Alzheimer’s and needed to be place in a nursing home. Things turned not to be as simply as one thought. The story goes back and forth between the two and sometime crosses path when Abby works with her ex or vice-versa. But as more severed feet are found and more people go missing in the surfing community Jax suspect a serial killer is on the loose and as readers we are at the sea coast, the forest in all kind of weather and of course into an exceptional setting. Ms. Keliikoa’s writing is clear and powerful, she is a master shuffling a multi layered plot with characters that are complex, unique and seem like real people. Jax has a hard time facing his separation and the loss of his child while Abby still has mixed feelings about her ex and keeps her sorrow to herself. The narration is moving and will hit close to home for those who suffered the same experiences. In the words we sense their struggles and their pain we can only hope for a better outcome in the end. It really evokes sympathy... The writing craft is superb, the characters three-dimensional and the setting is a dream...What a combination. Well-said and well-done.

Thank you Netgalley and Level Best Publishing for an arc of this twisted book. As Sheriff Jax Turner is called upon to investigate a missing surfer, he only finds a large pool of blood. As he investigates, he receives a call from his ex-wife, FBI Agent, Abby. She has something he needs to see immediately. As the investigation continues, a severed foot washes ashore, others go missing and as the suspense ratchets up, Jax and Abby work together as their cases collide. If you like mystery and suspense with a twisted killer, don’t miss this one.