Black Coral by Andrew Mayne pulled me in immediately and would not let me go as this story, with both human and animal predators, barreled to its shocking conclusion.

What I Loved

I loved the non-stop thrills, chills, and plenty of spills. The story never winds down, not even for a second, as it moves from underwater to land.
I did not even have time to breathe between scenes as I quickly advanced the pages in a focused frenzy to find out what happens next. Even in the thriller genre, it is not that common to find a book that I cannot put down.

I found Sloan McPherson such a fascinating character with her intricate and intriguing back story and her firm, independent personality. She is the daughter and granddaughter of treasure hunters – modern-day pirate types. Sloan is working on her doctorate in Archeology while working full time for a newly created division of law enforcement, the Underwater Investigation Unit, and raising her 12-year-old daughter, which she had as an older teen. And she co-parents with her rich non-committed boyfriend, Run, who would like to have a more stable relationship with her but has learned not to push. I just marveled at her back story and am almost in awe of the possibilities.

I found the motherhood issues brought up during the story to provide a bit of relatable realism.
Sloan is always questioning her and Run’s choices regarding their daughter and worrying about whether they have made the right ones. As every mother grows to learn, though, there are no right choices – you must do the best job with what you are given and hope that you have instilled enough inner strength that they will be able to make the right decisions for themselves. Sloan is starting to realize this, which gives her an aspect that is relatable to mothers and fathers everywhere.

I learned more about alligators than I had ever known or thought to look up. I already knew some things because I live and vacation in the Southeast United States, but I learned so much more than just the normal “how to be safe around alligators” information. When Sloan dives in alligator-infested waters, not once but multiple times, and enters an alligator den, I sat on the edge of my seat while gaining an unexpected closer look at the life and habits of the deadly creature.

This book has so much uniqueness to offer to lovers of mystery thrillers, from a unique law enforcement department to both human and animal predators to contend with, that I cannot recommend it enough and sing its’ praises loud enough. Black Coral by Andrew Mayne is a must-read!

Note: there are two (2) Harry Potter references in this book that totally should have (and easily could have) been removed by this point. I docked a star for this reason.

Considerably more organized than its predecessor (and a lot more plausible), BLACK CORAL really embraces the police procedural genre. However, by becoming more conventional, it spends a lot less time with what made the first book special: underwater scenes. There were a few but considering they're the Underwater Investigation Unit, I was hoping for more underwater time.

The narrative is a lot more focused, giving Sloan a beeline on this killer, even as things are going on outside of this case. It really helped the story maintain momentum without needing to stretch too far beyond the plausible.

I was a little bit concerned by the almost total lack of oversight at the end, especially when they're using other departments' resources, but I suppose having only the UIU in place makes for a more intense conclusion.

Not your normal catch a serial killer book. Sloane is a talented diver also intelligent enough to solve murders. Her attention to detail is amazing and her no holds barred mentality makes her my superhero. The case she’s solving is unusual and her team fights a battle at every turn but giving up is not her nature. Intriguing characters and a detailed mystery have made this one of my favorite series, I hope the author continues to write it. I was fortunate to receive an early copy from Netgalley and wrote my review voluntarily.

Mayne writes in a superb style. Fast paced, fun reading. Interesting plot - lots of action. Excellent character development - Unique, quirky characters - Sloan McPherson is a confident, feisty, dedicated and intelligent women -she is headstrong, spunky with a "dive right in" attitude - pun intended - she is a police officer and diver for a newly developed Underwater Investigator Unit in south Florida. Her family has some shady characters - treasure hunters and drug runners which provides her with many dubious connections. I love the setting of the Florida coast line - Mayne brings the landscape to life along with the snakes and alligators. Definitely an entertaining read - I can't wait for more of the series!

In this, the second in the Underwater Investigation Unit series we find Sloan and her partner George take on a new partner and two new cases. In one case there are thieves taking satellite navigation systems from docked yachts. In the other, the discovery of the bodies of four teenagers that have been missing for thirty years opens the door to a possible serial killer who's gone undetected for all those years. Juggling the two is very challenging to say the least. Is it ever a good idea to make yourself the bait to trap a killer?
Although the character development is a little lacking I still have an affinity for this cast of misfits. I found it to be well written with a fascinating plot and a blistering pace. I enjoyed how the story builds in suspense as the tension to find the killer intensifies with every possible suspect. Even though it's part of series I think this does well as a stand-alone. There's nothing earth shattering here but it's highly entertaining and worth the read.
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Andrew Mayne has done it again with his enthralling latest book, Black Coral. The second in the Underwater Investigation Unit series set in Florida, this mile-a-minute, police-procedural, stands quite well on its own.

The series features Detective Sloan McPherson, a young, smart, and sassy bad-ass who is simply delightful! Her boss, George Solar, and ex-Navy dive partner, Calvin Scott Hughes are great secondary characters. The team has their work cut out for them. Their unit is only six months old and if Janet Marquez, chief investigator of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), has her way, the new unit will be eliminated and their budget returned to her organization.

When Sloan dives to pull the body out of a car that crashed into Pond 65, hangout to the biggest alligators in the state, she notices a white van buried in the muck. When the van is retrieved, the bodies of four teenagers, missing for thirty years, are found inside. FDLE considers it a tragic accident and the end to a long cold case. Sloan thinks it's murder, and takes steps to prove it.

The more she investigates, the more ties she finds to other missing person cases. Were they murdered as well? Is the murderer still active? How many victims does this serial killer have? With predators (human and amphibian) all around her, Sloan fights her way through to a very satisfying conclusion.

This is an engrossing and well written novel with wonderful characters and realistic plots, sub-plots and scenes. It's also one heck of a fun read! I highly recommend you add it to your TBR pile.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer who graciously allowed me to read an early copy of the book which is scheduled to be published on 2/16/21. All opinions stated here are strictly my own.

The discovery of the bodies of four teens who disappeared years ago sets Det. Sloan McPherson off on a hunt for a serial killer. This procedural is distinguished not only by its protagonist but also by the way Mayne makes you feel Florida on every page- the politics, the populace, the wildlife. I missed the first book and this was fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a good, fast paced procedural.

This was a good and fun book overall. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the underwater scenes and thought those were strong. The mystery was intriguing, as was getting to know the families of the victims as they are now after it has been so long.

I did not read the first book but thought this book was easy enough to follow even without that. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone that likes procedures/crime novels. I am not a huge fan of mysteries that are heavy on the procedure though so parts of that drag. I also don't know what it is about crime novels and making the main characters not really likable (almost all of them do it) but I had such a hard time connecting with our main character because of that. I wasn't exactly rooting for her.

I think if you like crime novels and are looking for one--this is the book for you! It is not necessarily a thriller though.

It's time to go underwater with Detective Sloan McPherson in BLACK CORAL (Thomas&Mercer) - Book 2 of 3 in Andrew Mayne's, "Underwater Investigation Unit" series. FYI: The book works as a stand-alone.
Detective McPherson finds more comfort being underwater, even in a murky South Florida canal than living with what lurks above. She's called in to help retrieve an auto accident victim, who drove into a canal. While doing her best to stay away from the gators, including 13-foot Big Bill she also comes across a van. To those on land it looks like a tragedy, but McPherson knows there's more. Once jurisdictions agree to haul the van out of the muck, they make a gruesome discovery. It's only the beginning in an investigation into dozens of cold cases.

This is book two in the series, and I loved the first one, "Girl Underneath." Living in Miami, I enjoy how the book takes readers around South Florida and I learn a lot about the area. Sloan is a great character. She can be stubborn and a bit of a pain in the butt, but she has a good heart. She's smart, has empathy and a good BS detector. Sloan also has a great team working with her that have her back. I was on the edge of my seat worrying about her getting eaten or at least attacked by a gator during the entire novel. Mayne writes great scenes out in the ultra-creepy Everglades. I totally understand why I've never wanted to go out on one of those airboat adventures.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Andrew Mayne, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Andrew Mayne is back with another police procedural that will have the reader thinking outside the box (as well as off land). With his Underwater Investigation Unit, Mayne utilises the world of police work under the water with Sloan McPherson as lead diver. In Black Coral, the discovery of four teens from decades ago opens old wounds about their trip to a concert and the potential trouble they encountered while partying one night. Mayne keeps things crisp and will have readers plunging in for more by the final pages. Recommended to those who like unique takes on crime fighting down in Southern Florida.

Sloan McPherson quite enjoys her work in Southern Florida with the Underwater Investigation Unit (UIU), a group slapped together with the governor’s blessing a while back. She trolls under the surface of the water when the police cannot properly do the work on land. While diving down to help remove victims from a car that flew into the water, McPherson comes across a van that no one knew existed. She helps extricate it and bring it to the surface, but must be wary of the countless alligators that flock to the area, basking in the warmer waters and ready to feast on flesh of any sort.

Once some of the preliminary forensics are complete, the UIU learns that the occupants of the van were four teens who went missing over thirty years before. All were presumed to have run away, though their families had come to terms with their likely deaths. Analysis of the two girls in the van shows that they were dressed with their underwear inside out, leaving some to believe that there may have been some sexual assaults that occurred before the van flew into the water.

While McPherson and her new partner try to work through what they know, they are saddled with a new and more glitzy case. It would seem that someone is targeting some of the larger yachts in the marina and stealing from their when the owners are asleep or otherwise engaged. McPherson calls this a silly ‘rich crime’ and wants to focus her attention on the grittier one that includes the dead kids. However, she will have to learn how to manage both, at least for the time being.

After some sleuthing leads to the discovery of a recent couple going missing, the case takes a significant turn. Further probing leads to the discovering of a large cage full of bones, surely bodies that were left deep in the water after a slew of killings. It’s a serial murder investigation and the UIU is elbowed out of the way. However, Sloan McPherson is not one to let things go too easily. Her independent explorations into what they know opens new and disturbing pathways that might explain a horrible new angle and a specific penchant that the ‘Swamp Killer’ may have. This case will chill anyone to the bone!

While my knowledge of Andrew Mayne’s work rests solely with the debut in the UIU series, I was hooked from the opening pages. I am always on the look out for new and interesting perspectives when it comes to police procedurals, Mayne uses this angle effectively and keeps his readers hooked on the case throughout, offering them one tidbits of action both above and below the waterline.

Sloan McPherson emerges as a strong protagonist again, keeping herself busy with work while also trying to remain a member of her family. The mother of a tween girl, Sloan has come to realise that her daughter is not so little anymore and the lure of boys will soon be a worry that must be addressed. Professionally, she is gritty and wants to be in the driver’s seat at all times. Her fearlessness shows repeatedly, both when chasing down leads and interaction with the reptile population while diving for clues. She’s got lots going for her and I quite enjoy how Mayne has crafted her up to this point.

A cast of strong supporting characters keeps the story moving well and does not distract from the plot. Mayne uses his characters to push the narrative along and allows the reader to choose a few people to follow throughout the story. Delving into the dark world of serial killers and paedophiles, Mayne must craft his characters well as he ensures the reader feels the full impact of what is going on.

As with the series debut, this book moved along well and never lost its momentum. With a great plot and strong narrative, Mayne is able to pull the reader in from the opening pages and never lets up. He develops the plot well, with his strong dialogue and uses shorter chapters to keep the flow throughout. While I know little about diving, Mayne bridged that gap effectively for me and kept things easy to comprehend for the layperson. I am eager to see what is to come, as the third novel in the series was just announced. It’s sure to be just as captivating as this one!

Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for another winner. I will have to check out some of your other series to get a full feel for your work. You have a fan in me, and a curious one at that.

When Sloan McPherson, a Florida police diver with the fledgling Underwater Investigative Unit is called in to retrieve a body from a vehicle that went over a bridge and into an alligator-infested pond below, she inadvertently discovers another submerged vehicle...only this one has four bodies in it.

It turns out to be four teens who went missing 30 years prior, thought at the time to be runaways, but evidence quickly points to foul play. And when another body is discovered soon after, the authorities suspect that a serial killer has been active and operating undetected for decades.

Despite her stubbornness and occasional short-fuse temper, Sloan is tenacious and fearless in her pursuit for justice, which sometimes borders on reckless. But this, along with the menacing aquatic creatures ever lurking, and the claustrophobic anxiety I feel as I vicariously experience the tight spots she puts herself in — underwater and frequently, without an oxygen tank — only adds to the tension (the alligator nest situation alone literally had me biting my nails) and made for a gripping read that I finished in less than 24 hours. This is the second installment in the series, and I look forward to the next one. 4.5 stars.

NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer kindly provided me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 rounded up. I'm so hooked. Sloan the pirate cop is back, and this time we get Big Bill, a thousand-pound alligator. #teamBigBill

I really enjoyed the first book in the Underwater Investigation Unit series, and this second installment did not disappoint. The writing keeps the story moving at a great pace for a mystery thriller. The relationship between the members of the Underwater Investigation Unit develops more in this book. The unusual family dynamic does not become less unusual! Sloan makes some, ahem, questionable decisions, but she is growing, getting to know herself and the world around her more. I did see something coming, but I can't see how it could have been written differently. That ending had me feeling the feels. I can't wait for the next book!

Sloan McPherson is a detective and a member of the Underwater Investigation Unit in Florida.
Story starts with Sloan trying to find a body in a submerged car ~ the drive of the car was able to free herself but there is passenger is trapped. So while Sloan is trying to investigate and hopefully save the passenger, she is also trying to stay clear of ‘Big Bill’ a 13ft huge alligator who is protecting his turf.

This story is about other bad guys and not just alligator protect their turf.

This is the second in the series, I need to go back and read “The Girl Beneath the Sea” Book #1 while waiting for Book #3. Yes I am looking forward to the next Underwater Investigation Unit with Sloan and Hughes.

Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for professional review purposes only.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 16, 2021

3.5 / 5.0, rounded up for NetGalley

Though Black Coral is book two in a series, the Underwater Investigation Unit does not necessarily need to be read in order. Despite having not read the first book, The Girl Beneath the Sea, I didn’t have any trouble figuring out the characters or backdrop. Think of this like a Jack Reacher novel; you’re given the details you need to know, but the story sits on its own.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let me start by saying I almost gave this book a DNF when I started it last week. The first thirty or so pages were so simply written, that I could not get lost in the narrative. I felt like I was reading something from the YA section, which is not my cup of tea. Luckily, the murder mystery was able to snatch me up before I could it it quits.

Shortly after that rocky start, I was sucked into Black Coral, even if it did feel like an easy read. Maybe I’ve gotten too used to the horror genre, but I wished this was of a darker tone. The cages and bodies could have easily been more haunting. Nevertheless, I found myself immersed in the story and wanting to read “one more chapter” again and again. As such, I finished this novel in two days, despite having work, a crazy kid, and a pregnant wife to distract me.

Andrew Mayne actually reminds me a bit of Lee Child in the way he writes. The lines are often quick and to the point. He gives details without being overly descriptive. The action comes in and out with ease, fast and furious. I’ll continue with this series as it goes along.

***
Highlights: Quick and easy to read … a solid murder mystery

Shadows: Maybe a little too quick and easy to read … there wasn’t really any twist to the story

FFO: Fast novels with mystery and suspense

Takeaway: Though I almost gave this one up, I’m glad I didn’t. Black Coral doesn’t leave me with much to say, but I did thoroughly enjoy it.

Would I read this author again? Yes

Black Coral by Andrew Mayne is the second book in the Underwater Investigations Unit series. Diver Sloan McPherson and her partner are getting more cases for the small UIU after they successfully took down a Florida cartel. After taking on a new member, Hughes, Sloan and the UIU stumble across a cold case that Sloan’s gut tells her is the work of a serial killer. Despite other agencies trying to close the case to avoid bad press, Sloan and Hughes set out to find the other clues that they know are out there. With victim’s spread over a 30 year period, they know that the killer is still out there and could strike at an moment. But are there enough clues left for them to find after all this time?

I did read the first one in the series prior to reading this one, but I don’t think you have to. I enjoy Andrew Mayne’s writing—he keeps the story moving and I find myself wanting to keep going to find out what happens next. I also enjoyed getting to know more about the characters in this one. Great for fans of mysteries—they’re sort of like a cozy mystery with more of an outdoor setting. I would recommend this book to those who like a fast paced mystery story!

Sloan is a member of the Underwater Investigation Unit, which is headed up by George. She loves to dive and seems to have no fear when it comes to jumping into alligator infested waters! Some of the things she did gave me a minor heart attack, it has to be said. There is a lot of tension with other agencies which doesn't make her job any easier, and then there is the new member of their team who seems to be a pretty bad fit, at least initially.

Even though this was the second book in the series, I had no trouble following the story and I think it can easily be read as a standalone.

I had a bit of an issue in the beginning - it was written in the first person and seemed a bit casual, almost flippant, in the way it was written, and it took me a while to get into but once it took off - wow!!!!

This book delivers on heart-in-your-mouth moments and I loved the plot and the characters. I liked that Sloan was a mum with a bit of a complicated relationship history with her daughter's father, as well as having some interesting relatives as well!

I would love to read the next book in the series (hope there is one!).

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.

I have been loving police procedural books lately and as soon as I was done the first book in this series I knew I needed to read the next immediately! Black Coral picks up a few months after the first book ends and follows Sloan as she takes on her first case with the newly formed Underwater Investigation Unit. She is diving for a car when she catches sight of a van and has a gut feeling that something is wrong. When the van is finally lifted to shore, the team finds four bodies and the hunt for a serial killer begins.

I had so much trouble sitting this one down and I highly recommend the whole series. I loved how flawed and real Sloan felt and I loved the fact that there was no forced romance within the unit. I truly cannot wait to find out if there will be a third installment.

“Once upon a time, you could outrun your sins…”

Sloan McPherson is the daughter of a pirate…no, not the eye patch wearing kind, but the diving in the deep blue sea and other watery locales for lost artifacts and buried treasure kind. Sloan’s background has made her a perfect detective for the Florida Underwater Investigation Unit (UIU).

Called to a scene of a car submerged in a pond known to house the infamous Big Bill. Big Bill is a 13-foot alligator that the local authorities want no part of, so Sloan’s crew work with Fish and Wildlife to try to keep track of the monster in order keep him away from the crash site while Sloan dives to retrieve the body or bodies before it’s dinner time for Big Bill. But Sloan gets more than she bargained for in this dive…in addition to the wreckage she was sent to salvage, Sloan discovers a van that has become a crypt. Held within the doors of this watery coffin are the bodies of four teenagers that went missing 30 years ago.

Now Sloan can’t stop the nagging voice telling her this is more than just another accident…that this is the work of a serial killer that has only become more evolved over time. Throwing caution to the wind, Sloan and the UIU follow the clues of the past to hunt down this madman before he strikes again...

Black Coral is my first read by author Andrew Mayne, and it won’t be my last! I’m still reeling from that heart racing ending, and so ready to go back and read the first in this series. Please note that while this is book 2, it is written to be standalone. The cast of characters in the UIU play so well against each other, and Sloan’s snarky inner monologue is fun-tastic! If Netflix is looking for a new series/movie to pick up, I hope someone puts this novel in their hands! Wish I could give more than 5 stars! Loved and highly recommend!


**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

I always enjoy an Andrew Mayne book. This is the second Sloan McPherson book. Her family are a bit on the wrong side of the law at times but Sloan is an expert diver and an archaeologist and is now working as an investigator for the Underwater Investigation Unit (UIU) set up by the Florida Governor and working hand in hand with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

While pulling a body out of a submerged car in Pond 65 she finds a submerged van and is very keen to investigate it. Her boss, George Solar, is sceptical but she gets her way and Sloan and new hire, ex Navy and law enforcement officer Calvin Hughes, dive to secure the van. Sloan’s dad, who does water related salvage has provided a crane to lift the van. When they get the doors open there is not one body, as expected, but four. Four teenagers who disappeared 30 years ago. Sloan is not happy with the forensic findings and posits that there was a fifth person in the van. One thing leads to another and soon every law enforcement agency in Florida is chasing a serial killer who has been active for 30 years!

This book was better than the first, especially if you have read that one although that is not necessary. The UIU is up and running and we are transported straight into an exciting case rather than having to introduce all the characters. Sloan is relentless in pursuing the bad guy or guys and has insights that set her apart from other investigators. I found it quite refreshing. The pace was crisp and Sloan had a number of close encounters with danger, including with a big, bad alligator. This book was a quick and very entertaining read and I can’t wait to see what Andrew Mayne comes up with next. There is no gratuitous violence, nor are any animals hurt, not even the alligator! Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and Andrew Mayne for providing me with a copy to review. My opinions are my own.

Five fabulous stars! Black Coral is a book like no other & I'm so glad I was introduced to Andrew Mayne's books. I'm in love with the UIU series & all its characters. I'm amazed by the writing powress by both books in this series. One minute I have my hairs on the neck standing & the next chapter I'm laughing at the dialogues! The best parts of this book involved Big Bill & the hunt for The swamp killer. The plot is unique & something I've never read before. Naturally this had me hooked from the get-go. Sloan McPherson has a lot of guts, is talented even though she has a lot of self-doubt & an incredibly intelligent & passionate officer of the law. Her monologues with herself and occasionally with Solar leave me in absolute splits. I find the relationship they share to be the best & am very curious to see that bond develop in future cases. This is one book with an unsettling weirdo & the plot & delivery ticked every point in the list & then some for me. I cannot rave enough about this book and I've been encouraging the suspense/ thriller readers of family & friends to give this series especially this book a read. Thriller/Suspense fans, you will love this one! I seriously cannot wait to see what comes next for the UIU.

Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer & Andrew Mayne for an arc!