Andrew Mayne brings action, suspense, and intrigue to Sea Storm , the third novel in the Underwater Investigation Unit (UIU) series. Whether you like the action to be underwater, on the water, or on land, readers will find what they are seeking. A coast guard request for assistance brings Sloan McPherson and her colleague Scott Hughes to a sinking cruise ship off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There’s been multiple explosions, evidence may be lost due to an incoming tropical storm, and certain details are being overlooked by some of the authorities. Sloan and Hughes aren’t about to let that happen and undertake their own investigation.

Sloan has good reflexes and amazing instincts, but she takes risks and has trouble with people who ignore clues and go for the quick resolution. Hughes also has a somewhat reckless streak, but has incredible analysis capabilities as well as some skills from his military career. Both have a police background which helps since the UIU is a law enforcement agency. Together, they are a formidable pair of investigators for the little known state agency they work for. Both characters are fully drawn and unforgettable.

The memorable first chapter sets the stage for what is to come. Readers get glimpses of the investigative and rescue methods used by Sloan and Hughes, but this is just the opening salvo. As I avidly read on, the suspense, action, and intrigue was high through-out most of the novel. Was it over-the-top at times? Yes. Did I care? No. I was wholly invested in the story line.

The plot is complex and has twists and turns to keep a reader guessing. The high stakes kept me engaged throughout the story. The well-written story and the incredible characters in a unique setting, combined with action that is astonishing, culminates in an amazing conclusion.

What an adventure! Will you guess what happens? While the main case comes to an end, there are plenty of threads that could be explored in future books. Themes include mysterious explosions, jurisdictional power struggles, political pressure, corruption, family, friendship, and much more.
Overall, this was an intense story with complex characters that kept me turning the pages. There was enough background in this novel that it worked well as a standalone, but I am looking forward to reading the prior books as I wait on the next one in the series. Those who enjoy crime thrillers, diving, and action thrillers may want to check out this series.

Thomas & Mercer and Andrew Mayne provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for March 29, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

I was so excited to see that there was a third book in Mayne's UIU series and I was not disappointed! Much like the previous two books in the series, Sea Storm was a fast-paced aquatic adventure that had me excited to dive into each new twist as the story unfolded. If you are looking for a quick read that will submerge you in conspiracies and underwater thrills, this is a great choice.

This series just keeps getting better and better. The action starts immediately and it doesn't stop. Mayne is easily becoming one of my "have to " authors, as in I have to read his first on my TBR pile.

3.5 ☆

A massive cruise ship, The Sea of Dreams, is attacked by three explosive blasts off of the Florida coast. About 4,000 passengers and crew need to be evacuated as the ship begins to tilt dangerously to one side. On hand to provide assistance is the Underwater Investigation Unit (UIU), a Florida state agency consisting of only 3 personnel. Sloan McPherson and Scott Hughes rescue several crew members trapped in flooded cabins.

"... other agencies have been asking [UIU head George] Solar for the secret to our success. When he tells them the secret's to have fewer bosses, fewer meetings, and to trust your people, they don't seem pleased.
Privately, he's made Hughes and me aware of his actual success theory: dumb luck and two hard-headed investigators taking too many chances."

The FBI lead the investigation and coordinate a variety of law enforcement agencies. Feeling somewhat sidelined by the feds, the UIU pursue their own independent lines of inquiry. Solar came from a long stint in the DEA - the federal Drug Enforcement Agency - while both McPherson and Hughes have local police experience. The story is narrated by Sloan, an impulsive risk-taker who grew up in a family serious about diving and creating mayhem.

"I don't tell Solar that I have a very poor idea of what crazy looks like until after I've done it."

Within days of forging their own investigative path, the UIU stumble across more explosives, gunfire, and corpses as they chase the elusive mastermind. Solar had hired Hughes with the intent of curbing McPherson's impulsive nature but with mixed results.

"There has to be a smarter way," says Solar. "I thought adding you to the team... would temper McPherson a bit. Instead, it's like you two are multipliers."

This is my first novel by Mayne. I love the premise that these are detectives who have specialized diving skills - very niche. And I liked Sloan and her motley family. Solar seems very savvy but he pulled a trick that was funny the first time and less plausible the second time around. The blurb indicated that they'd uncover a conspiracy, and the author brought in characters from his two earlier series to introduce the conspiracy aspect. But the conspiracy component of the plot feels rather thin. And it wasn't well connected to the explosions on the cruise ship, which I otherwise thought was an exciting way to open the book (and half the reason why I had picked up this novel). Overall, Sea Storm is an entertaining police procedural with a spin but its plot needed additional development.

Thank you to the author, Thomas and Mercer, and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Quotations in this review are from an uncorrected proof (ISBN 13-9781542032230) and may differ from the final version. Publication date is March 29, 2022.

Sea Storm is an unique mystery that revolves around Sloan McPherson and the Underwater Investigation Unit. An explosion on a cruise ship sends Sloan and her partner on a rescue mission to save all on board. A secret compartment leads the team to a complicated case where the lead suspect has some major political pull. Full of action and suspense, the story makes some major twists with some satisfying improvising for a great whodunnit with memorable characters. The original plot line and unique twist on a police procedural is sure to keep readers coming back for more. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Ooooooh give me a twisty UIU book any day! This installment delves more into corruption and terrorism than just simple crime, so it was a really interesting read. The action in this book is top notch and explosive in more ways than one. I'm excited to see if this series continues, as the stakes keep getting higher. We also get to see more of Hughes and Solar which is always pleasant. I feel like Sloan is at her best when she's underwater or with her crew (Hughes, Solar, Run, or Jackie), and we get a lot of top notch Sloan. Overall, some series tend to drag with time but that's not the case here. Keep on keeping on, Andrew Mayne.

*Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I enjoyed this entry in the Underwater Investigation Unit series by Andrew Mayne. I've been wanting to read the series for a while as I like a more procedural, investigative mystery to offset my cozy mysteries from time to time. This fit the bill perfectly and the mystery was great! I loved the UIU team and their team work to solve the crimes. The main character, Sloan McPherson had fantastic character development and showed a lot of grit and determination as she investigates an attack on a cruise ship. I thought the story was fine to read without reading the others, but I'd love to go back and read them for more adventures and back story on the characters! Definitely check this series out for all mystery lovers!

Meh. I loved the first book in this series but feel the next two were rushed and cut short just so the series could continue. I love the characters, but the storylines are a bit lacking.

Thanks to NetGalley an Thomas & Mercer for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

4+ stars

I really enjoy Andrew Maine’s books. He does a great job connecting the reader to his characters. There is always interesting technology with his books.

Sloan and her Underwater Investigation Unit team are called in to investigate an explosion on a cruise ship. Sloan is so brave, and quite a bit reckless, but she gets results. There was a great cameo that made me smile.

Great series and I hope to read more about Sloan, Hughes and their boss Solar.

Mayne is a talented author, and is a safe bet for those that like mysteries. I stayed engaged with the story and enjoyed the characters and dialog. I look forward to his next book.

I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!

I loved this book as it's very interesting and fast paced.
A drone attack on a cruise ship is something new I have never read or seen before. The team has to figure out what's behind the mystery attack on a ship on the Florida coast. I love all twists and turns, the corruption, who to trust, all different agencies and jurisdictions from eco terrorism to financial crimes, bribes.
It's a very likely scenario packed in a very good book.

I'm always in for a solid and thrilling detective thriller, and after highly enjoying the first two books of the Underwater Investigation Unit series there was just no way I was going to pass up on the opportunity to read the third book. I was intrigued by this series as soon as I learned about the Florida police diver angle, and the first two books both delivered an intense and action-packed ride. I had high hopes for a successful third round, and Sea Storm most definitely hit the mark once again. It was exactly the exhilarating dose of action and detective thriller I didn't even know I needed until I started reading it!

I think that one of the things that makes this series stand out is the fact that the stories feel more like a mix of action and detective thriller rather than your average police investigation. Not only is one of the main characters Sloan McPherson a police diver and part of a very special unit, but she also has a very colorful family background and a very strong personality. Together with Scott Hughes and George Solar, they are not only able to figure out things whole agencies fail to do so, but also add a whole lot of brilliant banter and (sarcastic) humor along the way... The fact that Sloan isn't afraid to follow her instinct and the whole team doesn't mind stepping on some very important toes or facing danger only adds to that appeal.

The plot itself has a slightly different feel this time around, and it definitely has that conspiracy vibe going on, so I guess your reaction to this story might depend on how you react to this kind of element in a thriller. Personally, I was all for it, as there is just something about the writing style. plot and characters that had me hooked from page one. I literally read Sea Storm in one sitting! This sequel and the series in general will give you hours of action-packed and exhilarating reading pleasure, with lots of plot twists, danger and banter along the way... Trust me, they almost read like a Hollywood action movie, and I mean that in the best possible way! I'm already looking forward to the next book even though Sea Storm won't even be published until next year. If you like your thrillers lightning fast and action-packed, this is definitely a series to put on your radar.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer, as well as to NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Sea Storm!

Sloan McPherson and the other members of the Underwater Investigation Unit are called to a cruise ship off the coast of Fort Lauderdale that’s sinking from a mysterious explosion. It appears to be the work of an ecoterrorist and when another cruise ship is threatened, it becomes a race against time.

The Underwater Investigation Unit (UIU) is made up of three people: Sloan, who is a feisty, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants kind of woman, Hughes, her diving partner/voice of reason, and Solar, who heads up the unit. All three are strong and likable characters. This is definitely a fast-paced, unique, and intriguing book! I also enjoyed the moments of wry humor. Oh! And Sloan's tween daughter, Jackie, immediately won my heart!!

I very much liked this book and feel it can be read as a stand-alone. Bottom line: I consider Sea Storm to be a winning mystery thriller!

If you like mystery and intrigue, you're going to love Sloane McPherson!

Sea Storm is the third book in Andrew Mayne's series about an Underwater Investigation Unit (UIU). The brave, and sometimes reckless, Sloan McPherson and the few other intrepid investigators in the UIU are kept busy trying to figure out why there was an explosion on a cruise ship and who is responsible. Her team is soon in hot pursuit of the perpetrators in a deathly race against time, while someone is doing everything they can to thwart their efforts.

I loved the first two books in this series and this third book is equally exciting. There are so many layers built into each investigation and they are fast paced, unique and intriguing. Though it isn't necessary to read the other two books in this series first, it would give the reader a better understanding of the characters and a deeper connection to them and their backgrounds.

While I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the Underwater Investigation Unit series I am going to run out and pick up the first book in each of two other book series by this author; one about an FBI agent, Jessica Blackwood and another one about Dr Theo Cray, a biologist and serial killer hunter. You should too.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a digital ARC of this book. Publication date: March 29, 2022.

I really enjoy Mayne novels, this series especially, and this was no exception. Lots of twists and turns, leaving you guessing throughout. The plot was complex until the end. Great read. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance read copy!

Imagine answering a distress call from a damaged cruise ship, a mysterious explosion causes it to sink off the shore of Fort Lauderdale.

Officer Sloan McPherson is quick to gear up whenever the rescue and the answers lie beneath the waterline in Broward County.

This story can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I do highly recommend the other two books in the Underwater Investigation Unit series (too good to miss). I am a scuba diving enthusiast and I also enjoy a good police procedural (or in McPherson's case, not so procedural). Andrew Mayne has won me over by combining both interests with his signature skill and wit. The characters and the action really pop, keeping those pages turning.

I can't wait to see what a future adventure holds, I'm looking forward to getting in line for the next UIU installment.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of Sea Storm for my unbiased evaluation. 4 stars

4.5 - Mystery/Thriller

I admit that Andrew Mayne has become a new go-to author for me. I find his books smart, fast paced with strong, unique and deeply flawed characters. A winning combination for this reader.

Sea Storm is the 3rd in the Underwater Investigation Unit series. It can be read as a standalone, but starting the series from the beginning is highly recommended. This was my least favorite of the three, but still packed an incredible punch. Sloan and her team receive a call to assist with a cruise ship disaster. It appears, at first, that the ship ran into something and is sinking. On closer inspection, they see that the ship shows evidence of several explosions. Sloan's internal spidey senses are telling her this isn't what it seems. She is usually right, but those instincts tend to land her in dangerous situations. They do so here in a way that wasn't quite as successful. That was one of the few parts of the novel that clanged a bit for me.

Sloan's investigation unit works underwater often, which really adds another layer. Sloan comes from a family of pirates and so her joining the police force creates internal tension for her character. Her boss and her partner round out the team with unique traits of their own. This novel was so heavily focused on the action that Mayne missed an opportunity to have us grow with these characters. Some of the humanity was missing for me. The reason for the crimes is a bit more esoteric and there were times that I really had to stop and process what was happening. All in all, these are small nit picky flaws. Mayne crafts his stories with fascinating realities or probably realities, so that I feel informed as well as entertained after reading his books.

Sea Storm is the third book in the Underwater Investigation Unit series. I like the way Andrew Mayne writes. He's not wordy, develops his characters and provides mystery with hold on to your seat action. Sloan is a diver for the Underwater Investigation Unit, Mother of a 13 year old daughter and partner of Run. That being said, she is smart and a bit of a maverick. I enjoy the cast of characters in this series as a side bar but I really enjoy the mystery of the sinking of a cruise ship after an explosion along with the action of people trying to stop the UIU. Drugs? Cartel? I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer and especially to Andrew Mayne for his imagination!

This is our third meeting with Sloan McPherson and Underwater Investigation Unit, but you can easily read this book even if you haven't read any of the previous ones.

This is a very good story. As always in this author's stories the situation is much more complicated than it initially seems. I liked the antagonists' motives; they were not obvious. There is always a lot of modern technology in Andrew Mayne books. Likewise, criminals' motives and methods of operation are very contemporary. As it was this time and I really enjoyed it.

Andrew Mayne's books are always very fast-paced, there is always something going on. This series is no exception. Yet I felt that this book is slightly slower than I am used to with this author. Especially the first half did not seem as filled with action and twists as I expected. In the second half the pace of this story was much closer to what I expected.

It's interesting how the worlds of the Andrew Mayne series begin to intertwine. First, the paths of Theo Cray and Jessica Blackwood came together in one book that marks the beginning of a new series. And now they both appear in this book. I like all of these characters, so it's cool, but I wasn't expecting it. I am curious if the characters from this series will appear in one of the books from the series about Theo Cray and Jessica Blackwood. I have a feeling they will.

If you've read previous books and are waiting for a breakthrough in Sloan's private life, you won't find it here. It wasn't something I was waiting for, so I had no problem with it. There is generally a bit less of McPherson’s family in this book than in the previous ones.

Overall, it was great entertainment as always. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a water-themed crime story, even if they haven't read the previous books in this series.

I received this book from the Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for a review. Another excellent read from Andrew Mayne. Well paced thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat