I love this series! This particular book didn’t have as much underwater investigation as the others, but it was still a really fun read.

Detective Sloan McPherson is tasked with figuring out what led to an untimely demise after a young woman’s body is discovered waterlogged off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. Sloane has enough experience with these particular environmental conditions to know something with the evidence doesn’t quite make sense. Sloan's keen investigative skills get her pulled into another colleague’s unsolved mystery, other cold-case crimes, with a possible connection to her own. Gwen and Sloan are willing to dig deep, to consider every angle, and take some risks to find the culprit . . . before another missing girl ends up dead in the water.

I look forward to reading about the next adventure with the Underwater Investigation Unit.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of Sea Castle for my unbiased evaluation. 4 stars

Not enough cowbell underwater.

For every thriller/mystery series, there is a style and a place, and that’s part of the attraction. Conversations go like this with my mom: “Do you want me to order a Nevada Barr book?” Is that the one with the female ranger who works in different national parks?” “What about Elvis Cole and Joe Pike?” “Those are the ex-military guys who live in Los Angeles?” “Do you want a Walt Longmire?” “Is that the Wyoming sheriff?” In Andrew Mayne’s series, the hook is that the lead, Sloan McPherson, is a talented diver and one of the select few of Florida’s unique Underwater Investigation Unit.

Unfortunately, Sea Castle is landlubber-focused, with the exception of the opening scene and a small detour mid-book. I’m sure authors get bored and think changing up location and focus will keep the magic alive, but fourth book in a series seems too early–we’re still finding our zone. Ben Aaronovitch did it with Foxglove Summer, one of my least favorite of his series, and Mayne does it here with Sea Castle, with equally dubious results for me.

The elements that played together in the first three books–the camaraderie, the water-based, risk-taking teamwork, the dive scenes–are largely absent here. The Underwater Investigation Unit remains in limbo, victim of political forces from book 3, resulting in Sloan’s temporary reassignment to a manager that doesn’t want any heat. When a body discovered at the beach, Sloan chases a lead to the maverick detective Gwen Wylder. From there, an uneasy partnership develops. The multiple cases take Sloan out of her element–literally and figuratively. Another hallmark of the prior books has been the challenge of how Sloan balances personal and professional life, with a number of home scenes to build the feeling that it is a genuine concern for her. In this book, there’s some family contact by phone, but it is minimal–this is definitely a reverse-episode of all the interactions we had come to expect.

The writing is usually solid, although there are some instances where it could use polishing. In the previous two books, I thought Mayne’s writing above average for genre, so I feel like it must be because I read a very early advance copy. I’ll note that the awkwardness wasn’t bad enough to prevent the story from capturing my attention. I’d love to have a dialogue with other readers on whether or not Mayne achieves a gender-neutral or female-experience voice. Every now and then there was a phrase that just cracked me up with Sloan’s unique thinking:

“I’ve learned that you never win a battle of wills with a crazy person because they don’t even know there’s a battle. The best course of action, whether it’s a bull shark that’s decided to follow you or someone like Gwen, is to keep moving and not give them a reason to snap.”

The plot was unusual, and one thing you have to give Mayne credit for, he’s not going for body-of-the-week scenario. You can usually count on some slight of hand or interesting plot twist in his stories, and this did not disappoint. Sloan, however, is a little slow on the uptake. For a woman who was raised by a family of ‘pirates,’ she sure is gullible. Spoiler-ish, the motivation for the villain is one of my least favorites in the thriller world. Did I believe it? Maybe? I found it highly unlikely for a couple of reasons, which I will definitely bury under spoilers.

More concretely, the plot wrapped up abruptly within a couple of pages and a non-sequitur afterward. Literally, I re-read because I was not sure what happened to one of the major characters. I’ll note that I did read a very advance reader copy, an uncorrected proof, which meant there were a lot of awkward formatting issues that sometimes made it a little hard to follow. Funny; I had no idea that that would throw my reading rhythm off so badly. I suppose it’s like finding verse in the middle of the prose, and to be honest, I hate it when fantasy authors do that. You know those songs some of them liked to include, like you were hearing them sing around the campfire? Yeah, never read them. At any rate, I’m not blaming the author as much as offering a possible explanation for why it felt choppy at times–because the formatting was, you know, literally choppy. So I might have missed some bits.

At any rate, an enjoyable book that I think people who are looking for a mystery/thriller will enjoy. Based on the great experiences I had with Black Coral and Sea Storm, it didn’t really meet my elevated expectations–or rather, explore those bottom depths of the ocean or Florida swamplands. I guess that’s the challenge of being a high achiever.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the advance reader copy

A good addition to an excellent series. And a fun book for those who haven't read the previous books in the series.

The body of a young, drowned woman is found ashore on a Fort Lauderdale beach. Sloan McPherson of the Underwater Investigation Unit feels that no one really wants to find out what happened to the young woman. Unable to leave the case unsolved, Sloan seeks help in unusual places. And the story takes a very interesting turn for the reader quite quickly.

This story is a little different from the others in the series. First of all, because Sloan works mainly without the help of her well-known teammates. Of course she can always count on them in the most important and difficult moments. That doesn't mean she works alone. Sloan is helped by Gwen, a legend of the Department and a very expressive character.

This book is also unlike the previous ones because Sloan's investigation is completely different. It is not as strongly connected with water bodies as before. Doesn't mean it's any less interesting. The whole case that McPherson is working on is really nicely twisted. False leads abound. Sloan has to do a typical police job much more than before. And while I may have missed that unique connection to water at times, I believe that in this book Sloan had the opportunity to show her exceptional investigative skills and keen intelligence.

Fans of the series will not be disappointed. And new readers will also get some very good suspense. This book is easy to read without knowing the previous books in the series.

Sea Castle is the latest Sloan McPherson Underwater Investigation Unit mystery. A dead body washes up and Sloan thinks it’s murder. She facing pushback from her new advisor since her unit was split up. Gwen Wylder is a homicide detective notorious for being a pain. She’s like a dog with a bone when she’s pursuing a case. Sloan needs her help but Gwen wants Sloan to help with her cold cases. Twisted and unpredictable, the story will keep you guessing and grudgingly respecting Gwen. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon review copy from NetGalley.

Sea Castle is a novel in which police investigative techniques and procedures are described in tremendous detail for current murders and also cold cases. The action takes place mostly in and around south Florida and includes interactions between police investigators who have a difficult time adjusting to having been thrown together. Character development is outstanding and the writing is first rate and educational especially with the utilization of underwater robotic instrumentation.

I thank NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

Sea Castle is my first visit with author Andrew Mayne. I was drawn to the twists and turns, and the chance to check out a (new to me) talented author.

underwater-investigations, murder-investigation, Ft-Lauderdale, law-enforcement, procedural, crime-fiction, thriller, suspense, unputdownable, cold-case, serial-murder, action-adventure, bureaucracy, friction, snarky, family, historical-places-events, historical-research*****

Sloan McPherson of the dispersed Underwater Investigation Unit needs the help of Gwen Wylder who is a Miami homicide detective and notorious for being manipulative, bitter, a tyrant, and cop smart.
Wylder dangles the opportunity to delve into seemingly unrelated cold-case murders and disappearances all along the intracoastal—and a possible serial killer trolling the Florida coast.
Interspersed are lots of somewhat detailed references to known cases of serial killers as well as police practices that are more than a little universal. I loved it and plan to read more of the series as well as the author's others.
Staties in Fla are known as FDLE (Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement).
I requested and received a free EARC from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Thank you!

I enjoyed this book and others that Andrew Mayne writes. He even follows me on Twitter This one was full of twists and turns. I am grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

I am a massive Andrew Mayne fan, so it wasn't even a decision to read "Sea Castle." What a thrilling, exciting and intriguing ride! Sea Castle is the fourth book in his Underwater Investigation Unit series but can be read as a standalone. Sloan McPherson of the Underwater Investigation Unit is a well-written, strong and rational character. Her interactions with hardened, reckless and impulsive Gwen Wylder create an "opposites attract" dynamic duo. Both characters are driven and passionate. The plot and the level of expertise are quite a niche, but a delightful read. The first half of the book settles the pace, establishing the premise and characters, and the second half goes all out to deliver an unexpected, thrilling and shocking ending. Having read Andrew Mayne's books earlier, I found the narrative style slightly different; however, it is refreshing.
I look forward to reading more of the UIU series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.

Just finished Sea Castle by Andrew Mayne and let me tell you, it was a wild ride! What an amazing thriller! I won't lie, Andrew Mayne could write a book the history of rocks and he'd make it interesting.

When an unexpected young woman washes ashore, Sloan McPherson is called in to consult. Teaming up with Gwen Wylder, Miami homicide detective, Sloan sets out to solve mysterious cold-case murders and find a possible serial killer. Gwen Wylder has a notorious reputation for being manipulative and wicked smart - but can she help crack the case?

Sea Castle by Andrew Mayne is a page-turning thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. When a young woman washes up on the beach, Sloan McPherson is called in to investigate and soon realizes that this isn't just any ordinary case - it's something much more sinister.

The characters are well developed and easy to sympathize with, and the plot is fast paced and exciting. With twists and turns aplenty, the best way to describe my experience with Sea Castle is a roller coaster ride through time and intrigue 🎢

I received an advanced reading copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. I write this review voluntarily.

I received this book from NetGalley for my unbiased review.

Andrew Maine does it again! I have read a number of his books now, and they never disappoint. His characters are usually a bit quirky, but it works. One of my favorites is Sloan, and she is the main person in this novel. A little different book in that it isn't so much on the water, but still another good story well told. A new "quirky" character was added in this book--Gwen. She added some angst and not sure if she will become a regular part of the stories.

Looking for more from Mr. Mayne.

Thanks Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for providing this ARC of the next installment of the Underwater Investigations series. Another entertaining entry and case for Sloan our heroine, involving a non-traditional serial killer and a new prickly detective partner.

Another solid edition to the series! I missed Jackie a little bit in this book, but it was great working alongside Sloan again. I love that we got to see her working the cold cases, it was like little mini cases within the big case. Gwen was a delightful character and it was nice seeing her react to Sloan. There was a lot less diving in this one compared to the previous, which is what drew me in initially. I hope we get back to that in the next, which I'm already looking forward to.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

4*

I always enjoy reading Andrew Mayne’s novels. Police diver Sloan is out of the water for most of this book but tracks down a serial killer. I missed her usual crew as Sloan was paired up with a difficult detective, Gwen.

Look forward to more cases with Sloan and her team.

There is a lot to like about this book! This is part of a series, but I enjoyed it as a standalone book without issue. You don’t get much of backstory with wide characters, but you get enough to know who to trust. There is a lot of plot stuffed into the book, so if you like a slightly chaotic (in a good way), a bit unrealistic detective storyline this book would be for you. I really like Sloan as a character, she feels quite whole and deep. She’s respected in her work but is in the middle of finding her place to land, she a bit on her own at the moment. Gwen makes for an interesting “partner” and the juxtaposition of the two of them was quite nice. I enjoyed this one! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review!

I've enjoyed the Sloan McPherson books up until this one. It was all I could do to finish it. There's very little interaction with Sloan's usual UIU colleagues or her family. I started this series because the main characters are divers and a considerable amount of time is spent in, under and on the water. Not so with this book. It's almost entirely land based. If that's the way the series will be progressing, I won't bother continuing with it. The agents and officers she works with are unlikeable and whiney, cry baby characters, be they victims or villians are a major turn off. If you like the series, you might want to skip this one.

Anyone who’s already read books in this series will feel comfortable but also surprised a little. The story is a little more land-based, and a new character is introduced, so the dynamics change a bit as well. An entertaining read.

Having read many of this author’s books I was beyond excited to get an early copy of the fourth in a favorite series, Underwater Investigation. It’s such a unique niche in the crime, murder mystery genre. It could be read as a standalone, but getting to know previous cases of the primary character, Sloane McPherson, will give perspective to where she is now.
Sloane has family history in South Florida where she’s called to the scene of a woman’s body on the beach. The underwater investigation team is in disarray as George Solar tries to justify it’s existence and value. As an experienced diver Sloane is often working with various agencies. Her career path takes a sharp right turn when working a new case leads to a deep dive into several cold cases. She’s trying to balance work and be present as a Mom while insulating her teenage daughter, Jackie, from dark violent crimes.
Sloane is paired with a former detective, Gwen, who’s obsessed behavior landed her in a basement full of cold cases. She’s a sharp, bitter, angry, intuitive crazy woman. Gwen is disregarded, made fun of and shunned by her peers. Her abrasive attitude will test Sloane as they team up to catch a serial killer. They first have to prove cases are connected, that a serial killer exists and collect legitimate evidence on the suspect. Then it’s a harrowing race against the clock to prevent further murders. You’ll wonder if Gwen’s delusional, if Sloane has set herself up to get fired or if their theories are even probable. Circumstantial evidence and hunches are not the same as legally proving criminal actions. It certainly kept me guessing as I raced through the pages.
This story is completely different from Sloane’s other adventures as this mystery is set mostly above water. It has a gut wrenching plot theme with just the type of scheme vulnerable victims could all to easily to fall for. The scariest part of the book is how plausible the scenario is, how it’s possible this could happen to a friend or loved one.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital advance reader copy of “Sea Castle” by Andrew Mayne and to Thomas & Mercer. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

I enjoy reading what Andrew Mayne writes, he writes well, interesting characters. I especially enjoyed a new character in this book 4....Gwen. Hardened detective in the 'old boys club'. I feel a good mystery series is a special formula for me. I have to like the main character...they have to be smart, not perfect but not completely broken. (Sloan fits) The mystery has to grab me, if there is a twist in the story, all the better. (yes there was) Andrew Mayne does this time and time again and #4 of this series is no different.

I love the cover on this book by Mayne, but I didn’t love the book. It’s part of a series and you really should read the rest of the series or this one could be confusing.