Edward M. Hochsmann

The author actually sent me his latest book, “Bravely and Faithfully” which I loved. It is an Action packed nautical story with the continuing missions of an amazing Coast Guard crew. When I finished the book I Immediately ordered Book one- “Dagger Quest”. It was everything I was hoping for, Action, adventure, clandestine encounters and the back story of characters I had come to know. The author tantalizingly unveils a mission that is vital to national security and the heart stopping action that results will keep your interest until the end. And then you’ll want more. Luckily there are two more books, and I hope the author is working on more…these stories are so engaging I don’t want them to end.… (meer)

Almost good. Starts out well enough, a little bit of exposition rather than showing and a few info-dumps but pacing ok. Sadly about 150 pages in the author cuts away to a couple of characters who haven't had POV before, including giving away the opposition's plans (for no dramatic effect). Up until then the story had worked very well with the action swapping between the Captain and his XO of a small lifeguard boat called away on special duties.

The basic plotline is somewhat unbelivable, and more or less standard thriller fare, but well enough executed. The russians had lost a supposed nuclear missile, which has fallen into the ocean off the florida keys. The Russians and the US are secretly trying to find it without disturbing or alerting the populace. However this had inconvenienced an international gang of drugs smugglers who are also desperate to recoup their losses. The lifeguards are perfect cover for special forces trying to operate discretely as they already have wide ranging stop and search powers. Our particular boat the Kauai already has a crew of the best.

The pacing and style is a little rocky to start with, the author telling rather than showing a few of the characters' traits, but it soon settles down quite enjoyably. The young guns learning from the old hands, and an eager beaver 'Intelligence' agent doing his best to get in the way. The sudden switch half way through back to telling rather than showing was very disappointing and threw out all the engagement with the previous characters. The author obviously knows all the naval/Coast guard details, and you could tell he was slightly more inventive with the special forces and technology, but none of it felt grossly wrong.

I may give the 2nd a go as I quite like Coast Guard stories, several have appeared recently, KB Wagers' is obviously better, but this is ok.… (meer)