When Commander Darius McCann brought Amy Russell aboard his sub, The USS Hartford, he assumed that they would fix the malfunction that had ended their ocean-going deployment before it had really gotten started. It isn't long however before they realize there is nothing wrong with the ship other than the fact that it is being hijacked. Amy and Darius know they must stop the hijacking any way that they can. Meanwhile, on shore, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Connelly and Commander Bruce Dunn have begun an investigation into the hijacking and its implications for the east coast of the United States.

Silent Waters includes a good deal of action and suspense, but there is very little romance. The premise of hijacking a nuclear submarine is intriguing, and for the most part, the book delivers on the promise of this plot. However the romance aspect of this romantic suspense story is almost nonexistent. Also, there is little to no character development, and by half way through the book, the mystery was easy to figure out, as well as how it would play out in the story. Overall, Silent Waters is a disappointing romantic suspense novel. ( )

Engaging, but predictable plot. The romantic suspense tag was disappointing. I'd rate the romance 2/10 - it was almost non-existent until the end of the book. ( )

Engaging, but predictable plot. The romantic suspense tag was disappointing. I'd rate the romance 2/10 - it was almost non-existent until the end of the book. ( )

Action-filled Military Thriller with a Touch of Romance

Silent Waters is the story of Commander Darius McCann and Ship Superintendent Amy Russell as they try to free the nuclear submarine USS Hartford from the hands of hijackers. The bad guys are apparently intent on targeting New York City with its deadly weapons. On shore, NCIS Investigators Lieutenant Sarah Connelly and Commander Bruce Dunn work the clues, investigating who is behind this contemptible plot and why. Although it’s a somewhat typical military thriller, it gets high marks on action and a cozy romance in the back story.

Silent Waters is filled with action, as the protagonists onboard the sub have their hands full battling the hijackers against formidable odds. And when the story shifts to land, the action doesn’t stop; it simply transitions to car chases and gunfights. What you won’t find in this book, however, is much suspense. It’s fairly clear to the reader what’s happening, almost to the point of wondering why the NCIS investigators don’t see it. But then, few would want to entertain this possibility in real life without some pretty overwhelming evidence.

There is one backstory romance and a second possibility, adding a bit of a respite from the action. It also helps to develop the characters, making each of the four principals a bit more real – a detail that doesn’t get covered in every thriller.

So, if you’re seeking intense suspense and clever twists as part of your military thriller, this is probably not your book. But if you like action-filled stories with a touch of romance, and especially if you enjoy sub stories as I do, Silent Waters is a recommended read. ( )

"Silent Waters" brings the reader to the world of submarines and the things going on beneath the surface of the water.

A submarine is hijacked and heads for a target where the explosive power of the sub could kill millions. The target is New York City.

The new commander is Commander Darius McCann and the person helping recover the ship is Amy Russell who is the ship superintendent.

The suspense grabbed me from the start and I wondered who would try to hijack a submarine and how did they think they could get away with it.

Jan Coffey creates nice characters and a surprise conclusion that will keep the reader scratching their head at the possibilities and methods that the protagonists might use to prevent the hijackers from achieving their goal. ( )