Deadly Currents (An RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery, #1)

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Deadly Currents (An RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery #1)

by Beth Groundwater (Goodreads Author)

3.37 of 5 stars 3.37 · rating details · 239 ratings · 84 reviews

The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It fuels the small town's economy and thrums in the blood of twenty-seven-year-old Mandy Tanner, a river ranger. When a whitewater rafting accident occurs, she deftly executes a rescue, but a man dies anyway. But it wasn't the river rapids that killed him, it was poison. Tom King was a rich land developer with b...more

Paperback, 300 pages

Published March 8th 2011 by Midnight Ink (first published March 1st 2011)

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Apr 15, 2011 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a new series for Beth Groundwater and it is as good as her earlier one.

Mandy Tanner is a river ranger working along the Arkansas river in Colorado. When she rescues a man from an upended raft and gets him to land she discovers he is in serious distress and works to save him. When he dies anyway and it is determined to be murder, not a water accident, Mandy is on the case to try and find out who killed him, and why.

As a first book in the series this one takes a fair amount of time to set...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Ron Sering rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: colorado-writers, 2012-reading-list

This featured a vividly drawn picture of the whitewater scene in Salida, Colorado, as well as a good sampling of the sometimes-odd people who live here. Self-interested developers, trust fund babies, hippie-dippie lifestylers, grizzled old cowpokes/river rats. I like my mystery and suspense with a little harder edge, but the mystery is well crafted, and the setting is vividly drawn. If you're looking for something with "cozy" sensibilities with more action, I may have your ticket right here. It'...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Kevintipple rated it 5 of 5 stars

With rookie River Ranger Mandy Tanner and her boss Steve Hadley watching, things are about to get very dangerous on the Arkansas River in Colorado. One of the river rafts has flipped and tossed equipment and passengers into the swirling river churning towards some deadly rapids. With odds against them before they start, Tanner and Hadley start trying to rescue as many they can as fast as they can. That results in Mandy Tanner performing her first river rescue in increasingly dangerous conditions...more

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Apr 29, 2013 Gabby rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, cozies, goodreads-author, kindle, mystery, read-for-review, series

I think this series has the potential to be very interesting mostly because of the location. The action takes place in Arkansas in an area where there's fly fishing, white water rafting, as well as skiing. The area economy survives mainly on tourism which means a constant turnover of people in the area along with the local residents. Given the somewhat risky nature of the sports available for vacationers to enjoy, there are also plenty of opportunities for accidents as well as murders to take pl...more

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Mar 18, 2011 Martha Cheves rated it 5 of 5 stars

Deadly Currents – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

‘This was her second week on patrol as a brand-new seasonal river ranger, still under the supervision of Steve, the head river ranger. Sure, she had run all the whitewater sections of the Upper Arkansas for years as a rafting guide… But now guides like Gonzo relied on her to rescue their customers who’d been snatched out of their grasp by the river. Slowly Mandy gained on the second swimmer, a young woman. The man in fron...more Deadly Currents – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

‘This was her second week on patrol as a brand-new seasonal river ranger, still under the supervision of Steve, the head river ranger. Sure, she had run all the whitewater sections of the Upper Arkansas for years as a rafting guide… But now guides like Gonzo relied on her to rescue their customers who’d been snatched out of their grasp by the river. Slowly Mandy gained on the second swimmer, a young woman. The man in front of her must have fallen out of the raft first or been swept up by the main current sooner. Though Mandy couldn’t see his face, the man seemed strangely calm, unmoving. In contrast, the woman’s arms and legs flailed in the seething whitewater. She bounced off a rock and got smacked in the face with backwash from a hole… “Grab on!” Sputtering, the woman slung an arm over the nearest pontoon… Nearing the man, Mandy blew on her whistle, but he didn’t respond… “Looks like he’s unconscious,” Mandy shouted to the woman. “I’m going to need your help pulling him in.”

Mandy Tanner has just made her first rescue as a river ranger. Hannah Fowler and Tom King were both knocked out of the raft while going through some class IV rapids. Hannah will survive from her scrapes and bruises but Tom King is another story. He has a slight pulse but even with the CPR Mandy gives him, he’s too far gone. King and Hannah’s father are both bidders for water rights needed for their developments. Fowler will hopefully give some of the rights back for recreational purposes but King will need his rights to water the help water the greens of the golf course he plans to build. The trip down the Arkansas was planned by environmentalist Lenny Preble in hopes of opening the eyes of both men to just how important the river in its natural state really is, not just for recreational purposes but also for the wild and plant life of the area.

Mandy’s real problem comes in when King’s wife decides to sue the outfitter’s owner who just happens to be Mandy’s uncle. The only way to help out Uncle Bill will be when the Medical Examiner discovers that King died of a heart attack and not something stemming from neglect on the part of Bill’s company. But… he didn’t have a heart attack. He was actually murdered. Who did it? Why did they do it? How did they do it? These are the questions Mandy must find answers to before someone else dies and her suspect list took off with leaps and bounds right from the beginning.

I’ve read Beth Groundwater’s books A Real Basket Case and To Hell in a Handbasket, enjoying both tremendously. Now she has taken me on a trip down the Arkansas River in a fast moving raft. In Deadly Currents you will be taken through the rapids just as fast and just as deadly as the river itself. She will also give you one last Class IV ride at the very end as she reveals the true killer. Reading Deadly Currents has made me feel as though I’ve actually ridden the river myself.

2011
Midnight Ink
300 pages
ISBN# 978-0-7387-2162-0

Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat (less)

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Mar 04, 2011 Grey853 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Mandy is a river ranger, her job being to make sure the white water rafters are safe along the rapids. Early days and she's called to action to pull people out of the river. One doesn't make it and when the widow threatens to sue, it could ruin her uncle's business. The victim turns out to be murdered, so her uncle's off the hook for liability, but the joy doesn't last long because Mandy's uncle dies. He leaves her and her brother the business. Unfortunately, the brother doesn't want to run the...more

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Mar 01, 2011 Giovanni Gelati rated it 5 of 5 stars

White water rafting anyone? The novel itself moves like a category five: raging, foaming, and churning all the way to the end. Hold on to the covers of this novel, the pages turn quickly, as racing through this whodunit is not an option. Beth herself will be stopping by the blog on occasion today to check comments so she can respond to them, so feel free to ask away. Enough already, what is between the covers on this one:
“The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It fuels the...more White water rafting anyone? The novel itself moves like a category five: raging, foaming, and churning all the way to the end. Hold on to the covers of this novel, the pages turn quickly, as racing through this whodunit is not an option. Beth herself will be stopping by the blog on occasion today to check comments so she can respond to them, so feel free to ask away. Enough already, what is between the covers on this one:
“The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It fuels the small town's economy and thrums in the blood of twenty-seven-year-old Mandy Tanner, a river ranger. When a whitewater rafting accident occurs, she deftly executes a rescue, but a man dies anyway. But it wasn't the river rapids that killed him, it was poison. Tom King was a rich land developer with bitter business rivals, who cheated on his wife, refused to support his kayak-obsessed son, and infurtiated enviromentalists.
Mandy's world turns upside down when her beloved Uncle Bill—the respected owner of a raft outfitting business—dies of a heart attack. Suspicious that his death is somehow connected to Tom King, she goes on an emotionally turbulent quest for the truth—and ends up in dangerous waters.”
The description of the scenery is rich and inviting, you can tell Beth Groundwater did her research. The tourist bureau of the area should be happy that she did such a nice job. I can see people planning vacations there after reading this, it is that good. Beth should start to write tourist books now as a side job. Back to the novel: the characters are fun, the settings intense, and there are enough subplots and backdoors placed in here to carry this new franchise for a while thankfully. The cover art is excellent also. Deadly Currents is the total package. Gift wrap it for yourself and put on your PFD.
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Dec 07, 2011 Alexandra MacKenzie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, mystery

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 26, 2012 LORI CASWELL rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It also is a great tourist attraction for fishermen and white water rafting adventurists. For Mandy Tanner it is home. She grew up in Salida, raised by her Uncle Bill and working as a river guide for his white water rafting business. This Summer she is a Seasonal River Ranger for Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA). She has completed her training and into her second week on the river when she takes part in tricky river rescue....more The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It also is a great tourist attraction for fishermen and white water rafting adventurists. For Mandy Tanner it is home. She grew up in Salida, raised by her Uncle Bill and working as a river guide for his white water rafting business. This Summer she is a Seasonal River Ranger for Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA). She has completed her training and into her second week on the river when she takes part in tricky river rescue. She is able to get two people to shore but one of them dies anyway. Land developer Tom King died in the water but it wasn't the rapids that killed him. There was nothing Mandy could have done to save him because he was murdered and there are a lot people that may have wanted him dead.

Mandy world is then turned inside out when tragedy hits closer to home. Could the events be connected? Mandy has to find out, the answers may be found in the Deadly Currents of the river.

Dollycas's Thoughts

I love the way Beth Groundwater writes. You ride the rapids from the first page until the last.

The only rapids I have ran outside of a book have been at an amusement park or the family friendly ones in a canoe on the Crystal River here in Wisconsin. Groundwater's descriptions are so vivid you can feel the bumps, currents and eddies.

She has created flawed protagonist we can genuinely get behind and want to read about. Mandy has dealt with a lot in her life leaving her with commitment issues and she has a bit of a chip on her shoulder when people offer to help her. The supporting characters are all real and very believable. I absolutely love Cynthia with her blonde jokes.

It was really interesting to read a story where law enforcement actually worked together with the main character instead of all the random sleuthing going on behind the scenes. I am sure this relationship was embellished a bit for the story but it seams credible that the Park Service would work together with the Sheriff's Office.

The groundwork has been laid in this debut for what I know will be an exciting series. I know I am ready to hit the rapids again.(less)

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Jun 20, 2011 Kari Wainwright rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Running the Arkansas River rapids in the Colorado Rockies is not for the meek. A Class V rapid can toss a raft and its riders head-over-heels into the foaming water and turn them into human debris dodging rocks and other dangers in the whitewater.

Deadly Currents protagonist, Mandy Tanner, has left her river guide job to turn to law enforcement as a river ranger. In her twenties and new to the profession, she has much to learn, both on the job and in her personal relationships. But she is gutsy...more Running the Arkansas River rapids in the Colorado Rockies is not for the meek. A Class V rapid can toss a raft and its riders head-over-heels into the foaming water and turn them into human debris dodging rocks and other dangers in the whitewater.

Deadly Currents protagonist, Mandy Tanner, has left her river guide job to turn to law enforcement as a river ranger. In her twenties and new to the profession, she has much to learn, both on the job and in her personal relationships. But she is gutsy and hardworking, so the reader feels she can tackle any task she takes on. Except for one. Struggling to rescue two whitewater “swimmers,” she’s only able to save one. The other, Tom King, dies.

At first, King’s death looks like possible negligence on the part of the rafting company, owned by Mandy’s Uncle Bill. She’s grateful to learn that it wasn’t Bill’s fault because King was murdered.

Even though Mandy is warned to stay out of King’s death investigation, the young woman gets involved with the possible suspects, stirring up more turmoil than even a Class V rapid can cause. King, a rich developer, had no love for the river or the natural beauty near Salida, Colorado, which earned him enemies. He also had business rivals. Plus a wife, a mistress and a son, who all had problems with him. There’s a virtual plethora of people who could have wanted him dead. And some of them don’t like Mandy asking questions.

The author creates colorful characters to people this small Rocky Mountain town. My only dislike with characterization was that sometimes Mandy’s reactions to her boyfriend and brother were on the immature side. On the other hand, that makes her more human and leaves her room to grow in future books.

Groundwater has definitely done her research in the world of rafting on the Arkansas near Salida. She brings it to a frothy, churning life, which is one reason I loved the book. My husband and I have rafted the Arkansas through the Royal Gorge twice, having exciting incidents happen each time, once culminating with my husband becoming a “swimmer.” Even though Mandy wasn’t there to pull him out of the water, he survived. Deadly Currents makes me wish I could go again, but with a bum knee, that’s out of the question for me. So when I get the urge to go for another wild ride, I’ll just have to pick up a Mandy Tanner RM Outdoor Adventure Mystery.
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Feb 26, 2011 Patricia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mandy Tanner is on her second week of serving as a seasonal river ranger on the Arkansas River, a fantastic location for whitewater rafting. Mandy is still under the supervision of Steve Handley, head river ranger, when both Mandy and Steve realize that Gonzo Gordon, a rafting guide, was in trouble with the three-raft pod he was leading down river.

Steve and Mandy both spring into action in an attempt to rescue the occupants of the rafts. Mandy manages to reach the woman who had taken a spill but...more Mandy Tanner is on her second week of serving as a seasonal river ranger on the Arkansas River, a fantastic location for whitewater rafting. Mandy is still under the supervision of Steve Handley, head river ranger, when both Mandy and Steve realize that Gonzo Gordon, a rafting guide, was in trouble with the three-raft pod he was leading down river.

Steve and Mandy both spring into action in an attempt to rescue the occupants of the rafts. Mandy manages to reach the woman who had taken a spill but there is still a man who needs to be rescued. Once Mandy has the woman secure, she moves towards the man who appears to be unresponsive. Mandy manages to get to get the man somewhat secured and after fighting the current finally made it to shore. Mandy immediately began CPR but her efforts were useless. The man was dead.

The deceased is identified as Tom King, a real estate developer in Salida, the town where Mandy lives and her Uncle Bill owns a rafting business. The first indication was that King’s death was due to a heart attack. As soon as the news of Tom King’s death gets around town people start cancelling trips booked with her Uncle’s business. To make matters even worse, King’s widow filed suit against Mandy’s uncle.

When the autopsy revealed that King’s death was due to poison Mandy was relieved and hoped that the news would make customers realize that the death had nothing to do with her Uncle’s business. Detective Quintana warned Mandy that she should stay out of the murder investigation and keep quiet about the poison.

Rob Juarez, Mandy’s boyfriend, was no stranger to Mandy’s stubborn side and was not at all surprised when Mandy begins to do her own investigation. Mandy’s questions not only make a number of people mad but also actually puts Mandy’s life in danger.

The scenery around Salida and descriptions of all the activities based on the nearby Arkansas River make for an interesting and exciting read. Beth Groundwater has introduced a number of interesting characters in Deadly Currents. I hope to meet some of these same characters in future additions to this series.

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Apr 12, 2011 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: strictly-mystery, outdoors

I went to high school in Colorado... and I just loved learning about the culture of river rafting... something I am deathly afraid of since I can't swim! I thought the characters were great and loved how Groundwater pegged the stereotypical Coloradoan! The storyline was great too! It kept me guessing...I look forward to some more books by this author.

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Jun 18, 2011 Nola Myer rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was surprised by how much I liked this one. It was given to me and I'm not into rafting at all. Well, at least I wasn't. Now I'd like to try. Along with the rafting and scenery details, the mystery was well crafted and pulled me along at a great pace. I thought the main character was very fleshed out. I'll read more of this series.

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Jun 23, 2012 Gina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-club, challenges-2012, cozy-mystery, female-detectives, murder, mystery-crime, mystery-detective, mystery-sports, part-of-a-series, stb-bookclub, suspense, traveling-books, action-adventure

Goodreads Description- The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It fuels the small town's economy and thrums in the blood of twenty-seven-year-old Mandy Tanner, a river ranger. When a whitewater rafting accident occurs, she deftly executes a rescue, but a man dies anyway. But it wasn't the river rapids that killed him, it was poison. Tom King was a rich land developer with bitter business rivals, who cheated on his wife, refused to support his kayak-obsessed son, and infuria...more Goodreads Description- The Arkansas River is the heart and soul of Salida, Colorado. It fuels the small town's economy and thrums in the blood of twenty-seven-year-old Mandy Tanner, a river ranger. When a whitewater rafting accident occurs, she deftly executes a rescue, but a man dies anyway. But it wasn't the river rapids that killed him, it was poison. Tom King was a rich land developer with bitter business rivals, who cheated on his wife, refused to support his kayak-obsessed son, and infuriated environmentalists. Mandy cooperates with the local sheriff's department to solve the murder. But little does she know how greatly the case will affect those she loves, including her beloved Uncle Bill—the respected owner of an outfitting business, out of whose raft Tom King fell. She goes on an emotionally turbulent quest for the truth—and ends up in dangerous waters.

Deadly Currents is the first in a new cozy mystery series by author Beth Groundwater. As most cozys do, this series has a focus, the town of Salida, Colorado on the banks of the Arkansas River and the types of sports that are prevalent in that area. In this particular edition the backdrop is the white water rafting tourist industry. The main character, Mandy Tanner, in the book is a seasonal river ranger on the Arkansas, and a former rafting guide for her Uncle Bill's rafting company. I normally don't like cozys and was particularly worried because I don't know anything about whitewater rafting, but the author definitely did her homework for this book. There is quite a bit of techinical information about the rafting industry including equipment, safety techniques, the importance of water levels and flows, as well as some fun trick rafting that can be done in contests. The author also includes a wonderful description of the Arkansas River and the surrounding area. These technical and ecological information was pretty much the best part of the book because I learned so much about a sport that I had little to no knowledge. As far as the plot goes, it seems like a pretty standard plotline for the cozy genre. A town big wig is killed during a whitewater rafting tour and Mandy is the river ranger who pulls him from the river and tries to revive him with no success. Mandy then feels guilty and questions her abilities as a ranger. When autopsy results show that he was poisoned an investigation is done and the reader finds out that Tom King isn't the greatest guy in the world. He was cheating on his wife, has basically disowned his son, and was in a messy bidding war with another developer over property that has river rights. There is a long description over why the water rights were important and that was one part of the book that I just didn't get and basically skimmed over. Due to her guilt and then the death of a family member, Mandy begins her own investigation into Tom's murder and in the process annoys several possible suspects and ends up putting herself in harm's way. The characters were all pretty good. I could tell what kind of personality each one had thus they were well developed. However, Mandy's boyfriend, Rob, rubs me the wrong way. I just didn't see why Mandy wanted to be involved with him. He seems too macho, untrustworthy, and pushy for a girl like her but it is what it is and maybe I will see more of his good attributes in the second book. Overall I would recommend this book to others simply because I learned so much about a rafting, a foreign subject to me, and it was a good solid mystery with some good twists and turns. It kept me wanting to read more so that is always a sign of a good book for me. 4 stars.

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Jan 23, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-books

This murder mystery was very different from a lot of others that I have read. The story was told not through a cops eyes but through a person who was in the middle of the investigation. It made for a very different approach on who did the crime and how it came to that understanding of why it was done in the first place. I really appreciated that aspect of the book. Plus the other points and stories in the book were just as entertaining as the storyof the crime. I also liked that the hobby of the...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Stina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: authors-i-ve-met, finished-in-2013

As a survivor of Seidel's Suckhole myself, I can tell you that Beth Groundwater paints a very realistic picture of whitewater rafting in that section of the Arkansas River, and she does a great job bringing the towns of Salida and Buena Vista to life on the page. Our sleuth Mandy, a seasonal river ranger, at times seems a bit immature to me, but I have to remind myself that she is quite young. Or maybe I'm just that old. ::sigh::

The story kicks off with a daring river rescue in which Mandy haul...more As a survivor of Seidel's Suckhole myself, I can tell you that Beth Groundwater paints a very realistic picture of whitewater rafting in that section of the Arkansas River, and she does a great job bringing the towns of Salida and Buena Vista to life on the page. Our sleuth Mandy, a seasonal river ranger, at times seems a bit immature to me, but I have to remind myself that she is quite young. Or maybe I'm just that old. ::sigh::

The story kicks off with a daring river rescue in which Mandy hauls two rafters out of the water, only to have one die as soon as they reach the shore. At first she is worried that her uncle's rafting company will be blamed for the man's death, but it soon comes out that it was no accident. The man was murdered, and there is no shortage of people with motives. As the ranger on scene, Mandy becomes involved in the murder investigation.

While Mandy is hunting down the killer, we also get to know her uncle, his river guides, Mandy's boyfriend, Mandy's best friend, and various movers and shakers in Chaffee County, Colorado. Sometimes the introductions flow very well, but other times they feel a bit forced. Likewise, some of the characters are complex and interesting, but others seem to be there to perform their functions in the plot and that's all. I was a little bothered by Mandy's conflict with her boyfriend, in that it seemed a little too much conflict for the sake of conflict, which is my biggest gripe about the few romance novels I've read. But again I must remind myself: They are young; I am old.

Bearing that in mind, however, I'm still bothered by some particularly foolish actions Mandy and her best friend take. And even more bothered that they don't land her in more trouble than they do.

I have already read the second book in the series (which was nominated for the Rocky this year), and I look forward to reading more. I would definitely recommend this series to anybody who likes outdoorsy mysteries or stories with Rocky Mountain settings.(less)

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Jun 04, 2011 Angela Myers rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit I'm not really a water person. I don't even like to soak in a bath. My idea of enjoying the water is listening to it babble in brooks and writing insipid poetry about it.

But that didn't keep me from being sucked under by this book and becoming totally immersed in learning about white water rafting and the people who are involved in it. I immediately liked the protagonist, and though I was a bit suspicious of the love interest for awhile, I'm sure that was intentional, and by the...more

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May 04, 2012 Connie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really wanted to like this book . . .

But I could not stand the protagonist, seriously I wanted to punch her in the face. She was always over reacting, stupid selfish, not willing to listen, ugg. And after the way she treated Rob, he is going to run a business with her, no way.

Also, I really hate the overuse of the italic font. This is a stupid hang up that is all mine but if you are going to use italic make it count, not repeatedly as someone's thoughts. And what girl thinks about herself/to...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Lynn Demsky rated it 3 of 5 stars

love the water, lakes, rivers – boating, canoeing, paddle boating and this book was just not my cup of tea! I didn’t care for Mandy, she wasted to much time trying to show off and never being who she really was. I didn’t care for her attitude towards men (even her brother) at all. Why she had a dog I have no idea because she left it alone way too much…..took me over a week to wade through the book and when I had it finished I decided NEVER would I go water rafting under ANY circumstances! This w...more

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Jan 11, 2013 C rated it 2 of 5 stars

Beth Groundwater was a rafting guide on the Arkansas River in Colorado & wrote a mystery featuring a rafting guide turned river ranger.

It's a bit rough around the edges, but given the author is a Coloradan writing about Colorado, there's no confusion about the setting (I'm thinking of a show we watched last night where the characters went to the Colorado Mountains and were so very clearly in a Pacific NW forest).

The mystery itself I liked, and I also agree with others that the author has nai...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Lyn M (readinghearts) rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: someone looking for a cozy mystery with an outdoor adventure setting

Recommended to Lyn M (readinghearts) by: Sisterhood of the Traveling Book

Shelves: 2012, traveling-books, adventure, borrowed, 2013-monthly-challenge, mystery, new-to-me-authors, read-for-review, series

Deadly Currents is the first in a new cozy mystery series by author Beth Groundwater. As most cozys do, this series has a focus, the town of Salida, Colorado on the banks of the Arkansas River and the types of sports that are prevalent in that area. In this particular edition the backdrop is the white water rafting tourist industry. The main character in the book is a seasonal river ranger on the Arkansas, and a former rafting guide. IF you are a cozy mystery reader who likes white water rafting...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Susan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: nook, 2011-reads

I really wanted to like this book. I've spent quite a bit of time in Colorado and love most places in the state, so the setting of this book appealed to me. However, Mandy, the main female character, was too immature and too prickly to like. She constantly lashed out at her boyfriend and her brother. The plot was just OK and I had the killer figured out well before the end. I certainly could have done without the "dumb blonde" jokes.

I've also become tired of what seems to be a trend in current...more

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Mar 22, 2011 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mysteries

I really enjoyed Deadly Currents. The author has done an excellent job of recreating the setting of the Salida and Buena Vista, Colorado areas, and that made me better able to relate to the story, I think.

I found the book very hard to put down. There was a lot of action, the characters were all well developed (even the dog's personality was well drawn), and the best part, I had no idea "whodunit" until the end of the book (a *big* plus in a mystery book for me)! I am eagerly awaiting the next bo...more

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Oct 15, 2011 Dee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2011, mystery

**Received this book as an author donated copy**

When I read the premise for Deadly Currently, I was immediately intrigued - the idea of a river ranger - which we normally don't see as a job occupation and then a mystery to book - I was excited. And Ms Groundwater did not let me down. From the beginning to the end, there were twists and turns that I couldn't predict (although i'm discovering more and more that I suck about identifying those twists before they happen ;) ). A satisfying conclusion...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Batch Batchelder rated it 2 of 5 stars

Upon reading the description, my instincts told me this would be at least "chick-lit-esque". I bought it as it was on the Kindle Daily Deal for $0.99 but should've trusted the instincts as they were right.

Overall, I'd say this was a mediocre murder mystery with some significant cheese factor via quirky character development and some awkward, unnecessary romance novel drivel sprinkled in for not-so-good measure.

Format: Kindle via Daily Deal ($0.99)

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May 20, 2013 Dick Edwards rated it 2 of 5 stars

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Jul 27, 2011 Jean rated it 3 of 5 stars

In the category of fantasy fulfillment this novel rules. If you've ever wanted to be a river rafter, park ranger, or do anything like that, you'll enjoy this mystery set in Colorado. There's lots of information about what park rangers do, and how to handle a kayak. We've got a curious, to the point of meddlesome protagonist, and Nora Roberts like suspense. Enjoyable light read.

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Mar 23, 2011 Mark Baker rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

When a man dies on new river ranger Mandy Tanner's watch, she's naturally upset. But when it turns out to be murder, she feels compelled to investigate.

I enjoyed this first book in a series if for no other reason because I enjoyed the river rafting background. I did find Mandy a little too hard to take at times as she seemed to overreact to those around her. I could see her side, but even so it seemed like a bit much. Still, I am looking forward to the next in the series.

My full review at Epinio ...more

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Jan 19, 2011 Chiseled in Rock added it

The author of this title is an RMFW member. For that reason, we do not rate these selections. We’re kind of biased. However, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t have them on our shelves. And you’ll see this message on any other titles that come from our members. We do hope that you’ll consider reading it, though. ;)

Gusto Dave, Publicity Chair for RMFW

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Jun 29, 2011 Maggie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This page-turner is filled with lots of fun information about whitewater rafting in Colorado. What initially looks like an accident during a rafting trip turns into a murder investigation, that puts sleuth Mandy Tanner between a rock and a hard place. The screws tighten as a related tragedy occurs, and you'll be dying to know what happens next.

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About Beth Groundwater

I write two mystery series, the Claire Hanover gift basket designer series and the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Adventures series starring whitewater river ranger Mandy Tanner. The first book in my Claire Hanover series, A REAL BASKET CASE, was released in hardcover in 2007 and re-released in trade paperback and ebook in November, 2011. It finaled for the 2007 Best First Novel Agatha Award. The second b...more

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Books by Beth Groundwater

A Real Basket Case (Claire Hanover, Gift Basket Designer, #1)

To Hell in a Handbasket (Claire Hanover, Gift Basket Designer, #2)

Wicked Eddies (An RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery #2)

Fatal Descent (An RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery, #3)

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Deadly Currents (An RM Outdoor Adventures Mystery #1)

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