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Aristotle Socarides #1
Cool Blue Tomb
"Absorbing....Soc is an appealing, witty protagonist..and the Cape Cod locale is rendered with panache in this face-paced enjoyable yarn."
Publisher's Weekly
Life’s a Beach—Until Murder Rolls in With the Tide
A 50-million-dollar salvage operation. An expert diver dead at the bottom of the sea. An elegant mermaid in a black Porsche—and an open invitation to dip into the troubled waters of her marriage. Cape Cod’s Aristotle “Soc” Socarides, part-time fisherman, part-time private eye, is swimming with the sharks. Only problem is, he’s the bait…and blood is beginning to boil to the surface.
Soc didn’t think he could get in much deeper, but he’d better think again. A family debt of honor comes due—a debt only he can settle—plunging him into the middle of a lethal search for buried treasure. Now Soc’s about to discover how deadly the Cape’s currents can be. Snarled in a net of smuggling, treachery, and revenge, he’s finding out that no matter how far down you go, nothing’s harder to salvage than the truth.
"Absolutely the best private-eye mystery I've read. I can't wait for the next one."
Bestselling Author, Clive Cussler
Publisher's Weekly
Life’s a Beach—Until Murder Rolls in With the Tide
A 50-million-dollar salvage operation. An expert diver dead at the bottom of the sea. An elegant mermaid in a black Porsche—and an open invitation to dip into the troubled waters of her marriage. Cape Cod’s Aristotle “Soc” Socarides, part-time fisherman, part-time private eye, is swimming with the sharks. Only problem is, he’s the bait…and blood is beginning to boil to the surface.
Soc didn’t think he could get in much deeper, but he’d better think again. A family debt of honor comes due—a debt only he can settle—plunging him into the middle of a lethal search for buried treasure. Now Soc’s about to discover how deadly the Cape’s currents can be. Snarled in a net of smuggling, treachery, and revenge, he’s finding out that no matter how far down you go, nothing’s harder to salvage than the truth.
"Absolutely the best private-eye mystery I've read. I can't wait for the next one."
Bestselling Author, Clive Cussler
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1991
132 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Paul Kemprecos
51 books102 followersMy fiction-writing career owes it start to the bad navigation of an 18th century pirate. For it was in 1717 that a ship, the Whydah went aground, reportedly carrying a fabulous treasure. In the 1980s, three salvage groups went head-to-head, competing to find the wreck. The controversy over the salvage got hot at times and I thought there might be a book in their story. I was working for a newspaper at the time.
I developed my own detective, an ex-cop, diver, fisherman, and PI named Aristotle “Soc” Socarides. He was more philosophical than hard-boiled. Making his first appearance in “Cool Blue Tomb,” the book won the Shamus award for Best Paperback novel. After many years in the newspaper business, I turned to writing fiction and churned out five more books in the series.
Clive Cussler blurbed: “There can be no better mystery writer in America than Paul Kemprecos.”
Despite the accolades, the Soc series lingered in mid-list hell. By the time I finished my last book, I was thinking about another career that might make me more money, like working in a 7-11.
Several months after the release of “Bluefin Blues,” Clive called and said a spin-off from the Dirk Pitt series was in the works. It would be called the NUMA Files and he wondered if I would be interested in tackling the job.
I took on the writing of “Serpent” which brought into being Kurt Austin and the NUMA Special Assignments Team. Austin had some carry-over from Soc, and another team member, Paul Trout, had been born on Cape Cod. The book made The New York Times bestseller list, as did every one of seven NUMA Files that followed, including “Polar Shift,” which bumped “The DaVinci Code” for first place.
After eight NUMA Files I went back to writing solo. I wrote an adventure book entitled, The Emerald Scepter, which introduced a new hero, Matinicus “Matt” Hawkins. I have been working on the re-release of my Soc series in digital and print, and in 2013, responding to numerous requests, I brought Soc back again in a seventh Socarides book entitled, Grey Lady. My wife Christi and I live on Cape Cod where she works as a financial advisor. We live in a circa 1865 farmhouse with two cats. We have three children and seven granddaughters.
To learn more about Paul Kemprecos, check out his website at http://www.paulkemprecos.com.
I developed my own detective, an ex-cop, diver, fisherman, and PI named Aristotle “Soc” Socarides. He was more philosophical than hard-boiled. Making his first appearance in “Cool Blue Tomb,” the book won the Shamus award for Best Paperback novel. After many years in the newspaper business, I turned to writing fiction and churned out five more books in the series.
Clive Cussler blurbed: “There can be no better mystery writer in America than Paul Kemprecos.”
Despite the accolades, the Soc series lingered in mid-list hell. By the time I finished my last book, I was thinking about another career that might make me more money, like working in a 7-11.
Several months after the release of “Bluefin Blues,” Clive called and said a spin-off from the Dirk Pitt series was in the works. It would be called the NUMA Files and he wondered if I would be interested in tackling the job.
I took on the writing of “Serpent” which brought into being Kurt Austin and the NUMA Special Assignments Team. Austin had some carry-over from Soc, and another team member, Paul Trout, had been born on Cape Cod. The book made The New York Times bestseller list, as did every one of seven NUMA Files that followed, including “Polar Shift,” which bumped “The DaVinci Code” for first place.
After eight NUMA Files I went back to writing solo. I wrote an adventure book entitled, The Emerald Scepter, which introduced a new hero, Matinicus “Matt” Hawkins. I have been working on the re-release of my Soc series in digital and print, and in 2013, responding to numerous requests, I brought Soc back again in a seventh Socarides book entitled, Grey Lady. My wife Christi and I live on Cape Cod where she works as a financial advisor. We live in a circa 1865 farmhouse with two cats. We have three children and seven granddaughters.
To learn more about Paul Kemprecos, check out his website at http://www.paulkemprecos.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 15, 2020
Aristotle “Soc” Socarides is parttime private detective and fisherman in the Cape Cod scenery. He is of Greek decent so expect a Greek mom who wants him to do things that help Greek people. At the same time he gets a job finding maps that are necessary for a maritime treasure hunt and the wife of a man who wants him protected from the mob because he might be asked by the government to be a witness for the prosecution.
As expected everything that this Greek sleuth expects to happen turns out to be different and his glib tone and wicked sense of humour is not always appreciated. But our hero does manage to stay alive and solve everything on his plate, which his mother thinks should be filled by some good food and preferable a Greek wife.
An enjoyable noirish thriller by a writer who knows how to entertain his audience, I guess the Late writer Cussler did know his co-writers for their worth.
As expected everything that this Greek sleuth expects to happen turns out to be different and his glib tone and wicked sense of humour is not always appreciated. But our hero does manage to stay alive and solve everything on his plate, which his mother thinks should be filled by some good food and preferable a Greek wife.
An enjoyable noirish thriller by a writer who knows how to entertain his audience, I guess the Late writer Cussler did know his co-writers for their worth.
April 1, 2013
"A Treasure of A Story"
As a huge fan of Clive Cussler, I've become familiar with Paul Kemprecos as a co-author. This book he wrote before teaming up with Clive Cussler. I know now that Author Kemprecos is an outstanding author and his story here is compelling. This novel takes place in and around Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Aristotle Socarides, known as "Soc," has quite a history, even though his endeavors are not revered by his younger brother who lives a very opulent lifestyle. Soc has been to college, served in the Army in Vietnam, was a detective for the Boston PD, and now was a part-time commercial fisherman/private investigator. You might say Soc has quite an attitude when stirred up and exhibits strong anger, often with wit and humor. That might be why he lives in a boat house, gets out on the ocean under blue sky and enjoys the peacefulness. Coming in from a not-too-productive fishing trip with his partner, a well muscled man, Mike Barrett, approaches Soc and knows of his prior experience as a detective and hires him to do a job for him. It also entails diving in search of the long-lost British vessel, "Gabriella," believed to have much gold on it when it went down off Provincetown in June 1778. Soc has more than one job, and many secrets to solve. Author Paul Kemprecos has a great writing style; his novel delivers high action and knowledge as a seafarer. Though there are numerous proofing errors, including missing words, I did not let these errors deter me from enjoying this adventurous novel. It is well written and I found myself deeply engrossed in the adventure. Very well done, Paul. I'll be reading more of your stories.
As a huge fan of Clive Cussler, I've become familiar with Paul Kemprecos as a co-author. This book he wrote before teaming up with Clive Cussler. I know now that Author Kemprecos is an outstanding author and his story here is compelling. This novel takes place in and around Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Aristotle Socarides, known as "Soc," has quite a history, even though his endeavors are not revered by his younger brother who lives a very opulent lifestyle. Soc has been to college, served in the Army in Vietnam, was a detective for the Boston PD, and now was a part-time commercial fisherman/private investigator. You might say Soc has quite an attitude when stirred up and exhibits strong anger, often with wit and humor. That might be why he lives in a boat house, gets out on the ocean under blue sky and enjoys the peacefulness. Coming in from a not-too-productive fishing trip with his partner, a well muscled man, Mike Barrett, approaches Soc and knows of his prior experience as a detective and hires him to do a job for him. It also entails diving in search of the long-lost British vessel, "Gabriella," believed to have much gold on it when it went down off Provincetown in June 1778. Soc has more than one job, and many secrets to solve. Author Paul Kemprecos has a great writing style; his novel delivers high action and knowledge as a seafarer. Though there are numerous proofing errors, including missing words, I did not let these errors deter me from enjoying this adventurous novel. It is well written and I found myself deeply engrossed in the adventure. Very well done, Paul. I'll be reading more of your stories.
February 27, 2025
This book has sat on my Kindle since 1995, so i thought I had best read it. I shouldn’t have waited so long….. loved it
September 4, 2024
3.5✨’s
This is my Dad’s new favorite series, so I gave it a read and thought it started and ended really strong. The middle sagged a bit, but I like the main character, his dry humor, and his very Greek family.
This is my Dad’s new favorite series, so I gave it a read and thought it started and ended really strong. The middle sagged a bit, but I like the main character, his dry humor, and his very Greek family.
June 17, 2024
I enjoyed this murder mystery set in and around the Cape Cod area. The maritime setting really helped with my enjoyment of this book. The main character "Soc" is perfect and has just the right amount of a smartass. The actual mystery is pretty standard though the author does throw a few twists toward the end. Overall an enjoyable read.
July 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The gritty feel, the imperfect but honourable main character. Soc is full of wit and and philosophy. A normal guy with demons living life his way. Descriptions of Cape Cod have me wanting to go knowing that I'll feel like I've been there before.
September 7, 2016
A fine storyteller in his own right, it is easy to see why Cussler has taken him on as a co-author.
July 28, 2025
Cool Blue Tomb is a standard-issue PI story set in the world of diving and treasure-hunting. There are some thrills and some colorful characters, but I especially enjoyed it for its depiction of Cape Cod, where I now live. The protagonist, who shortens his name to Soc, loves the ocean but has mixed views on the life of the Cape and the changes he sees occurring there. The book was first published in 1991, so the Cape I know is partly a result of those changes - and many of the issues that bothered him are still relevant. But mostly it's just fun to see him wandering the streets of Ptown and driving roads that are as beautiful now as the were then.
April 13, 2020
I’ve first heard of Paul Kemprecos via his cooperation with Clive Cussler’s books but it had never occurred me go check this author on his own. This is his first book written before his partnership with Cussler. I really enjoyed reading this book. Aristotle “Soc” Socarides is a relatable character and I am most definitely looking forward to some more of his adventures/misadventures.
July 17, 2021
I love these books because they take place locally here on Cape Cod with all our everyday challenges from the influx of tourists to townies and wash-a-shores to fisherman, add a boat house, a dash of detecting and the search for sunken treasure and you have the recipe for the perfect mystery. Look forward to reading the next one.
October 13, 2023
Read Kemprecos' Soc in a short short and said I got to give him a try. Being a first in a series I have to give the book a break. Thought it was a little slow. Then we got to the under water scenes and was hooked. You can always tell tell when a write has knowledge on a subject, when he writes in fiction.
I will try book 2. no big deal,I already bought it.
I will try book 2. no big deal,I already bought it.
Want to read
March 4, 2019Synopsis: Cape Cod’s Aristotle Socarides, part-time fisherman, part-time private eye, is swimming with the sharks; it's smuggling and treachery.
March 5, 2014
The milieu – Cape Cod – and the character – ex-cop, fisherman, diver, PI – were a refreshing change from the usual big city, hard as nails private eye novel.
Aristotle ‘Soc’ Socarides, the main character, has a distinctive voice with some wry descriptions of people and places. And he’s not the usual tough guy PI, always spoiling for a fight and using brawn to conquer the bad guys. It’s refreshing to see a PI use his brains to get out of tight spots.
It took a while for this book to get going but once it started to roll, it rolled fast. Occasional scenes of ‘Soc’ interacting with his family gave the reader a chance to catch his breath.
There were lots of typographic and punctuation errors in this download.
This book wasn’t good enough to make me want to read more in the series, but I won’t pass them up if they come my way.
Aristotle ‘Soc’ Socarides, the main character, has a distinctive voice with some wry descriptions of people and places. And he’s not the usual tough guy PI, always spoiling for a fight and using brawn to conquer the bad guys. It’s refreshing to see a PI use his brains to get out of tight spots.
It took a while for this book to get going but once it started to roll, it rolled fast. Occasional scenes of ‘Soc’ interacting with his family gave the reader a chance to catch his breath.
There were lots of typographic and punctuation errors in this download.
This book wasn’t good enough to make me want to read more in the series, but I won’t pass them up if they come my way.
March 31, 2014
Enjoyed it, didn't want to put it down. Arisotle "Soc" Socarides, VIetnam VEt, Ec Boston cop and now fisherman and sometime PI out on Cape Cod gets offered a job searching for some stolen data for finding a British ship sunk off the Cape during the revolution. This job and a second one that has him shadowing a rich developer at his wife's request soon lead him into no end of trouble and not much progress. Attacks and a near drowning keep the action going till the end. Anyone familiar with Cape will feel at home with one. Oh yes, I thought I recognized the author's name from somewhere and it turns out he has co-authored a number of Cussler's books that I have read. Enjoy.
February 24, 2016
I really liked all of the characters in the book,Kemprecos wrote a very colorful characters.
I loved this book It was very interesting and at times I felt like I could feel the hot sun or the cool breeze off the water. This is the first time I have written a review. Once I stared reading I could not put the book down. May I say that I am 75 years young and read a great deal.I didn't see the twist at the end .Some of the bad guys I thought were good! Carolyn E Adams
I loved this book It was very interesting and at times I felt like I could feel the hot sun or the cool breeze off the water. This is the first time I have written a review. Once I stared reading I could not put the book down. May I say that I am 75 years young and read a great deal.I didn't see the twist at the end .Some of the bad guys I thought were good! Carolyn E Adams
December 31, 2009
This is the first Aristotle "Soc" Socaride's mystery. This series is one of my all time favorites. Aristotle or Soc to his friends is and ex cop turned part time fisherman part time private detective in Cape Cod. He lives on a house boat with a fourteen pound ratty coal colored cat named Kojak. These books are an easy read. Paul Kemprecos only wrote six books in this series before he joined with Clive Cussler to create the new NUMA files series featuring Kurt Austin.
January 4, 2015
When you think about reading a mystery/adventure story about submerged treasure, the first name that comes to mind is Dirk Pitt.
As you read this story about an academic diver/PI, there is little resemblance to the shenanigans undertaken by Mr. Pitt and his NUMA associates.
This story is a fun and exciting read that will thoroughly entertain you. It is a fine example of the reason why Clive Cussler is now writing the NUMA files books with Paul Kemprecos.
As you read this story about an academic diver/PI, there is little resemblance to the shenanigans undertaken by Mr. Pitt and his NUMA associates.
This story is a fun and exciting read that will thoroughly entertain you. It is a fine example of the reason why Clive Cussler is now writing the NUMA files books with Paul Kemprecos.
February 17, 2014
Adventure, detective work, murder and mayhem. How could you not enjoy all this? My only small complaint is that the author can be somewhat wordy at times. If one adjective will do, you probably don't need three. But that's just me. Overall, I enjoyed this story and have read all the NUMA Files books too.
November 5, 2014
Finished COOL BLUE TOMB ([[ASIN:B007MJLPDI Cool Blue Tomb (Aristotle Socarides series Book 1)]]) by Paul Kemprecos. This is just another plodding detective story that doesn't have a lot going for it. I have enjoyed the books that Kemprecos has co-authored with Clive Cussler, but this one never got off of the ground. Very disappointing! Two stars is being generous.
June 14, 2013
I really enjoyed this. Soc seems is a a relatable character. Loved all the diving bits as well as the few interactions with his family. Lots of twists and turns with the mystery, not very predictable but very plausible. Off to read the next book in this series!
March 29, 2014
My first book by this author. Normally, I can not stand to read a book in first person. If you plan to write your book in that tense, read this first and do it right. I will be diving more into this author's work for sure. Very well done and a quick, pleasant read.
February 15, 2014
Detective series
Detective series
interesting Greek Vietnam vet beer drinking PI. fun read. well written. descriptive language, good characterization. I enjoyed reading and will prob read next in series
Detective series
interesting Greek Vietnam vet beer drinking PI. fun read. well written. descriptive language, good characterization. I enjoyed reading and will prob read next in series
Read
August 11, 2014A surprisingly great read
A treasure hunt for treasure that didn't exist combined with a private detective who had a cat who was afraid of mice and moths made for a very interesting read. Could not put it down till I finished it.
A treasure hunt for treasure that didn't exist combined with a private detective who had a cat who was afraid of mice and moths made for a very interesting read. Could not put it down till I finished it.
August 3, 2016
Good read
This was way different from what you would expect it was interesting and though it wasn't a cannot put down book, it was one that called you to pick up over and over till finished.
This was way different from what you would expect it was interesting and though it wasn't a cannot put down book, it was one that called you to pick up over and over till finished.
March 3, 2014
I enjoyed it very much.
Read
January 24, 2014Good book!!
The plot has so.many twists +turns the book kept pulling me to read on. I liked the character development ...consistent with the quality of the plot
The plot has so.many twists +turns the book kept pulling me to read on. I liked the character development ...consistent with the quality of the plot
November 16, 2014
I've gotten about a third of a way into the book and it's just not gotten better. The storyline was very interesting to me, but I cannot get into the slow writing and build of the story.
Read
October 22, 2014Will want to read more of this series...
July 6, 2014
not bad, not great. I would have enjoyed more diving. the history and quotes were pretty neat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews