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Mounting the Whale
The self-made and affluent Pierce family is hurled into a seamy kidnapping plot when they receive a text message from Janine—the most troubled of all the Pierce children.
Cartel got me, tell mom
The siblings, drowning in their own problems, are forced to focus on the task at hand: a half-cocked rescue mission that involves a borrowed yacht, a favor from a notorious drug kingpin, and a shocking reunion none of them expected.
When the family decides to sneak into Mexico, mother Cybil is forced to deal with a rival CEO whom she’s developed feelings for in secret. Her only son, Tom, is willing to risk bodily harm to save Janine while his other sisters, Carlyle and Valerie, suspect that the kidnapping is less than legitimate.
The long sea voyage tests the limits of the family’s already frail bonds. Dark secrets of infertility, drugs, gambling and extreme taxidermy begin to float to the surface. But nothing compares to what they begin to learn about their missing sister.
If they’re going to make it out alive, they have to recognize they're fighting the same battles and facing life’s greatest challenges: love, loneliness, and the struggle to find a place in the world.
258 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2013
About the author
Colleen McCarty
2 books103 followersI think I always knew I wanted to write, but kept trying to talk myself out of it. In college, I enrolled as an English major, but quickly switched when I realized I had no idea how I would make a living as an English major. I switched to something business-y.
I became an entrepreneur, opening two restaurants and a publishing company before my 28th birthday. But I always felt a tug. It wasn’t that I didn’t love helping people publish their books, and it wasn’t that I didn’t love marketing for my husband and I’s restaurant (Mod’s Coffee and Crepes, bee tee dubs)—there was just something missing.
When I would tell a story to a group of friends, or get really into a great book for example, I felt more alive. Something inside clicked on. So, even though I had a brand new baby (EVA!) and two businesses to run, I started trying to tell a story that I had been thinking about. Most of my writing was done after everyone had gone to bed, between 9pm and 12am, usually. I had a lot of help along the way, but 8 months later it was done.
Now, almost 12 months later, I’m ready to put this baby out into the world. And, I hope you’re ready too. It’s happening December 5th, 2013. There will be lots of ways to get involved, stay tuned here, or sign up for the newsletter (in the top right corner) to get up-to-date info on the book launch.
Love to one, friendship to many, goodwill to all.
I became an entrepreneur, opening two restaurants and a publishing company before my 28th birthday. But I always felt a tug. It wasn’t that I didn’t love helping people publish their books, and it wasn’t that I didn’t love marketing for my husband and I’s restaurant (Mod’s Coffee and Crepes, bee tee dubs)—there was just something missing.
When I would tell a story to a group of friends, or get really into a great book for example, I felt more alive. Something inside clicked on. So, even though I had a brand new baby (EVA!) and two businesses to run, I started trying to tell a story that I had been thinking about. Most of my writing was done after everyone had gone to bed, between 9pm and 12am, usually. I had a lot of help along the way, but 8 months later it was done.
Now, almost 12 months later, I’m ready to put this baby out into the world. And, I hope you’re ready too. It’s happening December 5th, 2013. There will be lots of ways to get involved, stay tuned here, or sign up for the newsletter (in the top right corner) to get up-to-date info on the book launch.
Love to one, friendship to many, goodwill to all.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 10, 2013
Check out my full review here.
I was a bit hesitant about this book. I loved the title, and though the cover is simple, I really like it. (As a matter of fact, the cover makes a lot sense after reading the book. Very clever, in my opinion. Makes me like the cover even more.) Even so, something kept me from starting the book. And when I did start it, I was like, what the hell am I reading? It took me a few pages to get into it. But I did get into it. And in the end, I enjoyed it. It's a bit dark, especially the epilogue. I feel like I should warn you about that.
Characters:
This story is written entirely in the third person, mostly from Carlyle's perspective. Because of that, I definitely was more attached to her than any other character. It also explores Cybil's POV, as well as a bit of Valerie's. They are all very interesting women, if I must say so myself. Each of them has issues that they spend the book working through. While at first they seemed distant, I feel like I got to know them a lot better. While I don't necessarily like them or agree with them, I sympathize with them a bit. It hardly excuses the things they've done, but they are still human.
Plot:
As the synopsis says, the whole idea is trying to find Janine. There are a couple subplots. Carlyle has issues with her husband. Cybil has issues with Todd (a fellow CEO and possible love interest). Valerie has issues with her love interest, as well as her mother.
Okay, they all have issues with their mother. I think that's obvious considering Cybil's youngest child is Tom and he's 18? 19? And the rest are much older than that. And they all depend heavily on Cybil. Which is a lot scarier than it sounds.
I know.
But other than that, there's not much else to the plot. The pacing was alright. It was slow in some parts, action-wise. And then there was random action. It's not so bad as that, but I couldn't read too fast just in case I missed something.
It really was an interesting book. There was a lot of soul searching: trying to figure out what's really important in life and such. It also revealed a lot of dark stuff: might-as-well-be-trafficking, drugs, cartels, etc.
It didn't bring anything new to the table plot-wise. However it did present new characters and perspectives.
And as I mentioned before, that epilogue is shocking. I liked it in a sense. Morbid, but meaningful. But still very morbid.
You have been warned.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Why: It took me a while to get into it, and the ending was a bit anticlimactic in my opinion. Still enjoyable, though.
Recommendation: people who enjoy a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, a bit of dark contemporary, as well as soul searching. I'd suggest this to mature readers
I was a bit hesitant about this book. I loved the title, and though the cover is simple, I really like it. (As a matter of fact, the cover makes a lot sense after reading the book. Very clever, in my opinion. Makes me like the cover even more.) Even so, something kept me from starting the book. And when I did start it, I was like, what the hell am I reading? It took me a few pages to get into it. But I did get into it. And in the end, I enjoyed it. It's a bit dark, especially the epilogue. I feel like I should warn you about that.
Characters:
This story is written entirely in the third person, mostly from Carlyle's perspective. Because of that, I definitely was more attached to her than any other character. It also explores Cybil's POV, as well as a bit of Valerie's. They are all very interesting women, if I must say so myself. Each of them has issues that they spend the book working through. While at first they seemed distant, I feel like I got to know them a lot better. While I don't necessarily like them or agree with them, I sympathize with them a bit. It hardly excuses the things they've done, but they are still human.
Plot:
As the synopsis says, the whole idea is trying to find Janine. There are a couple subplots. Carlyle has issues with her husband. Cybil has issues with Todd (a fellow CEO and possible love interest). Valerie has issues with her love interest, as well as her mother.
Okay, they all have issues with their mother. I think that's obvious considering Cybil's youngest child is Tom and he's 18? 19? And the rest are much older than that. And they all depend heavily on Cybil. Which is a lot scarier than it sounds.
I know.
But other than that, there's not much else to the plot. The pacing was alright. It was slow in some parts, action-wise. And then there was random action. It's not so bad as that, but I couldn't read too fast just in case I missed something.
It really was an interesting book. There was a lot of soul searching: trying to figure out what's really important in life and such. It also revealed a lot of dark stuff: might-as-well-be-trafficking, drugs, cartels, etc.
It didn't bring anything new to the table plot-wise. However it did present new characters and perspectives.
And as I mentioned before, that epilogue is shocking. I liked it in a sense. Morbid, but meaningful. But still very morbid.
You have been warned.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Why: It took me a while to get into it, and the ending was a bit anticlimactic in my opinion. Still enjoyable, though.
Recommendation: people who enjoy a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, a bit of dark contemporary, as well as soul searching. I'd suggest this to mature readers
March 31, 2024
This is my sister. She took details from my life without my permission. She didn't even tell me about this herself; I found out second hand from my then 11 year old daughter, who was asked to proof read it and not tell me. Colleen is a true dirtbag human being....
January 29, 2014
In Mounting the Whale by Colleen McCarty readers are introduced to a family that is beyond dysfunctional. This family decides to sneak into Mexico to rescue their sister Janine. In doing so, Cybil will have to face the man she has had a crush on, while her other two daughters try to figure out if their sister’s kidnapping is for real or fake. Tony, the only man in the family decides he will stop at nothing to return his sister safely home. Does this family really know what they are getting into?
It seems family secrets start to unravel to test the family’s bond. Cybil, Tony, Valerie and Carlyle start to learn a lot about their missing sister and daughter. It seems the family doesn’t known Janine as much as they thought they did. The family soon realizes that they are in for the fight of their lives. Will rescuing Janine be worth it?
What I Did Not Like: The book started slow but picked up later which changed the outlook of the book.
What I Did Like: I was kind of put off from the synopsis and was for sure this book was not going to keep my attention. After the book picked up I was in for a surprise. I love books that catch me off guard and Mounting the Whale definitely accomplished that and then some. This book had well-developed characters that carry the plot, which will capture readers until the end. I recommend this book to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
4 Stars=Great Page Turner
It seems family secrets start to unravel to test the family’s bond. Cybil, Tony, Valerie and Carlyle start to learn a lot about their missing sister and daughter. It seems the family doesn’t known Janine as much as they thought they did. The family soon realizes that they are in for the fight of their lives. Will rescuing Janine be worth it?
What I Did Not Like: The book started slow but picked up later which changed the outlook of the book.
What I Did Like: I was kind of put off from the synopsis and was for sure this book was not going to keep my attention. After the book picked up I was in for a surprise. I love books that catch me off guard and Mounting the Whale definitely accomplished that and then some. This book had well-developed characters that carry the plot, which will capture readers until the end. I recommend this book to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
4 Stars=Great Page Turner
December 3, 2013
Mounting the Whale by Colleen McCarty
3.5 Stars
When the Pierce family receive news that Janine, one of the siblings, has been kidnapped by the Cartel they all rally together to save her. Each one has their own issues that they have to contend with during their valiant, if not entirely legal, attempt to be heroes. Thrown together on a yacht the atmosphere is somewhat testing as the family learn some not so nice things about each other and start to wonder if the kidnapping is for real.
It’s not easy to categorize a book like this, on some levels it’s a comedy but it has so many dramatic elements with a combination of adventure, intrigue, romance and crime that I think people will either love it or hate it. This family is the epitome of dysfunctional with easy to relate to, varied members and an emotional slant that make the reader feel for them.
Mounting the whale is a well written interesting novel with a unique plot and I recommend it to readers looking for something original to read.
Copy supplied for review
3.5 Stars
When the Pierce family receive news that Janine, one of the siblings, has been kidnapped by the Cartel they all rally together to save her. Each one has their own issues that they have to contend with during their valiant, if not entirely legal, attempt to be heroes. Thrown together on a yacht the atmosphere is somewhat testing as the family learn some not so nice things about each other and start to wonder if the kidnapping is for real.
It’s not easy to categorize a book like this, on some levels it’s a comedy but it has so many dramatic elements with a combination of adventure, intrigue, romance and crime that I think people will either love it or hate it. This family is the epitome of dysfunctional with easy to relate to, varied members and an emotional slant that make the reader feel for them.
Mounting the whale is a well written interesting novel with a unique plot and I recommend it to readers looking for something original to read.
Copy supplied for review
January 28, 2014
Colleen McCarty is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Mounting the Whale
When I first read the synopsis, I’ll be honest – I was a little hesitant about this one. It seemed pretty far-fetched, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to connect to the story at all. Well those fears were put to rest pretty quickly after reading just the first few chapters. The writing is terrific and the storyline just sucks you in. What I ended up liking most about this book is actually what I feared I would dislike – the crazy plot. Whenever I was reading I was completely absorbed in the book because it took me out of whatever it was I was doing and made me fall into the world of these characters. I saw another review saying this book read like a movie in your mind, and I absolutely agree with that. Terrific fiction read!
4.5 stars
When I first read the synopsis, I’ll be honest – I was a little hesitant about this one. It seemed pretty far-fetched, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to connect to the story at all. Well those fears were put to rest pretty quickly after reading just the first few chapters. The writing is terrific and the storyline just sucks you in. What I ended up liking most about this book is actually what I feared I would dislike – the crazy plot. Whenever I was reading I was completely absorbed in the book because it took me out of whatever it was I was doing and made me fall into the world of these characters. I saw another review saying this book read like a movie in your mind, and I absolutely agree with that. Terrific fiction read!
4.5 stars
April 7, 2014
I had a hard time getting into the book, but after I made it through this first few chapters I realized that this book was a little more than I was expecting - it was quirky. It is about family coming together to help one another while working through their demons along the way. Each has something to hide from the others and as they continue to try to find their kidnapped sibling, they reveal more and more about their secrets. I found the family to be quite dysfunctional, but overall they are a family that I could empathize with. The book itself is a mixture of comedy and drama with a dash of mystery and romance. It is a look at how people accept things for what they are and not for right and wrong.
February 7, 2014
*I received an ARC for my honest review*
Some of us can relate to the dysfunction of the Pierce family. All of the children seem to have major issues with their mother. The most challenged child of the group, Janine, sends a message to her family telling her that the cartel has her. She has always left a path of destruction where ever she goes. At first, they all question if she has really been captured or if she just needed a stint in rehab.
Janine's sister Carlyle and her brother Tom, take off to look for her. All they know is someone named 'El Toro' has taken her. Who is this 'El Toro' and why did he take their sister.
Colleen McCarty has written a hilarious first novel. The characters and storyline are perfect in this story. I cannot wait to read further novels by her.
Some of us can relate to the dysfunction of the Pierce family. All of the children seem to have major issues with their mother. The most challenged child of the group, Janine, sends a message to her family telling her that the cartel has her. She has always left a path of destruction where ever she goes. At first, they all question if she has really been captured or if she just needed a stint in rehab.
Janine's sister Carlyle and her brother Tom, take off to look for her. All they know is someone named 'El Toro' has taken her. Who is this 'El Toro' and why did he take their sister.
Colleen McCarty has written a hilarious first novel. The characters and storyline are perfect in this story. I cannot wait to read further novels by her.
January 8, 2014
i totally loved it! fast-paced and a great story.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews