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Sam Donovan Mystery #1
Deep Water
Patrick Donovan, Texas wildcatter, sitting on a deep-water well, has tapped into a reservoir so vast it could totally alter the balance of economic power.
A software scatter-bomb planted in the trading software at the New York Mercantile Exchange. A software security engineer killed. And the price of oil is dropping like a stone.
Donovan goes missing, and an influential senior Senator from Texas is presumed dead.
Sam Donovan, Patrick's daughter, and Coast Guard Commander Kellen Wilder find themselves in a world scramble to gain control of the Donovan well. A helicopter pilot operating between the rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, Sam knows how the game is played.
But this time, the stakes are life and death in this winner-takes-it-all global power struggle.
A software scatter-bomb planted in the trading software at the New York Mercantile Exchange. A software security engineer killed. And the price of oil is dropping like a stone.
Donovan goes missing, and an influential senior Senator from Texas is presumed dead.
Sam Donovan, Patrick's daughter, and Coast Guard Commander Kellen Wilder find themselves in a world scramble to gain control of the Donovan well. A helicopter pilot operating between the rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, Sam knows how the game is played.
But this time, the stakes are life and death in this winner-takes-it-all global power struggle.
- GenresMystery Thriller
394 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2017
About the author
Deborah Coonts
34 books887 followersGet a free bundle of novellas ripped from the headlines of Lucky O'Toole's world: http://deborahcoonts.com/lucky-offer/
Deborah Coonts swears she was switched at birth. Coming from a family of homebodies, Deborah is the odd woman out, happiest with a passport, a high-limit credit card, her computer, and changing scenery outside her window. Goaded by an insatiable curiosity, she flies airplanes, rides motorcycles, travels the world, and pretends to be more of a badass than she probably is. Deborah is the author of the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series, a romantic mystery romp through Sin City. Wanna Get Lucky?, the first in the series, was a New York Times Notable Crime Novel and a double RITA™ Award Finalist. She has also penned the Kate Sawyer Medical Thriller series, the Brinda Rose Humorous Mystery series, as well as a couple of standalones. Although often on an adventure, you can always track her down at www.deborahcoonts.com.
Deborah Coonts swears she was switched at birth. Coming from a family of homebodies, Deborah is the odd woman out, happiest with a passport, a high-limit credit card, her computer, and changing scenery outside her window. Goaded by an insatiable curiosity, she flies airplanes, rides motorcycles, travels the world, and pretends to be more of a badass than she probably is. Deborah is the author of the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series, a romantic mystery romp through Sin City. Wanna Get Lucky?, the first in the series, was a New York Times Notable Crime Novel and a double RITA™ Award Finalist. She has also penned the Kate Sawyer Medical Thriller series, the Brinda Rose Humorous Mystery series, as well as a couple of standalones. Although often on an adventure, you can always track her down at www.deborahcoonts.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 25, 2017
Wow. I've tried to begin this review several times, and there's so much good I don't even know where to begin. Deep Water was my first book to read by Deborah Coonts. As a Sam Donovan mystery, it followed Sam and a host of characters through a huge mystery set in Houston and on deep oil rigs in the ocean off the coast of Houston, Texas.
This story has it all - interesting characters, solid plot structure, mystery and intrigue, and captivating writing that keeps you wanting to turn the page. I had a hard time putting my iPad down to do my real world tasks. I was initially lost with the introduction of so many characters, but that was quickly rectified as pieces of the mysterious puzzle fell into place. I eventually guessed one part of the story correctly but miscalculated others, which I enjoyed immensely. I have read mysteries all my life, and this writing was by far some of the best I've read. I'm looking forward to reading more by Deborah Coonts.
This story has it all - interesting characters, solid plot structure, mystery and intrigue, and captivating writing that keeps you wanting to turn the page. I had a hard time putting my iPad down to do my real world tasks. I was initially lost with the introduction of so many characters, but that was quickly rectified as pieces of the mysterious puzzle fell into place. I eventually guessed one part of the story correctly but miscalculated others, which I enjoyed immensely. I have read mysteries all my life, and this writing was by far some of the best I've read. I'm looking forward to reading more by Deborah Coonts.
March 28, 2017
Wow, this one took my breath away. Besides a deep, knowledgeable look at a setting I knew nothing about (flying, oil rigs), the plot was absorbing, the stakes were high, and the pacing never let up.
Minus one star because although all her characters were interesting, there were way too many of them. It keeps you guessing not only what's happening next but which side each of them is on, but it also kept me from truly caring about any of them and taking them to heart. But now that I've met them, I look forward to meeting them again in another story and really establishing a relationship with them, the way I can with the characters in her other books.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
Minus one star because although all her characters were interesting, there were way too many of them. It keeps you guessing not only what's happening next but which side each of them is on, but it also kept me from truly caring about any of them and taking them to heart. But now that I've met them, I look forward to meeting them again in another story and really establishing a relationship with them, the way I can with the characters in her other books.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
April 8, 2017
Wow! Great first book in Deborah Coonts Sam Donovan series. She introduces lots of characters which to me can be a bit confusing, but it all clears up. Fast passed, exciting! Ms Coonts has really done her research and it shows through wonderfully with a very visual and detailed read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
August 10, 2018
Plucky heroine with a man’s name, a monkey wrench, a pilot’s license and a host of insecurities. Handsome coast guard hero type yearns for her and is infinitely kind in the face of her inner fears and reluctance. Evil-doers out to wreak havoc on oil rig and disrupt energy supplies worldwide. Political malfeasance. Bodies in unpleasant state of decay. I tried, I really did, but I just couldn’t care. Abandoned halfway through.
March 19, 2017
Ms. Coonts surprises again with yet another facet of her excellent writing - speculation about international economic and political intrigue.
It's a fast - paced thriller, keeping the reader with baited breath at the evil greed can generate and the hope that, after sadness, grief, regret and pain, good can prevail in the end. Who doesn't like a good ending after a stormy ride?
I really enjoyed this story and I liked the characters, so I can't wait for the next book!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's a fast - paced thriller, keeping the reader with baited breath at the evil greed can generate and the hope that, after sadness, grief, regret and pain, good can prevail in the end. Who doesn't like a good ending after a stormy ride?
I really enjoyed this story and I liked the characters, so I can't wait for the next book!
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2017
I had mixed feelings about this book. I have read the author's "Lucky" series and thoroughly enjoyed it, but knew that this book would be a change of pace. I was impressed with the way the author wrote, stringing together words into almost poetic lines at times. Her descriptive writing really appealed to me.
What didn't appeal quite as much was all the technical jargon that was thrown around. The story centers on flying and an oil rig, and often times I felt that it was bogged down with descriptions that I didn't really understand and weren't explained. Also, too, there was a bit much of it. I would have much preferred a story more focused on the characters and less on the mechanics of flying and oil rigs.
Speaking of which, if the book's description didn't include "A Sam Donovan Mystery" on the cover I would have been hard pressed to think that it was suppose to be centered on one character. There were many characters and the chapters were at times short, focusing on one character, then moving on to another without really giving me the chance to feel as though I knew who they were. While Sam might have gotten a bit more time on the pages than the other characters, I didn't feel as though I got to know her all that well.
Having said all of that, I do want to say that the beginning of the book is a grabber. It hooked my attention and got my pulse pounding. Then it slowed a bit and, I admit, I checked my reading progress a few times, wondering when it would start to pick up the pace again. Eventually it did, and I was interested enough to finish and find out "who done it" and why.
A nitpick I had was that the author would refer to a character By several names in the span of a chapter. For example, the character Commander Kellen Wilder would be referred to as Kellen in one paragraph, then in the next as Wilder, then as Commander, almost as though the author wasn't quite sure which she preferred. Again, a nitpick of mine.
All in all, it was a good read. I hope the next installment will focus more squarely on Sam and Kellen. While I'm not certain I want to give the book an enthusiastic review, I do want to once again say how striking the author's writing could be. I found myself often stopping to appreciate her turn of phrase or her descriptive wording.
Note: I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
What didn't appeal quite as much was all the technical jargon that was thrown around. The story centers on flying and an oil rig, and often times I felt that it was bogged down with descriptions that I didn't really understand and weren't explained. Also, too, there was a bit much of it. I would have much preferred a story more focused on the characters and less on the mechanics of flying and oil rigs.
Speaking of which, if the book's description didn't include "A Sam Donovan Mystery" on the cover I would have been hard pressed to think that it was suppose to be centered on one character. There were many characters and the chapters were at times short, focusing on one character, then moving on to another without really giving me the chance to feel as though I knew who they were. While Sam might have gotten a bit more time on the pages than the other characters, I didn't feel as though I got to know her all that well.
Having said all of that, I do want to say that the beginning of the book is a grabber. It hooked my attention and got my pulse pounding. Then it slowed a bit and, I admit, I checked my reading progress a few times, wondering when it would start to pick up the pace again. Eventually it did, and I was interested enough to finish and find out "who done it" and why.
A nitpick I had was that the author would refer to a character By several names in the span of a chapter. For example, the character Commander Kellen Wilder would be referred to as Kellen in one paragraph, then in the next as Wilder, then as Commander, almost as though the author wasn't quite sure which she preferred. Again, a nitpick of mine.
All in all, it was a good read. I hope the next installment will focus more squarely on Sam and Kellen. While I'm not certain I want to give the book an enthusiastic review, I do want to once again say how striking the author's writing could be. I found myself often stopping to appreciate her turn of phrase or her descriptive wording.
Note: I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
August 21, 2018
Spell bound from the beginning.
I liked the fast pace clean story. By clean, I refer to the well handled sexual scenarios as well as no profanity. To me each was an enhancement not a detraction to be skipped over. Once again remember this is entertainment with more than enough twist and turns to make you want more. I really do not know who to recommend this to as I am a senior who really likes a who dunnit. This author seems to be able to provide good reading material. I hope she continues on her own. No more co authorship books for me.
I liked the fast pace clean story. By clean, I refer to the well handled sexual scenarios as well as no profanity. To me each was an enhancement not a detraction to be skipped over. Once again remember this is entertainment with more than enough twist and turns to make you want more. I really do not know who to recommend this to as I am a senior who really likes a who dunnit. This author seems to be able to provide good reading material. I hope she continues on her own. No more co authorship books for me.
July 12, 2017
I loved this mystery. Especially since it was in a setting that was completely new to me. Strong characters and a mystery that made you think.
June 16, 2018
Loved this book.
Very exciting fast moving and suspenseful. Will there be more with Sam & Kellen?
I love all your books and look forward to each new story.
Very exciting fast moving and suspenseful. Will there be more with Sam & Kellen?
I love all your books and look forward to each new story.
March 26, 2017
The best suspense books have an element of truth to them. Personal experiences, because we’ve seen this happen before, ratchet up the tension because even though it is fiction we don’t want to see it happen again. Such is the case with Deborah Coonts’s latest release, Deep Water. We, as the reader, remember Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon deep water well blowout; we don’t want to see these things happen again. Full of twists and turns, with lots of seemingly unconnected threads, Coonts definitely keeps us guessing, even as she builds on our own fears. Everything isn’t tied neatly into a bow at the end, which makes everything even more haunting. Sam Donovan and Kellen Wilder are two of my new favorite characters. I look forward to seeing where this series goes from here.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
March 28, 2017
I found that Sam Donovan and her parents had a strange but amusing relationship going on between them; and wished that there had been more scenes with interactions between those three. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2017
Deep Water by Deborah Coonts is a fast-paced thriller about oil and the economic and political intrigue that go with it. And the power and danger that controlling it – or trying to control it – can bestow. This is the first book in her new Sam Donovan Mystery series, and I hope there are many more books just like this one.
The story takes off at breakneck speed, introducing a lot of people, a lot of locations – and a lot of action. You have to pay very close attention to who’s who and what’s what. But it’s well worth it. This author is a favorite of mine, and I’ve learned from reading her other stories, especially the suspense, that every character, every word, has meaning and it will all come together in the end. So put on your thinking cap and get ready for a wild ride.
The story is very contemporary and appropriate in today’s political climate. It doesn’t pull any punches. It’s intense. Everyone is playing a dangerous game and some will die. The suspense builds and builds and is almost unbearable at times. You’ll want to peek ahead, but don’t. The story has a little bit of everything: flying, oil, relationships, politics, the news media, danger, secrets, betrayal. It’s a big story with big personalities, big actions, and big consequences.
Even the romance is intense, which is fitting. Light and fluffy wouldn’t be appropriate, and it would be annoying. The wording and actions can be rough, but it’s intentional and accurate for real life. The cast of characters is large but compelling. You want to know them better.
This book was a pleasure to read. The plot is solid and the writing is excellent. The phrasing is nearly perfect, whether we are on the oil rig, flying, in danger, or having a romantic moment. The language and allegory are strong and descriptive, almost poetic at times. Once I picked this book up I couldn’t put it down. I received an ARC for an honest review. I highly recommend you start the Sam Donovan series with Deep Water. You’ll soon be anxiously waiting for book #2 just like I am.
The story takes off at breakneck speed, introducing a lot of people, a lot of locations – and a lot of action. You have to pay very close attention to who’s who and what’s what. But it’s well worth it. This author is a favorite of mine, and I’ve learned from reading her other stories, especially the suspense, that every character, every word, has meaning and it will all come together in the end. So put on your thinking cap and get ready for a wild ride.
The story is very contemporary and appropriate in today’s political climate. It doesn’t pull any punches. It’s intense. Everyone is playing a dangerous game and some will die. The suspense builds and builds and is almost unbearable at times. You’ll want to peek ahead, but don’t. The story has a little bit of everything: flying, oil, relationships, politics, the news media, danger, secrets, betrayal. It’s a big story with big personalities, big actions, and big consequences.
Even the romance is intense, which is fitting. Light and fluffy wouldn’t be appropriate, and it would be annoying. The wording and actions can be rough, but it’s intentional and accurate for real life. The cast of characters is large but compelling. You want to know them better.
This book was a pleasure to read. The plot is solid and the writing is excellent. The phrasing is nearly perfect, whether we are on the oil rig, flying, in danger, or having a romantic moment. The language and allegory are strong and descriptive, almost poetic at times. Once I picked this book up I couldn’t put it down. I received an ARC for an honest review. I highly recommend you start the Sam Donovan series with Deep Water. You’ll soon be anxiously waiting for book #2 just like I am.
March 28, 2017
Loved it..from beginning to end couldn't put it down. So much suspense you'll just want more.
Love Sam Donovan and Coastie Commander Kellen Wilder.
Your heart will be racing reading this book.
Highly recommend. Also read AFTER ME!!
I volunteered to read and provide and honest review.
Love Sam Donovan and Coastie Commander Kellen Wilder.
Your heart will be racing reading this book.
Highly recommend. Also read AFTER ME!!
I volunteered to read and provide and honest review.
March 28, 2017
Deborah Coonts has done it again with a great read. This Sam Donavan mystery is full of twist and turns and a sweet bit of romance. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received a free arc of this book from the publisher.
I received a free arc of this book from the publisher.
March 29, 2017
I loved this book - lots of interesting characters and it kept me guessing up until the end. Looking forward to more in the series! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher and definitely enjoyed it!
March 30, 2017
Great book by a great author. I love everything she writes. Thank you Deborah Coonts for another book to enjoy.
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher."
"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher."
March 31, 2017
A great suspense and mystery novel from Deborah Coonts! Mary Catherine Donovan who prefers to be called “Sam” runs a helicopter business in the Gulf of Mexico. Worried about the Coast Guard trying to end her lease, she worries even more when Commander Kellen Wilder, U.S. Coast Guard, continues to drop in during the day. Sam becomes concerned when her father, Patrick (who seems to bring trouble with him), gives her a key and tells her that she will know what she needs to do when the time comes. Patrick is working a deep water-well which may provide an unlimited amount of oil and he realizes that his financial partners may not want the well to succeed. Murder ensues along with a conspiracy, suspense, and Sam’s attraction to Kellen while they work together to find out what involvement her father has in the situation. I so enjoyed this new book by Ms. Coonts – a more involved plot line than her other books. The writing is excellent and the characters keep you involved in the story as they head toward the final climactic ending. This is a gritty, suspenseful novel and will keep you reading to the next chapter, etc. as the story evolves. (by paytonpuppy)
March 31, 2017
A heart-pounding thrill ride of a read - twisty and very suspenseful! Action-packed from page one - the book reads like a James Bond movie. This is not one you can read quickly - it takes a while at the beginning to sort out all the characters, but once it gets going, you won't want to stop reading. Excellent!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of the book that I received from the publisher.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of the book that I received from the publisher.
April 5, 2017
WOW!! Deborah Coonts is one of my favorite authors and Deep Water is another AWESOME first in a series. I can't wait to read more about Mary Catherine aka Sam Donovan and Kellen Wilder. Sam is a pilot that learned her love of flying from her not so good of a role model dad, but the love of Family is clear and when Sam's father, Patrick gets involved in a huge oil find that some bigwigs will do anything to make sure that no one ever finds out about the abundance of oil off the Texas coast Sam doesn't hesitate to help her dad out of a terrifying situation. There is suspense,romance, mystery, murders, intrigue, and enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat and flipping the pages on your e-reader fast and furious! There were a few grammatical errors but it didn't take away from the incredible story that had situations that COULD happen. That made the story so real. I love Deborah's style of writing and no matter what book I read of hers, I always want to read more.Please keep writing, and I promise to keep reading!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.
April 6, 2017
Riveting past paced novel. Complicated and charismatic characters.
April 7, 2017
This is my first book by Deborah Coonts. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story quickly grabbed hold and pulled me in. There are so many twists and turns that I really had to read carefully so I didn't miss any clues. I couldn't get to the end fast enough! Not because I wanted the story to end but I wanted to know the answers to all my questions.
I don't understand why it is called A Sam Donovan Mystery. The story doesn't revolve around her. It was a little hard to keep up with all the characters because there were soooooo many secondary characters. I realize they were necessary but it was a little jumbled at times.
I highly recommend reading Deep Water. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I don't understand why it is called A Sam Donovan Mystery. The story doesn't revolve around her. It was a little hard to keep up with all the characters because there were soooooo many secondary characters. I realize they were necessary but it was a little jumbled at times.
I highly recommend reading Deep Water. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 8, 2017
What really happened to Deep Water Horizon
Like Deep Water, there is stupidity and greed at work. Coonts adds the backstory to make it entertaining. I am a big fan of her Lucky O'Toole series, but now I have to add her name to my short list of thriller writers. One small nag: there is one place the explanation starts to sink the story, but it is a mere hiccup. Besides, many questions are answered, like, how to land a helicopter in a near hurricane. Lots of fun.
Like Deep Water, there is stupidity and greed at work. Coonts adds the backstory to make it entertaining. I am a big fan of her Lucky O'Toole series, but now I have to add her name to my short list of thriller writers. One small nag: there is one place the explanation starts to sink the story, but it is a mere hiccup. Besides, many questions are answered, like, how to land a helicopter in a near hurricane. Lots of fun.
April 11, 2017
This is a wonderful start to a new series by this author. The book is very fast paced and the characters are well developed and interesting. The subject matter is very intriguing and you definitely feel like this could really happen. I wouldn’t be surprised if similar situations have happened; which is what really pulls you into the storyline. The story has just a hint of romance to make things fun between Sam (Samantha) and Kellen. I look forward to more in this series!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews