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Quint Adler #1

Revenge at Sea

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Quint Adler is a small-town crime reporter with loftier aspirations. Stuck in a hospital bed on his 40th birthday, he overhears a sinister conversation.

Sensing an opportunity, Quint starts his own investigation, bypassing local law enforcement in the process. His inquiries lead him to the scene of a savage murder. And a second one, even more barbaric.

Then things spiral out of control. Quint becomes a suspect in the murders and believes his father’s recent death might not be an accident.

Quint tries to clear his name but realizes the real murderer is above the law. To find justice, he has to resort to extreme measures: following the sadistic killer out to sea.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2020

820 people are currently reading
2628 people want to read

About the author

Brian O'Sullivan

18 books909 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

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5 stars
853 (42%)
4 stars
751 (37%)
3 stars
314 (15%)
2 stars
62 (3%)
1 star
18 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Dana Halek Damato.
259 reviews10 followers
June 23, 2020
Quint Adler is a crime reporter for a small town news paper. The "crimes" are mostly bike thefts and such. While Quint longs for a big story, the people and working atmosphere at the paper are just a good fit.

Quint lands in the hospital on his fortieth birthday and overhears something that tweaks his reporter senses. When he finds his hospital roommate dead the next day, he does not call the police, but begins to investigate on his own, which leads to his arrest for the murder. Despite threats and warnings to stay home and keep his nose out of the investigation, Quint puts his life on the line for the story.

This is a satisfying murder mystery, action thriller that tied up all loose ends at the finish. I loved Quint's character and figured him for "The guy most likely to find trouble"in his school yearbook.
Profile Image for Denise Pursifull.
43 reviews15 followers
March 30, 2020
I could write an essay about what I enjoyed about this book, but no one wants to read that!

So I’ll keep it short and sweet! This is O’Sullivan’s best book yet (and they’ve all been great)! Revenge At Sea is highly addicting so be warned!

The characters were so well developed! Some I loved and some I hated!

The story line was great and kept me turning those pages well after midnight! I just had to know what was coming next!

The dialogues were creative and endearing too! Sometimes very witty, sometimes fearful, sometimes angry! It felt I was listening in on what was being said!

And as intense and suspenseful as this book was, the best part was that I felt all of the emotions of the characters! Sometimes I felt fear, or anger or rage! Sometimes I felt like laughing and later I’d be sad! I felt dread at times, hoping against hope that the next few pages wouldn’t bring some terrible news! Sometimes I felt relief and sometimes even a bit of pride!

I truly felt as if I was immersed in the plot of the book and going thru the rollercoaster of emotions that the characters were feeling!

This was as exciting a read as I’ve ever read, and I’ve read so many books and authors, I think I could fill a library!

I am hoping that I will be going on future adventures with Quint and his friends and family for quite some time!

Buy it! Read it! Enjoy it!
Profile Image for Ed.
678 reviews67 followers
January 28, 2022
Author Brian O'Sullivan has created a very likeable character in Quint Adler, an investigative journalist for a small newspaper in upscale Walnut Creek California. Quint accidently hears a strange conversation by the guy sharing his hospital room and his mysterious visitor. Curious, Quint decides to follow up and his unofficial investigation leads to a murder in nearby Oakland. A well constructed mystery/thriller follows Quint in his dogged pursuit of truth and justice with an entertaining cast of good guys and bad guys along for the ride. Book #1 of a promising series.
Profile Image for Kim’s Kindle Reads..
263 reviews13 followers
January 29, 2025
This was so good! Quint’s 40th birthday turned in 90 days of CRAZINESS. If “you should have minded your business” was a person it would be QUINT 😭 i thoroughly enjoyed this ride. It was nicely paced, funny, and satisfying. As a Bay Area native, all the references made it that much better. This was intense at times and suspenseful, I was totally immersed in this plot. This was my first read by Brian O’Sullivan and I’ll definitely be reading more.
18 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2021
The plot in this book was unbelieveable. The characters one dimensional. Not recommended.
Profile Image for Demetrius.
424 reviews42 followers
January 29, 2025
This is 40 🥴

I thoroughly enjoyed Revenge at Sea. It kept me entertained all the way to the end! I pictured Quint as Joe from You. If I don't remember anything, I will remember Quint being 40. 🤣

I rate this a strong 4 stars. The pace was great, and I can't wait to dive more into this series.
Profile Image for Anita O'brien.
1,124 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2024
The storyline was good and actually got me scared when I was walking outside alone at night. Lots of intense moments and somewhat gory at times. Maybe it was the way the narrator read the story, but some of it seemed a little juvenile the way it was written, but all in all is very good story and I will like to read more the series.
Profile Image for Kansas Simons.
38 reviews
February 28, 2025
Read it so none of you guys have to haha. It was good until about halfway, then it got soooooo repetitive & boring. Ending was okay and he tied up all loose ends.
Profile Image for J.M. Bernaldez.
Author 3 books7 followers
June 6, 2020
Talk about a highly addictive page turner!

I love reading thrillers but this one is the best I had in months! I almost haven't gotten a copy before since due to my location, these kinds of books are usually blocked. But I'm glad I was prompted to double check it on my Kindle and it was available over there....

Anyways, If you are someone who loves gritty, fast-paced action, you should definitely NOT MISS THIS. The suspense is satisfying, character struggles feels real. Definitely a must-read during quarantine to give your life some action even when you are just sitting (or lying in bed listening to the audio version).

Profile Image for Melanie.
398 reviews24 followers
July 26, 2020
This is a good book with fast-paced action and suspense. I laughed out loud at the main character, Quint, full of quick wit even while running in and out of danger. The story has just the right mix of fun and romance to balance the unlikely series of events driving the action. I recommend this book to fans of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery and Ellery Queen magazines who enjoy an action-packed story that nicely wraps up loose ends.
Profile Image for Pat.
11 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2020
Gripping action, well paced narrative, well written

This book bears some of the tropes of the genre: the attractive, iconoclastic hero, his gorgeous and adoring girlfriend, his unspeakably evil foes, a do-or-die showdown at the end. But the book surpasses the average thriller with a genuinely interesting and even gripping plot, descriptions that give it a finely tuned sense of place, and well-developed characters, particularly the hero and his mother. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Rayna Swan.
105 reviews9 followers
January 30, 2025
This was unexpectedly good! Imagine hearing some eerie information while laying in a hospital bed after getting beat down in a bar. This information then leads you down a dark rabbit hole of organized crime and murder!

Our MC, Quint, did a really good job of not only putting the puzzle pieces together but also working my nerves. The survival skills were not present for most of the book LOL Just sheer luck. The man should’ve just minded his own business.

I loved Brian’s writing style. Even though some extremely gruesome things happened, he knew just the right moments to throw in humor which really elevated the story.

What a terrible way to start your 40th bday Quint! lol
This was a juicy start to what I’m expecting to be an amazing series. And I’m glad I got to start it with my book fam!
272 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2020
"Revenge At Sea", is this authors fourth novel, he has also written a short story. It is difficult to pick a favorite, because they are all five star reads. The main character in this story is Quint. Quint, is a reporter for a small newspaper. He's out celebrating his 40th birthday, and gets into a drunken play wrestling match with a friend, and ends up in the ER. Quint, notices there is another patient in the bed next to him, but can't see him, since there is a partition between them. Quint falls asleep, but when he wakes up, he hears the patient next to him arguing with someone. The person, the patient is arguing with, tells him he should not have come to the hospital after the job, and they have to leave, now. Intrigued by this, when they leave, Quint takes a picture of the patients ID card on his bed, and learns his name is Griff Bauer, and his address. The next morning, Quint decides to do some investigating, he goes to Griff Bauer's house, only to find Bauer has been beaten to death. Does Quint do what any normal person would do, and call 911? Nope. And this is where Quints life, takes a slow trip down the rabbit hole. This story is so well written, it grabs you and doesn't let go. The character development is phenomenal. As each character is introduced, you connect with then right away. This book has it all, lies, murder, mayhem, and a splash of romance. I highly recommend this book, as well as this authors previous three books. You will not be disappointed.








Profile Image for Alex.
46 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2024
**Revenge at Sea** by Brian O’Sullivan is another compelling read from this talented author. The book is an easy read, yet it captivates. While there are a few plot holes and some elements that didn't quite make sense, the overall narrative keeps you hooked, making you eager to discover what happens next. O’Sullivan's skillful storytelling shines through, delivering an enjoyable and engaging experience despite its “flaws”. Will be reading more of his books.
Profile Image for Jennifer Kerber.
6 reviews
April 5, 2025
This was a great story! I really love the character of Quint! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Hannah's Biblioblurbs.
198 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2025
Absolutely love O'Sullivans writing style. His prose has such a great flow and so witty! I cannot wait to dive into more Quint Adler adventures - Quints character is fun, I really enjoyed his attitude and interactions.
Profile Image for Jenn.reads.books.
129 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2024
first of this series

Can’t wait to see where quint Adler takes me to on his next adventure! One book down and 6 more to go before December haha
2 reviews
November 26, 2020
Great story, I was holding my breath at times. Couldn’t put it down. I am new to Brian O’Sullivan and this was the first book of his I had read. Definitely won’t be the last. Starting The bartender now.
Profile Image for Irene.
1,551 reviews
March 9, 2023
Disappointed 2.5*

The characters act and govern themselves as teenagers, instead of mature adults. These characters behave like teens and continue to run their lives,through impulses. All I could think is this character is straight out of Fox, instead,of growing up strong g in Compton or Newark. The only thing missing is the strange rug Tucker wears on his ambient temp IQ holder.
Investigative Journalists worked hard to gain the trust of thief audience, and we have a duty to preserve honorable journalists.
Even disappointed , I will not deter my reading. I will be more selective before reading the first page.
130 reviews8 followers
October 7, 2020
Quite readable

I did, however, feel increasingly annoyed as the story progressed. For example, you are going after a sadistic killer, but you don't bother having any kind of weapon??? Also, instead of telling a detective where you are going, you offer a hint in the form of a riddle???? Much repetition, much attention given to how EVERYONE Quint met liked him immediately and immensely, comments ad nauseum about his special name, how loved, loved, loved, loved his father was,etc. There is a juvenile tone to the entire story.
54 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2020
"A Suspenseful, Twisting Thriller"

Quint Adler is a reporter for a small newspaper on the West Coast. While celebrating his 40th birthday, he has an accident that puts him in a hospital, with a mysterious roommate. He tries to look up his roommate after discharge, and finds him dead. This leads to other murders, and Quint can't seem to keep his nose out of it all.
A fast-paced thriller that kept my attention all the way through, although with a protagonist that I wanted to reach out and slap more than once! 😉
Profile Image for gillian alessio.
59 reviews
May 2, 2020
This is a fun read. Mr. O'Sullivan has written a page turner.

The plot is well thought out and his characters are engaging. I found that I really liked the protagonist. He was someone I would like to have as a friend.

As a retired police officer and the daughter of a legal scholar and writer (dad) and a journalist (mom), I found the legal details and characterizations believable.

I recommend this book. Mr. O'Sullivan is a good writer.
3 reviews
August 6, 2020
What a great book! The plot was rich with twists and turns, but the greatest thing are O'Sullivan's characters. Each marginal, barely-fit-for-public character is unforgettable, no matter how hard you might try. This one is not for the squeamish, but it IS for readers who love a good plot, some cringing, some cheers, and some great laughs. This writer brings it all.

There's a sequel in the works and I can't wait.
1 review
March 30, 2020
I don't want to give details of the book and spoil it.

Another book by Brian O'Sullivan that I couldn't put down! Brian's characters have a rich depth that make you understand what they did - and why they did it - no matter how flawed their plans may be.

I can't wait to see what Brian writes next.
Profile Image for KATHY RABATIE.
2 reviews
April 7, 2020
Brian O'Sullivan has come upon the literary scene with one successful book after another. Revenge at Sea is a gripping mystery thriller that'll have you caught up in the story immediately. The premise of a small town reporter stumbling onto a murder while he was in the hospital sets the stage for a terrific page-turner. I'm so looking forward to Mr. O'Sullivan's next book.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1 review1 follower
April 11, 2020
Unforgettable Read!

This book is well thought out and written. It’s an entertaining, suspenseful, and thrilling read from first page to the last. With many unforgettable characters, I found it instantly compelling: their stories broadcast a talent of creativity and a vast imagination!
Profile Image for David Wilson.
Author 9 books56 followers
April 11, 2020
This is my kind of thriller. Entertaining, funny, gripping with surprising twists and page-turning suspense. So many great characters. And a real page-turner. I literally couldn't put it down. This was the first novel of Mr. O'Sullivan that I've read, but consider me a fan. I'll be reading more of his stuff for sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews

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