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Chase Gordon Tropical Thrillers #1
Diamond Reef
Former Marine Chase Gordon wants nothing more than a simple life—tending bar part-time, living aboard his 40-foot sailboat, and island-hopping through the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. But when the young wife of an old Marine buddy arrives in South Florida desperate to find her missing husband, Chase can’t turn his back.
What begins as a favor drags him into the violent underworld of drug cartels, DEA stings, and dangerous smugglers operating between Miami and the Bahamas. Caught in a deadly stand-off between one of South Florida’s most ruthless traffickers and federal agents, Chase discovers his friend may be tangled in something far worse than he imagined.
Now Chase must rely on his Marine instincts, his wits, and his sailing skills to survive—and to uncover whether his brother-in-arms can be saved.
Diamond Reef delivers nonstop action, suspense, and nautical adventure in the spirit of John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee and modern Caribbean thrillers.
Diamond Reef is a gripping nautical action thriller perfect for fans of Travis McGee, Clive Cussler, and Jack Reacher at sea. Set against the vivid backdrop of South Florida, the Keys, and the Bahamas, it blends high-stakes suspense with the salt-sprayed freedom of sailing life. Expect DEA agents, ruthless drug cartels, missing persons, and a reluctant ex-Marine hero who can’t walk away from a friend in trouble. At its core, this story is about loyalty, survival, and danger on the open water. This is not a cozy mystery or a quiet romance—it’s a hard-charging, sun-soaked adventure where betrayal lurks in every harbor.
What begins as a favor drags him into the violent underworld of drug cartels, DEA stings, and dangerous smugglers operating between Miami and the Bahamas. Caught in a deadly stand-off between one of South Florida’s most ruthless traffickers and federal agents, Chase discovers his friend may be tangled in something far worse than he imagined.
Now Chase must rely on his Marine instincts, his wits, and his sailing skills to survive—and to uncover whether his brother-in-arms can be saved.
Diamond Reef delivers nonstop action, suspense, and nautical adventure in the spirit of John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee and modern Caribbean thrillers.
Diamond Reef is a gripping nautical action thriller perfect for fans of Travis McGee, Clive Cussler, and Jack Reacher at sea. Set against the vivid backdrop of South Florida, the Keys, and the Bahamas, it blends high-stakes suspense with the salt-sprayed freedom of sailing life. Expect DEA agents, ruthless drug cartels, missing persons, and a reluctant ex-Marine hero who can’t walk away from a friend in trouble. At its core, this story is about loyalty, survival, and danger on the open water. This is not a cozy mystery or a quiet romance—it’s a hard-charging, sun-soaked adventure where betrayal lurks in every harbor.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
1964 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Pratt
24 books203 followersDouglas Pratt was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He has been writing since the third grade. During high school, Douglas dabbled in short stories and poems.
Douglas graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Journalism. He lives in Mason, Tennessee, and spends his spare time on his sailboat.
Douglas graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Journalism. He lives in Mason, Tennessee, and spends his spare time on his sailboat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
December 19, 2022
Good read
Good read except for all the smut.
To much adultery for a Christian to enjoy this book in my opinion. Never understood why a person would ruin a good read by including smut.
Good read except for all the smut.
To much adultery for a Christian to enjoy this book in my opinion. Never understood why a person would ruin a good read by including smut.
January 4, 2024
The usual Florida boat bum tries to find his fellow veteran, who was mixed up in all kinds of trouble. The vet winds up in a lot of trouble himself. Not as crazy as some Florida novels, but it kept the pages turning.
December 11, 2020
I enjoyed this book, at lot is going on so that it keeps you interested until the very end. Reading the blurb I was expecting a bit more action from the marine than what I got but it was still good. In some ways Chase reminds me a bit of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, someone who has served his country and now wants a life free from attachments. Although Chase does seem a bit more grounded, in the fact that he had a job when ever he wants. Still a great character that can take care of himself and others around him and a series I would keep an eye out for.
Chase likes nothing better than living on the open sea but when he runs out of money he heads back to port and a job as a bartender before setting of into the sun once again. This time is different when he arrives to work to.find a letter waiting for him. An old marine bubby has gone missing but not before telling his wife that if anything happens to get in contact with Chase. Can Chase extract his old friend from the trouble he has gotten himself in? And just what sort of trouble is it? With goons and an F.B.I agent following his every move Chase with have to use all his training to get out of this mess.
I liked the narrator and thought he did a good job with all the different voices needed in the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
Chase likes nothing better than living on the open sea but when he runs out of money he heads back to port and a job as a bartender before setting of into the sun once again. This time is different when he arrives to work to.find a letter waiting for him. An old marine bubby has gone missing but not before telling his wife that if anything happens to get in contact with Chase. Can Chase extract his old friend from the trouble he has gotten himself in? And just what sort of trouble is it? With goons and an F.B.I agent following his every move Chase with have to use all his training to get out of this mess.
I liked the narrator and thought he did a good job with all the different voices needed in the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook from audiobooksunleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
March 4, 2022
This book introduces Chase Gordon, a formr Marine, who lives his life sail on his sailboat with an occasional stop in West Palm Beach where he works part time as a bartender at a bar called Manta. In this story, Chase has just returned and is handle several phone messages. Some of them are or related to a former member of Chase's company. His name is Tristan and he has gone missing and Tristan's wife want Chase to find him. It seems that Tristan has been dealing drugs and his boss is looking for him. As it turns out later any group is also looking for him. Chase agrees to help Tristan's wife. In his search he also comes under attack by both Tristan's main boss and this other group of individuals.
Tristan begins his search and it eventually leads him to why this 2nd bunch of individuals are looking for him. At the same time, Chase gets a task from the Mayor who wants him to deliver a package. Chase delivers one and later is asked to deliver a second. Chase decides that he is going to look into why the Mayor is paying this money. The search for Tristan eventually leads to the kidnapping of Tristan's daughter. Chase calls for help from another member of his Marine group to help. They lay a trap for the kidnappers.
To discover what the kidnappers wanted from Tristan, what the Mayor had Chase delivering and how this all ends up in the end, then you need to read this book. It will leave you wanting more of Chase's adventures.
Tristan begins his search and it eventually leads him to why this 2nd bunch of individuals are looking for him. At the same time, Chase gets a task from the Mayor who wants him to deliver a package. Chase delivers one and later is asked to deliver a second. Chase decides that he is going to look into why the Mayor is paying this money. The search for Tristan eventually leads to the kidnapping of Tristan's daughter. Chase calls for help from another member of his Marine group to help. They lay a trap for the kidnappers.
To discover what the kidnappers wanted from Tristan, what the Mayor had Chase delivering and how this all ends up in the end, then you need to read this book. It will leave you wanting more of Chase's adventures.
January 24, 2022
So far an interesting premise - but it drags me right out of a story when there are factual errors. Authors - if you're going to talk about sailing and scuba diving - do a little research first. 40ft sailboats do not cruise at 12 knots. Scuba divers do not inflate their BC to rocket to the surface. A recreational diver is limited to 55 minutes on a dive to 60. these are just a few of the gross inaccuracies that should have been addressed by the author first, and the editorial team second.
September 1, 2024
A man’s book
An interesting read, but the plot had several holes and could use an edit. There was too much sex with the nympho married girlfriend. That’s all they did when they were together and she was a very shallow character. I don’t think the author knows how to write a female character.
An interesting read, but the plot had several holes and could use an edit. There was too much sex with the nympho married girlfriend. That’s all they did when they were together and she was a very shallow character. I don’t think the author knows how to write a female character.
July 9, 2024
Sunshine and suspence
Chase Gordon is an ex-Marine everyone wants at their side in troubled times. He has a big heart and an attitude. I like him enough to invest in book two. Try Diamond Reef. You will fell the same way.
Chase Gordon is an ex-Marine everyone wants at their side in troubled times. He has a big heart and an attitude. I like him enough to invest in book two. Try Diamond Reef. You will fell the same way.
January 1, 2025
fast read
Chase is a fun interesting character to get to know. All you need to know he is a Marine. My father was Major in the marine in WW2
Chase is a fun interesting character to get to know. All you need to know he is a Marine. My father was Major in the marine in WW2
March 7, 2024
Good read lots of action and interesting content.
June 10, 2021
Chase chases bad guys and saves lives
Chase is retired military, special ops, Marine. He takes his promise to his team seriously and refuses to let a 'missing team member down. One mystery soon becomes two or three as various good guys and bad guys give Chase grief because he's interfering in their lives and livelihood.
To insure that you don't get bored with the shootings and such, the author provides Chase a bedmate. For those of you who are moralistic, girlfriend is married. It’s a bad marriage so some of you will let that slide.
Chase loves the ocean, sailing, swimming, eating healthy and drinking black coffee. He also drinks multiple alcoholic drinks daily.
I want to read more Chase books and see how his love life turns out.
Chase is retired military, special ops, Marine. He takes his promise to his team seriously and refuses to let a 'missing team member down. One mystery soon becomes two or three as various good guys and bad guys give Chase grief because he's interfering in their lives and livelihood.
To insure that you don't get bored with the shootings and such, the author provides Chase a bedmate. For those of you who are moralistic, girlfriend is married. It’s a bad marriage so some of you will let that slide.
Chase loves the ocean, sailing, swimming, eating healthy and drinking black coffee. He also drinks multiple alcoholic drinks daily.
I want to read more Chase books and see how his love life turns out.
May 12, 2025
I was very disappointed by this book.
Chase is not likeable as a character. He talks down to customers at the bar where he bartends, or sort of bartends at. He teaches a new bartender to serve incorrect drinks because in his opinion, people are too dumb to know the difference. He gives customer condescending nicknames and seems to resent them. He can't hold down a job, only works when he runs out of money. Even then, he keeps missing work, so he doesn't even clock-in part-time hours. Chase is that unreliable, irresponsible co-worker that always has some drama in his life and crazy excuse for why he missed work again. Chase's co-workers have to keep covering his work shift last minute without any notice, so he can go be an amateur vigilante. We've all known a co-worker like that. The sailor in this story is a stereotype of the deadbeat beach bum. The only character I liked was the dockmaster, but he was not a major character in the story.
In short, Chase is a wannabe cop interfering with actual police work, jeopardizing a case more than an accident-prone rookie cop. He should just mind his own business and take care of the bar. I don't even want to give this book 1 star, but I don't have the option to give it a thumb's down.
Instead, I would recommend the Terminal List series by Jack Carr Or the short story "Blue on Black" by Michael Connelly, which also have a nautical setting.
Chase is not likeable as a character. He talks down to customers at the bar where he bartends, or sort of bartends at. He teaches a new bartender to serve incorrect drinks because in his opinion, people are too dumb to know the difference. He gives customer condescending nicknames and seems to resent them. He can't hold down a job, only works when he runs out of money. Even then, he keeps missing work, so he doesn't even clock-in part-time hours. Chase is that unreliable, irresponsible co-worker that always has some drama in his life and crazy excuse for why he missed work again. Chase's co-workers have to keep covering his work shift last minute without any notice, so he can go be an amateur vigilante. We've all known a co-worker like that. The sailor in this story is a stereotype of the deadbeat beach bum. The only character I liked was the dockmaster, but he was not a major character in the story.
In short, Chase is a wannabe cop interfering with actual police work, jeopardizing a case more than an accident-prone rookie cop. He should just mind his own business and take care of the bar. I don't even want to give this book 1 star, but I don't have the option to give it a thumb's down.
Instead, I would recommend the Terminal List series by Jack Carr Or the short story "Blue on Black" by Michael Connelly, which also have a nautical setting.
July 2, 2020
This is a book from the Chase Gordon Tropical Thriller series and the main character, Chase, enjoys his life sailing around wherever he wants and only coming back to the Tilly Inn when he needs funds to continue his wandering. He works as a bartender at the manta Club, within the Tilly Inn and is good friends, with benefits, with the married owner Missy. She is in an odd marriage with a well off lawyer called Michael, who Chase doesn’t like at all and he has offered Missy a chance to go away on his sailboat with him, but they both know that they have no real future together. Chase has no mobile phone, having served in the military as part of Force Recon and having to follow orders with no choice, now he lives his life with no ties.
There are messages waiting for him at the club, repeat ones from both an old former colleague in the military, Tristan and from his wife Kayla. Tristan once saved his live while they were serving in Afghanistan and he owes him a debt. One any of their small unit would do for another that they consider brothers. Tristan didn’t follow a great path after Chase left the service, so Chase presumes the calls are because he got into some sort of trouble. He tries both Tristan and Kayla’s numbers, but gets no replies. Kayla turns up at the club, in person, with her daughter, having been told to ask Chase for help if anything happened. She hasn’t heard from him for almost a month. It turns out he was doing a spot of drug running with his boat, but was boarded by the Coastguard some time shortly before this. If he had to dump the drugs, he would then owe the drug dealer the money for the drugs or most likely pay for the mistake with his life.
To add to Chase’s workload, the local mayor asks him to help him with a slightly embarrassing problem he needs assistance with. It seems someone has a video of him in some sort of compromising position and they are blackmailing him for a large sum of money. The mayor wants Chase to be his bag man and deliver the money to whatever location his blackmailers want. On the news there has been reports of a few home break-ins in the area, one resulting in a murder and another in a bad beating for the homeowner. Chase goes to check out Tristan’s boat for clues, but is attacked by two men. Next Kayla and her daughter are threatened by what seems to be the same two men. Chase will now have to find out who is in charge of the drug dealing that Tristan got himself mixed up in, to warn them off.
Someone else starts to follow Chase and tries to attack him, but this isn’t linked to drugs as far as Chase can figure out. What sort of mess his old buddy Tristan got into, has Chase wondering if he is going to be able to save him, whilst also keeping his wife and child safe, or if something has already happened to Tristan. If so, who has done what? Chase also has a jealous husband to contend with, so when he isn’t bartending, he has lots to occupy his time. He has to rely on some other former colleagues, one who is now a police officer, but not local, to help him investigate any leads he finds. The book is filled with tons of action and adventure, with a free spirited former Marine, always willing to come to the aid of one of his brothers, no matter what danger he himself may face.
This is the first book I have come across by this author and certainly one I shall be looking out for in the future. The character of Chase Gordon is a fantastic one, with a free spirit but one who has also served his country, well trained and able to look after himself in any sort of situation, and with a great moral compass, who will stand up for his band of brothers and their families, no matter what. I noticed the author has another series and I can’t wait to start that one and also read more of this one, as well. I would recommend it to all who love a great character and an action packed thrill of a read! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
There are messages waiting for him at the club, repeat ones from both an old former colleague in the military, Tristan and from his wife Kayla. Tristan once saved his live while they were serving in Afghanistan and he owes him a debt. One any of their small unit would do for another that they consider brothers. Tristan didn’t follow a great path after Chase left the service, so Chase presumes the calls are because he got into some sort of trouble. He tries both Tristan and Kayla’s numbers, but gets no replies. Kayla turns up at the club, in person, with her daughter, having been told to ask Chase for help if anything happened. She hasn’t heard from him for almost a month. It turns out he was doing a spot of drug running with his boat, but was boarded by the Coastguard some time shortly before this. If he had to dump the drugs, he would then owe the drug dealer the money for the drugs or most likely pay for the mistake with his life.
To add to Chase’s workload, the local mayor asks him to help him with a slightly embarrassing problem he needs assistance with. It seems someone has a video of him in some sort of compromising position and they are blackmailing him for a large sum of money. The mayor wants Chase to be his bag man and deliver the money to whatever location his blackmailers want. On the news there has been reports of a few home break-ins in the area, one resulting in a murder and another in a bad beating for the homeowner. Chase goes to check out Tristan’s boat for clues, but is attacked by two men. Next Kayla and her daughter are threatened by what seems to be the same two men. Chase will now have to find out who is in charge of the drug dealing that Tristan got himself mixed up in, to warn them off.
Someone else starts to follow Chase and tries to attack him, but this isn’t linked to drugs as far as Chase can figure out. What sort of mess his old buddy Tristan got into, has Chase wondering if he is going to be able to save him, whilst also keeping his wife and child safe, or if something has already happened to Tristan. If so, who has done what? Chase also has a jealous husband to contend with, so when he isn’t bartending, he has lots to occupy his time. He has to rely on some other former colleagues, one who is now a police officer, but not local, to help him investigate any leads he finds. The book is filled with tons of action and adventure, with a free spirited former Marine, always willing to come to the aid of one of his brothers, no matter what danger he himself may face.
This is the first book I have come across by this author and certainly one I shall be looking out for in the future. The character of Chase Gordon is a fantastic one, with a free spirit but one who has also served his country, well trained and able to look after himself in any sort of situation, and with a great moral compass, who will stand up for his band of brothers and their families, no matter what. I noticed the author has another series and I can’t wait to start that one and also read more of this one, as well. I would recommend it to all who love a great character and an action packed thrill of a read! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
May 29, 2024
## Diamond Reef: A Thrilling Escape into Paradise with a Bite
Douglas Pratt's "Diamond Reef" throws you headfirst into a tropical adventure that's as refreshing as a plunge into clear blue water, but with the danger level of a shark feeding frenzy. Our protagonist, Chase Gordon, is the epitome of laid-back cool. A former Marine, he lives a life of island-hopping on his sailboat, punctuated by stints as a bartender. This idyllic existence gets a rude interruption when the wife of a fellow Marine pleads for Chase's help in finding her missing husband.
Fans of the "Grey Man" series will find themselves right at home with "Diamond Reef." The fast pace keeps you turning pages, and the action sequences are as thrilling as a chase through sun-drenched streets or a desperate fight for survival underwater. Pratt's writing is crisp and engaging, bringing the vibrant Caribbean setting to life. You can practically taste the salty spray and feel the warm sun on your skin.
But "Diamond Reef" isn't just about beautiful scenery. Beneath the turquoise waters lurks a dangerous secret, and Chase finds himself caught in the middle of a deadly standoff between a ruthless drug lord and the DEA. As he delves deeper into the mystery, the stakes get higher, and the line between friend and foe blurs.
If you're looking for an escape that combines pulse-pounding action with a charismatic hero and a tropical backdrop, then "Diamond Reef" is the perfect book for you. Just be prepared to hold your breath as Chase navigates a thrilling adventure where paradise has a dark side.
Diamond Reef
Douglas Pratt's "Diamond Reef" throws you headfirst into a tropical adventure that's as refreshing as a plunge into clear blue water, but with the danger level of a shark feeding frenzy. Our protagonist, Chase Gordon, is the epitome of laid-back cool. A former Marine, he lives a life of island-hopping on his sailboat, punctuated by stints as a bartender. This idyllic existence gets a rude interruption when the wife of a fellow Marine pleads for Chase's help in finding her missing husband.
Fans of the "Grey Man" series will find themselves right at home with "Diamond Reef." The fast pace keeps you turning pages, and the action sequences are as thrilling as a chase through sun-drenched streets or a desperate fight for survival underwater. Pratt's writing is crisp and engaging, bringing the vibrant Caribbean setting to life. You can practically taste the salty spray and feel the warm sun on your skin.
But "Diamond Reef" isn't just about beautiful scenery. Beneath the turquoise waters lurks a dangerous secret, and Chase finds himself caught in the middle of a deadly standoff between a ruthless drug lord and the DEA. As he delves deeper into the mystery, the stakes get higher, and the line between friend and foe blurs.
If you're looking for an escape that combines pulse-pounding action with a charismatic hero and a tropical backdrop, then "Diamond Reef" is the perfect book for you. Just be prepared to hold your breath as Chase navigates a thrilling adventure where paradise has a dark side.
Diamond Reef
June 19, 2020
In Diamond Reef, retired Marine Chase Gordon spends most of his time touring the Caribbean in his 40-foot sailboat, Carina. While in port in West Palm Beach, the wife of a former teammate asks for his help to find her missing husband. The search, and subsequent action involving drugs, murder, robbery, and kidnapping, keep the action going to the end. Meanwhile, Chase is bartending at the local marina, pursuing an active social life, and helping other friends out of various jams. Chase is a genuinely good guy; tough, interesting, and likeable. The descriptions of the maritime life of boating, diving, and exploring makes you want to grab your bathing suit and head to Florida. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book that has it all: action, adventure, and a good story, wrapped in the laid back life of the Caribbean. I heartily recommend it.
July 30, 2025
This is a solid summer thriller, that perfectly fit the bill of a hot afternoon lazing around. The plot is straight forward with a couple of interesting tangents, with simple but fun characters and great fast pacing.
This is the story of Gordan Chase a retired Marine living a nomadic life style about his sailboat. Working at a hotel bar, hes involved in an affair with his boss when he is dragged into a missing former Marine teammate that leads him in a face off between South Florida drug dealers and the DEA. The story gets messier as Chase digs deeper into his former teammates life.
Alongside the interesting plotline were scenes of sailing, scuba diving and marine life that added to the summer like experience of the story and enhanced the plotlines.
Cannot wait to read more of this author!!
This is the story of Gordan Chase a retired Marine living a nomadic life style about his sailboat. Working at a hotel bar, hes involved in an affair with his boss when he is dragged into a missing former Marine teammate that leads him in a face off between South Florida drug dealers and the DEA. The story gets messier as Chase digs deeper into his former teammates life.
Alongside the interesting plotline were scenes of sailing, scuba diving and marine life that added to the summer like experience of the story and enhanced the plotlines.
Cannot wait to read more of this author!!
May 28, 2021
An Enjoyable Read
This was an enjoyable read. Chase is a retired Marine who loves the ocean and sails wherever on his sailboat until he runs out of money. He then returns to his part time job as bartender at the Tilley Inn’s Manta Club in South Florida. Chase and the Inn’s owner, Missy have a friends with benefits relationship. When Chase returns from his latest adventure he finds an old Marine buddy has tried to reach him. The wife and child of the man shows up at the bar and she reports her husband has been missing for a month. It seems he has been involved in drug smuggling with a mob boss. Chase also is called upon to help the mayor out with a blackmailer. The man stays busy as his all of these things heat up at the same time (including Missy).
This was an enjoyable read. Chase is a retired Marine who loves the ocean and sails wherever on his sailboat until he runs out of money. He then returns to his part time job as bartender at the Tilley Inn’s Manta Club in South Florida. Chase and the Inn’s owner, Missy have a friends with benefits relationship. When Chase returns from his latest adventure he finds an old Marine buddy has tried to reach him. The wife and child of the man shows up at the bar and she reports her husband has been missing for a month. It seems he has been involved in drug smuggling with a mob boss. Chase also is called upon to help the mayor out with a blackmailer. The man stays busy as his all of these things heat up at the same time (including Missy).
February 18, 2024
"Diamond Reef" by Douglas Pratt is an enjoyable & entertaining read. Chase Gordon lives the life of a nomad, sailing his boat around the Caribbean to wherever the wind takes him. When low on provisions he returns to West Palm Beach where a sexy hotel owner saves a birth for him in exchange for his skills which include bartending. Chase is an ex-Marine who served in Afghanistan with a special group of buddies. The wife of one his mates, Tristan, shows up, broke & desperate, with a little girl in tow, stating Tristan hasn't been in touch for over a month. This leads to an adventure that brings Chase in touch with a South Florida drug kingpin, the DEA, and other law enforcement. If you are a fan of Travis McGee tales, this one's for you. 5 stars.
January 16, 2022
The first of a series and a good one to read on a gloomy South Florida day.
Chase Gordon is a kind of laid-back drifter type living on a sailboat, working as a sometimes bartender to get enough cash to sustain a few months lazing around the Caribbean.
An old marine buddy's wife contacts him and starts him searching for the buddy.
A local politician is being blackmailed, so Chase gets involved with that too.
There is not a lot of deep thinking involved with reading this, and I am pretty sure the rest of the series will be similar. When I need something to take me out of a gloomy or stormy day, I will take up the next of the series, which is already on my TBR shelf.
Chase Gordon is a kind of laid-back drifter type living on a sailboat, working as a sometimes bartender to get enough cash to sustain a few months lazing around the Caribbean.
An old marine buddy's wife contacts him and starts him searching for the buddy.
A local politician is being blackmailed, so Chase gets involved with that too.
There is not a lot of deep thinking involved with reading this, and I am pretty sure the rest of the series will be similar. When I need something to take me out of a gloomy or stormy day, I will take up the next of the series, which is already on my TBR shelf.
January 16, 2023
Great Start to a Thriller Series
Well told tale with Chase, the main protagonist, a retired Force Recon Marine, who lives a carefree life on his boat Carina. Coming into “home” marina long enough to collect a few tips as a bartender so he can resupply and head back out to fish, dive and enjoy life on his terms. Not this time, he gets pulled into looking for his brother in arms who has gone missing, as well as helping out the mayor who is being black mail. In between chasing down clues about Tristan and dropping off pay offs, Chase enjoys spending time with Missy. She is the married owner of The Tilly, the hotel, Manta, the bar and the docks. Fast moving and enjoyable read.
Well told tale with Chase, the main protagonist, a retired Force Recon Marine, who lives a carefree life on his boat Carina. Coming into “home” marina long enough to collect a few tips as a bartender so he can resupply and head back out to fish, dive and enjoy life on his terms. Not this time, he gets pulled into looking for his brother in arms who has gone missing, as well as helping out the mayor who is being black mail. In between chasing down clues about Tristan and dropping off pay offs, Chase enjoys spending time with Missy. She is the married owner of The Tilly, the hotel, Manta, the bar and the docks. Fast moving and enjoyable read.
May 24, 2023
Did you ever dream about just living a life on a sailboat. Chase does, so you could read along and see if it works for you! Of course, the book is mostly onshore where it gets complicated. If lots of sex bothers you, don't bother to read. If you are put off by descriptions not quite right, this won't sit real well either. But if you want a hero who will do what he can for his friends and comrades, read along. Things ravel and unravel in interesting ways as Chase ends up fighting the good fight for those who deserve a good future. He brings in his buddies, but it's just not enough, but still the best possible outcome, all things considered.
August 23, 2023
I really liked Missing In The Keys and when I saw it was co-written by Douglas Pratt, I decided to check out his books. Boy, am I glad I did. Now I have a whole new series to read. Basically all you need to know is Chase is the new Travis McGee. He lives on a boat and helps people in trouble. He’s based out of West Palm Beach instead of Fort Lauderdale and he’s ex-Marine Force Recon. I don’t think I’m giving anything away by telling you in the second book he actually meets 90 year Travis. A new Travis McGee, mystery, lots of action, fights and dead people. What more do you need? Forgot the sex, lots of sex too.
February 22, 2024
First time author for me. It was an awesome mystery suspense page turning novel for me. I couldn’t read it fast enough. I love a good mystery novel and I love the setting in WPB. Chase is an ex-marine who lives on a sailboat and works part time as a bartender at the Manta Club in the marina that his sailboat is docked. He is asked by the wife of a former teammate to find her husband who has been missing for over a month. He finds out the team mate has been involved in drug smuggling and other illegal things. I intend to read more of the Chase Gordon series it is an excellent read.
October 20, 2024
The only reason this is getting a 3-star is because the beginning was so very slow and the extensive descriptions of things like what the people at the bar were eating and drinking was just too much. I found myself really skimming through chunks of the story. As the investigation started to pick up midway and more information came in, the action took over. That's when the plot became more interesting. Not so certain about the relationship between Chase and Missy - very superficial for the most part. Especially since she was married.
July 2, 2020
Diamond Reef: A Chase Gordon Tropical Thriller is an entertaining and intriguing thriller.
I loved this book and cannot wait to read more in this series. The character of Chase Gordon is well developed, strong, intelligent, and realistic. The storyline is well crafted and kept me involved from start to finish with danger, action, adventure, and suspense.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I loved this book and cannot wait to read more in this series. The character of Chase Gordon is well developed, strong, intelligent, and realistic. The storyline is well crafted and kept me involved from start to finish with danger, action, adventure, and suspense.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
December 11, 2020
Chase lives a life of carefree indulgence, but he has strong morals and ties to his Marine buddies. Getting back to land to earn enough to sail away again, finds Chase looking for a buddy who appears missing from attempting to run drugs. At the same time he’s asked by the local politician to help pay off blackmail. It’s power packed with action including interactions with minor characters that enhance the story. I really liked the ending.
July 21, 2022
Never underestimate a marine
Chase Gordon is an island hopping bartender. This thriller/mystery jogged my memory of stories I read nearly 40 years ago about a beach bum detective series, Travis McGee. But Chase is a U.S. marine, not a detective, and that gives it a distinct change. Douglas Pratt writes with flowing prose and strongly developed characters. Its fast pace and suspense is gripping.
Chase Gordon is an island hopping bartender. This thriller/mystery jogged my memory of stories I read nearly 40 years ago about a beach bum detective series, Travis McGee. But Chase is a U.S. marine, not a detective, and that gives it a distinct change. Douglas Pratt writes with flowing prose and strongly developed characters. Its fast pace and suspense is gripping.
December 19, 2022
Chase Gordon at his best...
I've only read a few in the series so far, but Pratt's writing style has hooked me to read all the Books. The plot has enough twists to keep the reader guessing while maintaining believability. Authentic diving and sailing scenes. Just enough steamy sex between Chase and Missy spices up the story without distracting from the main plot line. Chase is the real deal. Semper Fi. Well done.
I've only read a few in the series so far, but Pratt's writing style has hooked me to read all the Books. The plot has enough twists to keep the reader guessing while maintaining believability. Authentic diving and sailing scenes. Just enough steamy sex between Chase and Missy spices up the story without distracting from the main plot line. Chase is the real deal. Semper Fi. Well done.
October 29, 2023
Chase is a retired Marine who would rather be on his sailboat than anywhere else. He finances this by working as a bartender at Tilly's. The wife of one of his Afghanistan mates walks in with her 3 yr old girl and tells Chase that her husband has been for a month. Meanwhile there has been a rash of high end burlgaries and the Mayor is being blackmailed. Chase manages to get his fingers in all of those pies. The result is nonstop adventure.
October 13, 2024
I couldn't resist using that line from a Paul Simon song.
Chase is a former badass, his words not mine, who lives a carefree life when he can, and works part time at a bar to fund his carefree life. Chase spent time in Afghanistan. Julio is the local drug king in the area. The wife of one of his buddies from the service comes to Chase needing help to find her husband.
I won't give out anymore details, you can read the book to find out the rest.
This book is pretty good.
Chase is a former badass, his words not mine, who lives a carefree life when he can, and works part time at a bar to fund his carefree life. Chase spent time in Afghanistan. Julio is the local drug king in the area. The wife of one of his buddies from the service comes to Chase needing help to find her husband.
I won't give out anymore details, you can read the book to find out the rest.
This book is pretty good.
February 6, 2021
If you ever went sailing, this will be a good time to read this book. The main character, Chase Gordon is not your typical good guy. He throws himself into many situations that most people don't want to deal with. He makes you wish you had a problem he could help you with. Enjoyed the authors writing style and read in one day. A real page turner.😍😍😍😍😍
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