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Mid Ocean
The Sea Holds Many Secrets.
Special Agent Joel Kenyon, just out of the U.S. Customs Academy, has been assigned to the badlands of drug enforcement, the Florida Keys. In a short time he must adjust himself to lifestyle of sandals, Jimmy Buffett and the quest for the perfect frozen drink. Set in 1984, Mid Ocean will take you to the Caribbean wild west. A place tourists never see, where, for centuries, fortunes have been won and lost along the treacherous reefs; a haven divers and fishermen during the day; a conduit for smugglers at night. With the lure of easy money and the temptations available to those in authority, the lines of right and wrong are often blurred, testing even the strongest moral compass in an atmosphere where navigating a bad course can be deadly. In the end, Joel will question everyone, including himself in his quest for what is right and what is true. Mid Ocean was inspired by real-life events.
Special Agent Joel Kenyon, just out of the U.S. Customs Academy, has been assigned to the badlands of drug enforcement, the Florida Keys. In a short time he must adjust himself to lifestyle of sandals, Jimmy Buffett and the quest for the perfect frozen drink. Set in 1984, Mid Ocean will take you to the Caribbean wild west. A place tourists never see, where, for centuries, fortunes have been won and lost along the treacherous reefs; a haven divers and fishermen during the day; a conduit for smugglers at night. With the lure of easy money and the temptations available to those in authority, the lines of right and wrong are often blurred, testing even the strongest moral compass in an atmosphere where navigating a bad course can be deadly. In the end, Joel will question everyone, including himself in his quest for what is right and what is true. Mid Ocean was inspired by real-life events.
- GenresFiction
422 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
17 people are currently reading
1336 people want to read
About the author
T. Rafael Cimino
7 books610 followersT. Rafael Cimino (born Todd Rafael Cimino, June 4th, 1963 Wayne, NJ, USA) is an American novelist and screenwriter. He grew up in Key Largo, Florida in the Florida Keys, attending the Island Christian School in Islamorada, Florida where he graduated from in 1981. He then attended the University of Florida and the Florida Atlantic University where he graduated with a Master’s degree in Naval Architecture. While in South Florida, Cimino was heavily involved in water sports, including offshore powerboat racing. In 1982, Cimino became the youngest competitor to win the coveted APBA (American Powerboat Association) Offshore U. S. National Championship. He later won numerous National and World Championships.
Cimino is the son of Peter Cimino and the nephew of American film writer/ director Michael Cimino. He has one daughter, Stephanie Cimino, born in 1987. In April 2010 he married long time girlfriend, Bulgarian prima ballerina, Svetlina Kiryakova.
Film Career
With his experience in ocean powerboat racing, Cimino was hired as the Marine Director for the 1983 feature motion picture “Spring Break” which was filmed on location in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He went on to join television producer/ director John Nicolella and the production team as a marine director for the 1984 television series “Miami Vice” where he was given the opportunity to write as an adjunct contributor.
Cimino’s career in film continued with his contributions to the feature projects, “Lost in Translation”, “A love Song for Bobby Long,” and “The Other Boleyn Girl” where he developed a script style and character arcs for “A list” actress Scarlett Johansson.
In 2006 Cimino was given the opportunity to contribute to the television series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” which was created by Arron Sorkin. Cimino continued until the series was cancelled by NBC in May of 2007.
In 2009 Cimino signed a five year agreement with Akula Films to produce his novel Table 21 as a feature motion picture. Cimino is also affiliated with Miramax Films, Nu Image/ Millennium Films and the Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Filmography
Spring Break (1983)
Marine Director
Lost in Translation (2002)
Contributing Writer/ Producer
A Love Song for Bobby Long (2005)
Contributing Writer/ Producer
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Contributing Writer/ Associate Producer
Table 21 (Pre production 2010)
Writer/ Producer
Mid Ocean (Pre production 2010)
Writer/ Producer
Television
Miami Vice (1984 – 1989)
Writer/ Marine Director
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006-2007)
Contributing Writer
Publishing
In 2009 Cimino published Mid Ocean, his first novel, to critical acclaim. The New York Times described Mid Ocean as “Miami Vice meets Goodfellas” referencing Cimino’s earlier work and the iconic Martin Scorsese mob ensemble thriller. Cimino also penned the novels Table 21 and River Town. In 2011 he is scheduled to release Delta Echo Alpha as a sequel to Mid Ocean.
Political Activism
In 2004 Cimino joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) where he serves as an executive member. In 2008 he joined the Democratic campaign to elect Barack Obama President of the United States. It was here that he served as a member of the campaign’s subcommittee for healthcare policy development.
Cimino is the son of Peter Cimino and the nephew of American film writer/ director Michael Cimino. He has one daughter, Stephanie Cimino, born in 1987. In April 2010 he married long time girlfriend, Bulgarian prima ballerina, Svetlina Kiryakova.
Film Career
With his experience in ocean powerboat racing, Cimino was hired as the Marine Director for the 1983 feature motion picture “Spring Break” which was filmed on location in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He went on to join television producer/ director John Nicolella and the production team as a marine director for the 1984 television series “Miami Vice” where he was given the opportunity to write as an adjunct contributor.
Cimino’s career in film continued with his contributions to the feature projects, “Lost in Translation”, “A love Song for Bobby Long,” and “The Other Boleyn Girl” where he developed a script style and character arcs for “A list” actress Scarlett Johansson.
In 2006 Cimino was given the opportunity to contribute to the television series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” which was created by Arron Sorkin. Cimino continued until the series was cancelled by NBC in May of 2007.
In 2009 Cimino signed a five year agreement with Akula Films to produce his novel Table 21 as a feature motion picture. Cimino is also affiliated with Miramax Films, Nu Image/ Millennium Films and the Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Filmography
Spring Break (1983)
Marine Director
Lost in Translation (2002)
Contributing Writer/ Producer
A Love Song for Bobby Long (2005)
Contributing Writer/ Producer
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Contributing Writer/ Associate Producer
Table 21 (Pre production 2010)
Writer/ Producer
Mid Ocean (Pre production 2010)
Writer/ Producer
Television
Miami Vice (1984 – 1989)
Writer/ Marine Director
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006-2007)
Contributing Writer
Publishing
In 2009 Cimino published Mid Ocean, his first novel, to critical acclaim. The New York Times described Mid Ocean as “Miami Vice meets Goodfellas” referencing Cimino’s earlier work and the iconic Martin Scorsese mob ensemble thriller. Cimino also penned the novels Table 21 and River Town. In 2011 he is scheduled to release Delta Echo Alpha as a sequel to Mid Ocean.
Political Activism
In 2004 Cimino joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) where he serves as an executive member. In 2008 he joined the Democratic campaign to elect Barack Obama President of the United States. It was here that he served as a member of the campaign’s subcommittee for healthcare policy development.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 1, 2012
I worked on the TV series and Movie Miami Vice with this author, T. Rafael Cimino (Todd to us). This book is so true to life, I don't know where to begin. A true talent, Mr. Cimino is an artist with his pen. Amazing detail of a life that I've lived and miss so much.
January 3, 2012
I could almost feel the salt spray coming over the bow of the boat as a read "Mid Ocean" by T. Rafael Cimino. The author's depiction of 1984 South Florida is flawless. In an age that transformed this part of the country and defined a decade, Mid Ocean hits the nail on the head with blow by blow prose that grabs the reader and doesn't let go until the last page.
Mid Ocean was written by ex-Miami Vice (TV Series) writer, marine director, T. Rafael Cimino and his in depth portrayal of the drug smuggling culture shines along side the backstory of love and betrayal. Mid Ocean is a must-read for anyone who has ever been to the Florida Keys or has a hankering for Jimmy Buffet and the lifestyle that singer embodies.
Mid Ocean was written by ex-Miami Vice (TV Series) writer, marine director, T. Rafael Cimino and his in depth portrayal of the drug smuggling culture shines along side the backstory of love and betrayal. Mid Ocean is a must-read for anyone who has ever been to the Florida Keys or has a hankering for Jimmy Buffet and the lifestyle that singer embodies.
March 17, 2012
I didn't get it. I know other reviewers rated it highly but I really struggled through this book. There was lots of info about boats and a huge cast of characters some of whom seemed to have little or no relevance to the story.
It was a very intricate plot - unfortunately most of it didn't seem to lead anywhere. I couldn't see the purpose of much of the narrative. When I got to the end it was all very ho-hum, and what happened to all those characters? I didn't know and didn't care.
It was a very intricate plot - unfortunately most of it didn't seem to lead anywhere. I couldn't see the purpose of much of the narrative. When I got to the end it was all very ho-hum, and what happened to all those characters? I didn't know and didn't care.
January 20, 2012
I was captivated by the first page and blown away with the ending. I am very critical of American fiction writers but found this book to be very realistic and straight forward. I understand that a film is in the works and cant wait for that to happen. I strongly recommend this book.
March 5, 2013
I'm surprised I finished it. The writing was awful. The editing was non-existent. There were misspellings! The characters were not believable. The plot was ok, but there were irrelevant episodes and subplots that made no sense.
June 10, 2012
Anything that gets me singing Smugglers Blues is good.
May 21, 2013
Eh...... Lots of characters and character development that had nothing to do with the main story - made it tough to follow who was actually connected to the plot. Atlanta (my home town) being a setting for a small part of the book increased my interest - but reference to it "snowing" in Atlanta on more than one occasion during the course of the book soured that for me - we are lucky to get a single snow every few years or so. The author also attempted to inject light humor throughout the read that fell flat, just not very connected and believable.
I wanted to like this book being a fan of the Miami Vice era and books associated with it. I rarely give a 5-star or a 1-star. this one pushed the envelope as close as it can get for me to a 1-star rating. Some seem to like it greatly - didn't happen for me.
I wanted to like this book being a fan of the Miami Vice era and books associated with it. I rarely give a 5-star or a 1-star. this one pushed the envelope as close as it can get for me to a 1-star rating. Some seem to like it greatly - didn't happen for me.
December 15, 2011
Reading Mid Ocean was akin to jumping onto a movie set and becoming part of the story. It usually takes me several weeks to read a book of this length but once I began reading it I couldn't put it down. The portrayal of the drug trade era, south Florida and the surrounding environment of the time, was spot on. When I finished the last page I was a little sad...like parting with new friends. I hope a movie will be made from this book. I just received Table 21 and will begin a new adventure reading Mr. Cimino's latest.
Want to read
July 25, 2016Well there you have it, only good looking girls like this.
What more proof do you need, go get this book immediately pawn.
What more proof do you need, go get this book immediately pawn.
April 12, 2012
Mid Ocean reads like a vivid movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to all.
June 10, 2012
This was really a fun read, its about the drug runners in Key West, the coast guard
chasing them, about boats, boats, boats.
chasing them, about boats, boats, boats.
August 1, 2011
My grandfather was a Venezuelan immigrant who came to Miami in the 70's. As a result this is where I was raised. I used to listen to all the stories of the drug dealing and smuggling and it wasn't until I read Mid Ocean that I had a truely graphic picture of what really happened. My own father was killed on 88th Street in a drug deal and this specific part of crime drama has a special place in my heart. Now I keep this book very close to me. Thank you to Mr. Cimino for writing it.
July 26, 2012
I thought enough about this book to be on my second time around , to savor more details. I tend to read too fast (the good ones) Could not put it down either time Thank you T Rafael for the adventure. Keep on writing.
August 9, 2012
I was always a fan of Miami Vice. Mid Ocean is the latest in this great storyline of drugs, cops and South Florida. When I found out the Author was a big part of the TV series it made this thrilling story that much better.
May 18, 2015
Not what I thought it would be. A lot of characters that went no where. I really like this genre,but this story didn't fit into it.
Guess I've been spoiled by book's like, Blow or Smokescreen. I've never written a book. So I will give the author credit for writing one
Guess I've been spoiled by book's like, Blow or Smokescreen. I've never written a book. So I will give the author credit for writing one
August 1, 2011
I loved this book. I recommend to all!
August 23, 2011
Shades of Miami Vice but based on true events! Drug smugglers and US Customs deal with each other in Florida and lots of twist and turns in the story. Enjoyed reading!
December 15, 2011
Good read, exciting, intriguing and so real.
March 25, 2013
Well written, but all of the technical boating terms were too much. Seems like it was filler. Also the ending left a lot to be desired, especially when it came to some of the "villains."
February 13, 2012
This is the second book I've read from this author and I love his work. I am very selective and I give this book 5 stars because it's great.
October 2, 2012
A brilliant read. I know this author and am pleased to give my unbiased appraisal of his work. Cheers and much success my friend.
October 3, 2012
I love this author! Great stuff. I'm originally from South Florida and am a huge fan of Miami Vice which this author wrote part of. Waiting on more from him!
October 16, 2012
I felt like I was cruising to the Bahamas in a 100 mile an hour Cigarette boat. This author's descriptive style are both inducing and mentally persuasive. A true instant classic!
Read
November 5, 2012loved it
April 13, 2012
Cimino nails it slap dash! This is the real deal folks.
May 7, 2012
I've always been a fan of Jimmy buffet and his writing. Mid Ocean is better. Much better.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews