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Doc Ford #4
Captiva
Randy Wayne White is acclaimed as "wildly inventive" (The San Diego Union-Tribune), "a wonderful writer" (Paul Theroux), "a fine storyteller" (Peter Matthiessen), and "the rightful heir to John D. MacDonald" (The Tampa Tribune-Times). Now he delivers a wicked new thriller that sends government agent-turned-marine biologist Doc Ford into dangerous new waters, as a Florida fishing dispute escalates into a deadly war that reaches across the ocean...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
635 people are currently reading
1279 people want to read
About the author
Randy Wayne White
79 books1,596 followersaka Carl Ramm, Randy Striker
Randy Wayne White (born 1950) is an American writer of crime fiction and non-fiction adventure tales. He has written best-selling novels and has received awards for his fiction and a television documentary. He is best known for his series of crime novels featuring the retired NSA agent Doc Ford, a marine biologist living on the Gulf Coast of southern Florida. White has contributed material on a variety of topics to numerous magazines and has lectured across the United States. A resident of Southwest Florida since 1972, he currently lives on Pine Island, Florida, where he is active in South Florida civic affairs and with the restaurant Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar & Grill on nearby Sanibel Island.
Series:
* Doc Ford Mystery
Randy Wayne White (born 1950) is an American writer of crime fiction and non-fiction adventure tales. He has written best-selling novels and has received awards for his fiction and a television documentary. He is best known for his series of crime novels featuring the retired NSA agent Doc Ford, a marine biologist living on the Gulf Coast of southern Florida. White has contributed material on a variety of topics to numerous magazines and has lectured across the United States. A resident of Southwest Florida since 1972, he currently lives on Pine Island, Florida, where he is active in South Florida civic affairs and with the restaurant Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar & Grill on nearby Sanibel Island.
Series:
* Doc Ford Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
November 10, 2017
This entry in the Doc Ford series introduces Hannah Smith, who goes on to her own spinoff series.
Net fishing has been outlawed, and because of it, there's bad blood between the net fishers and the sports fishermen. So bad, that the two sides are resorting to violence, or are they?
Hannah Smith, from one of the oldest Florida families is a leader of the net fishermen, and she and Doc, along with Tomlinson, try to stop the violence.
We see disguised pilots like this on television from time to time, too. I think Hannah works better as a supporting character, but your mileage may vary.
Net fishing has been outlawed, and because of it, there's bad blood between the net fishers and the sports fishermen. So bad, that the two sides are resorting to violence, or are they?
Hannah Smith, from one of the oldest Florida families is a leader of the net fishermen, and she and Doc, along with Tomlinson, try to stop the violence.
We see disguised pilots like this on television from time to time, too. I think Hannah works better as a supporting character, but your mileage may vary.
December 31, 2012
I think anyone who has ever visited the enchanting place called Captiva Island would have a hard time resisting the urge to pick up this book. I certainly couldn't.
I really enjoyed the book, but was a wee bit out of my depth with the dominant eco-political issue of net fishing in Florida. I was mildly interested in learning about it, but not enough to think I'll be running to the library for more books on the subject. This was more than adequate for me.
What made the book compelling reading was its wonderful characters. White's protagonist is a marine biologist who is surrounded by wild and wonderful "native" Floridians. They have heart and spirit and enough spunk to keep the book lively. Doc Ford, the biologist, is smart and sensitive and worthy of any reader's admiration.
Many reviewers compare the author to Carl Hiaasen, another Florida writer. Although they both deal with serious social and economic issues, I think Hiaasen does it with more humor and a bit less gravitas--so, for me--his books are more fun.
I really enjoyed the book, but was a wee bit out of my depth with the dominant eco-political issue of net fishing in Florida. I was mildly interested in learning about it, but not enough to think I'll be running to the library for more books on the subject. This was more than adequate for me.
What made the book compelling reading was its wonderful characters. White's protagonist is a marine biologist who is surrounded by wild and wonderful "native" Floridians. They have heart and spirit and enough spunk to keep the book lively. Doc Ford, the biologist, is smart and sensitive and worthy of any reader's admiration.
Many reviewers compare the author to Carl Hiaasen, another Florida writer. Although they both deal with serious social and economic issues, I think Hiaasen does it with more humor and a bit less gravitas--so, for me--his books are more fun.
February 25, 2019
Why are the first 5 Doc Ford novels not available for the Kindle? But at least it's available from Audible.
A net ban on fishing causes friction between commercial and sport fishermen. The results include murder and mayhem. The author points out the hypocrisy of both sides and accurately describes the problems that the advertising business, media and political corruption brings "to the table" and "cause the pot to boil over".
An example is the advertising in fishing magazines for equipment used in commercial fishing while publishing articles calling for the ban of commercial fishing. In other words, "We want you to buy are product(s), so we make a profit, but then you should not be allowed to use them."
Another example is the "Whispering Campaign" of a government employee telling the commercial fishermen that he is against the net ban while telling the sport fishermen that he is for the net ban. Why would a government employee pit both sides against each other? What benefit(s) would this representative of the state gain from his intentional lies?
A net ban on fishing causes friction between commercial and sport fishermen. The results include murder and mayhem. The author points out the hypocrisy of both sides and accurately describes the problems that the advertising business, media and political corruption brings "to the table" and "cause the pot to boil over".
An example is the advertising in fishing magazines for equipment used in commercial fishing while publishing articles calling for the ban of commercial fishing. In other words, "We want you to buy are product(s), so we make a profit, but then you should not be allowed to use them."
Another example is the "Whispering Campaign" of a government employee telling the commercial fishermen that he is against the net ban while telling the sport fishermen that he is for the net ban. Why would a government employee pit both sides against each other? What benefit(s) would this representative of the state gain from his intentional lies?
May 14, 2025
I like this series quite a bit. This one was pretty rough. Some really bad stuff happened and we see Ford in a new light. I was feeling pretty devastated for him. There was a small light at the end thankfully. Hopefully the next one is a little lighter but either way I am in!
June 30, 2021
Love. me some doc Ford w/ his friends, Jeth and Tomlinson!!
February 7, 2018
This fourth Doc Ford was not the best in the series. Much more unbelievable stuff in this one than usual, complete with a guy pronounced dead who surprises even the best surgeon around by his "coming back".
Not a waste of time, but I did more speed reading on this one than usual.
Not a waste of time, but I did more speed reading on this one than usual.
May 19, 2021
Another entertaining read from White. Number four in the Doc Ford series (1996). I have read a few of his newer books so some of the happenings took me by surprise. Doc Ford a marine biologist living in Florida seems to fine trouble at his doorstep again.
April 30, 2025
It was great to get back to a RWW novel and catch up with Doc Ford. Sanibel Flats is still my favorite, but Captiva was good. A little more tragedy in this one. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2020
“Captiva” is another good book in the Doc Ford series, this is book number 4. Doc Ford lives in a stilted shack in Dinkin’s Bay off Sanibel Island in Florida. He is retired government agent who is now a marine biologist. Ford has made a few friends in the area but his world gets turned upside down by the fishermen in the area because they are going to outlaw net fishing. This is these fishermen’s livelihood and they go to extreme levels to show their displeasure in the new law.
November 6, 2022
When things happen that change livelihoods, the unintended consequences can be horrific. That’s what marine biologist Doc Ford experiences in this fourth book in the series. They are about to ban net fishing in Florida, and those who make a living at it are angry. To strike back at those who want the ban, one man builds a home-made bomb that blows up in his boat, killing him. When Doc and his hippie friend, Tomlinson, investigate, their search takes them to the statuesque Hannah, ex-wife of the guy who inadvertently blew himself to bits. I don’t recall where I’ve read a more vivid and memorable description of a six-foot-tall sex goddess. That’s essentially how White describes Hannah, and you easily come to understand Ford’s attraction to her.
There are some real shocks in this book. People die who you assume the author will never kill off. You dive deeply into this as Ford’s movements get increasingly stealthy, and you’ll find an ex-biology teacher named Janet a most interesting snapshot with hope you get to see more of her in a future book.
This is an excellent series, and White so finely develops these characters you’ll remember them from book to book and beyond that.
There are some real shocks in this book. People die who you assume the author will never kill off. You dive deeply into this as Ford’s movements get increasingly stealthy, and you’ll find an ex-biology teacher named Janet a most interesting snapshot with hope you get to see more of her in a future book.
This is an excellent series, and White so finely develops these characters you’ll remember them from book to book and beyond that.
February 5, 2018
I initially thought it was a huge mistake to go 1st-person narrator in CAPTIVA with series hero Marion “Doc” Ford. In the first three novels, Doc is enigmatic, remote as a cypher. In CAPTIVA, first-person narration allows him to launch long, tiresome monologues of explanation and social commentary. He tosses aside his air of mystery and cheapens his own introspective inscrutability. The plot, which entails a mad-bomber at work in a dispute between disparate and tribal commercial fishing communities surrounding Dinkin’s Bay, is less compelling than Doc’s nearly kamikaze romance in CAPTIVA with a “superstitious, manipulative, domineering twenty-five-year-old sex commando” (p86) named Hannah Smith. Poor shaggy Tomlinson – who is supposed to be yin to Doc’s yang – is still being treated as a buffoon, played like a character in an over-long, unfunny Cheech & Chong routine. When Doc drones for the fourth or fifth time that “Tomlinson is mystical, I am methodical” (p54) it only reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock’s rule for screenwriters and actors: “always SHOW, don’t tell.”
February 11, 2013
I just happened to come across this book while perusing at B&N. All of White's books were appealing, and I loved the cover art. So with great anticipation, I dug in. And that's where my interest peaked. I really wanted to like it because I'm always up for a new series, and this looked like something I'd really could get into. The plot was interesting, and the dialogue was okay - but I found myself wanting to get through it. Then I realized I just didn't care for his writing style. There's a certain cadence to it that just doesn't work for me. I gave it a shot.
July 14, 2013
I'm spending the summer in Fort Myers and have been to Doc Ford's several times. I picked up this book at the Franklin Shops, curtsey of the small local author/history section. I relished this book and read it constantly while on the beach, in the car, and by the pool. Now, every time I am on Captiva and Sanibel, I find myself thinking about the stories and characters in this book. I can't wait to read more by Randy Wayne White! This book had me dreaming of buying a boat and living on Captiva or Sanibel!
August 29, 2015
"Captiva" is a well written book. It has the action, the mystery, the suspense of a true Doc Ford novel. Chapter 17 made my heart sink. I won't reveal the reason why so it won't ruin it for anyone who hasn't yet read the book. I was shocked at what happened. I kept thinking " It can't be so". Not until the last past of the Epilogue that one of the 2 mysteries was solved. I hope the second mystery is answered in "North of Havana". Definitely has me wondering and looking forward to more of Doc's adventures.
December 11, 2018
Darker, more personal, more local then the previous few stories. I really loved parts of it like the explanation of the sides of the ‘net-ban’ in Florida coastal waters. But did not like other parts that were far more violent then I was expecting. Dark turn in this series. Liked it, but less the ‘beach read’ of the others.
September 8, 2020
This is the 4th in the “Doc Ford” series and does not measure up to the quality of the previous novels. So far the series has peaked with “The Man who Invented Florida” with a very well written forward. Grammar, story lines and character personalities are getting worn and frayed. It is an an enjoyable read if you are “into” the series.
July 11, 2019
Wow!
Unbelievable book. I love White’s books and he killed it this time.
You have got to read this one. The twists and turns are crazy and I will not spoil the ending for you, but it had me ready to stand and cheer or cry tears of joy.
Unbelievable book. I love White’s books and he killed it this time.
You have got to read this one. The twists and turns are crazy and I will not spoil the ending for you, but it had me ready to stand and cheer or cry tears of joy.
April 9, 2021
Great series with great writing, characters, and just the right amount of subplots. Enjoyed the switch to 1st person narrative with this 4th installment - it becomes important as the last third of the story gets more emotional and intense.
May 14, 2022
loved this book
Doc Ford is a great character! Story is compelling. I had read book 5 and found the series. Unfortunately can’t find one through three for kindle…but looking forward to book six
Very enjoyable read
Doc Ford is a great character! Story is compelling. I had read book 5 and found the series. Unfortunately can’t find one through three for kindle…but looking forward to book six
Very enjoyable read
June 2, 2022
Fantastic, fun read!
A friend recommended this author, very specifically the Doc Ford series. I will be ordering All of them!
Great character development with intellect and depth to all of them while keeping it a fun and fast pace book to read. Ordering more now.
A friend recommended this author, very specifically the Doc Ford series. I will be ordering All of them!
Great character development with intellect and depth to all of them while keeping it a fun and fast pace book to read. Ordering more now.
October 6, 2008
Just met Randy White reading Captiva. Another great Florida author. . . Hiaasen, Kelby. . . and now Randy Wayne White.
June 18, 2009
my first RWW, and still my favorite.
May 3, 2012
I enjoy the stories based in Florida
August 18, 2012
Nancy - 4.5 stars; Ron - 5 stars
November 26, 2012
Another great book from Randy Wayne White. I love the sense of Florida that you get from his books. This one introduces Hanna, who gets her own series from RWW. Great book!
July 24, 2015
love it
November 28, 2015
Another fine Doc Ford story, centering on a feud between sprorting fishermen and commercial netters.
April 26, 2017
Doc Ford books are great- wonderful cliffhanger to get me to read the next one.
August 13, 2017
Good mystery and you learn a lot about Florida and the habitat.
August 20, 2017
A good good read!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews