Excellent in every way!

This book has everything I love:
A dark mystery, a window into the past way of life on Scottish outer islands , and another looking into India .
A brilliant young man who's knowledge of the sea gives him the ability to solve what has seemed unsolvable and a clever policewoman won't let anyone stand in her way.
I'm thrilled to have found this author and am going to listen to his next book immediately!

35 people found this helpful

unbelievably good woman empowering book

I loved this. It was several different stories that dovetail together. I could not figure out how he was going to mesh the different parts of the world where the crimes were happening and pull it all together. I want another one to read I loved it so much. The experiences of the women in this book was amazingly empowering. I felt for the woman who bought a size 16 because they don't make an 18. But though she's stuffed into her clothes like a sausage casing she wins, and is finally rewarded for her intelligence and ability.

20 people found this helpful

Simply a great book

The Sea Detective was simply a great book from the beginning to the end. It was interesting from a scientific point of view to the emotions it evoked . The plot was riveting as well as the wonderful personality of the of the characters . It was a pleasure to read and one was reluctant to have it end. Well done in every aspect. No one should pass up the opportunity to listen to it. A good show all around. Mike

33 people found this helpful

needs updating

I have heard that sometimes television shows or movies are judged by women using a standard question: How many sentences in a row does a woman speak, or how many thoughts does she consider, without referring to herself in reference to a man? in this book, The women are constantly viewed as victims or wistful admirers of men.

13 people found this helpful

Interesting premise, but needs lots of editing

Is there anything you would change about this book?

There are too many POVs in this book! In my opinion, there should be only 3--Cal's, Helen's, and Bisanti's. The female police seem too fixated on body size and dating--seems sexist and unprofessional for women who undoubtedly worked hard to get where they are. Cal should be using GIS databases and maps--his "technology" seems pretty dated. Cal was also rather unlikeable--I get that he's complicated and makes mistakes, but he's also pretty rude to people and a bit self-involved. In my opinion, he's also too young. Helen is the one with her act together and there should be more of her and how she thinks and orchestrates her investigative coups. I didn't mind that there were two investigations going on, but they should have been linked thematically somehow--perhaps along the lines of how a failed fishing industry causes economic hardships that in turn, cause some people to make unethical decisions? Overall, this story could have used very heavy editing. It felt very much like a creative writing class project, with the author taking to heart the directive to "show, don't tell." I did not need to listen to a long list of coordinates or what each character was wearing every day. Way too much detail on things that don't matter and no narrative or explanation of events of major importance, such Helen's behind-the-scenes machinations, which are crucial to the plot. I thought the narration by David Monteath was very good.

What do you think your next listen will be?

A novel in the D.C. Smith mystery series, by Peter Grainger.

Which scene was your favorite?

I didn't have any favorites, but I thought the passages set on the island and the Scottish coast were the best.

Could you see The Sea Detective being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Actually, I could see this as an entertaining multi-episode tv show. The editing required for the screen would solve many of this book's problems and the settings and characters would be compelling.

Any additional comments?

These characters have a lot of potential and I hope the author improves with later installments. I may give this series another try.

14 people found this helpful

First in the series

While I didn't find this gripping I did enjoy it. The story line of the child sex trade from India was harsh and made me wondering if it was factual. I liked learning about the ocean moment although the details got a little tedious at times. Liked Cal, the main character and loved David Monteath as always. I have the next two books in the series

13 people found this helpful

Great New Series!

If you could sum up The Sea Detective in three words, what would they be?

Beautiful Scottish Isles.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a delightful new series and I love the main character. The idea of a scientist who studies ocean currents as a central character in a detective series is brilliant.The premise is so original and so well communicated it is very refreshing. I really enjoy his description of the various locations, they are evocative without being a travelogue. I also love the Helen character, although I fervently hopes she finds happiness some day.

Which character – as performed by David Monteath – was your favorite?

Hard to decide, I think the main sea detective, but Helen is a close second, which is to say, I loved both the main characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not extreme exactly, but when I finished the book, I was very glad that I knew it is the first in a series and there will be more to read by this author and about this character.

Any additional comments?

I read all three of the currently published books in rapid succession, so I hope Mr. Douglas-Home is working his fingers to the bone on the 4th!

8 people found this helpful

great book!

Multiple great plot lines combining past and present, great characters (especially woman cop), and novel forensic data (ocean currents)

2 people found this helpful

Different View of Solving Crimes

I can't say I have ever given a thought to Oceanography being a useful tool in solving crimes, but I am convinced now. The pacing of the story is excellent as I was never bored. That surprised me as this is more of a character driven mystery story with few thrills. It was smart and I learned some interesting facts about how tides, streams are useful in pinpointing where a body on a beach is matched to a location in the ocean. Fascinating.

I don't want you to think this story is boring -- it is just a slow build-up -- but each step is interesting. The main character, Cal McGill, follows a story about his grandfather that ended up being my favorite thread through multiple storylines.

The narration was fine. I am happily ordering the second book in the series today.

2 people found this helpful

Really great new series on audible, do try it

If you could sum up The Sea Detective in three words, what would they be?

Better than expected

Any additional comments?

This mystery series is one of the best. The character development is outstanding, even minor characters are three dimensional. Do not be concerned about eco warrier stuff, it is not offensive and truly a minor part of the main character. I hope the third book in this series will be available on audible soon as I am already loving the second book.

1 person found this helpful