New Release - 2/14/25
The Lost Fleet
Now available on Amazon in print, ebook, and Kindle Unlimited
Hidden off the South Carolina coast for over three hundred years, a missing ship from a lost Spanish treasure fleet has been discovered by an unlikely source. But fishing boat captain Jack Abromski’s lucky find is short-lived. Now, Emmy Sweeney, Jack’s determined fiancée, takes it upon herself to seek justice through her own investigation and soon finds herself spiraling down a dangerous rabbit-hole full of trouble.
Tracking down the clues of Jack’s discovery and fate brings Emmy face to face with a savage cartel, determined to grab the gold for themselves. She’ll need the help of friends, family, law enforcement, and a whole lot of luck to survive an ordeal beyond her worst nightmare.
Behind the scene of The Lost Fleet
I began the concept for The Lost Fleet in the fall of 2023. Coming off the drug theme of Stilton Pine, I had begun a new novel with another central drug theme but backed off after some initial feedback. I wanted to have a suspense theme with some kind of contraband and settled on shipwrecked treasure. The research I did on the 1715 Treasure Fleet was amazing, and when I saw that three ships from the fleet were never found, it was BINGO, let's find one of them off the coast of Georgetown, South Carolina.
Setting the novel in and around Georgetown was a special treat for me. The town has so much character and history. Including nearby DeBordieu, the Hobcaw Barony, and McClellanville added extra geographical depth to the story. That and, of course, the adventure out at sea.
Even though I love the ocean so much, my knowledge of boats, Coast Guard rescues, and scuba diving was limited. I owe a great deal of thanks to my nephew John Knight for passing along his extensive knowledge of boating and to the contacts I made at the USCG who allowed me an onsite visit to the Georgetown Coast Guard Station, conveniently located right next to the Georgetown Landing Marina, which plays a key role in the story.
The Lost Fleet is a bit different subgenre than some of my previous books. It is an action suspense thriller with clear protagonists and antagonists. Although it’s not a who-done-it mystery, it’s an edge of your seat survival thriller of an adventurist young woman who gets into a whole lot more trouble than she bargained for. I hope you enjoy The Lost Fleet. I sure enjoyed writing it.
News
Culligan's Way
My new Lowcountry mystery thriller, Culligan's Way is completed, and editing is almost done. Soliciting agents is next. Take a look at the back cover blurb. This one is a wild ride!
In the Culligan clan, love and protection are served with a heaping side of treachery.
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Desolate and alone after succumbing to severe Covid, TIM CULLIGAN returns to his boyhood home at Culligan’s Way in Pawleys Island, South Carolina and faces the family he abandoned and forever swore off. Waiting for him is his powerful father, JUDGE RUDY CULLIGAN, his loving but unstable mother RUTH, an abusive older brother, and two sisters — one hot-tempered, one rebellious. Although heartened by his warm welcome home, Tim soon finds himself embroiled in controversy, scandal, betrayal, and a murder that strikes at the heart of the Culligan household.
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Suddenly, every Culligan is a suspect in the brutal killing which occurs on their property. As the case hurtles towards a culminating trial, all six Culligans face different crises, each of their own making. All cards are off the table as Tim struggles to find his new identity, while keeping pace with his family’s laundry list of lies, deceit, vengeance, and justice — all done Culligan’s way.
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Culligan’s Way is a fast paced, 105,000 word novel combining the best features of Southern dysfunctional family fiction, a murder mystery that keeps the reader guessing, and a killer suspense thriller. It offers shades of The Prince of Tides family lunacy blended with an Agatha Christie worthy who-done-it, all in a ubiquitous Southern beach setting.
