A man with secrets meets a woman on the run.Finn can’t discuss his career; it’s classified. He’s about to leave Puerto Rico on a mission when he meets Mary. She wants to hitch a ride on his sailboat; she doesn’t care where he’s going.Finn thinks she’s a rootless kid looking for adventure. He’ll take her along; she’ll provide cover for his clandestine activity.They’re preparing to leave when Finn … activity.
They’re preparing to leave when Finn learns there’s more to Mary’s baggage than her backpack. He has second thoughts about giving her a ride, but it’s too late. They need to get away from Puerto Rico in a hurry.
As they sail down island, Finn grows fond of Mary. She’s had a run of bad luck, and he’s sympathetic. When they reach their first stop, they discover that she didn’t leave her troubles behind.
What’s Finn gotten himself into? Read Assassins and Liars and find out.
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I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the first book in the JR Finn Sailing Mystery series. It is a standalone book with no cliffhanger ending. However, it does set up the continuation of the series.
Here, Finn is a semi-retired operative who sails around various Carribean Islands. While in port, Finn meets Mary in a bar. She is looking for a ride, claiming she lost her job as a crew member
on another boat. Finn takes her in and begins to fall for her. Problem is, most everything that Mary tells Finn is a lie. As Finn begins to look into Mary, he becomes involved in her very dangerous world.
I found this story to be engrossing from the very beginning. I could not put it down. This story is told from the POV of Finn
– so everything you learn about Mary is through his filter. Questions arise about Mary’s credibility almost from the start. But, she was so crafty that she was able to weave a new story from the ashes of the old story or she would just start anew. So, what, if anything, that Mary said was true? I was completely intrigued to learn about Mary and along the way about Finn – as Finn is as much an enigma as Mary. There’s lots of action woven through the compelling narrative making this a real page turner. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
I listened to this book – The narrator, David Bosco, did a great job. He narrates at a good pace and is able to rachet up the tension or emotion of the story with his vocal abilities.
Assassins and Liars (J. R. Finn Sailing Mystery Series, Book 1) by Charles Dougherty and narrated by David Bosco is a quick, fun listen that will draw you in. I’d recommend for those who enjoy mysteries with sailing elements or are looking for a shorter listen.
What’s it about? The title does the book justice. While traveling for work on his boat Island Girl, Finn encounters Mary Beth. He lets her to tag along to his next location, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Both have secrets they need to keep hidden. Both enjoy the sailing life. The two have more in common than they realize.
It contains a good amount of sailing terminology at times, but it shouldn’t be confusing even if you are newcomer (you have likely heard some of the terms before- mast, bow, tiller, mainsheet, halyard, sail ties, and so on). The writing and narration will pull you in. I listened to this in one sitting (didn’t even realize five hours had passed until the book ended).
David Bosco does an outstanding job with this one. I’d recommend listening to the audiobook as David’s narrations are brilliant and add to the story.
Overall, I recommend, while keeping in mind that this is book one of four so you will not find out everything quite yet. I cannot wait for the next audiobook and will be waiting patiently (perhaps a little impatiently).
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: some swearing (not excessive), murder/death, breaking of a male’s arm by female due to abuse (told as a story), relationships, and violence. Not saying anything else due to spoilers.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
Sailing, secrets and a deft assassin meets his match with a sexy woman in the same career. This is a fast paced, well written and entertaining page turner. Slip into the world of a killer with a desire for love. A great single book and even more with a series worth reading!