When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors … are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer
wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.
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I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read the second book in the series: “Coastal guardians”.
The story takes place on an oil platform where an accident occurs. Two coast guards are dispatched on the scene at 61,142 kilometers, they are Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers. On board this platform there is a lot of tension and this death puts everyone on edge. It seems that a curse would hide in the depths of the ocean.
Evidence is accumulating that the death was more like a murder.
Will the two coast guards be able to solve the case?
I was immediately hooked on the story which is so gripping, captivating, addictive, full of suspense and twists and turns with endearing characters. Can’t wait to read the whole series again.
The Crushing Depths is only my second experience with a Dani Pettrey novel, so I feel like I’m still getting used to her unique writing style and structure. I did enjoy a large majority of the storyline in The Crushing Depths, but I must admit that I prefer book 1. I was slightly disappointed in this, but it’s not enough to keep me from future Pettrey novels.
What did I LOVE about The Crushing Depths?
The suspense and mystery — there are three mysteries happening at one time. It is glorious! I was so kept on the edge of my seat during all of the suspense/mystery portions of this novel that at one point I had to tell myself to breathe. LOL! These three mysteries, and the twists and turns they take, are excellent. It is staggeringly clear that Ms. Pettrey is Queen of Suspense/Mystery storytelling. SO, so good! I would actually re-read the book for these three mystery plots, they were that engaging.
Rissi and Mason’s romance — you get a tiny glimpse into Rissi’s past in book 1, which made me so excited for The Crushing Depths. Rissi is such a superb character I just had to know more about her! Individually, Rissi and Mason are amazing characters, but together they make an awesome team. It’s clear from the very beginning that they have massive feelings for one another that run incredibly deep. But, I appreciate the pacing of their romance. I feel like it developed realistically over the course of the story.
A father’s love for his daughter — not going to say much on this topic because I don’t want to spoil anything. Suffice to say, there is a father. He loves his daughter. This father does something out of love. I won’t forget this moment for a very long time! That’s all I can say, but I do think this one topic, more than any other idea discussed in this novel, would make for a stellar book club discussion. If you are in charge of a book club, you may want to suggest this novel to your members.
What did I struggle with in The Crushing Depths?
The MULTIPLE romance set-ups — maybe it’s just me, but I can’t handle more than two relationship stories in any given novel. One should be the main romance, the second should be subplot. Perhaps it carries into a sequel, perhaps not. The point is when an author adds more than two romances/romance set-ups I get overwhelmed and lost. In The Crushing Depths, there is the main “Rissi and Mason” romance, which is excellently written, but then there are set-ups for three more potential relationships. I’m not against these future relationships — they actually make me excited for future novels in the series — but to have them all starting in this novel took chunks of time away from the actual murder mystery, which then made me forget pertinent details because I was trying to remember all the couplings/future couplings. Four romance lines in a Romantic Suspense is just too many for me. This is actually what took my 5-STAR rating on Goodreads to a 4-STAR.
Even with my one minor struggle, I’m still a fan of the Coastal Guardians series and I very much look forward to the next novel. I’m hoping it’s Brooke’s and Noah’s story! I do highly recommend The Crushing Depths, but recommend reading book 1, The Killing Tide, first. I feel you will miss pertinent details if you don’t begin with book 1.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from NetGalley via Celebrate Lit. I also purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on August 9, 2020, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
THE CRUSHING DEPTHS (Coastal Guardians Book #2) by Dani Pettrey is an action packed Christian romantic suspense featuring a Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS team). This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone. The H/h romance is complete in each book with investigative plots that are unique, but the characters evolve and crossover from previous stories.
Coast Guard Investigator Rissi Dawson is a talented profiler and Coast Guard Investigator Mason Rogers is an expert diver. They are sent as partners to investigate the death of an off-shore oil rig worker. Everyone on the rig is on edge because of previous accidents, the death of their coworker and the rumor of Henry’s Curse.
Rissi and Mason also find that there is a ship of environmental activists in the area which is antagonistic towards the oil rig. They are studying migrating manta rays and have vowed to stop the oil rig from destroying the sea.
As evidence mounts, the death of the oil rig crewman looks more like murder. Are the activists willing to go as far as murder to get rid of the oil rig or was it a member from his own crew? Rissi and Mason work their way through the suspects as they also deal with their connection from the past.
I loved that this story took off right from the first chapter and continued at a fast pace in both suspense and romance plots. Rissi and Mason were perfect together and when they reminisced about their shared childhood experiences in the children’s home, it was heartbreaking. I believe this is the first time I have read about Coast Guard Investigators and the author did an excellent job of research and making them come to life. The characters and the plot were believable and realistic with a good balance between the suspense and romance. The characters do pray and express their faith throughout the book, but it is never excessive and is expressed naturally.
I thoroughly enjoyed this H/h, all the team members and the suspense plot kept me guessing right up to ‘The End’. I now want to go back and read the first book in the series. I hope there are many more Coastal Guardian books to come.
When I finished the first book in this series, I couldn’t wait for Mason and Rossi’s story! It did not disappoint. As usual, Dani Pettrey knows how to craft characters and a storyline in such a way that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let you go until the final page. Then, you realize you want to know more so you can’t wait for the next book in the series or for her next series to begin. This book has everything I want in Christian suspense – mystery, action, adventure and some romance to round it out. You don’t want to miss The Crushing Depths, book two in Coastal Guardians.
The Crushing Depths is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that takes you on a roller-coaster ride of suspense.
The characters are riveting, quirky, sassy, and relentless in their investigations. I enjoyed the playful banter, and the unpredictable relationships that grew from characters at first that seemed just part of the team. I loved the way the author gave a glimpse into each character’s faith in God and how they handled each situation because of it.
The suspense buildup from a shortlist of suspects to a large growing list of possibilities, kept me entertained and guessing. Throw in sabotage aboard an oil drilling platform, an impending storm, and all bets were off.
I literally was on the edge-of-my-seat as one twist after another developed. I was guessing right up to the end. An amazing read and highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
The Crushing Depths, by Dani Pettrey, is a genuine page-turner! This second book in the Coastal Guardians series offers a thrilling mix of mystery, suspense, action, faith, and romance. From beginning to end, this faced-paced novel is truly entertaining and thoroughly gripping.
Brimming with sand and surf, the Atlantic coastal setting enriches the plot and contributes to the authentic feel of the story. The vibrant characters also make this book special. They are relatable, likable, smart, and interesting. The engrossing plot is detailed with layers of mystery that are utterly compelling especially as investigative clues and suspect motivations are revealed. Like swelling ocean waves, the themes of adversity, courage, faith, perseverance, and restoration add depth and meaning to a riveting story that uplifts while it entertains.
The Crushing Depths is more than a story of romance and suspense. It also shines with an emphasis on friendship and second chances. As the characters grapple with difficult and dangerous events, they move closer to wholeness as they heal from events of their past. Their faith and trust grows stronger as they discover that true security is found in the promises of God and in the love and support of friends.
With its integral setting, perceptive characters, and captivating plot, The Crushing Depths easily held my attention page after page. Ms. Pettrey is a talented author with a real gift for writing stories that are hard to put down. The Crushing Depths is a book I can easily recommend to all readers who enjoy clean, suspenseful, romantic fiction, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
This book was written very well. I love all of her books. I enjoy mysteries but I don’t like the language and sex so this author gives you all the technical language and situations without the other stuff. Plus she adds inspiration. I love them!
Dani Petry is another author that I follow. I enjoy the characters, plots and lack of shock value language and actions.
Dani Petri is great for readers of Susan May Wallace and Colleen Coble
Will they die in the crushing depths?
There are some authors you can just count on. No matter what they’ll always deliver a story that intrigues, triggers the imagination, and that you just can’t put down. Dani Pettrey is one such author. From novellas to entire series’, it makes no difference, she never disappoints her readers in any way.
The Crushing Depths was everything I anticipated and a little bit more. It was intense, it was riveting, it was gripping, and, of course, it was romantic. I absolutely loved the tension of Rissi and Dawson trying to solve the mystery before the impending storm destroys the evidence, all the while trying to dance around the unresolved feelings between them. Yes, Dani Pettrey is a master of her craft. She oh so skillfully ratchets up that aforementioned tension, taking her characters nearly to their breaking point, keeps her readers desperately turning the pages, and then….the final showdown and everything falls into places as you finally get the chance to breathe again.
The Crushing Depths is a wonderful read. It’s a little grittier than some romantic suspense and the multi-faceted mystery will chill, thrill, and keep you guessing. All in all this book is definitely a great addition to the Coastal Guardians series and is a must read for fans of the series and author.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Dani Pettrey has done it again. This is book two of the Coastal Guardian series. The series teaches you so much about the Coast Guard and the challenges they face. Who knew?! Strong suspenseful storyline, strong characters and romance brings the story to life and you just keep longing for more!
The characters are great and the story excellent!…one of which can make you think about how you would respond in the same place. Excellent work!
Dani Pettrey’s romantic suspense novel starts at a fast pace right out of the gates and continues throughout. Her chapters are short, which I liked because it added a sense of immediacy to the plot. She makes every word count. Her writing packs a punch, and I found the offshore setting of an oil rig interesting. This is Book 2 in a series. Even though I haven’t read Book 1, I was able to jump right in and never felt lost in regard to the story. If you enjoy romantic suspense, I would recommend this book.
Title: The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians #2)
Author: Dani Pettrey
Pages: e-book
Year: 2020
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Rissi Dawson works as an investigator for the Coast Guard. She is reunited with an old friend who has recently transferred to this division of the Coast Guard as an investigator also. They are both assigned to discover the cause of a death aboard an oil rig. Was it an accident or murder? That’s what these partners must deduce. While on board they hear rumors of a curse that has caused many of the more superstitious members on the oil rig crew to be jumpy and skittish. More accidents happen with more deaths piling up. Another element to their investigation includes a nearby ship full of environmental protesters. They have committed acts of minor sabotage to the oil rig and equipment. Have they stepped up their game to include murder? Rissi and Mason must ferret out the truth and as they do their relationship with God and each other will strengthen. Their team leader Noah and one of the rescue pilots also have a mystery of their own to solve, as well as perhaps a developing romance.
For me, this book was average; there were good parts of the story and abrupt or slow parts. The story just didn’t click with me. There was action, suspense and romance. There were a lot of characters to keep track of, and some of their story lines didn’t add much to the main plot. However, I did enjoy the relationship between Rissi and Mason. Their shared life in the foster care system forged a bond that will last a lifetime. I liked Mason’s protective side, but he didn’t go overboard and try to control Rissi. The support and comradery among the co-workers were also enjoyable. I thought the setting of an oil rig an interesting perspective, and I learned something new about the way these employees work and live on the rig. I’m looking forward to book three to see what exciting adventure awaits!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Loved it! The second book in the Coastal Guardian series, this one focuses on Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers childhood friends who find themselves working a case together. The action is there from the first pages of the book and keeps mounting throughout the story. After reading the first book it was great to read more about the characters that were introduced and their backstories. The book is full of action, suspense, God’s healing grace and a touch of romance. Rissi and Mason are sent to investigate a death aboard an oil rig, is it from a long ago curse or foul play? they have to gather the evidence and decide before more lives are lost.
If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading a Dani Pettrey book, there are a couple things you should know beforehand. First, in order to appreciate the characters to their fullest, the series should be read in order. Pettrey always gives readers a little of the story of future heroes and heroines in her books. And second, hang on for a wild ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the conclusion.
The Crushing Depths is book two in the Coastal Guardians (if you plan to take my advice and read the series in order, The Killing Tide is book one). Mason and Rissi make a great team—and have done so since they were kids living in a not-so-great situation. I loved the backstory and the friendship these two have because it solidifies who they’ve become by overcoming in the present.
In addition to Mason and Rissi, there are other romances brewing that (fingers crossed) will play out in the next book. And for those who come for the suspense over the romance, there’s plenty of that two with two mysteries playing out—one on an oil rig and one on land.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The Crushing Depths
I enjoy a good crime drama, whether in a book or on television. The mystery, the journey to discovery, the startled amazement at “who-done-it”—I can’t get enough. So when this book and it’s predecessor The Killing Tide, came across my email, there was no hesitation in signing up. These stories hold everything I love about fiction.
The Crushing Depths is a healthy mix of romance, mystery, and suspense. It literally took me three days to read (could have been shorter but I have a family that needs me). I have been missing my favorite T.V. crime drama, NCIS, and this book filled in that missing space perfectly. Noah is the fearless leader who has a flies his bachelorhood flag with pride so that he can focus on his team. Then there is Logan, a stylish flirt with a heart of gold but I wonder what he is hiding from. Oh, poor Caleb knows what he wants but can’t have it so he makes up for it by going above and beyond for his family. These guys work together with the amazing women on the team to form this bond like no other. I found myself wanting to be part of their team. But the guy that messes up some of the dynamic is Mason, the childhood best friend of Rissi. Their chemistry jumped off the page (rather, the kindle) and became a character all its own.
There was no singular plot to this story. I think I counted at least five plots coming together to make one dramatic story. It wasn’t confusing though and it kept everything interesting. There was no lag in the story progression and it definitely left me wanting more. (When is the next book?)
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a little of everything and not cookie-cutter plots. It is fast passed and worth sacrificing the laundry for.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit. The views expressed are entirely my own and
The Crushing Depths gets off to a rousing start and the action rarely stops until it reaches its somewhat unexpected end. I love how true-to-life the author forms her characters with none of their human strengths and frailties hidden from view. The camaraderie between the characters is a pleasure to observe with touches of humor in the midst of danger and tragedy, much like real life. I also enjoy how characters cross between books so that their stories continue alongside the featured heroes of the current novel.
I will keep this review short because I certainly do not want to reveal any spoilers. This story is action packed and filled with danger, suspense, tragedy, loyalty and dedication with a bit of faith, humor, and romance woven in for good measure. Lovers of suspense cannot go wrong with a novel by Dani Pettrey and The Crushing Depths is a fine example of her talent.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it very much. This book was perhaps even better, though with the time that lapsed between my reading the first book and the second book, I didn’t remember all the characters. Not that it’s important to the main storyline to even read the first book, but it’s the same set of characters, so it was hard to keep all the side characters straight at first. But they were very diverse, so I was able to remember the team again soon.
Anyway, the set-up is eerie enough. An oil rig that is rumored to be haunted is facing mysterious catastrophes. With extreme environments, drama on board, and storms about, there is no end to the availability of threats.
And the central romance is so sweet, with our characters coming together after years apart from the traumatic chapter of their childhood that they shared together. If only poor Caleb wasn’t getting heartbroken in the process…
Also, the side romances that are brewing were also compelling, and I look forward to future books with each of the couples on the team.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Author Dani Pettrey has written another top notch suspense thriller that will have you on the edge of your seats biting your nails! I love, loved every page of this book. The more I read, the better it got and the more I didn’t want it to end.
I was so glad to see Mason come on board, and even happier to hear he and Rissi had a past. I fell in love with Mason, and Rissi was a favorite from book one! The Crushing Depths has a little bit of it all. The heart wrenching suspense, enough thrills to last me until the next book, drama, romance though subtle it may be, murder, all kinds of tension running everywhere, and of course the bad guys. I did not have this one figured out. When I thought I knew the bad guy, another twist, another surprise and I was at square one again. One thing for sure, this is an author that keeps you guessing. And I love that about Dani’s writing. I also love and appreciate the Christian life that Ms. Pettrey writes into the lives of her characters, and she does it in a way that is so natural. If you enjoy a really good clean suspense, this us a must for you. This book deserves way more than the five stars I give it. This is when the star system needs to be different. I think you get my message. I love love love this book!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.