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.
more
I have loved Dani Pettrey books for years and the Coastal Guardian series is no exception. The Crushing Depths is the second in the series. One thing I love about her books is she hooks the reader from the very beginning. The Crushing Depths starts out with the mysterious death of a crew member on on oil rig off the coast of NC. Coast Guard investigators Mason and Rissi are sent in via helicopter to investigate. As if the death they were investigating was not enough, the opening line of chapter five…”Mayday!Mayday! We’re going down,”. Okay, heart pumping and I am officially hooked. Readers are drawn in to multiple plot lines as Mason and Rissi try to get to the bottom of what is going on. Other mysterious events take place on the rig and many believe that everything is tied to a curse while others believe it is the environmentalist group that has vowed to do whatever it takes to stop the drilling. What is really going on? Who is behind all this? You’ll have to read to find out.
Dani Pettrey is a master of writing page-turning suspense while giving readers just the right amount of romance. I really liked that Rissi and Mason had known each other as teenagers when they both lived in a children’s home. They had supported one another as teenagers through some horrific situations, had gone their separate ways, and were brought back together as adults when Mason was assigned to the team Rissi is on. They have a beautiful love story many years in the making.
Although this can definitely be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting with the Killing Tide. Since that is the first in the series, readers are introduced to the entire team who we get to know even better in The Crushing Depths. This book also provides updates on Gabby and Finn who were featured in the Killing Tide. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series. Without giving too much away, there is a side story with Noah who ends up protecting a woman who is in danger. Fingers crossed, there will be something more between them in a future book in the series.
Many thanks to the author, Bethany House Publishers, and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Words can’t describe how much I love this book. Dani is one of my favorite authors so I may have come into this a little bias, but let me tell you, if you want a edge of your seat story, read this book or anything else written by this author. You will not be disappointed.
This story had me all in and invested from the very beginning and didn’t let up. It’s that ‘hold on tight because you know this will be a fun ride’ feeling. I love when that happens.
Even though there is a strong forward momentum, the author does a good job of giving me space to know the characters. Rissi and Mason have history together from when they were children. It’s not a great shared history but I enjoyed how their story unfolded and expanded my understanding of their relationship and their connection. Rissi and Mason are both excellent characters and I enjoyed them so much.
There is danger, there is intrigue. The mystery is swirling all over in this book making me anxious with anticipation. It was good stuff. There is another developing plot happening between some side characters and I’m hoping they will be in the spotlight for the next book. It’s shaping up to be good!! Oh! And as a side note, I never want to be an oil rig worker. Or even visit an oil rig. That’s some scary stuff and I’m grateful for the people who do the hard jobs for people like me.
This series is about a group of people and they are all present in each book so it would probably help to read this series from the beginning for the best character development, but I honestly think this book can stand on it’s own. This book releases on June 30th. If you haven’t read the first book in the series, The Killing Tide, now is a great time to pick it up on Kindle. It’s just $1.49! Find it HERE.
Content: peril, death, mild violence, kissing, mentions of physical abuse.
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Just finished this powerful and riveting crime drama novel, The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey! Couldn’t wait to read the whole book…….what a great read! Main characters Rissi and Mason will lead you through the world of investigation and compelling teamwork. Through plot twists and turns, the Coast Guard investigative team is under fire and at the same time researching shocking crime aboard the Dauntless oil rig. The book is intertwined with past trauma and has deep relationship love building throughout the plot. You won’t want to put this book down. Highly recommend it!
Dani Pettrey does it once again. She quickly pulls you into the story with fast paced chapters that make you feel like you are right in the middle of the action. Pettrey combines the perfect amount of suspense with romance to keep you turning the pages long into the night. The characters in this book are honorable and courageous. They help you to once again have hope and trust in others.
This is a story filled with the encouragement of God’s redemption story of horrific times in a person’s past. It also shows belief in God’s sovereignty and trust in Him through prayer even in the hardest times a person could face. This is a book that will fulfill your appetite for thrilling suspense and romance while encouraging you to dive deeper into a relationship with Christ. A much needed book for me in this season of life!!! I can’t wait for the next one in this series!
The Crushing Depths is non-stop action from start to finish. This is the second in the series, but probably could be read as a stand-alone (but if you follow me, you know I refuse to read a series out of order.) Someone is sabotaging an oil rig. An old curse surfaces as CGIS agents Mason Rogers and Rissi Dawson search for answers as the body count rises higher than the tides. Meanwhile Noah Rowley finds himself in an adventure of his own as he tries to protect Brooke from a stalker.
Mason and Rissi’s story dials up the emotional intensity as they share a very broken childhood together, but lost touch over the years after Rissi disappeared to flee the bad situation. Mason resurfaces in the prior book, The Killing Tide, and Rissi finds herself fighting old feelings. The two are paired up on the oil rig investigation and sparks fly. I loved Rissi from The Killing Tide, and her reconnection to Mason is filled with all kinds of romantic tension. Based on their shared past, their feelings don’t take long to surface. And Noah also has a love interest of his own. But outside of the developing relationships, the story line is quite complex and kept me hooked to the end trying to figure out not only the culprit but the motivation behind all of the attacks. The book does a great job of blending the romance with the suspense of all of the investigations the CGIS agents are working.
I highly recommend The Crushing Depths for romantic suspense fans. There’s just so much action and suspense packed into this novel along with characters readers will love.
Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There are so many words to express this wonderful story. Intrigue, action, murders, investigations, love story and a supposed curse. Several character’s stories take place in this book. You feel as if the characters are people you know. It will keep you enthralled. It is easy to Immerse yourself into “The Crushing Depths.” I received a copy through Netgalley and my review is voluntary.
And the action continues with the second installment in this exciting suspense series from Dani Pettrey! This book picks up right where the last one left off, so I do recommend that you read the series in order, but this series has been great, so that should be no trial! I liked Rissi and Mason a lot in the first book and was excited that they took center stage in this second novel. They share similar painful pasts, which makes their relationship that much better. I love how the characters are flawed and real. Like the first book, the story starts with multiple characters, which takes a few chapters to keep straight, but this eventually allows there to be multiple potential villains and the plot less predictable. I suggest that you make sure your laundry is done and your house is clean before starting this book, because once you start, you will not be able to put it down! I enjoyed the suspenseful plot. I definitely recommend this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This is the second book in Dani Pettrey’s newest series, The Coastal Guardians. As with Pettrey’s other series, each book takes up right where the last one ended, so you’ll want to read book one, The Killing Tide, first. There’s a lot of background material in that book about this book’s two main characters, Rissi and Mason.
Pettrey’s tagline, “Up All Night Suspense,” fits well with this book. I had a hard time putting it down! There are plot twists galore, loveable “good” characters and plenty of despicable “bad” characters – but wait, which of the “good” ones are really “bad” ones, and which of the “bad” ones aren’t so bad after all??!!
I’ve tried reading books by other suspense writers whose writing styles I just don’t like, but Pettrey’s books have just the right blend of tension and release, hunting the “bad guys” and romance, intense encounters and fun relaxing times on the beach.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no obligation to post a review
#TheCrushingDepths #NetGalley
3.5 stars
“Not the curse again . . . ”
People are dying aboard an oil rig positioned off the coast of North Carolina. While Coast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are being flown in to determine the cause of the most recent incident, their helicopter takes a tragic nose dive into the “crushing depths” of the Atlantic Ocean.
Rissi and Mason are no ordinary team members, for they shared years of common mistreatment as orphans before experiencing separation during their young adult years; neither knowing what had happened to the other until years later when their paths miraculously coincide in the Coast Guard. However, in the interest of justice, their personal reunion will have to be put on hold, for rig personnel continue to meet an untimely demise as Rissi and Mason interview employees, and rush to process the evidence. Is it internal sabotage, are fanatical environmental activists exacting their revenge, or has “Harry’s curse” raised its ugly head once again?
In my opinion, this book blew a little hot and cold; there were so many characters and relationships to navigate in the initial chapters that it took multiple pages for the story to hit full stride. When it did, a wonderful narrative unfolded, with impressive minor characters filling in sub-plots that were interesting, romantic, and intriguing. . . .only to skid to an abrupt halt at an ending that felt rushed; the substance of the story de-escalated so quickly that readers may close the cover feeling a little cheated . . . except that “The Crushing Depths” is not the final book in this series, and another book by Dani Pettrey is always a good thing.
Another great read by Dani Pettrey and the second book in this new series!
A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon following Rissi and Mason as they solve their case on an oil rig along with different complications getting their way!
I loved guessing whodunit in this book! It’s not who you think it is at first!
Pettrey has a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat to see what Rissi and Mason and the other team members will do next!
There were different places in this book that will make you laugh and if not at least grinning at the team member’s gentle banter throughout the book. It’s what I liked best about this book.
Another thing I liked was how Pettrey has indeed done her research for the investigation part of this book so we’ll that she’s made it so believable and real like you were a part of the team yourself! This book was fantastic!
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series because this sure did not disappoint!
I highly recommend this great read! You’ll not be disappointed!
My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of the book. I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book.
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.
HIGH OCTANE INTENSITY!
Author Dani Pettrey’s, THE CRUSHING DEPTHS (Coastal Guardians Book #2), is nothing short of High Octane Intensity! She has chosen the setting to be the first drilling platform off the coast of North Carolina. A tragic accident has occurred and two CGIS Agents, Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers, have been sent to investigate. Pettrey knows how to get readers attention and keep it and she does so early by dropping little hints of an Environmentalist Group’s threats, a drunk’s mention of “a curse on the rig” and the helicopter that was transporting Rissi and Mason crashed! This is just the beginning!! Readers better be prepared to get their drink of choice, find a comfy spot and kick back because they are not going to want to leave until the final page is read! Be prepared to see greed, deceit, cunning and all other manner of evil lead up to multiple murders. A first rate book and I highly recommended it!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Dani Pettrey crushes it in the second installment of the Coastal Guardian Series. The Crushing Depths starts off with a bang, literally, and offers one harrowing turn after another. I didn’t know who was responsible for the things that were happening until the very end, so that was intriguing. Readers were introduced to Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers in The Killing Tide, and as characters go, they are great. I liked them both, and liked their backstory, which allowed for several tender moments that made you say “Ah.” There were funny moments when the whole team was working together to solve the mystery, and a great set-up for book three. I liked that Rissi and Mason were both Christians and that faith played a great part of their story. If you decide to read this before book one, you won’t be lost. Book one would offer you a little more information about the characters, but nothing so monumental you’ll feel like you’ve entered a story in the middle. There’s a lot to enjoy about this book.
“Please, Father, help me to know that You are in control— always. That I don’t have to worry about what is happening under Your watchful eye.”
Ten years ago, foster kids Rissi and Mason were each other’s everything. They were separated, yet they each found their place in the Coast Guard Investigative Service. When Mason shows up to join her team in NC, Rissi can barely comprehend God’s most recent amazing gift. Being together again is wonderful and different- getting to know each other as adults only intensifies the depths of love they have harbored all along. Rissi and Mason are immediately pulled into a multi-faceted, high-intensity investigation on board an off-shore oil platform filled with elements murder, sabotage, ecoterrorism, and revenge. With danger around every corner, can Rissi and Mason put the pieces together in time?
I loved this story even more than the first book in the series, The Killing Tide. Dani really crushed it with The Crushing Depths!! While you can read this one independently, I do encourage you to read them in order so you know everyone going in. I love how Mason fits with the team and how perfect he is for Rissi. Their reunion was a joy to read. Timid, tender feelings going both ways growing into something much stronger under pressure. The suspense portion was nuanced and quite the page-turner. I love how Dani’s characters are flawed, real Christians who draw on faith in crisis.
I also really enjoyed the sidebar story with Noah and Brooke and the tension between Logan & Emmy and Caleb & Austin. I’m hoping we get full length books focused on all three couples as Dani continues the series.
Once again, Dani hits all the right romantic suspense notes that makes me look forward to every new release. Overall, this book is highly recommended!
Thank you so much to Dani Pettrey and Bethany House for allowing me the honor of helping to launch this book.
A complex and intriguing plot:
This is the second book in the Coastal Guardians series but it can be read as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first book yet it did not detract from my ability to enjoy this one. However it was a bit challenging to follow along at times due to the many different characters interacting at once and with the POV also switching up between multiple characters frequently. With their being so many characters and side stories I also found that I wasn’t able to form as close a bond to the main couple as I would have liked to. Overall I enjoyed this book though and found it was well paced, with plenty of intrigue and suspense. I really liked the various investigations and was kept on the edge of my seat and guessing until the end.
I did enjoy the interaction and friendships between the different characters and the budding romance between Rissi and Mason. Due to the limited time span of the book, there was not much growth or romantic development but hopefully more will be revealed in upcoming books.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Dani Pettrey exhibits her signature style and gift of creating ordinary characters doing extraordinary things. In the second book of her Coast Guard series, the setting is an oil rig that seems to be cursed. Two members of the CGIS team are sent to investigate and end up endangering themselves in their dogged quest for the truth. The book was well-researched and I received a lot of knowledge about how the investigative team works as well as what the crew of an oil rig does. The vivid descriptions placed me mentally right into the scene, with the ocean rolling and the storms rushing in. I loved how the author created a suspenseful and intricate plot that kept me enthralled as I read. The most remarkable part of the book, in my opinion, was the effective and strong characterization. The relationship between Mason and Rissi is a stunning and emotionally charged trip into an exploration of young and tentative love. Each character had a special role in the book, with all of them contributing to a phenomenal picture of the service and private lives of those who are willing to risk their lives to save others. Noah, my favorite character and the leader of the team, displays a unique ability to perceive what the strengths are of each member of his team. Noah is also dealing with his own awakening of romantic feelings for a young woman, and I was genuinely pleased with his final acceptance that his feelings were real and should be pursued. The author’s sharp, perceptive look at members of the investigative team was riveting. The action was intense and intriguing, and I was compelled to continue to read long into the night by the absorbing story of the ill-fated oil rig. I found the entire book exceptionally well-written, with a stunning glimpse into the dangerous and sacrificial world of members of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Not all dangers for the Coast Guard are from turbulent waters. Threats from nefarious people seeking revenge or defensively protecting criminal activity abound. Join the Coast Guard Investigative Services team on their next adventures by land, sea and air to protect the east coast and each other.
Dani Pettrey extends another flammable edition of the Coastal Guardian series that reads like a roller coaster packed with intrigue on every page. Hopefully, this won’t be the last we’ll see from this team. A few subplots warrant further storylines. Readers will not be challenged during this imaginative yet realistic world.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
The Crushing Depths
by Dani Pettrey
Book 2 in the Coastal Guardians series
Rating: 4/5
Release date: June 30, 2020
Woohoo! I love getting to know what happens next. Dani Pettrey introduced readers to some phenomenal characters in her first book of the series, The Killing Tide, and I was very impressed with how seamlessly the story continues in this second installment. However, you can still read this as a standalone and not feel like anything is missing. Get ready for a thrilling ride!
Coast Guard Investigator Rissi Dawson loves her job but when her childhood friend and crush joins their team, things get a little more interesting. Having just moved from Kodiak, Alaska, Mason Rogers was surprised to find Rissi working for the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). They are sent out to investigate whether a death on a nearby oil rig was an accident or if foul play was involved. Oil rigs are already a dangerous place to be and add in environmental activists, tensions are high and suspect. When the crewmate’s death points to murder, can Rissi and Mason find out who is to blame before they hurt someone else or get rid of the evidence? Are the environmental activists involved or is it someone on the oil rig? While trying to solve the case, can Rissi and Mason admit their feelings for each other and keep each other from danger?
I always love Dani Pettrey’s characters. Rissi is so strong and resilient after the abusive past she endured. I loved seeing her as a strong and competent agent with uncanny instincts about people. It reminded me of the TV show, Lie to Me, where the main character talked about how victims of abuse can have amazing observational people skills because of what they went through. Rissi knew how to read a room. Unfortunately, Mason did not stand out as much to me in this particular story because there was another subplot regarding Noah (Mason’s boss) and Brooke (Coast Guard medic). Mason is still a sweet and strong male lead but because there are so many other characters, I do not think he got as much development. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing since I enjoyed following all the other characters on the CGIS team, but this is why I marked it down one star.
The story is fast-paced and full of action and intrigue that the reader can’t stop reading until the end when all is revealed. There was a certain point in the book where I did suspect who the murderer was but it still was a nice surprise to read. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy clean thrillers with romance and mystery. I’m sure it will be another hit!
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and CelebrateLit for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
What I appreciate about Dani Pettrey’s books is she writes about places and situations that I am unfamiliar with in any interesting way. Not only does the suspense compel me to keep reading, but so does the storyline. The Crushing Depths contained several different subplots that related together.
The location matters. While geography is not the focus, Pettrey does pull readers into the place. I like the fact that the characters explore a bit as a part of the story. And I am still trying to figure out if I would be brave enough to sand surf.
I really had not pondered how challenging life on an oil rig would be. Both daily living and solving a crime would be hard to do. While she only touches on the environmental aspect, the conflict does make you think about your own personal views on protecting the planet. (I am all for it, but I also will admit that I like driving a car!)
What else is great about this book is that the characters overlap. Since this is the second book in the Coastal Guard series, most of the people mentioned are familiar. What that also means is that you can almost predict whose stories are going to be told next. I think this adds credibility to the stories because sometimes if a reader does not have the back story, a relationship can seem rushed and unrealistic. Mason and Rissi definitely have a history, and I enjoyed seeing how God redeemed their pain.
Learning that the characters have struggles and situations to overcome also makes this book more relatable. The theme of this one is overcoming the past. As a Christian suspense book, the characters do grow in their relationships with God. At least most of them do. Will be interesting to see how a few of them move forward from their own stuck places in the next book.
I do recommend this book by Dani Pettrey. Thank you to NetGalley and to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy to read. All opinions are my own.