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An Underwater Investigation #1
Swimming with the Dead
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Hannah Sampson knows terror. Unseeable, unknowable predators that lurk in the deep. She’s a cop, an expert scuba diver, and leader of the Denver Underwater CSI team. For Hannah, diving is nasty business in polluted lakes and frigid reservoirs where no one is ever found alive. When a scientist is found dead under 70 feet of tropical ocean, Sampson is summoned to the sun-drenched beaches of the British Virgin Islands to investigate. She is fully prepared to face unknowable dangers beneath the crystal-clear waters of an idyllic paradise. But the possibility of murder runs deeper and darker than the sea itself.
Whatever the victim was looking for, he found. Whatever he found was the death of him. Now Hannah must discover for herself what lies beneath-a secret that could take Hannah's breath away.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathy is the author of four mysteries in the Underwater Investigation Series. She is the co-author with her son, Max Maddox, of the bestselling Walks On The Margins: A Story of Bipolar Illness, which received the Colorado Independent Publishers Association Award. She is the recipient of the Golden Quill Award from the Pikes Peak Library Association and the 2012 National Alliance on Mental Illness Award. Kathy has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric and taught writing at the University of Colorado for ten years before becoming a full-time author. She is an avid sailor and scuba diver. She lives in Colorado. Visit her websites www.csi-underwater-mysteries.com and www.kathybrandtauthor.com.
Hannah Sampson knows terror. Unseeable, unknowable predators that lurk in the deep. She’s a cop, an expert scuba diver, and leader of the Denver Underwater CSI team. For Hannah, diving is nasty business in polluted lakes and frigid reservoirs where no one is ever found alive. When a scientist is found dead under 70 feet of tropical ocean, Sampson is summoned to the sun-drenched beaches of the British Virgin Islands to investigate. She is fully prepared to face unknowable dangers beneath the crystal-clear waters of an idyllic paradise. But the possibility of murder runs deeper and darker than the sea itself.
Whatever the victim was looking for, he found. Whatever he found was the death of him. Now Hannah must discover for herself what lies beneath-a secret that could take Hannah's breath away.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathy is the author of four mysteries in the Underwater Investigation Series. She is the co-author with her son, Max Maddox, of the bestselling Walks On The Margins: A Story of Bipolar Illness, which received the Colorado Independent Publishers Association Award. She is the recipient of the Golden Quill Award from the Pikes Peak Library Association and the 2012 National Alliance on Mental Illness Award. Kathy has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric and taught writing at the University of Colorado for ten years before becoming a full-time author. She is an avid sailor and scuba diver. She lives in Colorado. Visit her websites www.csi-underwater-mysteries.com and www.kathybrandtauthor.com.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2003
36 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Brandt
10 books46 followersKathy is the author of Walks on the Margins: A Story of Bipolar Illness, co-authored with her son, Max Maddox. It was a finalist for the Iowa Review Award in Non-Fiction. She also writes the Hannah Sampson Underwater Investigation series.
After her son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1999, Kathy became a vocal advocate for those with mental illness and their families. She has served is on the board of directors for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) most recently as president of the local chapter. She is the recipient of the 2012 NAMI Award for Outstanding Service and the Golden Quill Award for "Walks on the Margins."
Kathy has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric and taught writing at the University of Colorado.
Sourced:
After her son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1999, Kathy became a vocal advocate for those with mental illness and their families. She has served is on the board of directors for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) most recently as president of the local chapter. She is the recipient of the 2012 NAMI Award for Outstanding Service and the Golden Quill Award for "Walks on the Margins."
Kathy has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric and taught writing at the University of Colorado.
Sourced:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 16, 2014
As I sit here in the freezing weather, just outside Denver, I can’t help but envy Hannah Sampson. Heck, Hannah should envy herself! Stuck knee-deep and zero degrees into a bitter winter in Denver, Hannah, a Homicide Detective for the DPD is called to the scene of what first seems to be a senseless crime. The secretary of the Police Commissioner, Greta, has been murdered in the file room of the Commissioner’s offices. While the room is torn to pieces, the contents are so innocuous, there is really no reason for the death, or the break-in.
When Hannah received a call from the Commissioner’s assistant the next day, she is pulled into a situation she never would have believed. A month before, the Commissioner’s son died while diving a shipwreck off of Great Camanoe, an island in the BVI (British Virgin Islands). The investigation, slapdash at best, was dropped with minimal investigation, and an outcome of “Death by Drowning.” Commissioner Duvall and his wife Caroline cannot, and will not, accept that their son, Michael, a professional diver and Marine Biologist, would have died so carelessly. They want the situation investigation, and answers found. And who better to do that than Hannah, who is not only Homicide Detective, but also head of Denver Homicide’s Dive & Recovery Team?
When Hannah arrives upon the breathtaking shores of the BVI, things immediately turn interesting as her investigation leads further and further into darkness. Did Michael truly drown due to his own carelessness? Or is there something much more evil occurring, something that could endanger Hannah’s life?
Swimming With The Dead was an absolute pleasure to read. It is always fun when a book is set in your own home area, and with the author, Kathy Brandt, being a “local” as well, it was great fun to follow Hannah through Denver before she left for the BVI. Then, when she arrives in the BVI, the surroundings become even more interesting, as Hannah becomes more and more involved in her investigation. I loved how Ms. Brandt described the islands and the people, the colour and vibrancy of that gorgeous world. Her descriptions of the underwater world were stunning, as well as being informative as Hannah follows through on Michael’s quest to protect the ocean and her creatures. The book is well researched, and draws you into the beauty and the warmth of her story. At first, honestly, I didn’t really care for Hannah herself. She comes across as hard and emotionally distant, and her seeming lack of care for the environment and the fragility of the ecosystem seems quite odd for a resident of this beautiful state. However, as you come to know Hannah and what her life is, you begin to understand. And as Hannah begins to bloom, you get a true feel for a woman who is damaged, but begins to live once again, and appreciate the beauty around her.
I will be checking out Ms. Brandt’s other works in the Hannah Swenson world, and very much look forward to the pleasure.
This book was provided to me by netgalley in return for a realistic review. All opinions are my own.
Check out Ms. Brandt's website for information not only on her books, but also about the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and her role with the organization.
When Hannah received a call from the Commissioner’s assistant the next day, she is pulled into a situation she never would have believed. A month before, the Commissioner’s son died while diving a shipwreck off of Great Camanoe, an island in the BVI (British Virgin Islands). The investigation, slapdash at best, was dropped with minimal investigation, and an outcome of “Death by Drowning.” Commissioner Duvall and his wife Caroline cannot, and will not, accept that their son, Michael, a professional diver and Marine Biologist, would have died so carelessly. They want the situation investigation, and answers found. And who better to do that than Hannah, who is not only Homicide Detective, but also head of Denver Homicide’s Dive & Recovery Team?
When Hannah arrives upon the breathtaking shores of the BVI, things immediately turn interesting as her investigation leads further and further into darkness. Did Michael truly drown due to his own carelessness? Or is there something much more evil occurring, something that could endanger Hannah’s life?
Swimming With The Dead was an absolute pleasure to read. It is always fun when a book is set in your own home area, and with the author, Kathy Brandt, being a “local” as well, it was great fun to follow Hannah through Denver before she left for the BVI. Then, when she arrives in the BVI, the surroundings become even more interesting, as Hannah becomes more and more involved in her investigation. I loved how Ms. Brandt described the islands and the people, the colour and vibrancy of that gorgeous world. Her descriptions of the underwater world were stunning, as well as being informative as Hannah follows through on Michael’s quest to protect the ocean and her creatures. The book is well researched, and draws you into the beauty and the warmth of her story. At first, honestly, I didn’t really care for Hannah herself. She comes across as hard and emotionally distant, and her seeming lack of care for the environment and the fragility of the ecosystem seems quite odd for a resident of this beautiful state. However, as you come to know Hannah and what her life is, you begin to understand. And as Hannah begins to bloom, you get a true feel for a woman who is damaged, but begins to live once again, and appreciate the beauty around her.
I will be checking out Ms. Brandt’s other works in the Hannah Swenson world, and very much look forward to the pleasure.
This book was provided to me by netgalley in return for a realistic review. All opinions are my own.
Check out Ms. Brandt's website for information not only on her books, but also about the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and her role with the organization.
January 21, 2011
This was the first of what might become a series set in the tropics was very interesting. The lady cop was smart, strong and interesting. I think she will become one fun cop to watch. I’ll be on the lookout for the next book. This story started in Denver Co and ended in the Bahamas.
July 23, 2016
After reading some mediocre mysteries recently, Swimming with the dead was a refreshing change.
August 13, 2020
Hardened Denver Detective investigated in the BVI
It is a cold and miserable January day in Denver Colorado. Homicide detective Hannah Sampson is a skeptical, no nonsense professional.
Most people who are asked to drop all their ongoing cases in minus degree weather to investigate a death in the British Virgin would be ecstatic. Hannah is not.
She is an expert diver. She is used to murky, polluted Denver waters where she and her team recover the dead. She sees diving as a chore. Diving to look at weird sounding, strange sea creatures seems silly and investigating an obvious accidental death is a waste of time.
Arriving in the British Virgin Islands, or BVI, she soon realizes someone does not want her snooping. Which of course makes her "dive in" further.
Swimming with the Dead is a wonderful mystery . Although, the Who was apparent, the How and Why was not. Kathy Brandt gives some good descriptions of BVI life, culture, and cuisine . The scuba diving parts appeared accurate as well.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
It is a cold and miserable January day in Denver Colorado. Homicide detective Hannah Sampson is a skeptical, no nonsense professional.
Most people who are asked to drop all their ongoing cases in minus degree weather to investigate a death in the British Virgin would be ecstatic. Hannah is not.
She is an expert diver. She is used to murky, polluted Denver waters where she and her team recover the dead. She sees diving as a chore. Diving to look at weird sounding, strange sea creatures seems silly and investigating an obvious accidental death is a waste of time.
Arriving in the British Virgin Islands, or BVI, she soon realizes someone does not want her snooping. Which of course makes her "dive in" further.
Swimming with the Dead is a wonderful mystery . Although, the Who was apparent, the How and Why was not. Kathy Brandt gives some good descriptions of BVI life, culture, and cuisine . The scuba diving parts appeared accurate as well.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 28, 2018
The premise is that a man is found dead in the wreck of a ship off the coast of the Virgin Islands. The local cops say it's a case of accidental drowning. The man's family is not so sure.
I liked the fact that this police procedural involves underwater crimes and investigation -- and the undersea exploration part is the most enjoyable aspect of the story. There's a female cop, a love interest, and not too much gore and awfulness. All of these things are great.
What I didn't love were the scooby-do elements of the story (e.g. bad guys who say, "I would have gotten away with it if it weren't for you meddling kids!"). But I read this in a day -- it was fast, easy, and entertaining.
I liked the fact that this police procedural involves underwater crimes and investigation -- and the undersea exploration part is the most enjoyable aspect of the story. There's a female cop, a love interest, and not too much gore and awfulness. All of these things are great.
What I didn't love were the scooby-do elements of the story (e.g. bad guys who say, "I would have gotten away with it if it weren't for you meddling kids!"). But I read this in a day -- it was fast, easy, and entertaining.
February 7, 2023
I loved the first chapter, it had a great start. Then it slowed right down. I found it hard to get into and forced myself to finish reading it. It did have a good ending and wrapped up well. I liked Hannah’s character but it was still pretty boring to me. The part I did enjoy about this book is the great details the author put in the description of the BVI. I enjoyed the details of the beach, water, sailing and sun etc. It was the most enjoyable part of the book, I could picture it well because she was so descriptive.
November 22, 2021
Ich habe es zu ende gelesen aber viele seiten übersprungen. Das Buch hat unendlich viele Charaktere und die Geschichte ist ziemlich verwinkelt. Aber irgendwie auch sehr langweilig.
November 6, 2024
Too boring of a story to be so long.
September 12, 2020
Looking for a book with real diving in it? Kathy Brandt describes forensic diving and details experiences in both beautiful and harsh environments. I learned a lot. The characters were interesting but could have been filled out a bit more. The mystery was ok, and the romance...well couldn't really see the attraction. But, the diving, that was good.
August 19, 2017
A most excellent 5 star read!
Heck yeah, this is my new favorite series! loving the environmental side to it. My little brother has been an environmentalist, naturalist and all around saving the world kind of guy so this book very much appeals to me.
Many, many years ago a friend and I took scuba lessons. He did well but me, not so much. The scuba angle is what intrigued me about the book and the story is what kept me turning pages.
This is the first book in a series that starts in Denver and ends up in the BVI, British Virgin Islands. Homicide Detective Hannah Sampson is head of the Denver dive and recovery team. The Denver police commissioner's son Michael who was an expert diver and researcher has died in what appears to be a tragic accident while diving in a sunken wreck off the coast of the Tortuga. Soon after when the commissioners office is broken into, ransacked and his secretary shot dead he decides his sons death was no accident and he sends Hannah down to investigate.
Hannah arrives on the island and starts to question all who knew Michael, his beautiful fiancé and her short tempered father, the very handsome wealthy islander Peter that has set his sights on Hannah, a shifty dock hand, and a host of other colorful fun characters. Almost immediately someone tries to run her over in a car and she realizes she must be onto something. With the help of the reluctant police Chief Dunn and some very scary dives to the wreck where Michael was found they try to solve the mystery of what really happened to Michael and why.
This is a great colorful and vivid story of life in the islands, the way the author describes the diving makes you feel like you are right there in the water with her. I really enjoyed the differences she pointed out between diving in the mostly dark, muddy lakes and rivers recovering bodies in Denver as opposed to the beautiful tropical waters of the Caribbean where diving is actually fun and if not careful you can become entranced in all the colorful underwater beauty. Of special importance to me were the environmental issues that were raised and hopefully will be talked about in the other books in this series.
Hannah is a wonderful strong and funny loner type of gal, married to the job. She is someone I felt I could hang out with comfortably, not to mention learn a lot from. There are many twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end and if you are like me you will be eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.
Heck yeah, this is my new favorite series! loving the environmental side to it. My little brother has been an environmentalist, naturalist and all around saving the world kind of guy so this book very much appeals to me.
Many, many years ago a friend and I took scuba lessons. He did well but me, not so much. The scuba angle is what intrigued me about the book and the story is what kept me turning pages.
This is the first book in a series that starts in Denver and ends up in the BVI, British Virgin Islands. Homicide Detective Hannah Sampson is head of the Denver dive and recovery team. The Denver police commissioner's son Michael who was an expert diver and researcher has died in what appears to be a tragic accident while diving in a sunken wreck off the coast of the Tortuga. Soon after when the commissioners office is broken into, ransacked and his secretary shot dead he decides his sons death was no accident and he sends Hannah down to investigate.
Hannah arrives on the island and starts to question all who knew Michael, his beautiful fiancé and her short tempered father, the very handsome wealthy islander Peter that has set his sights on Hannah, a shifty dock hand, and a host of other colorful fun characters. Almost immediately someone tries to run her over in a car and she realizes she must be onto something. With the help of the reluctant police Chief Dunn and some very scary dives to the wreck where Michael was found they try to solve the mystery of what really happened to Michael and why.
This is a great colorful and vivid story of life in the islands, the way the author describes the diving makes you feel like you are right there in the water with her. I really enjoyed the differences she pointed out between diving in the mostly dark, muddy lakes and rivers recovering bodies in Denver as opposed to the beautiful tropical waters of the Caribbean where diving is actually fun and if not careful you can become entranced in all the colorful underwater beauty. Of special importance to me were the environmental issues that were raised and hopefully will be talked about in the other books in this series.
Hannah is a wonderful strong and funny loner type of gal, married to the job. She is someone I felt I could hang out with comfortably, not to mention learn a lot from. There are many twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end and if you are like me you will be eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.
December 29, 2014
This was my first scuba diving fiction book so I had high hopes that it would be heavy with the diving. The author’s description of preparing dive equipment and diving overall was great!
This is a murder mystery too, one of a series of four books. There was suspense which helped pull the story forward, but the overall plot was a bit predictable.
However, the grammar was sub-par which irritated me. Commas and mistakes were more common than they should have been.
Hannah Sampson, the main character and whose perspective the book takes, is a very experienced rescue diver from Denver, Colorado who has never had the pleasure of diving in warm waters with where she can see. She has an attitude of ‘what’s so special about the ocean?’ towards the protection of the reef and diving there in general. But I can see by Chapter 7 that she’s going to fall in love with the Caribbean and most likely move to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) by the end of this book.
And after her first meeting with Peter O’Brien, I can tell that it’s clearly leading up to a sex scene which has been hinted at. Although thankfully, it was not a romance novel worthy steamy-passion-lust-fest description; it was tasteful and short. It actually fit nicely into the story, which surprised me.
Each chapter there seemed to be a new character introduced so it was hard to keep everyone but Hannah, Peter O’Brien and Chief Dunn straight, the rest all seemed to run together.
Rating: 3/5
Final Thoughts: The overall plot was easy to follow, despite all the irrelevant characters, and the scuba action was great. It was a light read and fast. While not overly complicated or with a lot of character development, it was a simple and light-hearted story which I enjoyed.
This is a murder mystery too, one of a series of four books. There was suspense which helped pull the story forward, but the overall plot was a bit predictable.
However, the grammar was sub-par which irritated me. Commas and mistakes were more common than they should have been.
Hannah Sampson, the main character and whose perspective the book takes, is a very experienced rescue diver from Denver, Colorado who has never had the pleasure of diving in warm waters with where she can see. She has an attitude of ‘what’s so special about the ocean?’ towards the protection of the reef and diving there in general. But I can see by Chapter 7 that she’s going to fall in love with the Caribbean and most likely move to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) by the end of this book.
And after her first meeting with Peter O’Brien, I can tell that it’s clearly leading up to a sex scene which has been hinted at. Although thankfully, it was not a romance novel worthy steamy-passion-lust-fest description; it was tasteful and short. It actually fit nicely into the story, which surprised me.
Each chapter there seemed to be a new character introduced so it was hard to keep everyone but Hannah, Peter O’Brien and Chief Dunn straight, the rest all seemed to run together.
Rating: 3/5
Final Thoughts: The overall plot was easy to follow, despite all the irrelevant characters, and the scuba action was great. It was a light read and fast. While not overly complicated or with a lot of character development, it was a simple and light-hearted story which I enjoyed.
April 26, 2013
SWIMMING WITH THE DEAD
AUTHOR - KATHY BRANDT
STARS - 5
REVIEWER - WENDE SHEETS
Michael Duvall was an avid scuba diver. Loved the water, loved the sea life and wanted it protected. While working on his dissertation on the British Virgin Islands, he becomes trapped under sea and drowns. George Duvall, Denver Police Commissioner, was not going to accept that Michael's drowning was an accident. George is convinced that Michael was killed but who and why ??
Hannah Sampson, a Denver Homicide Detective, is being hired by George to find the missing puzzle to Michael's death. Hannah has the experience and know how to get the job done. Hannah and Michael had one thing in common - scuba diving. Hannah is also head of the Denver underwater recovery team. She has the experience and know how !
Hannah hadn't even unpacked her bags before a blue Honda tries to run her down. Every step Hannah takes on this beautiful island the more clues she finds. Michael was found trapped under the wreckage of a Russian Refrigeration Ship. When Hannah goes down for a view of the science she encounters more than she hoping for.
What a great read ! Murder, love and suspense all under one title. Just when I thought I had it figured out the author added another exciting twist. There was many times while reading this I dreamed of sitting on a beach ! I loved the vivid descriptions of the under water life, so colorful. I even learned some really neat facts about coral reefs.
Very good read and I will be reading book 2 !
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
AUTHOR - KATHY BRANDT
STARS - 5
REVIEWER - WENDE SHEETS
Michael Duvall was an avid scuba diver. Loved the water, loved the sea life and wanted it protected. While working on his dissertation on the British Virgin Islands, he becomes trapped under sea and drowns. George Duvall, Denver Police Commissioner, was not going to accept that Michael's drowning was an accident. George is convinced that Michael was killed but who and why ??
Hannah Sampson, a Denver Homicide Detective, is being hired by George to find the missing puzzle to Michael's death. Hannah has the experience and know how to get the job done. Hannah and Michael had one thing in common - scuba diving. Hannah is also head of the Denver underwater recovery team. She has the experience and know how !
Hannah hadn't even unpacked her bags before a blue Honda tries to run her down. Every step Hannah takes on this beautiful island the more clues she finds. Michael was found trapped under the wreckage of a Russian Refrigeration Ship. When Hannah goes down for a view of the science she encounters more than she hoping for.
What a great read ! Murder, love and suspense all under one title. Just when I thought I had it figured out the author added another exciting twist. There was many times while reading this I dreamed of sitting on a beach ! I loved the vivid descriptions of the under water life, so colorful. I even learned some really neat facts about coral reefs.
Very good read and I will be reading book 2 !
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
January 29, 2014
Take a break from the cold and hit the tropical waters in the British Virgin Islands. That's where Kathy Brandt takes us in her debut novel in her underwater investigation cozy series. Hannah Sampson is a Denver cop and on assignment. When someone murdered the local secretary in her boss's office from a break-in, it sets the scene for this wild mystery. By request of her boss to find out who killed his son in the BVI from a diving excursion, Hannah Sampson heads to the islands by assignment. With her scuba diving expertise for search and rescue in recovery, her arrival to the British Virgin Islands was nothing but a warm rescue. From there, people claimed it was an "accidental drowning." It's up to Hannah to dispel the truth, when she goes under the water and finds out for herself, when she learned more about his life. She finds love and friends over there. From Hannah's POV, we learn more about her past and heartaches, and how she loves to scuba and sail on the water. The closer the truth she is to finding out, the more dangerous she is above and under the surface of the water. Under the sea, there lies within the answers she seeks...
May 11, 2012
In Kathy Brandt's Swimming with the Dead, Denver detective Hannah Sampson races to discover who murdered a colleague's scuba-diving son in the Virgin Islands. Only someone in the islands doesn't like her poking around and will do anything to get rid of her.
Tightly-plotted with plenty of twists, the action is narrated with the first-person, tongue-in-cheek cynicism of a modern-day Travis McGee as Hannah dispenses personal philosophy and commentary on the quirks of modern living while she tracks down the murderer and tries to keep herself alive.
Packed with local color, the story transports readers to a Caribbean where they can hear the waves, smell the grilled snapper and feel a scuba regulator shuddering as a cylinder goes empty 70 feet underwater. The diving details are spot-on.
Swimming with the Dead, the first in Brandt's Hannah Sampson series, is the perfect book for people looking for a quick, engaging vacation read, especially if they're headed to the Caribbean and/or a scuba holiday.
Tightly-plotted with plenty of twists, the action is narrated with the first-person, tongue-in-cheek cynicism of a modern-day Travis McGee as Hannah dispenses personal philosophy and commentary on the quirks of modern living while she tracks down the murderer and tries to keep herself alive.
Packed with local color, the story transports readers to a Caribbean where they can hear the waves, smell the grilled snapper and feel a scuba regulator shuddering as a cylinder goes empty 70 feet underwater. The diving details are spot-on.
Swimming with the Dead, the first in Brandt's Hannah Sampson series, is the perfect book for people looking for a quick, engaging vacation read, especially if they're headed to the Caribbean and/or a scuba holiday.
October 29, 2016
A Denver policewoman, an underwater rescue diver, heads to the Caribbean to investigate the death of an environmental scientist.
The scuba diving aspect of the story was interesting. Some description of the underwater environs Hannah Sampson explores enriches the story. But Brandt goes overboard (pun intended) describing every bit of coral and listing every fish she sees. She does the same on land with all the flowers and shrubs Hannah sees.
Cops are taught to assess situations. Hannah seems to have forgotten her police academy training – charging into situations without a thought to possible bad outcomes. She clearly has a case of ‘Too Dumb To Live’ disease. It’s a common malady that often infects female main characters.
Brandt played fair with the readers, giving them all the clues they need to figure out the crime. She also didn’t have Hannah fall into bed with the hunky wealthy man two minutes after she meets him.
This e-book had about the same number of grammar and usage errors as most.
I’ll read more books in this series but I won’t seek them out.
The scuba diving aspect of the story was interesting. Some description of the underwater environs Hannah Sampson explores enriches the story. But Brandt goes overboard (pun intended) describing every bit of coral and listing every fish she sees. She does the same on land with all the flowers and shrubs Hannah sees.
Cops are taught to assess situations. Hannah seems to have forgotten her police academy training – charging into situations without a thought to possible bad outcomes. She clearly has a case of ‘Too Dumb To Live’ disease. It’s a common malady that often infects female main characters.
Brandt played fair with the readers, giving them all the clues they need to figure out the crime. She also didn’t have Hannah fall into bed with the hunky wealthy man two minutes after she meets him.
This e-book had about the same number of grammar and usage errors as most.
I’ll read more books in this series but I won’t seek them out.
June 1, 2014
Awesome. As soon as I finished this one, I bought the other books! It took me a while to connect with the main character but that was because she tries to maintain emotional distance. As she opens to the wonders of the island and the people there, she opened to me. That is good writing!!!
Hannah Sampson is a police detective in Denver but when a murder in the office of the police commissioner casts doubt on the "accidental" death of his son in the British Virgin Islands, the commissioner ask dive team leader Sampson to investigate. Tragedy in her past has her as closed down at the cold and murky waters that she usually dives but this island experience warms her heart as the sun warms her skin. Lovely!
Hannah Sampson is a police detective in Denver but when a murder in the office of the police commissioner casts doubt on the "accidental" death of his son in the British Virgin Islands, the commissioner ask dive team leader Sampson to investigate. Tragedy in her past has her as closed down at the cold and murky waters that she usually dives but this island experience warms her heart as the sun warms her skin. Lovely!
November 28, 2015
This is the first in a 4-book series. Hannah Sampson is a homicide detective and team leader of the Denver police scuba team. She is sent to Tortola to investigate the death of Denver's police commisioner after a break-in at his office in which the only things that seem to have been bothered are the commisioner's son's belongings. His death was labeled an accidental drowning, but Hannah's investigation finds lots of overlooked evidence that could add up to murder. This book was enjoyable, filled with characters and suspects, beautiful surroundings. Am looking forward to reading the next one.
July 7, 2008
I went looking for fiction about scuba diving, because of my deep love of the sport. This was a very fun read! I found this at my local library along with another by Kathy Brandt, "Under Pressure". The main character of the book, Hannah Sampson, is the head of the Dive and Recovery Team of the Denver homicide division. She's sent to the BVI, British Virgin Islands, on a case. Its full of murder, intrigue, a sunken cargo ship, and search for treasure. She's never gone diving in water that was not only warm, but beautiful, so the trip is a unique experience for her.
February 12, 2010
I really liked this mystery and not sure I can articulate exactly why I liked it so much to give it 4 stars. I really liked Hannah Sampson and loved the novelty of a "scuba cop." Loved the description of the British Virgin Islands and deep sea diving. The mystery plot was tight and while I guessed a few of the pieces correctly I was surprised too.
I very much enjoyed the budding relationship between Hannah and Peter O'Brien. I suspect this will develop in later books in the series.
I want to go out this weekend and get the next book in this series!
I very much enjoyed the budding relationship between Hannah and Peter O'Brien. I suspect this will develop in later books in the series.
I want to go out this weekend and get the next book in this series!
January 13, 2012
The murder mystery was interesting; the atmosphere of the islands fantastic.
It was the investigation that bothered me. I had a hard time believing a good homicide detective wouldn’t follow up on a certain coincidence that occurred pretty early in the book. I mean, come on, EVERYONE knows there are no such things as coincidences during a murder investigation.
Still, I enjoyed this enough that I’ll probably pick up the next book.
It was the investigation that bothered me. I had a hard time believing a good homicide detective wouldn’t follow up on a certain coincidence that occurred pretty early in the book. I mean, come on, EVERYONE knows there are no such things as coincidences during a murder investigation.
Still, I enjoyed this enough that I’ll probably pick up the next book.
May 24, 2015
This was a satisfying mystery, with a plot complex enough to keep me guessing but not overly improbable. The main character, Hannah Sampson, is a pleasing mixture of tough, capable cop and vulnerable human being. I especially appreciated the details about diving in both cold-water and tropical situations. The setting (British Virgin Islands) is vividly rendered and makes for a good vicarious getaway. Altogether a good read.
July 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Well written and very interesting, well because, I once took scuba lessons and liked her descriptions of the difference between cold water and tropical water diving. And it was a very good mystery. I liked her descriptions of the BVI and St. Maartin, though she did the French side mostly.
May 15, 2009
I really enjoyed this mystery. The characters were interesting but gave little away (so you know that we will get to know them better in future books). The story had a good pace and kept my interest. I will be reading the rest in this series.
April 24, 2015
Very Good; Continuing character: Hannah Sampson (first in series); a diver for the Denver police department is asked to go to the Caribbean by parents whose son recently died in a diving mishap to see if it was really foul play
June 4, 2008
I love all of Kathy's books...they are all great mysterys...can't wait until her next one comes out.
May 1, 2010
This was a very good mystery. I didn't figure out the brains of the group until late in the book, which is good. I would read more in this series, if they continue like this.
February 6, 2012
i'm intrigued enough to want to continue the series
December 8, 2011
I'm always excited to find a new author and this was a good read. There are parts that are a little over the top (come on, who doesn't think the Caribbean is beautiful?), but over all a good book.
November 20, 2013
Hannah Sampson, a homicide cop from Denver, travels to the British Virgin Islands to investigate a suspicious death in a shipwreck.
July 17, 2012
ok mystery book. nothing spectacular, though.
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