Sloan McPherson and the Underwater Investigation Unit have discovered a van at the bottom of a murky Florida pond. Sealed inside the watery tomb are the bodies of four teenagers who disappeared thirty years ago after leaving a rock concert. To authorities, it looks like a tragic accident. To Sloan, it looks like murder. Every piece of evidence is starting to connect to a string of cold case vanishings throughout Florida. Clue by clue, Sloan navigates the warm, dark waters where natural predators feed, knowing that the most dangerous one is still above the surface—nesting and dormant.
But when a fresh young kill is found in the Everglades, Sloan fears that her investigation has reawakened a monster. How can she catch someone who’s a genius at hiding in plain sight? By acting as prey. The dangerous gambit is working—only too well. She’s being lured into a deception of the madman’s own design. Has Sloan set a trap for a serial killer? Or has he set one for her?
The series
The Underwater Investigation Unit series immerses readers into a world where danger lurks beneath the surface of the ocean, and no mystery is too deep to uncover. With its perfect blend of pulse-pounding suspense, meticulous police work, and the eerie allure of underwater exploration, this series presents a unique twist on the traditional thriller. Here, crime doesn’t just happen on land—it thrives beneath the waves.
Read full series description
The series follows Sloan McPherson, a seasoned detective with a past shaped by the deep blue, as she teams up with former Navy diver Scott Hughes. Together, they tackle some of the most perplexing cases involving underwater crimes, missing persons, and the shadowy world of marine ecology. From sunken wrecks to illegal treasure hunting, the stakes are always high, and the ocean itself is as much a character as the human ones.
In each installment, Mayne takes readers on a journey not only through intricate investigations but also into the heart of the ocean’s mysteries. The compelling plots dig into environmental issues like coral poaching and ecoterrorism, while also exploring the psychological toll of underwater exploration. The unpredictability of life beneath the water’s surface, where the normal rules no longer apply, adds an extra layer of tension to every chapter.
But it’s not just about the crimes. As the series progresses, the emotional stakes grow, deepening the relationships between Sloan, Scott, and the community around them. These aren’t just detectives solving crimes—they’re people with history, who are forced to face their own demons as they dive into the unknown.
Whether it’s a cruise ship bombing off the coast of Florida or a chilling disappearance that leads to a submerged treasure hunt, each story in the Underwater Investigation Unit series is filled with danger, intrigue, and complex, well-rounded characters. Mayne’s meticulous attention to detail, especially with diving techniques and marine biology, adds an authentic touch that elevates this series beyond the typical crime procedural.
For readers who crave something more than just a typical thriller, Underwater Investigation Unit delivers not only a deep dive into suspenseful mysteries but a fascinating look at the unforgiving beauty of the ocean itself. Prepare to hold your breath as you descend into the dark depths of crime and intrigue—where not everything is what it seems, and the ocean's secrets are always waiting to be discovered.
Be the first reviewer
Sign in and write the first reader review.
