Book Review: Dangerous Currents (Frank Dalton Thriller, #1) by Jonathan Shipperley

Dangerous Currents : A Frank Dalton Thriller by Jonathan Shipperley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pulse-pounding action and an intriguing murder investigation featuring special agents of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Dangerous Currents is the first book in Jonathan Shipperley’s intriguing series featuring U.S. Coast Guard Special Agent Frank Dalton. With its appealingly relatable, regular-Joe protagonist, compelling plot, and engaging storytelling, I was hooked from the very first page.

Frank Dalton is a chief warrant officer assigned to the Coast Guard Investigative Services and stationed at the Sector Command Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. With 18 years of service under his belt, he is feeling the wear and tear of the job and the ennui of the day-to-day. Kicking back on his annual leave, he’s beginning to feel the need for something new; he’s still in his 30s, after all. His sudden recall to duty by the special agent-in-charge, cutting his leave short, to investigate the accidental drowning death of a commercial fishing boat captain is all kinds of unusual, and the assignment of a new partner, recently out of the academy, to assist in his investigation doesn’t improve his mood.

Special Agent Jessica Carter, the fresh young ensign with a reputation that precedes her, is Frank’s new partner. While he was primary on the investigation and ordered to mentor Jessica in her new role, she had been told the case was her opportunity to lead. With their conflicting expectations, their initial partnering is frustrating, awkward, and was foundering. While immediately a fan of Frank’s, it took me a good minute to warm up to Jessica, but I eventually did in spades. I enjoyed the gradual way their relationship worked out, and they became a successful working team and more. I liked how both were able to tune in to their more intuitive perceptions of the world around them (i.e., they could feel someone had been on Frank's boat, Ghost, and had upset the subconscious feeling that it was a safe and protective place.)

Rather than a who-done-it, the plot involves seeking out the why and gathering the evidence needed to prove it and bring the bad guys to justice. There was a constant tension and an unnerving feeling that some hidden someone was watching their every move. Frank and Jessica are always about a half-step behind the perpetrators until they work out why. There are adrenaline-pumping, danger-filled action sequences with shocking twists that made me gasp out loud. I did not want to put this book down.

The Texas Gulf Coast and Corpus Christi descriptions were vivid and evocative, and specific details really brought the location to life. The author’s descriptions of the dry, flat topography further inland were dead on, and he nailed the impressions of driving down Ocean Drive and hanging out at the T-Head.

This book is a page-turner with a riveting mystery and an unrelenting and treacherous villain. I recommend DANGEROUS CURRENTS to readers of mysteries and thrillers, especially those who enjoy stories with a professional investigator or U.S. Coast Guard connection or Texas coastal setting.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

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