Linda GreenlawSlipknot

Good first novel in the series, and she definitely knows her vessels. The ending had me holding my breath

I've read everything Greenlaw has to offer and loved everything; even the cookbook was a great "read." She is an author whose voice you hear in the background while reading---at least, that is how I perceived this book. I feel I sort of know her. Jane Bunker could very well be Linda Greenlaw as she writes with authority. Greenlaw's own true-life rendition of the triad of nasty n'or eastern storms in the middle of the Atlantic was titled "The Hungry Ocean," was mighty hard to put down. Sebastian Junger wrote a great book ("The Perfect Storm") about the storm, but you feel the first person narrative of Greenlaw's---stays with you longer. So, I liked this book because I knew what I was reading was well-researched or had been experienced first-hand. It's not brain surgery, it's not meant as the great american novel to end all novels---it is a great beach book that happens to be skillfully, expertly, and wonderfully wrought. I agree that the ending seems to leave a question about the heroine, Jane Bunker, but that's ok. It's nice to read something once in a while that leaves you wondering. Maybe Greenlaw will be coaxed into writing a sequel, or another in a series---maybe she is already at work on the next one. I hope so- because I like the setting. I live in Connecticut and have a simple basic knowledge about the fishing limits imposed on our dwindling fishing fleets and the debacle of protecting Long Island Sound from--you name it (Linda, if you read this, please come to CT for your next book-- there's lots more intrigue in these monied and overpriced homesteads on the waterfront, and I suspect a lot of skeletons in closets, not to mention an insurance investigator's playground...) There isn't anything else to say about this book other than it took me one morning the day after I received it, about 2.5 hours of time to complete it and, I couldn't even wait to go to the beach, I had to read it right away. I didn't want it to end. Except--one more thing, it's the perfect book to script into a movie; I could see a Julia Roberts-type with Jeff Bridges as the ---no wait. YOU read it & see what you think...!

I'll give this to Linda Greenlaw; she certainly can write a mystery. She had me guessing and changing my mind and looking for clues throughout the whole story, and I was still mystified in the end!However, I didn't particularly like this book...I think in a way, Linda wrote to her strengths, fishing and sailing and marine activism. However, she says presumptuous things in the book; for instance, our protagonist Jane Bunker, has a brother with downs-syndrome by the name of Wally. I can't help but feel, that the slightly uncommon, almost goofy name (not to insult the name), was unnecessary. Then, Jane, while worrying about her brother's upcoming 38th birthday, reminds herself that Wally won't really care if she's not there for his birthday, and she can send him "cool superhero stuff". The narrator also mentions that teenagers are apt to use someone's cell phone any time and without permission. The writing in this story was a little frustrating. The narrator keeps casually mentioning a history with her "mentor and best friend", but never goes into detail. I can assume though, that there is a prequel or a sequel where we'll find out more about him. However, I probably won't be buying it.This was a good book, but I don't think I'll seek out Linda Greenlaw again.Update--After reading other reviews, I wanted to point out something I think others picked up on. Throughout the story, I cannot really relate or get lost in the character Jane Bunker. All I can think about is Linda Greenlaw!

The story line is believable and complex. The nautical details got a bit too much for me (over my head and interest level).The characters kept me engaged. I have purchased the next 3 Jane Bunker series novels.

A well written book, but the ending leaves a lot to be desired. It is "open ended" in that the reader is left to guess what happens after the arrest. I am sure we will be reading more about the adventures of Jane Bunker. I look forward to more from Ms. Greenlaw.