Hey y’all. It’s time for another Tuesday Book Share. I’ve been able to wheedle down my TBR list in the past few weeks. One of the books I read was Marcia Meara’s Swamp Ghosts, the first of her Riverbend Series.
Marcia published this book five years ago, but if you haven’t read it, I highly encourage you to do so. I’ll be reading the rest of her Riverbend Series and more.
Blurb:
Wildlife photographer Gunnar Wolfe looked like the kind of guy every man wanted to be and every woman just plain wanted, and the St. Johns River of central Florida drew him like a magnet. EcoTour boat owner Maggie Devlin knew all the river’s secrets, including the deadliest ones found in the swamps. But neither Maggie nor Gunn was prepared for the danger that would come after them on two legs.
On a quest to make history photographing the rarest birds of them all, Gunnar hires the fiery, no-nonsense Maggie to canoe him into the most remote wetland areas in the state. He was unprepared for how much he would enjoy both the trips and Maggie’s company. He soon realizes he wants more than she’s able to give, but before he can win her over, they make a grisly discovery that changes everything, and turns the quiet little town of Riverbend upside down. A serial killer is on the prowl among them.
My 5 Star Review:
I had Swamp Ghosts (Book One of the Riverbend Series) on my ever-growing TBR list for a few months. I don’t know why I waited so long to read it. It’s not often I finish a book in one day.
Swamp Ghosts has the elements I love in a story—mystery, suspense, and romance. A huge plus is Marcia Meara’s knowledge of the Florida area and its wildlife.
The characters are well-developed, and the chemistry between Maggie and Gunnar is evident from the start. The plot is well-written and the action fast-paced. Meara throws in enough twists and turns that kept me guessing the identity of the killer. (And no, I didn’t get it right.)
The book ends with a satisfying conclusion and a hint of what is to come in the second Riverbend book.
A resounding five stars for this one!
Author Bio:
Marcia enjoys nature. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to her very favorites, snakes. She does, however, consider squirrels to be minions of Satan, sent to drive her mad. And she truly loathes spiders, convinced that anything with eight hairy legs is surely up to no good. She does not, however, kill spiders anymore, since she knows they have their place in the world. Besides, her husband now handles her Arachnid Catch and Release Program, and she’s good with that.
The one thing Marcia would like to tell each of her readers is that it’s never too late to make your dreams come true. If, at the age of 69, she could write and publish a book (and thus fulfill 64 years of longing to do that very thing), you can make your own dreams a reality, too. Go for it! What have you got to lose?
A note about ratings. I consider three stars and above as positive reviews. I reserve five stars for books that keep me turning the pages and that I would read again. (Yes, I’ve been known to do that.)
5 Stars: Awesome story! Couldn’t put it down – Highly recommend.
4 Stars: The book kept me interested – Check it out.
3 Stars: It was okay. Not my favorite, but I didn’t dislike it enough to discontinue.
2 Stars: Book didn’t hold my interest, problems with the plot, characters, poor writing, etc.
1 Star: Don’t bother!
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36 Responses
A great review of Marcia’s book, Joan. My mum and I both loved this book.
It’s a good one. I’m looking forward to the next one.
So glad you enjoyed it, Robbie! Thanks so much. One of these days, I might have time to do more audio books, but it’s a slow process and one I wasn’t comfortable with. Still, it would be a good thing to have them on offer, so it’s on my list. 🙂 <3
I really enjoyed this
this book and felt like I was there.
She did a wonderful job with the descriptions. I love when authors make you feel as if you’re right there with the characters.
Thanks so much, Joan. My goal is for readers to feel like that they’re looking over the shoulders of my characters. (Just like I do when I’m writing down everything they say.) 😀
Thanks so much, Janet. I’m glad you went along on the adventure. Those dark, tannic-acid stained Florida waters harbor beautiful plants, birds, and all sorts of “other” creatures, too. 😀 I’ve canoed many a mile on them, and still FAR prefer the rivers to the beaches, myself. Glad you enjoyed the book. 🙂 <3
I have the first three Riverbend books on my ereader waiting for me. It sounds like I might have to bumpt them up my list. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Joan. Reblogged on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/book-review-swamp-ghosts-by-marcia-meara-tuesdaybookblog/
I loved it. The second is next on my list. Thanks for reblogging, Harmony!
I hope you enjoy them, Harmony. I’ll be eager to hear what you think. And thanks for sharing! 🙂 <3
I love a good mystery/suspense. Sounds like I need to add to my TBR list.
Thanks, Michelle. I’d love to know what you think if you get a chance to read it. 🙂
This one was great. Lots of suspense and just the right amount of romance.
Excellent review, Joan. I loved this book as well. Not only were the characters great, but I really enjoyed the up-close look at Florida wildlife…especially Blue 😉
Congratulations to Marcia!
Thanks so much, Mae. Glad you enjoyed it. Big Blue was a surprise to a lot of readers, I think, and I often talk about the differences between albino and leucistic alligators at my local nature presentations. It’s fascinating stuff, I think, and I’m glad he stuck in your mind. 😀 (Of course, most of my female readers tend to remember Gunn, you know. Just sayin’ … 😀 😀 😀 )
Well, you know…Gunn made a lasting impression on me, too, LOL!
Yes Blue was a favorite. Gotta admit she had me going for a while with his “owner.”
🙂
Thank you so much for this terrific review of Swamp Ghosts. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, and I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of the series as much. Be forewarned. The drama in the next two books does not include a serial killer. You can only have so many of those in a town the size of Riverbend before everyone would move away. 😀
Like all authors, good reviews make me do a happy dance around the room, but possibly for more reasons than might be typical. Taking up writing at this stage of my life has been the single most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done that didn’t involve raising my wonderful kids. It’s a joy to get up each day and I plan to keep writing until I forget what words are. 😀
I’m SO reblogging this. (And the timing is great, too, because I have nothing scheduled for #ShareAReviewDay today.) Thanks, Joan! 🙂 <3
I’m glad the timing worked out. I know what you mean about so many serial killers in a small town.
You are an inspiration!
Aw, thanks, Joan. I’m gonna tell my husband you said that. He might argue the point. 😀
Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Joan Hall shared her lovely review of Swamp Ghosts on her blog today, and it’s perfect timing, too, since I didn’t have anyone scheduled for #ShareAReviewDay. Hope you’ll check it out and will pass it along, far and wide. Thanks so much, and my heartfelt thanks to Joan for a splendid review! 🙂 <3
Marcia, it was a pleasure. I’m looking forward to the next book as well as your other series.
I may have to take the plunge after this review. I have the Gulf swamps on my brain right now, but from a speculative point of view.
I can just imagine what you’ll come up with. I really enjoyed this book. Marcia knows her stuff about the Florida landscape and wildlife.
Come on in, Craig. The water’s fine. Of course, it’s so dark, you can’t see what you’re swimming with, but that’s not a big deal. Honest. 😀 😀 😀
A fabulous review. Can’t wait to read my copy!!
I highly recommend it. Thanks for visiting today!
Great review. Joan;) i have this on my TBR list and want to get to it soon.!
I think you’ll enjoy it!
A great review. I read this book a while ago and loved it. The suspense, romance, evocative description and the twists all held me captive. And did I mention the twists?! Brilliant book – a genuine page turner. <3
Thanks, Trish. I’m with you, this book had all the things that interest me!
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I enjoyed this too and shared a review on my blog. https://mjmallon.com/2014/07/04/my-kyrosmagica-review-of-swamp-ghosts-by-marcia-meara/)
Thanks for stopping by, Marje. Loved your review!