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Mac McClellan Mystery #1
Deadly Catch
“The first cast of the day turned my dream vacation into a nightmare. . . .” After twenty-four years in the U.S. Marines, recently retired Mac McClellan is happy to be a civilian again. He is enjoying a leisurely fishing vacation in the Florida panhandle when he hooks a badly decomposed body. Then, when a bag of rare marijuana is discovered stashed aboard his rental boat, he realizes someone is setting him up to take the fall for murder and drug smuggling. Mac’s plans for a more laid-back life must be put on hold while he works to clear his name as the number one suspect. Mac launches an investigation with the help of Kate Bell, a feisty saleslady at the local marina with whom he has struck up a promising relationship. Along the way he must butt heads and match wits with local law enforcement officials, shady politicians, and strong-armed thugs from the Eastern Seaboard to sniff out and bring the real smuggler and killer to justice.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
845 people want to read
About the author
E.Michael Helms
8 books291 followersMaybe I should start by saying a few months ago (early 2022) I went up to the pearly gates of heaven.
And now I’d like to say how much I’ve enjoyed, and tormented on some, writing my books. The Proud Bastards and The Private War of Corporal Henson took some real gut-wrenching facing my feelings from the Vietnam War. As an 18-year-old in the Marine Corps I saw and did things that that no one should have to. After being traumatically wounded and returning home, the Vietnam War followed me. It remained with me all my life. And as I grew older, the memories, nightmarish scenes of carnage, flashbacks, and PTSD seemed to increase.
Having an interest in history, my next books, Of Blood and Brothers, Book 1 and 2, based on a true story of two brothers serving on opposites sides in the War Between the States, was a challenge to write because of all the research and time it took to make it as authentic as I could. And I was very pleased and satisfied with the result.
After those four books, I wanted to try writing something lighter. I lit upon the Mac McClellan mystery series. Set in Florida near where I grew up, Mac, a recently retired Marine, happens to become a private investigator. And all kinds of things just seem to happen to him, or he becomes involved with. Starting with Deadly Catch, then Deadly Ruse, Deadly Dunes, and lastly Deadly Sprits, it was a series I had fun writing. The next in the series, Deadly Verse, was left half written.
Along the way I was also busy writing blogs, mentoring inspiring writers, and critiquing and editing for others. I enjoyed all of it as writing was one of my passions. And I so much appreciated my wife, Karen, for all of her support, encouragement, and love.
And that is where the stories end dear friends and readers.
***********
I was born in Georgia way back in the last century but grew up and lived most of my life in Panama City, Florida. In 2004 my wife and I moved to the Upstate region of South Carolina in the shadows of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, a land of stunning vistas, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and numerous grand waterfalls.
I’ve been traditionally published since 1990 when my Vietnam War memoir, The Proud Bastards, was published. It’s about my time as a combat U.S. Marine in 1967-68. It’s still in print after all these years, currently with Simon & Schuster/Pocket. I’ve since written a few novels in different genres. I’m currently writing the Mac McClellan Mystery series which is set along the coast of the Florida Panhandle where I grew up.
And now I’d like to say how much I’ve enjoyed, and tormented on some, writing my books. The Proud Bastards and The Private War of Corporal Henson took some real gut-wrenching facing my feelings from the Vietnam War. As an 18-year-old in the Marine Corps I saw and did things that that no one should have to. After being traumatically wounded and returning home, the Vietnam War followed me. It remained with me all my life. And as I grew older, the memories, nightmarish scenes of carnage, flashbacks, and PTSD seemed to increase.
Having an interest in history, my next books, Of Blood and Brothers, Book 1 and 2, based on a true story of two brothers serving on opposites sides in the War Between the States, was a challenge to write because of all the research and time it took to make it as authentic as I could. And I was very pleased and satisfied with the result.
After those four books, I wanted to try writing something lighter. I lit upon the Mac McClellan mystery series. Set in Florida near where I grew up, Mac, a recently retired Marine, happens to become a private investigator. And all kinds of things just seem to happen to him, or he becomes involved with. Starting with Deadly Catch, then Deadly Ruse, Deadly Dunes, and lastly Deadly Sprits, it was a series I had fun writing. The next in the series, Deadly Verse, was left half written.
Along the way I was also busy writing blogs, mentoring inspiring writers, and critiquing and editing for others. I enjoyed all of it as writing was one of my passions. And I so much appreciated my wife, Karen, for all of her support, encouragement, and love.
And that is where the stories end dear friends and readers.
***********
I was born in Georgia way back in the last century but grew up and lived most of my life in Panama City, Florida. In 2004 my wife and I moved to the Upstate region of South Carolina in the shadows of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, a land of stunning vistas, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and numerous grand waterfalls.
I’ve been traditionally published since 1990 when my Vietnam War memoir, The Proud Bastards, was published. It’s about my time as a combat U.S. Marine in 1967-68. It’s still in print after all these years, currently with Simon & Schuster/Pocket. I’ve since written a few novels in different genres. I’m currently writing the Mac McClellan Mystery series which is set along the coast of the Florida Panhandle where I grew up.
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March 2, 2017
MYSTERY LOVERS!
Has Mac started investigating the paranormal? E. Michael Helms Presents Another Mac McClellan Mystery - DEADLY SPIRITS Blitz & #Giveaway Click on Banner to Enter - INTL unless stated - Ends March 16, 2017
For most people, taking a relaxing fishing vacation, is just that, relaxing, but for retired Marine, Mac McClellan, his first cast of the day nets him more trouble than he could have imagined. On the end of his line wasn’t the prize catch of the day, but a badly decomposing body and the sharks are circling as he becomes a suspect in the murder of a local small town girl. Something’s rotten in the small Florida fishing town and Mac isn’t sure who he can trust, but one thing’s certain, he didn’t survive active duty and a divorce to end up accused of a crime he didn’t commit. With an uneasy alliance with a local Sheriff, Mac becomes an unofficial investigator to discover who is setting him up and why. What he discovers is bigger than anyone could have imagined and the players hold enough power to get him killed.
Deadly Catch by author E. Michael Helms is filled with his signature flair for detail that places the reader directly in the thick of the action without slowing down the flow. Scents, sights and sounds come alive through his words. Mac’s character has the confidence of a career marine, who boldly, if not a little blindly stumbles through his investigation while we have the pleasure of sharing his thought process and actions minus the bullseye clearly painted on his back. What mystery is complete without a romantic interest? Mac is no James Bond, so down-to-earth Kate is the perfect match for him, but will their budding romance last? Only Mac, Kate and E. Michael Helms know for sure.
Written without excessive gore, but filled with conflict, deceit, some small town charm, and a dash of subtle humor, Deadly Catch is a firm foundation to a new series and great way to escape into a good mystery that will find you riding the twists and turns while trying to figure out who-dun-it!
Series: Mac McClellan Mysteries, Book One
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
Publisher: Seventh Street Books
ISBN: 1616148675
Genre: Adult Mystery
Number of Pages: 210
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Has Mac started investigating the paranormal? E. Michael Helms Presents Another Mac McClellan Mystery - DEADLY SPIRITS Blitz & #Giveaway Click on Banner to Enter - INTL unless stated - Ends March 16, 2017
For most people, taking a relaxing fishing vacation, is just that, relaxing, but for retired Marine, Mac McClellan, his first cast of the day nets him more trouble than he could have imagined. On the end of his line wasn’t the prize catch of the day, but a badly decomposing body and the sharks are circling as he becomes a suspect in the murder of a local small town girl. Something’s rotten in the small Florida fishing town and Mac isn’t sure who he can trust, but one thing’s certain, he didn’t survive active duty and a divorce to end up accused of a crime he didn’t commit. With an uneasy alliance with a local Sheriff, Mac becomes an unofficial investigator to discover who is setting him up and why. What he discovers is bigger than anyone could have imagined and the players hold enough power to get him killed.
Deadly Catch by author E. Michael Helms is filled with his signature flair for detail that places the reader directly in the thick of the action without slowing down the flow. Scents, sights and sounds come alive through his words. Mac’s character has the confidence of a career marine, who boldly, if not a little blindly stumbles through his investigation while we have the pleasure of sharing his thought process and actions minus the bullseye clearly painted on his back. What mystery is complete without a romantic interest? Mac is no James Bond, so down-to-earth Kate is the perfect match for him, but will their budding romance last? Only Mac, Kate and E. Michael Helms know for sure.
Written without excessive gore, but filled with conflict, deceit, some small town charm, and a dash of subtle humor, Deadly Catch is a firm foundation to a new series and great way to escape into a good mystery that will find you riding the twists and turns while trying to figure out who-dun-it!
Series: Mac McClellan Mysteries, Book One
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
Publisher: Seventh Street Books
ISBN: 1616148675
Genre: Adult Mystery
Number of Pages: 210
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
August 18, 2014
Deadly Catch by E.Michael Helms is a highly thrilling and nail-biting ride of a retired Marine guy and her friend-cum-confidant, from drug smugglers den to the minds of the powerful, dirty politicians.
Thank you E.Michael Helms for providing me with a copy of your book in return for an honest review.
Mac McClellan, a recently retired U.S Marine, enjoying fishing on his vacation in Florida panhandle, all on a sudden, he fishes out a deadly dilapidated body of a young girl and a stash of marijuana planted on his boat. Unfortunately, the dead girl is the niece of the local sheriff, Bo, hence that makes Mac as the number one suspect. All these events seems like someone's trying to frame him up. So he, along with his friend-cum-confidant, Kate, a local saleslady, decides to solve the murder mystery thereby clearing him name from this dirt. And in this process he have to face with the local drug-smuggling rings which are kept protected by those dirty politicians, also he figures out a local family feud, which is why the girl got killed in the first place.
Michael Helms has written the story in such a way, by not giving away with too many details at a time, like keeping the readers always on the loop. Also his mentioning of the chemistry between Mac and Kate is so promising that we are left for wanting more to happen between these two, its more like sudden sunlight on a dark, gloomy day. We get to see that how politics can control everything, liking hiding a murder of a girl, but there's very little hope in shedding light to that fact, and if we try to expose them, they'll come after us to silent us for once and all. All the characters looks like, they are very well- researched and well- developed. With so many twists and turns in almost every pages of the book, make this book a page-turner.
So, guys read this book, because Michael Helms will take you on an unforgettable thrill ride.
Thank you E.Michael Helms for providing me with a copy of your book in return for an honest review.
Mac McClellan, a recently retired U.S Marine, enjoying fishing on his vacation in Florida panhandle, all on a sudden, he fishes out a deadly dilapidated body of a young girl and a stash of marijuana planted on his boat. Unfortunately, the dead girl is the niece of the local sheriff, Bo, hence that makes Mac as the number one suspect. All these events seems like someone's trying to frame him up. So he, along with his friend-cum-confidant, Kate, a local saleslady, decides to solve the murder mystery thereby clearing him name from this dirt. And in this process he have to face with the local drug-smuggling rings which are kept protected by those dirty politicians, also he figures out a local family feud, which is why the girl got killed in the first place.
Michael Helms has written the story in such a way, by not giving away with too many details at a time, like keeping the readers always on the loop. Also his mentioning of the chemistry between Mac and Kate is so promising that we are left for wanting more to happen between these two, its more like sudden sunlight on a dark, gloomy day. We get to see that how politics can control everything, liking hiding a murder of a girl, but there's very little hope in shedding light to that fact, and if we try to expose them, they'll come after us to silent us for once and all. All the characters looks like, they are very well- researched and well- developed. With so many twists and turns in almost every pages of the book, make this book a page-turner.
So, guys read this book, because Michael Helms will take you on an unforgettable thrill ride.
November 15, 2016
From perfect first line to satisfying conclusion, E. Michael Helms’ Deadly Catch is a well-plotted mystery written with a perfect sense for character, dialog and place. The author peoples his small town in the Florida panhandle with a convincing cast of characters, nicely avoiding confusion for the reader, and narrating their actions in the convincing voice of a combat veteran, recently retired from the Marines. This protagonist takes believable risks, becomes appropriately angry, and copes with admirable perseverance as the town seems to turn against him. Readers together with the character try to fathom which voice is honest and which is false as the plot twists and turns. Meanwhile the protagonist might fall in with the place or with one of its inhabitants… might settle… might dream.
Deadly Catch tells of a hauntingly real and convincingly haunted protagonist who catches a dead body when he goes fishing. Suspicions abound. Good guys and bad are convincingly complex, while the author nicely avoids the stereotyping of “military men” in creating a protagonist who’s not too haunted, not too wounded, and not too dark. I really enjoyed the hopeful feel of this novel and I’d love to read more.
I won a signed copy and I offer my honest review.
Deadly Catch tells of a hauntingly real and convincingly haunted protagonist who catches a dead body when he goes fishing. Suspicions abound. Good guys and bad are convincingly complex, while the author nicely avoids the stereotyping of “military men” in creating a protagonist who’s not too haunted, not too wounded, and not too dark. I really enjoyed the hopeful feel of this novel and I’d love to read more.
I won a signed copy and I offer my honest review.
August 1, 2015
This novel is mystery at its finest. I couldn’t unravel it until the very end, and even then, I was stunned. Helms writes with graphic descriptions without ever being gory, but ones that you can’t help but picture. Helms has developed a completely interconnected plot. It was fabulous to delve into. This novel is at the same time funny, fun, and suspenseful. I even enjoyed the technical fishing aspects of the novel. It added that extra bit of realism to the tale.
Helms has a very personal writing style. I felt as if I were listening to the main character tell his story. It made it very easy to get to know him, and those he cares about (or those with whom he has a rather large beef). The well suited and entertaining dialogue brought the entire cast to life. The web of relationships in this novel was beyond compare. No action or reaction was without long reaching consequence. All of the interplay and byplay between characters deepens the plot.
This novel is a quick, fast paced read that’s easy to get lost in. I’m anxiously waiting to see what Mac gets up to next.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Helms has a very personal writing style. I felt as if I were listening to the main character tell his story. It made it very easy to get to know him, and those he cares about (or those with whom he has a rather large beef). The well suited and entertaining dialogue brought the entire cast to life. The web of relationships in this novel was beyond compare. No action or reaction was without long reaching consequence. All of the interplay and byplay between characters deepens the plot.
This novel is a quick, fast paced read that’s easy to get lost in. I’m anxiously waiting to see what Mac gets up to next.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2015
Freshly retired former Marine, Mac McClellan, just wanted some time to himself to drink, fish, and generally make the most of his return to bachelorhood. Instead he catches far more than he'd bargained for.
Set somewhere in the Florida panhandle, this mystery offers a pretty straightforward story centering around murder, corruption, and the illicit drug trade -- along with two well-to-do families whose lives are curiously intertwined. It's not so much a whodunit as it is an unraveling of a small community’s connections and history. The reader follows Mac's singular point of view--joining him in being the outsider trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together, and who can be trusted not to shoot him in the back.
Helm's first book in the series offers an every-man sort of hero who comes equipped with an advantageous skill set, but no real experience with playing detective/private investigator. In that sense it's easy to stay convincingly in Mac's shoes as he both meets with success and bungles his efforts in fairly equal measure. The story’s strengths are in its rapid pacing and snappy, realistic dialogue. The author’s obvious competency aids in conveying more intricate details in the setting and Mac’s military experience—as well as, I suspect, an authentic passion for fishing. There’s even a bit of a romantic angle, though it’s far from the focus of the plot.
I’ll admit up front that, while I read widely, I’m not well versed in the mystery genre. I suspect the majority of similar books I've read would be more closely categorized as thrillers. As a result, this reader went in expecting a twist to the story that was never really meant to be there. There were some weak adverbs here and there, and I sometimes wished for fuller physical descriptions in certain characters, but overall this comes out of the chute as a solid and plot-driven first go at fiction. I hope to see a strengthening in Mac’s characterization as the series progresses.
Set somewhere in the Florida panhandle, this mystery offers a pretty straightforward story centering around murder, corruption, and the illicit drug trade -- along with two well-to-do families whose lives are curiously intertwined. It's not so much a whodunit as it is an unraveling of a small community’s connections and history. The reader follows Mac's singular point of view--joining him in being the outsider trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together, and who can be trusted not to shoot him in the back.
Helm's first book in the series offers an every-man sort of hero who comes equipped with an advantageous skill set, but no real experience with playing detective/private investigator. In that sense it's easy to stay convincingly in Mac's shoes as he both meets with success and bungles his efforts in fairly equal measure. The story’s strengths are in its rapid pacing and snappy, realistic dialogue. The author’s obvious competency aids in conveying more intricate details in the setting and Mac’s military experience—as well as, I suspect, an authentic passion for fishing. There’s even a bit of a romantic angle, though it’s far from the focus of the plot.
I’ll admit up front that, while I read widely, I’m not well versed in the mystery genre. I suspect the majority of similar books I've read would be more closely categorized as thrillers. As a result, this reader went in expecting a twist to the story that was never really meant to be there. There were some weak adverbs here and there, and I sometimes wished for fuller physical descriptions in certain characters, but overall this comes out of the chute as a solid and plot-driven first go at fiction. I hope to see a strengthening in Mac’s characterization as the series progresses.
October 1, 2015
After a quarter century as a Marine, Mac McClellan needs an extended vacation. And what better place than St. George, a sleepy beach town on the Florida panhandle, to fish, drink beer, and figure out how to spend the second half of his life.
But there’s a problem: McClellan hooks a dead body on his first cast of the trip (talk about a buzz kill!). The body turns out to be a young woman, who has been missing for a while and just so happens to be engaged to a low-level drug dealer in way over his head with the wrong people. McClellan begins investigating a bit, and he soon realizes there is a bigger (and even more dangerous) plot afoot involving drug smuggling, murder, family feuds, political corruption, forbidden romances, and good old-fashion greed. McClellan survived the IED-filled streets of Iraqi, but will he make it out of St. George alive? And stop the bad guys in the process.
Overall, this is an enjoyable mystery with a flawed yet likable lead character in Mac McClellan. He is resourceful, trustworthy, funny, and iconoclastic, all attributes one looks for when starting a new series. And Kate Bell, his feisty girlfriend, is an interesting character, relatable in the best way possible, and I, for one, hope to see more of her in future installments. (I particularly enjoy the scenes where the two of them are working on the case together as they have real chemistry.)
In some instances, however, the author relies too heavily on summary and exposition when, for my money, it would have been nice to see some of that stuff hashed out with “action,” if for no other reason than McClellan is such an engaging character I wanted to watch him operate even more. But still, there is much to praise in this mystery. The first person narration reads as if that cool, former-vet uncle of yours is telling you a whale-of-a-story, and the town of St. George is described so well it actually feels like another character. Too, the author obviously knows his boats and fishing and Marine life, and that attention to detail gives both the narrative and McClellan himself a real air of authenticity, which I greatly appreciated.
Bottom line, I recommend this series to fans of the Spenser series by Robert Parker, and I also see many favorable similarities between Mac McCllelan and Quinn Colson, the Army Ranger turned sheriff character featured in the excellent books by Ace Atkins. I definitely recommend Deadly Catch. I’m already reading Deadly Ruse.
But there’s a problem: McClellan hooks a dead body on his first cast of the trip (talk about a buzz kill!). The body turns out to be a young woman, who has been missing for a while and just so happens to be engaged to a low-level drug dealer in way over his head with the wrong people. McClellan begins investigating a bit, and he soon realizes there is a bigger (and even more dangerous) plot afoot involving drug smuggling, murder, family feuds, political corruption, forbidden romances, and good old-fashion greed. McClellan survived the IED-filled streets of Iraqi, but will he make it out of St. George alive? And stop the bad guys in the process.
Overall, this is an enjoyable mystery with a flawed yet likable lead character in Mac McClellan. He is resourceful, trustworthy, funny, and iconoclastic, all attributes one looks for when starting a new series. And Kate Bell, his feisty girlfriend, is an interesting character, relatable in the best way possible, and I, for one, hope to see more of her in future installments. (I particularly enjoy the scenes where the two of them are working on the case together as they have real chemistry.)
In some instances, however, the author relies too heavily on summary and exposition when, for my money, it would have been nice to see some of that stuff hashed out with “action,” if for no other reason than McClellan is such an engaging character I wanted to watch him operate even more. But still, there is much to praise in this mystery. The first person narration reads as if that cool, former-vet uncle of yours is telling you a whale-of-a-story, and the town of St. George is described so well it actually feels like another character. Too, the author obviously knows his boats and fishing and Marine life, and that attention to detail gives both the narrative and McClellan himself a real air of authenticity, which I greatly appreciated.
Bottom line, I recommend this series to fans of the Spenser series by Robert Parker, and I also see many favorable similarities between Mac McCllelan and Quinn Colson, the Army Ranger turned sheriff character featured in the excellent books by Ace Atkins. I definitely recommend Deadly Catch. I’m already reading Deadly Ruse.
August 26, 2016
Take a dip into southern waters. And watch out for dead bodies.
Mac McClellan has just retired after 24 years as a U.S. Marine . He hits the road, next stop the Florida panhandle, figuring to drop a line in the water and see what he’ll catch. What he doesn’t expect is a dead body on the end of the hook.
This puts him on the suspect list. Years in the military help Mac maintain his cool, but then a bag of marijuana is found on his boat. Now they add drug smuggling to his crimes and he’s hard pressed to explain it. The local authorities don’t take his claim of being framed too seriously. Looks like Mac will have to do his own digging to get to the bottom of it and clear his name before more bodies pile up, including his own.
Mac has easily found a spot on my list of favorite characters. He’s smart, yet he fumbles with the females. Tough, yet he has a soft side. I bet he cries at sad endings in movies. Intuitive, probably from all those years in service. Charming, without realizing he is. And dedicated. He will not stop when injustice stares him in the face.
This has everything you want in a good mystery. A character at loose ends who finds a purpose and can easily move into and around the law. A potential romance with fun and snarky encounters. The good cop/bad cop thing going on. It seems the law enforcement officials switch roles as needed.
And last but not least, some darn good writing. The author puts you on the southern coast. You’ll smell the fishy odor of the wind off the ocean. Squint your eyes from the suns glare off the placid surface of the water. And feel the sweltering humidity that’s so heavy the air is hazy with moisture.
Any mystery lover will enjoy this one. And there’s two more adventures with Mac. Also, a little birdie told me there’s more coming. Get started now so you’ll be ready.
I received this book for my honest review.
Mac McClellan has just retired after 24 years as a U.S. Marine . He hits the road, next stop the Florida panhandle, figuring to drop a line in the water and see what he’ll catch. What he doesn’t expect is a dead body on the end of the hook.
This puts him on the suspect list. Years in the military help Mac maintain his cool, but then a bag of marijuana is found on his boat. Now they add drug smuggling to his crimes and he’s hard pressed to explain it. The local authorities don’t take his claim of being framed too seriously. Looks like Mac will have to do his own digging to get to the bottom of it and clear his name before more bodies pile up, including his own.
Mac has easily found a spot on my list of favorite characters. He’s smart, yet he fumbles with the females. Tough, yet he has a soft side. I bet he cries at sad endings in movies. Intuitive, probably from all those years in service. Charming, without realizing he is. And dedicated. He will not stop when injustice stares him in the face.
This has everything you want in a good mystery. A character at loose ends who finds a purpose and can easily move into and around the law. A potential romance with fun and snarky encounters. The good cop/bad cop thing going on. It seems the law enforcement officials switch roles as needed.
And last but not least, some darn good writing. The author puts you on the southern coast. You’ll smell the fishy odor of the wind off the ocean. Squint your eyes from the suns glare off the placid surface of the water. And feel the sweltering humidity that’s so heavy the air is hazy with moisture.
Any mystery lover will enjoy this one. And there’s two more adventures with Mac. Also, a little birdie told me there’s more coming. Get started now so you’ll be ready.
I received this book for my honest review.
September 29, 2013
Deadly Catch: A Mac McClellan Mystery (E. Michael Helms)
Mac McClellan is a retired Marine. He plans on a relaxing fishing vacation in Florida, and he end up with a catch. But at the other end of his line is not a fish, it is a dead body. Next thing he knows a bag of marijuana is found on his rental boat and he is now the number one suspect in a murder.
With the help if his new friend Kate Bell who works at the local marina, they are determined to clear his name and solve this mystery.
A fantastic murder/mystery with twists and turns. I have read Of Blood and Brothers: BOOK ONEand really enjoyed it. When I got the chance to read E. Michael Helms new book Deadly Catch: A Mac McClellan Mystery I could not pass up the opportunity, I was not disappointed. A great all night read!
Mac McClellan is a retired Marine. He plans on a relaxing fishing vacation in Florida, and he end up with a catch. But at the other end of his line is not a fish, it is a dead body. Next thing he knows a bag of marijuana is found on his rental boat and he is now the number one suspect in a murder.
With the help if his new friend Kate Bell who works at the local marina, they are determined to clear his name and solve this mystery.
A fantastic murder/mystery with twists and turns. I have read Of Blood and Brothers: BOOK ONEand really enjoyed it. When I got the chance to read E. Michael Helms new book Deadly Catch: A Mac McClellan Mystery I could not pass up the opportunity, I was not disappointed. A great all night read!
April 28, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads Firstreads and I really enjoyed it. It is a very entertaining crime mystery that will keep you guessing right until the end.
Retired Marine Mac McClellan plans a relaxing fishing vacation but when he discovers a dead body in the lake where he is fishing he becomes involved in the investigation to find out what happened. What evolves is a fast paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns and a little hint of romance.
Mac McClellan is a superb character and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Retired Marine Mac McClellan plans a relaxing fishing vacation but when he discovers a dead body in the lake where he is fishing he becomes involved in the investigation to find out what happened. What evolves is a fast paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns and a little hint of romance.
Mac McClellan is a superb character and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 19, 2014
This fast-paced story starts off with a bang and doesn’t let up until the last page turns!
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 12, 2015
It was a good book. I liked it a lot. It was full of action/adventure. It would make a good movie,for sure.
August 28, 2018
Good story of crime in Florida fishing areas. Great combination. Good characters even if a bit complicated at times. Will see were this series goes from here. So would recommend this book.
Good story of crime in Florida fishing areas. Great combination. Good characters even if a bit complicated at times. Will see were this series goes from here. So would recommend this book.
Good story of crime in Florida fishing areas. Great combination. Good characters even if a bit complicated at times. Will see were this series goes from here. So would recommend this book.
August 24, 2014
A big factor in liking a main character is identifying with him or her -- the reader shares the character's recent loss of a spouse (or shudders to think of a day when that might happen), the daily grind of a job gone bad, the stresses of a lousy boss…. So how does a reader who has no history with the military, hasn't spent time along Florida's Gulf Coast, and barely knows a rod from a reel identify with former Marine (with combat experience, no less) and ace fisherman Mac McClellan?
It takes a great writer with a heckuva story to do that -- in this case, it's E. Michael Helms who delivers "Deadly Catch," a fast-clipped, satisfyingly complex mystery that leverages the geography and people of this uniquely Southern setting. Given that the book starts with Mac in his boat, fishing ("I’d hooked and landed some fine speckled trout the past few days, but I still hadn’t nailed a bragging-size 'gator' trout despite a crash course in speck fishing…"), Helms had to do some quick work to get me to care about Mac and what was about to happen to him. By interweaving introductions to locals Mac had met since arriving in the area with descriptions of Mac's fishing excursion, I covered the next few pages. When Mac caught a dead body with his seven-dollar lure before the first chapter was spent, I was as hooked as the body.
The next two hundred or so pages plunged me headlong into the deep waters of love and commerce in combinations both unlikely and thoroughly plausible. Tangled personal relationships, past histories, and current tragedies too complex to describe in any paragraph or two get teased out, chapter by chapter, page by page. The best praise any reviewer can give a mystery is to say they didn't see it coming, and that holds true here. Sure, I had my suspicions, but the story twisted and turned like a slick fish in the shallows, darting here, then there. Author E. Michael Helms' skill and main character with Mac McClellan's charisma and talents manage to snare that watery prey, to our benefit. Let's hope another Mac McClellan Mystery will be coming our way before long.
It takes a great writer with a heckuva story to do that -- in this case, it's E. Michael Helms who delivers "Deadly Catch," a fast-clipped, satisfyingly complex mystery that leverages the geography and people of this uniquely Southern setting. Given that the book starts with Mac in his boat, fishing ("I’d hooked and landed some fine speckled trout the past few days, but I still hadn’t nailed a bragging-size 'gator' trout despite a crash course in speck fishing…"), Helms had to do some quick work to get me to care about Mac and what was about to happen to him. By interweaving introductions to locals Mac had met since arriving in the area with descriptions of Mac's fishing excursion, I covered the next few pages. When Mac caught a dead body with his seven-dollar lure before the first chapter was spent, I was as hooked as the body.
The next two hundred or so pages plunged me headlong into the deep waters of love and commerce in combinations both unlikely and thoroughly plausible. Tangled personal relationships, past histories, and current tragedies too complex to describe in any paragraph or two get teased out, chapter by chapter, page by page. The best praise any reviewer can give a mystery is to say they didn't see it coming, and that holds true here. Sure, I had my suspicions, but the story twisted and turned like a slick fish in the shallows, darting here, then there. Author E. Michael Helms' skill and main character with Mac McClellan's charisma and talents manage to snare that watery prey, to our benefit. Let's hope another Mac McClellan Mystery will be coming our way before long.
August 25, 2016
Everything about Deadly Catch by E Michael Helms talks to me, from the cover to the title to the setting on the US Gulf Coast to the murder mystery inside.
Mac McClellan had retired from the military and as he sat in the boat, fishing, and thinking, is this what my life will be like now…
“Thought I’d finally hooked my ‘gator’ trout…”
Kate, his love interest, works at the marina and knows her fishing.
Sheriff Bo, what other name would he have in the south, is a bully with a bad attitude. I can see him now, smirking, drawing his own conclusions before the evidence is even collected.
In a small town, everyone knows everyone and all their business, but Mac’s peeps love him and stand by him.
Small fishing villages, oysters, romance, lighthouses, gators, fried green tomatoes, drugs, corruption, murder and mystery are only a few of the things this story will share. I love that E Michael Helms mentions the stingray shuffle. I also have done the dance and anyone who has visited the Gulf Coast will know what he means. It’s those small details that make me want more of Mac.
I loved riding the waves with him, feeling the warm sun on my face, the wind caressing my body, having cocktails at the Green Parrot. Actually, I believe I live this life, so it’s very easy to walk in his shoes, except when it comes to murder. I haven’t hooked a dead body…yet.
I thought I knew where this story was going, but planned on enjoying it anyway. Just because it’s predictable, doesn’t mean it can’t be a great read. I figured this was a cozy mystery, fun and easy reading. BUT…E Michael Helms caught me offguard when I was only a quarter of the way in. The direction of the story changed and it isn’t so cozy any more.
Summer is the perfect time to read this fantastic mystery series…so come one…let’s take a ride on Highway 98. Just follow the dead bodies…
I received a copy of Deadly Catch from E Michael Helms in return for an honest review.
Stop by fundinmental to see more.
Mac McClellan had retired from the military and as he sat in the boat, fishing, and thinking, is this what my life will be like now…
“Thought I’d finally hooked my ‘gator’ trout…”
Kate, his love interest, works at the marina and knows her fishing.
Sheriff Bo, what other name would he have in the south, is a bully with a bad attitude. I can see him now, smirking, drawing his own conclusions before the evidence is even collected.
In a small town, everyone knows everyone and all their business, but Mac’s peeps love him and stand by him.
Small fishing villages, oysters, romance, lighthouses, gators, fried green tomatoes, drugs, corruption, murder and mystery are only a few of the things this story will share. I love that E Michael Helms mentions the stingray shuffle. I also have done the dance and anyone who has visited the Gulf Coast will know what he means. It’s those small details that make me want more of Mac.
I loved riding the waves with him, feeling the warm sun on my face, the wind caressing my body, having cocktails at the Green Parrot. Actually, I believe I live this life, so it’s very easy to walk in his shoes, except when it comes to murder. I haven’t hooked a dead body…yet.
I thought I knew where this story was going, but planned on enjoying it anyway. Just because it’s predictable, doesn’t mean it can’t be a great read. I figured this was a cozy mystery, fun and easy reading. BUT…E Michael Helms caught me offguard when I was only a quarter of the way in. The direction of the story changed and it isn’t so cozy any more.
Summer is the perfect time to read this fantastic mystery series…so come one…let’s take a ride on Highway 98. Just follow the dead bodies…
I received a copy of Deadly Catch from E Michael Helms in return for an honest review.
Stop by fundinmental to see more.
May 11, 2015
Reading “Deadly Catch”, a Mac McClellan Mystery by E. Michael Helms, is like sinking your teeth into one of Mac’s thick, mouthwatering steaks and finishing with a big wedge of moist, frosted chocolate cake. Oh, and don’t forget a tall cool one of your choice, but with no calories and no guilt.
Mac McClellan, freshly retired from the USMC after a twenty year career and experience fighting in Desert Storm is trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life when he stumbles into a deep, perplexing life and death situation that his Marine Corps skills are perfect for dealing with. Every mystery needs to satisfy the reader’s morbid curiosity, and Helms delivers some details we love to read about but hope we never actually encounter. There is plenty of icky squirming for the naughty reader and stifled giggles regarding horrid revelations. The climax is a page turner I found myself reading at three A.M. I may not have gotten a lot of sleep but I had a lot of fun.
Men will enjoy the attention to detail in all things male (and female) and the ladies will relish the red thread of the relationship between Mac and Kate that escalates as it winds its way through the devious plot. I enjoy mysteries and sneak off to a conference with one whenever my own worries need to be put on hold while my subconscious mind sorts out my next strategy. Mac strategizes his way to the solution in “Deadly Catch” and his success inspires the reader to have more fun solving problems.
This book contains the lyrical descriptive narrative typical of all Helms books, so read it slowly enough that you don’t miss any of that. It also has hilarious laugh out loud comments from Mac, who just can’t help it. I never did eat that tempting piece of cake, so I’ll thank Helms for saving me from the calories.
Mac McClellan, freshly retired from the USMC after a twenty year career and experience fighting in Desert Storm is trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life when he stumbles into a deep, perplexing life and death situation that his Marine Corps skills are perfect for dealing with. Every mystery needs to satisfy the reader’s morbid curiosity, and Helms delivers some details we love to read about but hope we never actually encounter. There is plenty of icky squirming for the naughty reader and stifled giggles regarding horrid revelations. The climax is a page turner I found myself reading at three A.M. I may not have gotten a lot of sleep but I had a lot of fun.
Men will enjoy the attention to detail in all things male (and female) and the ladies will relish the red thread of the relationship between Mac and Kate that escalates as it winds its way through the devious plot. I enjoy mysteries and sneak off to a conference with one whenever my own worries need to be put on hold while my subconscious mind sorts out my next strategy. Mac strategizes his way to the solution in “Deadly Catch” and his success inspires the reader to have more fun solving problems.
This book contains the lyrical descriptive narrative typical of all Helms books, so read it slowly enough that you don’t miss any of that. It also has hilarious laugh out loud comments from Mac, who just can’t help it. I never did eat that tempting piece of cake, so I’ll thank Helms for saving me from the calories.
January 6, 2014
“The first cast of the day turned my dream vacation into a nightmare.”
Mac McClellan is looking forward to a relaxing vacation. A recently retired US Marine, he heads to the Florida panhandle where he plans to do some fishing.
What he doesn’t anticipate is hooking a dead body on the end of his line. Or having a stash of marijuana planted on his boat. Clearly, someone is trying to frame him, and the only way to clear his name is to unravel the mystery surrounding the crimes.
Mac enlists the help of Kate Bell, a woman who works at the local marina, as together they uncover a local drug smuggling ring protected by the local law enforcement and dirty politicians.
In order to get the answers they need, they must get to the bottom of a long-standing feud between two local families, but someone’s trying to send Mac a clear message to stay out of it.
Deadly Catch is fast-paced and hard to put down, and even though it’s a relatively short book (only 206 pages), it really packs a punch with a well-developed plot and likable characters. The author’s casual writing style makes for an enjoyable read, with a little humor and a touch of romance thrown into the mix. If you’re looking for a good mystery, this book is a sure-fire win.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Check out this review on my blog:EpicBookQuest.wordpress.com
October 14, 2013
Although small in page-size, this book is extremely large when it comes to thrills and mystery!
Mac McClellan, Marine veteran, has left the world of the soldier behind and has his sights set on enjoying the rest of his life in the good, old U.S. of A. He’s a happy man now, relaxing on a fishing vacation in Florida. But when he throws out his line and hooks something that is far too heavy to haul back to the boat, Mac’s fishing excursion turns a bit dark. Deciding to wade over and see what it is that he’s stuck on, Mac looks down at a badly decomposed corpse, and watches his new relaxing life disappear - hook, line and sinker.
After the gruesome discovery, Mac comes in contact with the Sheriff of the area, Bo Pickron. The fun begins, so to speak, as Bo and Mac do not hit it off very well. In fact, Mac is ordered not to leave the area; he is now seen as the main suspect in the crime of murder.
When his pocketknife is found near the body, and a very rare bag of marijuana is found on his rental boat, Mac’s brain begins to see reality shifting. Being an intelligent individual, he realizes that he is being set up to go down for murder and drug smuggling.
Beginning a friendship with Kate Bell, a woman who works at the local marina, she and Mac decide to investigate the odd crime on their own. This is quite upsetting to many people; from the local authorities to local politicians to angry men armed with guns who are searching for their missing drugs.
Readers will find themselves rooting for Mac and Kate as they read this extremely well-written mystery. And the avid angler may even think twice before heading out on their boat for a relaxing day of fishing.
Mac McClellan, Marine veteran, has left the world of the soldier behind and has his sights set on enjoying the rest of his life in the good, old U.S. of A. He’s a happy man now, relaxing on a fishing vacation in Florida. But when he throws out his line and hooks something that is far too heavy to haul back to the boat, Mac’s fishing excursion turns a bit dark. Deciding to wade over and see what it is that he’s stuck on, Mac looks down at a badly decomposed corpse, and watches his new relaxing life disappear - hook, line and sinker.
After the gruesome discovery, Mac comes in contact with the Sheriff of the area, Bo Pickron. The fun begins, so to speak, as Bo and Mac do not hit it off very well. In fact, Mac is ordered not to leave the area; he is now seen as the main suspect in the crime of murder.
When his pocketknife is found near the body, and a very rare bag of marijuana is found on his rental boat, Mac’s brain begins to see reality shifting. Being an intelligent individual, he realizes that he is being set up to go down for murder and drug smuggling.
Beginning a friendship with Kate Bell, a woman who works at the local marina, she and Mac decide to investigate the odd crime on their own. This is quite upsetting to many people; from the local authorities to local politicians to angry men armed with guns who are searching for their missing drugs.
Readers will find themselves rooting for Mac and Kate as they read this extremely well-written mystery. And the avid angler may even think twice before heading out on their boat for a relaxing day of fishing.
December 5, 2013
“Deadly Catch” protagonist Mac McClellan is a recently retired Marine trying to figure out what to do next with his life. While fishing near Five-Mile Island in the Florida panhandle, Mac meets Kate Bell, a saleslady at the marina where he’s renting a fishing boat. Mac’s dream vacation takes a wrong turn when he catches a decomposed body.
In the course of the murder investigation, a rare type of marijuana, Panama Red, is discovered on Mac’s rented boat. The investigation also turns up a link between the marijuana stash and local drug smugglers. As Mac realizes he’s being setup for murder and drug smuggling, he goes to work as an undercover Deputy with the Sheriff to clear his name.
Mac’s snooping around brings well-hidden family secrets to life, putting him at odds with local law enforcement officials and crooked politicians. Before he and Kate can find the real killer, Mac has to deal with the drug smugglers and their strong-armed thugs. Mac, who puts himself in harms way more than once to clear his name, must rely on his military training to save his life.
Deadly Catch combines a good read with vivid descriptions of the Florida panhandle. The characters, both villains and heroes, are well developed. Despite the crooked law enforcement officials and politicians, this is a “feel good” story. The plot is solid with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. This book has something for everyone with mystery, suspense and even a little bit of romance.
FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.
In the course of the murder investigation, a rare type of marijuana, Panama Red, is discovered on Mac’s rented boat. The investigation also turns up a link between the marijuana stash and local drug smugglers. As Mac realizes he’s being setup for murder and drug smuggling, he goes to work as an undercover Deputy with the Sheriff to clear his name.
Mac’s snooping around brings well-hidden family secrets to life, putting him at odds with local law enforcement officials and crooked politicians. Before he and Kate can find the real killer, Mac has to deal with the drug smugglers and their strong-armed thugs. Mac, who puts himself in harms way more than once to clear his name, must rely on his military training to save his life.
Deadly Catch combines a good read with vivid descriptions of the Florida panhandle. The characters, both villains and heroes, are well developed. Despite the crooked law enforcement officials and politicians, this is a “feel good” story. The plot is solid with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. This book has something for everyone with mystery, suspense and even a little bit of romance.
FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.
May 24, 2014
I can feel for Mac because I have had a few vacations planned that did not go just the way that I thought that they would. Of course, no dead bodies turned up while I was fishing nor did I get accused of anything, but I can see where having your vacation almost ruined would really suck, especially when you have used all of your time up and there is no more until the next year!
Mac just wanted a little bit of relaxing and fishing and just some peace and quiet after being a Marine for 24 years and a divorce behind him, he really wanted to take some time and reflect on what to do in this next phase of his life.
Dead bodies have a way of changing those plans and things don't go well with the local sheriff, who for some bizarre reason doesn't like Mac, so he tries to make it look like Mac is a suspect but that doesn't go over so well. People know Mac well enough to know he is a pretty good man and they ask for his help in snooping around to see if he can find anything.
And snooping is what Mac is good at so there will be sparks a flying and a few more murders along the way. It's a book full of action and surprises, so if you love a good mystery and want to know why the bad guys did what they did, then you will really want to read this quick and easy murder/mystery book!
Mac just wanted a little bit of relaxing and fishing and just some peace and quiet after being a Marine for 24 years and a divorce behind him, he really wanted to take some time and reflect on what to do in this next phase of his life.
Dead bodies have a way of changing those plans and things don't go well with the local sheriff, who for some bizarre reason doesn't like Mac, so he tries to make it look like Mac is a suspect but that doesn't go over so well. People know Mac well enough to know he is a pretty good man and they ask for his help in snooping around to see if he can find anything.
And snooping is what Mac is good at so there will be sparks a flying and a few more murders along the way. It's a book full of action and surprises, so if you love a good mystery and want to know why the bad guys did what they did, then you will really want to read this quick and easy murder/mystery book!
March 10, 2015
Ordinary days do not happen for Mac McClellen. Mac is a military veteran looking to spend a little downtime fishing in the Florida when he finds more than fish on his expedition. Being the new guy in town, he becomes and instant suspect and potential fall guy for murder. The plot continues to twist and turn through the book, as Mac becomes a reluctant investigator to solve a murder.
Kate, a clerk at the local marina, helps Mac understand the town's secrets and who is behind most of them. She becomes Mac’s love interest, but Miss Kate is hiding some mysteries of her own. Deadly Catch is the first of many Mac McClellen mysteries. Helms developed an intriguing storyline, colorful characters that keep the readers’ attention to the end of the story. Just when you think you have the mystery solved another twist pops up. The community becomes completely entangled in the mystery; it takes the reluctant outsider to solve the murder.
Deadly Catch is a fast-paced read that is hard to put down. I was very happy I had the second book in hand to continue reading Mac’s adventures. Thank you for a fantastic adventure Michael.
Kate, a clerk at the local marina, helps Mac understand the town's secrets and who is behind most of them. She becomes Mac’s love interest, but Miss Kate is hiding some mysteries of her own. Deadly Catch is the first of many Mac McClellen mysteries. Helms developed an intriguing storyline, colorful characters that keep the readers’ attention to the end of the story. Just when you think you have the mystery solved another twist pops up. The community becomes completely entangled in the mystery; it takes the reluctant outsider to solve the murder.
Deadly Catch is a fast-paced read that is hard to put down. I was very happy I had the second book in hand to continue reading Mac’s adventures. Thank you for a fantastic adventure Michael.
August 23, 2014
LIBRARY JOURNAL'S "DEBUT MYSTERY OF THE MONTH" (Nov.)
Library Journal
Starred Review -- 11/01/2013
Looking for purpose in his life, the newly retired and divorced Mac McClellan goes on a fishing vacation in the Florida Panhandle. Wouldn't you know it, he snags a corpse. A few days later, someone plants a bag of marijuana on his boat. Surprised to be considered a suspect, Mac weighs his options and figures he'd better protect his interests and find out who killed young Maddie Harper and her fiancé, Brett Barfield (his body is found later). Neither the local sheriff nor the city police chief strike Mac as trustworthy, but Kate Bell, a local businesswoman, might fit the bill. VERDICT This debut from a Vietnam War memoirist (The Proud Bastards) will resonate with retired military, boomers, and all Florida crime fiction fans. Although the plotline is perhaps too familiar, Helms's love of his novel's setting, and his engaging first-person narrative and internal musings suggest a winning new series is under way.
Library Journal
Starred Review -- 11/01/2013
Looking for purpose in his life, the newly retired and divorced Mac McClellan goes on a fishing vacation in the Florida Panhandle. Wouldn't you know it, he snags a corpse. A few days later, someone plants a bag of marijuana on his boat. Surprised to be considered a suspect, Mac weighs his options and figures he'd better protect his interests and find out who killed young Maddie Harper and her fiancé, Brett Barfield (his body is found later). Neither the local sheriff nor the city police chief strike Mac as trustworthy, but Kate Bell, a local businesswoman, might fit the bill. VERDICT This debut from a Vietnam War memoirist (The Proud Bastards) will resonate with retired military, boomers, and all Florida crime fiction fans. Although the plotline is perhaps too familiar, Helms's love of his novel's setting, and his engaging first-person narrative and internal musings suggest a winning new series is under way.
December 27, 2014
Mac McClellan is a recently retired Marine who decides to go fishing in Florida for his vacation. His vacation doesn't start out the best when he "catches" a decomposed body. It turns out that the sheriff, Bo, is the uncle of the dead girl so he decides Mac is the prime suspect for the girl's murder. When a bag of rare marijuana is found on Mac's boat, he starts to look really guilty. Mac becomes friendly with a local salesperson, Kate, and they decide to solve the murder and figure out who is trying to set Mac up so they can get Mac off the hook.
I enjoyed the story line and didn't have any idea who the killer was. I liked being completely surprised when I learned the culprit's identity. The author had the small town descriptions down pat in the way residents know everything about everybody. I thought the descriptions ran on and were too detailed. I prefer a faster pace. This wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't for me.
I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the story line and didn't have any idea who the killer was. I liked being completely surprised when I learned the culprit's identity. The author had the small town descriptions down pat in the way residents know everything about everybody. I thought the descriptions ran on and were too detailed. I prefer a faster pace. This wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't for me.
I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2013
A page-turning mystery with a bit of humor thrown in. Mac, recently retired from a career in the Marines, is just looking for some peace and relaxation. He instead finds himself a suspect in a murder case. He turns into a private investigator out of necessity, learning the ropes as he goes.
Mac is a charming Southern gentleman, but can be tough when he needs to be. And girlfriend Kate grew up rough and tumble with brothers, but can be sweet and caring. The small beach town is a refreshing change from big city crime settings.
Helms has a great writing style. His use of dialogue and narrative transported me to the white sandy beaches in the Florida Panhandle. It brought back memories of when I vacationed at a state park in that area, and I learned to do the “stingray shuffle.”
Overall it was a very enjoyable and captivating story. I look forward to reading his next book in the series.
Mac is a charming Southern gentleman, but can be tough when he needs to be. And girlfriend Kate grew up rough and tumble with brothers, but can be sweet and caring. The small beach town is a refreshing change from big city crime settings.
Helms has a great writing style. His use of dialogue and narrative transported me to the white sandy beaches in the Florida Panhandle. It brought back memories of when I vacationed at a state park in that area, and I learned to do the “stingray shuffle.”
Overall it was a very enjoyable and captivating story. I look forward to reading his next book in the series.
March 9, 2014
This is the first in what promises to be a great series. Mac is still recovering from his divorce and trying to find himself after retiring from the military, He lands in a vacation area a buddy told him about to do some fishing. As noted in the first line of the story, what you catch can certainly change the tenor of a vacation. Not only does he find the Maddie's body, but he is being framed and then targeted by persons unknown. The action is well-paced and the story well constructed so the ending makes sense. Mac is a strong male protagonist, determined to find the truth. The romance between Kate and Mac progresses slowly; on a positive note, Kate is a strong female character who works well with Mac. If you are into fishing, that is still another layer, but it is not overdone for those of us who don't fish. I strongly recommend this book and I'll be looking for the next one in this series!
August 4, 2016
Deadly Catch grabbed my attention from the first page, and I couldn't stop reading it. It is a very well written mystery, and the attraction between Mac McClellan and Kate Bell adds a nice touch. Writing is engaging, and I enjoyed author's attention to detail. And I have to say, I loved the author's sense of humor!
Instead of a relaxing fishing vacation, a retired Marine Mac McClellan ends up fishing a dead body. While at first Mac's motivation for investigating the murder is to clear his name, soon he's also motivated by the fact that the victim was an innocent young girl. Even when Mac's life is in danger, he doesn't stop his investigation. He's tough, intelligent, and with great combat skills that allow him to survive dangerous situations.
I truly think it's a great book, and I've become a fan of E. Michael Helms. Now I can't wait to read Deadly Ruse.
I received the book from the author and gave my honest review.
Instead of a relaxing fishing vacation, a retired Marine Mac McClellan ends up fishing a dead body. While at first Mac's motivation for investigating the murder is to clear his name, soon he's also motivated by the fact that the victim was an innocent young girl. Even when Mac's life is in danger, he doesn't stop his investigation. He's tough, intelligent, and with great combat skills that allow him to survive dangerous situations.
I truly think it's a great book, and I've become a fan of E. Michael Helms. Now I can't wait to read Deadly Ruse.
I received the book from the author and gave my honest review.
July 25, 2014
Ex-Marine Mac McClellan wanted only rest and relaxation in Florida after his divorce and retirement from the corps. After hooking a dead body floating near a promising fishing spot, Mac is dragged into the lives and scandals of the local folks. Suddenly, his own life seemed more worth living.
This is an exciting, fast-paced mystery. E. Michael Helms does a very good job of developing the main characters’ personalities and presenting a host of unique secondary folks. McClellan reminds me of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, but less lonely, better looking, and fallible. The clues are sprinkled well throughout the plot, and I like that Mac must second guess himself and rethink the evidence.
Helms would make an excellent fishing guide. He nails the flavor and texture of life in a small gulfcoast fishing town, knows the best fishing holes, and gives enjoyable mini-angling lessons to boot.
Come on board.
This is an exciting, fast-paced mystery. E. Michael Helms does a very good job of developing the main characters’ personalities and presenting a host of unique secondary folks. McClellan reminds me of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, but less lonely, better looking, and fallible. The clues are sprinkled well throughout the plot, and I like that Mac must second guess himself and rethink the evidence.
Helms would make an excellent fishing guide. He nails the flavor and texture of life in a small gulfcoast fishing town, knows the best fishing holes, and gives enjoyable mini-angling lessons to boot.
Come on board.
January 6, 2015
Looking for a great mystery to read? Then look no further because Deadly Catch by E. Michael Helms is the book for you. This who done it mystery will grab you by the seat of your pants and keep you glued to its pages.
I really like the way the author developed the storyline. It was both believable and real to life. Just when you thought you knew what was going on the author would throw another plot twist and you hardly had time to catch your breath. I really liked getting involved in the story.
E. Michael Helms did an excellent job of developing his characters. He provide just enough background to make them real, just like people you may know. The lead characters had depth and a likeability that made them easy to identify with and follow.
I really liked Deadly Catch by E. Michael Helms and I highly recommend this book to all readers.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
I really like the way the author developed the storyline. It was both believable and real to life. Just when you thought you knew what was going on the author would throw another plot twist and you hardly had time to catch your breath. I really liked getting involved in the story.
E. Michael Helms did an excellent job of developing his characters. He provide just enough background to make them real, just like people you may know. The lead characters had depth and a likeability that made them easy to identify with and follow.
I really liked Deadly Catch by E. Michael Helms and I highly recommend this book to all readers.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
September 18, 2014
I don't give many five star reviews and this book deserves it. It blew me away. I admit, I'd read E. Michael Helms's Proud Bastards and loved it, so I was expecting a lot. The book delivers. Mac McClellan has retired from the Marines shortly after his wife retired their marriage. He visits a small town in the Florida panhandle in an attempt to do some good fishing and figure out what he wants the rest of his life to look like. His first "catch" is a big one. A dead body. I live in fear of delivering spoilers so let me say that I started this book on the evening of July 30 and read it in two sittings. One sleepless night later, I wanted to start all over again. The book is that rarity in the mystery genre. It is completely believable. Helms is a master storyteller. My highest praise - As soon as I finished the book, I woke my husband and recommended he read it.
April 2, 2016
i love mysteries and finding on whodunit type stories as well as other stories . i had won a GC by the author it was a giveaway and bought this book due to the fact i love to read series in order not backwards lol .
so what happens when you go to a place to figure out what you will do after you leave the military . Go fishing meet new people maybe even have your eyes set on a woman who may interest you .
or find a body where you fish and must solve a mystery in who done it . and who you ask well i know but if i told you i would have to self destruct this review . yes i know a pun was intended due to the nature of this mystery and will Kate and him be together will another Mystery follow him find out by buying and reading and seeing what may happen next
so what happens when you go to a place to figure out what you will do after you leave the military . Go fishing meet new people maybe even have your eyes set on a woman who may interest you .
or find a body where you fish and must solve a mystery in who done it . and who you ask well i know but if i told you i would have to self destruct this review . yes i know a pun was intended due to the nature of this mystery and will Kate and him be together will another Mystery follow him find out by buying and reading and seeing what may happen next
January 20, 2014
I was drawn into this book from the first sentence "The first cast of the day turned my dream vacation into a nightmare." It is written in first person from the point of view of Mac McClellan and the style is sort of casual and laid back. A comfortable read. Mac is a likeable character. He is just trying to relax on vacation before figuring out what to do with his life and he gets pulled into a mystery involving murder and drugs. The mystery has enough going on to keep you guessing. Held my interest to the end. There is also a bit of romance which fit perfectly into the story. I look forward to more Mac McClellan mysteries.
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