Yvonne‘Except for the mermaid on a weedy patch of sea grass ghosting in her wake, Katrina Hunter’s solo sail into Mexican waters had been monotonous and uneventful.
And now her thirty-two foot Westsail was on a leisurely stroll with only the current and the thrum of the auxiliary engine for companionship … except, that is, for the mermaid
She rubbed at gritty eyes, the result of too little sleep and too many hours at Pilgrim’s helm. “Sure it is. Last night it was Mickey Mouse reciting Robert Frost on top of a following wave, so why not mermaids?”‘
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Why has Katrina sailed into Mexican waters and where has she come from?
What is out there which even starts to make Katrina believe that she has seen a Mermaid?
I am not a great lover of water or the sea, so the probability of getting me on board a sailing boat in the first place, are quite remote.
I could however, if I were an accomplished sailor, appreciate the peace and tranquility of the ocean, time for reflection and making plans.
I wonder though, just how long it would be, before I would begin to imagine things, both visual and audial, as a result of such isolation.
Or perhaps, Katrina’s imagings are not so far-fetched at all and her life is about to take a whole new turn!
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As usual, so as to avoid too many unwanted spoilers, I have not included a full synopsis of the book in this post. However to find out a little more about the story, before deciding whether it is your ‘cup of tea’, or not, you can either click on the book image, or click here to enter the author’s website, where there is some great extra background material.
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What is ‘Book Beginnings’ and how you can join in the fun.
Would the first few lines of your book make you want to read on?
If so, would you like to share them with us, (without revealing too many spoilers of course) ?
Click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’
You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be discovered.
Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.
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This romantic mystery/suspense book, was gifted as an author request for me to read and leave my comments about and as such was free of charge.
This will in no way influence any comments I may express about the book, in any blog article I may post. Any thoughts or comments will be my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.
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I don’t usually read books about sailing adventures, but this one captured my interest with the “visions” of mermaids and Mickey Mouse.
Thanks for sharing.
Here’s MY BOOK BEGINNINGS POST and
MY WEBSITE
Hi Laurel-Rain,
I was a little dubious about the sailing reference, when I first agreed to read this book for the author. However there are only a few random references to sailing in the course of the book and most of those are quite superficial and easy to relate to.
The ‘visions’ of mermaids and Mickey Mouse, are also very transitory and easily explained in the first couple of pages, however they do form an intriguing start to the story, don’t they?
Thanks for stopping by and all Best Wishes for the New Year.
The mention of a mermaid gives the impression this could be a fantasu story, but then I realise Katrina saw Mickey Mouse too… so just a trick of the imagination, maybe.
I love water and the sea, though being on a boat usually brings out the fear side of my imagination (though not quite as bad as it does when I’m flying!).
I’m looking forward to reading what you think of this one.
Hi Nikki,
The references to the mermaid are definitely not indicative of this being a fantasy story and are far from a trick of the imagination, although the reference to Mickey Mouse certainly is …. intrigued?
I have to say that I don’t think this is a book that you would particularly enjoy, as it is turning very much into a ‘cozy’ read, great if you don’t want to have to think too deeply about the storyline, but without anything to really get your teeth into.
I don’t particularly enjoy flying, but it is a necessary evil to get from A to B unfortunately and I would rather fly than sail any day of the week, a cruise would be my worst nightmare! I have never liked water, nor learned to swim, although I am certain that this is an inherited fear which was passed to both my brother and myself, by our mother. I would definitely encourage all parents to teach their children to swim just as early as possible, I feel that I have missed out on so much enjoyment over the years.
Hope that you are feeling truly recovered very soon and all Best Wishes for the New Year.
Hi Yvonne,
A cruise would be my idea of a nightmare holiday too. Not just for being on water, but I just find the idea of a cruise quite boring and prefer to be able to explore a city or area. Neither of my parents can swim either, but when I was in school it was expected that you had to learn to swim and it turned out I was alright at it once I got going (it took me a while!)… even joined the swimming club for a bit!
I’ll fly (thought admittedly I haven’t done so for a decade!), but I sit gripping the seat for the entire flight and worry at the slighted of noises. But, as you say, it’s a necessity if you want to go long distance.
All the best for 2012! 🙂
What a great start. It would encourage me to keep reading.
Hi Jo,
I have to say that I was very intrigued by those opening few lines and was keen to keep reading. The book is an easy read, with the plot, not a difficult one to follow. The mixture of police investigation, with romance and almost a little humour in places, is keeping the whole thing moving along at a pace, although there is no real deep substance or intrigue, to either the storyline, or the characters.
Thanks for the visit and I hope that you have a great weekend and all Good Wishes for 2012.
This teaser makes me want to read more. I hope u end up enjoying this one.
Happy New Year Yvonne
Hi Diane,
Thanks for stopping by and all Best Wishes for a Happy New Year.
I have now finished this book and my thoughts about it will be out soon.
I would have described ‘A Dangerous Harbour’ as more of a cozy, romantic mystery, than anything too serious, although I am not quite sure that is what the author had in mind when she wrote it.
It was a relatively easy read and although I didn’t actually work out the identity of the murderer until Rebecca revealed it in her writing, the plot was a little predictable and mundane.
It was a great read to curl up with on a cold winter’s day and while away a couple of hours.