The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey

They know the power and peril of the ocean.

But as they get closer to the deadly truth . . .

An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker, Coast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are flown to the scene thirty-eight miles from shore. Tensions aboard the rig are high, and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the "plague on the environment" from continuing its work. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating on board about an ancient curse lurking in the depths below.

Mounting evidence shows the death might not have been an accident. Was the man killed by one of the activists or, more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only numerous suspects, but also their own haunted pasts and their attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems about to break open, worse news arrives: a tropical storm has turned their way. Now they're cut off from any rescue--right where the killer wants them.

About the author

Dani Pettrey is the bestselling author of the Chesapeake Valor series and the Alaskan Courage series and winner of the 2016 National Readers' Choice Award for Inspirational Novel, the 2014 Daphne du Maurier Award for Inspirational Novel, and the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award for Suspense. She and her husband reside in the Washington, DC, metro area. She can be found online at www.danipettrey.com.

Review

‘The Crushing Depths’ is the second book in the Coastal Guardians series and I much preferred this one! Maybe it was because I thought Rissi was the most interesting character from the first book and this one revolves around her! There is action, tension and I found this romance a lot more compelling and I loved the introduction of Mason to pair up both professionally and romantically with Rissi.

There is a death on an oil rig and Rissi and Mason are called out to investigate as they need to verify whether it was an accident or not. But on the way their helicopter goes into free fall and crashes into the sea! Thankfully they both survive and make it to the oil rig but the workers are stating there the oil rig and the workers are cursed.

I appreciated getting to know Rissi and Mason a lot more in this outing - both the people they were when they were children and how they are now as adults. All the rest of the team are also developed and teased a bit more and I am totally shipping one pair to hook up later in the series. I’m committed now and I want to find out what happens with them! I also just want Caleb to get over Rissi. Poor boy.

This story also left me guessing as to what the resolution was going to be and I loved that! It's great with authors stump me, but it wasn't like the groundwork hadn't been lain. Afterwards, it was a big fat ‘oh okay!

Also, can I just mention how stunning the covers are for this series - so bright and colourful!

I really enjoyed this outing in the series and I am looking forward to reading the next one!