Overview

Winner of the Firebird Award, Literary Titan Gold Award, PenCraft Award for Suspense, and American Writing Award Finalist A death on Florida's coast. A detective who won't let silence win. When the body of a young woman washes ashore in Crystal Cove, Detective Ava Martinez is called to investigate. What begins as a suspicious drowning soon unravels into something far more dangerous: ecological sabotage, corporate corruption, and a marine biologist's research that could change everything-or destroy it. As Ava digs deeper, loyalties fracture. Her partner is killed. The case turns personal. With the help of a principled scientist, a vigilant neighbor, and a loyal officer, Ava must navigate a town steeped in secrets and silence. Every step closer to the truth brings her closer to becoming the next target. Swimming with Manatees is an atmospheric mystery that blends: - Environmental intrigue - a fragile ecosystem under threat - Detective suspense - a relentless investigator haunted by loss - Ensemble drama - allies bound by loyalty, justice, and resilience - Emotional depth - a story of grief, redemption, and the quiet power of memory Fans of mystery, eco-thrillers, and character-driven suspense will be swept into this gripping novel of justice, resilience, and the fight to carry truth forward before the next body surfaces. Perfect for readers of Carl Hiaasen, John D. MacDonald, and Randy Wayne White.

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9781970628210

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Reviews

When I opened Swimming with Manatees, I expected a quiet story about nature and maybe a bit of reflection. What I found instead was a crime novel tangled in saltwater and shadows. At its heart, the book follows the mysterious death of April Seagram, discovered floating near manatees in Crystal Cove. Detectives Ava Martinez and Dan Riley dig into the case, which quickly grows beyond a single drowning. Propeller wounds, bruises, biker gangs, pharmaceutical secrets, and corporate greed all mix with the rhythm of a small Florida town. What starts with a body in the bay unfolds into a twisting investigation that pulls the detectives deeper into corruption and loss. The writing is lush and alive, especially in the opening scenes with the water and wildlife. Bennett knows how to paint a picture that feels both beautiful and uneasy, the kind that makes your stomach tighten even when the sun is still shining. The dialogue between Ava and Dan crackles with wit and tension, and their partnership feels natural without falling into clichés. At the same time, the violence lands heavily. The murders are described with a blunt honesty that refuses to look away, which left me unsettled in the best possible way. It felt raw, relatable, and grounded, even when the plot veered into conspiracies about corporations and hidden labs. Some chapters gave me whiplash, shifting from gorgeous descriptions of manatees drifting peacefully to gritty crime-scene details that almost felt like a sharp contrast. There were stretches where Ava's inner thoughts circled the same worries. Still, I found myself forgiving those lulls because the characters kept pulling me back in. Ava's grit, Dan's warmth, Ben's quiet steadiness, these weren't just plot drivers, they felt like people I wanted to root for, even when tragedy hit hard. Swimming with Manatees is more than a murder mystery. It's a book about the thin line between beauty and brutality, about the way fragile places and fragile people can be scarred and still carry on. This book feels like a blend of Where the Crawdads Sing and Gone Girl, with the lush atmosphere of small-town nature writing wrapped tightly around the sharp edges of a murder mystery. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy crime fiction layered with atmosphere and heart, especially those who like a story that isn't afraid to linger in grief and still find something worth protecting. Thomas Anderson Editor In Chief Literary Titan

Author Information

A retired military officer, a licensed attorney, and a global IT executive. In retirement, I lean into the rhythms that matter most: vinyl spinning, the roar of a college or professional football crowd, a German Shepherd at my side, and the laughter of friends and family filling the Florida air. I usher at local concert venues not just for the music, but for the stories unfolding in every seat. I regularly visit my son in West Palm Beach and enjoy a tremendous life with my wife.

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