Customer Reviews

Bahamas West End Is Murder: A Ben Candidi Mystery (Ben Candidi Mysteries)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Booklist calls the Ben Candidi mysteries "a too-little known series" and I have to agree. "Bahamas West End is Murder" is the fifth in what author Dirk Wyle (pen name for Duncan H. Haynes, PhD, retired biomedical scientist) hopes will ultimately be a 21 book series.

In this one, PhD Ben Candidi and his significant other, Rebeeca Levis, MD are both between jobs and plan to use their freedom to sail to the Bahamas and just spend time together. But it doesn't take long for a dead man on a sinking cabin cruiser to interfere with their best laid plans.

Yes, "Bahamas West End is Murder" is a who-done-it, but unlike so many in the same genre, this one not only leaves the reader guessing until the very last page, but spices the intricate and fast-paced plot with interesting characters, fascinating historical tidbits about the Bahamas, and authentic scientific and nautical details. A definite recommendation.

Ben Candidi has a doctorate in pharmacology, a freelance career as a scientist, an alluring physician as a soul mate, and a nose for murder.

Ben and Rebecca encounter a sinking cabin cruiser when sailing to the Bahamas for vacation and a bit of work. They decide to tow the craft to the West End marina, along with the onboard body. Ben intends to claim the craft for salvage.

They settle into a slot in the marina to relax and enjoy their time while waiting for permission to take their prize to Miami. But the Florida corporation who owns the yacht ignores their claim, and the Bahama police won't let them leave with it. Then it becomes obvious that the friendly people in the neighboring slips and their island associates aren't all just enjoying the beautiful weather and fine snorkeling. Ben needs to save more than his salvage claim. Now he has to save their lives.

Dirk Wyle has an understanding of science--he is a scientist first--and a deep appreciation for sailing. He brings both elements to the reader in this fast-paced novel.

Ben Candidi has a doctorate in pharmacology, a freelance career as a scientist, an alluring physician as a soul mate, and a nose for murder.

Ben and Rebecca encounter a sinking cabin cruiser when sailing to the Bahamas for vacation and a bit of work. They decide to tow the craft to the West End marina, along with the onboard body. Ben intends to claim the craft for salvage.

They settle into a slot in the marina to relax and enjoy their time while waiting for permission to take their prize to Miami. But the Florida corporation who owns the yacht ignores their claim, and the Bahama police won't let them leave with it. Then it becomes obvious that the friendly people in the neighboring slips and their island associates aren't all just enjoying the beautiful weather and fine snorkeling. Ben needs to save more than his salvage claim. Now he has to save their lives.

Dirk Wyle has an understanding of science--he is a scientist first--and a deep appreciation for sailing. He brings both elements to the reader in this fast-paced novel.

I like mystery novels with an intriguing plot, fascinating characters, good writing, with vivid descriptions of a place (or industry or historical time..) . This novel has it all. A fun read. I've read all five of the Ben Candidi books, and this is even better than the others.

Very entertaining book for boat enthusiast. Kept me in mystery most of the time and only is predictable briefly. I am a boater who does like to fish and Mr. Wyle definitely reveals his disdained for the fishing community so if you can put that aside it's a good book with tropical excitement. I would recommend it.

As scientist Ben Candidi and his beautiful soul mate Dr. Rebecca Levis sail toward the Bahamas for vacation, they encounter and salvage a sinking boat with an obviously murdered man aboard. Welcome to Paradise: home of good cops, bad cops, drugs and double dealing. The story unfolds and draws you in, with sharp and accurate details that keep it fresh and with pacing that keeps you turning the pages and builds to a "can't put it down" climax. Dirk Wyle's characters are such fully realized people that you expect to meet them on the street in West End, Bahamas.

I am over halfway through this book. I bought it originally thinking the plot sounded attractive (finding a murdered man on a drifting yacht). I still think it sounds attractive, however, after over 50% of the book I'm no closer to finding out a darn thing. I do know a bunch about the Bahamas West End, historical trivia and the examination of undersea sponges. But that's not why I bought it.

Maybe the remainder of the book will pick up, but I'm very close to bagging the whole thing for complete lack of interest.

This book is very exciting and paints a vivid picture of boating around Grand Bahama Island.

Sandy Semerad,
Author of Mardi Gravestone