Beware the Whale's Wake [Paperback]

Mary Sikora (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 28, 2000

Someone is stalking the crew of a fishing ship in the small town of Bear Creek, Washington. Whoever it is, is killing them one by one and only Detective Josh Epstein stands in their way. He must work with limited resources while dealing with a ghost riddled past. When the crew and owners of the ship remain tight-lipped, Epstein enlists the help of quick witted D.E.A. agent Paul Ferguson and enchanting Coast Guard investigator, Kimiko Stephens. Epstein finds himself at odds with a Japanese cosmetics company and a relentless killer. Each victim dies in a way related to the sea. The detective soon realizes the key to solving the case but is he in time to stop the final slaughter?

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An action-packed mystery where the hunters become the hunted.

About the Author

Joe Niehaus is a sergeant with the Kettering Police Department in Ohio. He is a certified clincal and forensic hypnotist, well versed in the martial arts, a native of Cincinnati and graduate of the University of Cincinnati, he has three published books to his credit.Mary Sikora is a former daily newspaper reporter who currently works as a free-lance writer and editor and as a part time instructor in English at the University of Dayton. A Cincinnati native, she has published two books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 251 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (November 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595150233
• ISBN-13: 978-0595150236
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,012,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars This novel will grow on you., April 23, 2001

By 

Kenneth Keener (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beware the Whale's Wake (Paperback)

I've read this book many times and have developed a real affection for it. As a high school English teacher, I have students read it as a class novel. Since it's a mystery, it's ideal for them to predict and infer, and as most of us do, they love action. The plot is internally consistent, and even though very few guess the killer until Niehaus is ready, it all makes sense in the end. Epstein, the main character, is appealingly human, and we find ourselves wanting him to succeed, both in his daunting challenges as a detective and in his "damaged" lovelife. Niehaus does especially good work in setting up a parallel between Epstein's haunting past and the developing situation in a wave of serial killings. The author turns up the controls on the suspense meter by bringing to bear tension from multiple directions. I appreciate the fact that more than one villain complicates the plot. In fact, once the identity of the serial killer is revealed, the reader can't help but feel genuine sympathy for him/her. Niehaus's experiences in law enforcement no doubt contribute to his characterization of the killer, and reflect his frustrations with the abuses and injustice in our legal and enforcement systems.

Sure, there are a number of cliches, and some of Epstein's exploits seem a bit out of range for "an overweight, burned out wreck." Too, the book's original publishers needed to copyedit a lot better. But those things acknowledged, the book overcomes them all. I look forward to rereading the novel every year. I'm delighted that it's once again in print. I'm starting to run out of copies for my students, and my own is falling apart. I recommend Whale's Wake. It's a fast, easy read and holds you all the way through. The ending leaves just the barest crack available for a possible sequel. I hope Mr. Niehaus someday finds the time and inclination to write it.