Review: Pelican Bay by Jesse. Giles Christiansen

Title: Pelican Bay

Author: Jesse Giles Christiansen

Publication Date: July 20, 2013

Synopsis:

Some things are better left alone…

After Ethan Hodges discovers an undersea cemetery just off the beach of Pelican Bay, South Carolina, he seeks answers from a grandfatherly fisherman named Captain Shelby. The captain wants the past to remain buried, and he warns Ethan to stay away. But Ethan doesn't listen.

Ethan's best friend and secret love interest, Morgan Olinsworth, joins in the investigation, unearthing intriguing secrets about the mysterious fisherman. When Captain Shelby is suspected of murder and disappears, a manhunt ensues, revealing a truth that unnerves everyone in Pelican Bay.

My Thoughts:

Ethan Hodges is determined to find the truth about the underwater cemetery that has recently come unburied in his home town of Pelican Bay. Even after he seeks help from the town's longest resident, Captain Shelby, and is told to let it go, he doesn't listen. He and his friend, Morgan the librarian, decide to dig deeper into the town's past along with its residents. But what they discover will not only put them in danger, but their loved ones as well.

Pelican Bay is a fascinating story of love and buried secrets. Ethan is in love with Morgan, whether she wants to admit it or not, and is determined to win her heart. Although I can't say that I liked Ethan all of the time (having described Morgan's face as so ugly that it was beautiful), I genuinely wanted Morgan to give him a chance to show how much he cared for her. Their back and forth had me on the edge of my seat, desperate for them to just give in already and stop fighting their feelings. 

The love story between these two characters was interesting enough, but once the story of Pelican Bay and Captain Shelby started to come out, I couldn't put this book down. Just who is Captain Shelby? What secrets was he hiding? At first, I have to say I didn't like him. I felt he was responsible for some pretty awful acts and I didn't like his secrecy. But as I read on, I slowly found myself warming up to him. He cared deeply for Ethan, that much was obvious, and he just wanted to what was best for him. 

As if the story was intriguing enough, the author does a remarkable job setting the scene. The writing is descriptive but not overwhelmingly so. I feel like should I be dropped off in Pelican Bay alone tomorrow, I'd be more than able to find my way around. Not that I would want to be dropped there, the town still gives me the chills. 

Overall, Pelican Bay is the perfect read for October. It has a definite creep factor to it that is sure to add to the Halloween vibe and keep you up late in the night reading. If you enjoy mysteries, suspense and even a little bit of mythology too, this book is for you!

For more about Jesse Giles Christiansen and Pelican Bay, visit his website here. 

Purchase:

Amazon

B&N 

*I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.