Rip Current by Sharon Ward is the seventh installment in the Fin Fleming Scuba Diving Mysteries series, blending ocean adventure with suspenseful crime investigation. Published on March 30, 2024, this novel continues the underwater adventures of Fin Fleming, a skilled diver and researcher connected to the RIO oceanographic institute in the Cayman Islands. The book combines environmental hazards, personal risk, and a carefully unfolding mystery that keeps the story engaging from beginning to end.
The plot centers on a troubling pattern of deaths linked to powerful and seemingly unpredictable rip currents forming near the shores of Grand Cayman. Despite warnings to stay out of the water, multiple women are caught and killed by these dangerous currents. Fin repeatedly places herself in harm’s way attempting rescues, pushing her physical limits and highlighting the real dangers divers and first responders face in ocean environments. At the same time, a young social media influencer disappears under suspicious circumstances, initially believed to be another victim of the sea. As Fin looks closer, it becomes clear that these events may not be natural accidents. The growing realization that someone could be deliberately luring victims into danger drives the mystery forward and raises the stakes considerably.
One of the strongest aspects of Rip Current is its setting. Sharon Ward’s clear familiarity with diving and marine environments adds realism and depth to the story. The ocean is portrayed as both breathtakingly beautiful and brutally unforgiving, reinforcing the constant tension between human curiosity and nature’s power. The descriptions of underwater scenes, coastal conditions, and diving procedures feel authentic without overwhelming the reader, striking a balance between technical detail and narrative flow.
The pacing of the novel is steady, alternating between investigative moments, character interaction, and high-risk action scenes. The danger feels immediate and believable, especially during rescue attempts and dives where small mistakes can have fatal consequences. While experienced mystery readers may anticipate some developments, the story maintains interest through its layered threats and the dual mystery of natural versus human-caused danger.
Fin Fleming remains a strong and capable protagonist. She is intelligent, determined, and deeply committed to protecting others, even when it puts her own life at risk. Her character feels grounded and consistent, especially for readers who have followed the series. Supporting characters provide emotional support, professional tension, and occasional conflict, helping flesh out the world beyond the central mystery. Their interactions add warmth and realism, preventing the story from becoming solely action-driven.
The themes explored in Rip Current go beyond a simple whodunit. The novel highlights how underestimated natural dangers can be, especially in tourist destinations where people feel falsely secure. It also touches on the influence of media, public perception, and funding pressures in scientific research, subtly weaving real-world concerns into the narrative. These elements give the story added substance and relevance.
Overall, Rip Current is a compelling and immersive mystery that effectively combines marine science, suspense, and crime investigation. Fans of the Fin Fleming series will find it a satisfying continuation, while new readers can still enjoy the vivid setting and high-stakes plot. Sharon Ward delivers a story that respects the power of the ocean while reminding readers that the most dangerous currents are sometimes driven by human intent rather than nature alone.
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