North of Havana

North of Havana follows marine biologist and former CIA operative Doc Ford as he investigates the disappearance of his friend's brother off the coast of Cuba. The investigation draws Ford into a complex web of Cuban-American relations, revolutionary politics, and dangerous waters. Ford must navigate between Miami's exile community, Cuban intelligence operatives, and shadowy figures with competing agendas. His search takes him through the Florida Keys and into Cuban territory, where he confronts both personal and geopolitical challenges. The novel employs White's extensive knowledge of Florida's marine environment and Cuban history to create an authentic backdrop for the action. Ford's scientific expertise and intelligence background allow him to approach the case from multiple angles as he works to uncover the truth. The story explores themes of loyalty, political idealism, and the lasting impact of the Cuban Revolution on both sides of the Florida Straits. Through Ford's perspective, the book examines how past conflicts continue to shape present relationships between Cuba and the United States.

Readers describe North of Havana as a solid entry in the Doc Ford series, though not among the strongest. The blend of Cuban politics, marine biology, and Florida Gulf Coast atmosphere keeps the story moving. Likes: - Complex political intrigue involving Cuba - Details about marine life and Florida ecology - Character development of Doc Ford - Fast-paced second half Dislikes: - Slow start with too much setup - Some find the Cuba storyline confusing - Less action than other Doc Ford books - Side characters feel underdeveloped Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,482 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (156 ratings) "The Cuba backdrop adds depth but sometimes gets bogged down in political details" notes one Amazon reviewer. Multiple Goodreads reviews mention the "rich atmosphere" of the Gulf Coast setting but wanted more thrills. Several readers point out this works better if you've read previous books in the series first.

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Dead Low Tide by Bret Lott A son discovers a body in the Charleston harbor, leading to an investigation that reveals dark truths about his coastal community.

🌴 The book is part of the Doc Ford series, featuring a marine biologist who moonlights as a covert operative, drawing from Randy Wayne White's own background as a fishing guide and marine researcher. 🚢 White based several plot elements on real historical events surrounding Operation Pedro Pan, which transported over 14,000 Cuban children to the United States between 1960-1962. 🏊‍♂️ The author spent significant time diving and exploring the waters between Florida and Cuba, lending authentic detail to the novel's underwater scenes and maritime elements. 🗺️ The book's title, "North of Havana," refers to the treacherous Florida Straits, a body of water that has been the site of numerous real-life refugee crossings and political tensions. 📚 Published in 1997, this was the fifth book in the Doc Ford series, which has now grown to over 25 novels and earned White comparisons to John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee series.