Book

Tampa Burn

📖 Overview

Tampa Burn follows marine biologist and private investigator Doc Ford as he searches for his friend's kidnapped son. The case pulls Ford into a dangerous pursuit involving a deranged former circus performer and criminal mastermind known as Praxcedes Lourdes. Ford must navigate the complex waterways and urban landscape of Tampa Bay while racing against time to rescue the boy. His investigation reveals connections to underground networks and forces him to confront figures from his own shadowy past as a government operative. Working alongside his eccentric friend Tomlinson and other allies, Ford employs both his scientific knowledge and covert operations experience in the high-stakes search. The investigation leads through Florida's darker corners, from exclusive waterfront communities to remote mangrove swamps. The novel explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the moral compromises sometimes required when protecting those we care about. Against the backdrop of Florida's Gulf Coast, it examines how past choices continue to shape present circumstances.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe Tampa Burn as a fast-paced Doc Ford thriller that keeps them engaged throughout. Many note it's darker and more violent than previous books in the series. Readers appreciated: - The emotional stakes with Doc Ford's son being involved - Complex villain that creates real tension - Florida setting details and atmosphere - Strong balance of action and character development Common criticisms: - Too much focus on torture scenes - Some found the plot less believable than other Doc Ford books - Side characters felt underdeveloped - Pacing drags in middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (280+ reviews) "The parent-child relationship added a new dimension to Ford's character," noted one Amazon reviewer. Multiple Goodreads reviews mentioned skimming through graphic violence scenes. A frequent comment was that while enjoyable, it's not the strongest entry in the series.

📚 Similar books

Shadow Man by Cody McFadyen A FBI agent searches for a sadistic killer who has kidnapped and threatened her stepdaughter in this thriller that blends family dynamics with investigative work.

The Big Kill by Mickey Spillane A private detective confronts organized crime while protecting a young boy targeted by dangerous criminals in this hard-boiled mystery.

The Guard by Ken Bruen A former Irish police officer navigates the criminal underworld to rescue an abducted child in this gritty crime novel set in Galway.

Six Bad Things by Charlie Huston A man's attempt to protect his son leads to a cross-country chase involving hitmen, drug dealers, and stolen money.

Cold Silence by James Abel A marine biologist turned operative tracks bioterrorists through Florida's coastal waters while racing to save his kidnapped son.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔥 "Tampa Burn" is the 11th novel in Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford series, featuring his marine biologist-turned-covert-operator protagonist. 🌊 Author Randy Wayne White was a fishing guide at Tarpon Bay Marina on Sanibel Island for 13 years before becoming a full-time writer. 🗺️ The book's plot involves Florida's real-life water wars between coastal and inland regions, an ongoing environmental issue that continues to affect the state today. 🦈 White conducted extensive research on Florida's shark-finning industry while writing this book, later using his findings to help advocate for stronger protection laws. 📚 The Doc Ford character was partially inspired by White's experiences with actual government operatives who frequented his marina during his years as a fishing guide.