The Crushing Depths

Written by Dani Pettrey

Narrated by Stina Nielsen

They know the power and peril of the ocean. But as they get closer to the deadly truth … An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker, Coast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers
are flown to the scene thirty-eight miles from shore. Tensions aboard the rig are high, and the death has everyone on
edge. Environmental activists just off the rig’s starboard side are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the “plague
on the environment” from continuing its work. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating on board about an ancient curse
lurking in the depths below.

Mounting evidence shows the death might not have been an accident. Was the man killed by one of the activists
or, more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only numerous suspects,
but also their own haunted pasts and their attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems about to break open, worse news arrives: a tropical storm has turned their way. Now they’re
cut off from any rescue—right where the killer wants them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980087168

Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey (DaniPettrey.com) is the bestselling author of the Coastal Guardians, Chesapeake Valor, and Alaskan Courage series. A two-time Christy Award finalist, Dani has won the National Readers' Choice Award, Daphne du Maurier Award, HOLT Medallion, and Christian Retailing's Best Award for Suspense. She plots murder and mayhem from her home in the Washington, DC, metro area.

Reviews for The Crushing Depths

[kburne1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love this series! And I love the fact that's it's set in NC and near a town I adore :)

[lamb521 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians #2)Author: Dani PettreyPages: e-bookYear: 2020Publisher: Bethany House PublishersMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.Rissi Dawson works as an investigator for the Coast Guard. She is reunited with an old friend who has recently transferred to this division of the Coast Guard as an investigator also. They are both assigned to discover the cause of a death aboard an oil rig. Was it an accident or murder? That’s what these partners must deduce. While on board they hear rumors of a curse that has caused many of the more superstitious members on the oil rig crew to be jumpy and skittish. More accidents happen with more deaths piling up. Another element to their investigation includes a nearby ship full of environmental protesters. They have committed acts of minor sabotage to the oil rig and equipment. Have they stepped up their game to include murder? Rissi and Mason must ferret out the truth and as they do their relationship with God and each other will strengthen. Their team leader Noah and one of the rescue pilots also have a mystery of their own to solve, as well as perhaps a developing romance.For me, this book was average; there were good parts of the story and abrupt or slow parts. The story just didn’t click with me. There was action, suspense and romance. There were a lot of characters to keep track of, and some of their story lines didn’t add much to the main plot. However, I did enjoy the relationship between Rissi and Mason. Their shared life in the foster care system forged a bond that will last a lifetime. I liked Mason’s protective side, but he didn’t go overboard and try to control Rissi. The support and comradery among the co-workers were also enjoyable. I thought the setting of an oil rig an interesting perspective, and I learned something new about the way these employees work and live on the rig. I’m looking forward to book three to see what exciting adventure awaits!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When the beginning pages of a book mention a "cursed" oil rig, a death that may not have been an accident, and two Coast Guard Investigators who share a past history, you can count on an exciting story and that's exactly what Dani Pettrey offers in The Crushing Depths. From the beginning to the end, there are twists and turns that kept me from guessing the identity of the suspects, along with dangerous action that never seems to let up. There is also a reunion between two of the investigators and I loved the references to the past relationship of Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers. They lived in the same children's home for a few months when they were teens and Rissi can't believe that Mason is now her work partner. He once offered her a sense of protection and safety, but can Mason do this again as the two of them face unknown threats in their quest to find answers? Does the curse truly exist or is it just a tale that has grown over time?The Crushing Depths is filled with sweet romance, thrilling adventure, and memorable characters with strong Christian values. Once again, Pettrey has proven her ability to write amazing romantic suspense.I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book that I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Crushing Depths, by Dani Pettrey, is book two in the Coastal Guardians series. Mason is new to the Coast Guard Investigative Services and is teamed up with Rissi. As teens they were in the same foster home and Mason looked out for Rissi. Now years later they pick up their friendship as if they had not been separated.While this is part of a series and some of the characters carry over, this is a great stand alone story. There are a lot of characters in this story to keep track of, but once the story developed, they were easy to follow. This is a fast moving, action packed Christian romantic suspense story. The writing is so clear it is easy to imagine the danger the team is in. I liked the way Mason and Rissi worked together and looked out for each other. I enjoyed reading this story, I enjoyed the suspense and the way the team worked together.I received an e-book copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The deafening silence of the abyss engulfed her.What an incredible way to begin a book that keeps you guessing right up till the end. The danger, suspense and non-stop action forced me to mentally update my suspect list more than once. I must admit, the actual perpetrators came as a surprise. The mark of a wonderful suspense writer!Book 2 in the Coastal Guardians series introduces us to a new member on the CGIS team. A former foster brother of Rissi has joined them from Kodiak, Alaska, bringing a whole new positive dynamic to the group. For Mason and Rissi the reunion after so many years is delightful to observe. Learning more about the other members just whets the appetite for the next installment in the series. I love how they all work together to help, protect and encourage each other. Their faith shines through in everything they do.This ARC was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh my was this an exciting read. The author gets right into the adventure as soon as you start the book. I really enjoyed reading about the Coast Guards like in the first book of the series. This time we go along as Rissi and Mason are front and center in this thriller. I kept thinking as I read the book that it was a cross between NCIS and Criminal Minds. Being out at sea for a long period of time does not sound very fun for me. There are many that do it though for the thrill and money. I just wonder how hard it would be to be stuck there without seeing your family. The story revolves around a mysterious death on an oil rig. What I really liked was the “curse” that many believed that caused accidents and deaths to happen. The background on the curse was very intense and it added a bit of mystery to the story. Rissi and Mason go to investigate and find themselves in danger. I loved how the author stacked unexplained accidents on top of another that delivers a real puzzle to solve. I was so sure I knew who was behind everything, but I was very wrong. There are many twists in the story which kept me digging more into several suspects. There is romance in the book but for me it was not distracting from the story. The faith element is good and just the right amount to know that a few of the characters prayed for wisdom and safety. With an activist group wanting to stop the completion of the structure, bodies turning up and unexplained accidents, the author delivers a well written story that had me reading as fast as I could. I really liked the characters and how they were up against weather, danger aboard the rig and threats without giving up. Rissi and Mason are a good combination and compliment each other at work . Their ability to untangle a very complicated case was nothing short of brilliance. I love the authors’ way that she tells a story with details, intrigue and non stop action. Get ready for an adventure where nothing is as it seems. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fans of the first book in Dani Pettrey’s Coastal Guardians series will not be disappointed with her latest fast-paced, action-packed novel, The Crushing Depths. The ensemble cast is back with all their skills to get to the bottom of mysterious activity on an oil rig off the North Carolina Coast. While all your favorites make an appearance, most of the book focuses on Rissi and newcomer to the Coast Guard Investigative Service team, Mason. As their investigation intensifies, so does the chemistry between the two making this book a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.A centuries old curse, modern drilling, and eco-activists set the stage for The Crushing Depths. The various threads serve to keep the investigators and the reader guessing. But the methodical and intuitive team is matchless in their dogged determination to find the truth. The ensemble cast Pettrey creates is varied and interesting. Their interactions and side plots also promise more intriguing cases and romance to come. Rissi and Mason get the spotlight though, and their history as teenagers gives them a great foundation for finding love as adults. While the plot kept me turning the pages and the romance was just right, I especially liked the setting of this book. I really want to head to the North Carolina coast now! Pettrey always infuses her novels with solid spiritual messages, and this book is no exception.Great setting, page-turning plot, endearing characters, and sparks galore make The Crushing Depths a very enjoyable read! If this is your first introduction to this series, get books 1 and 2 and settle in for some fun!Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[kimpotter-309059 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey is the second book in her Coastal Guardians series. Coast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent out to the off shore oil platform to investigate the accidental death of an oil-rig worker. They encounter environmental activists, who will do whatever it takes to shut down the oil production. With tensions running high from all the “accidents” aboard the rig rumors of the old curse start to circulate again. Rissi and Mason must dig through all of this to find the answers they need. This was a great book. I enjoyed all the character interactions. The southern charm came thru loud and clear! I’m a southern gal myself, so was happy to read a story where the men were also gentlemen. Can’t wait for the next installment!DISCLAIMER: There was quite a bit of kissing and boy/girl feelings. I received this book from the author for my honest review.

[celticlady53 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey is the story of murder on an oil rig, Book #2 in the Coastal Guardians seriesCoast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are tasked with finding out who and why this murder happened. Greg Barnes went out to have a smoke and ended up on fire and ended up deceased. The death may not have been an accident so it makes it difficult to figure out what happened. There are numerous suspects including some Environmental activists who have been demonstrating on the starboard side of the oil rig.There are also rumors of an ancient curse that the crew members believe. To also get in the way, there is sexual tension between Rissi and Mason. They knew each other years before and Rissi has always had a crush on Mason. Not only that there is a tropical storm that is heading their way. On their way to the rig, the helicopter that they were in crashed and the pilot died. Was the helicopter sabotaged?I enjoyed reading this book, it is a clean mystery story, some kissing going on, but all in all nothing that will offend your sensibilities. The storyline was credible with believable characters. A story if you love suspenseful romance that is sure to please.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic. The group of characters are working two different cases so the action keeps going. I really like the romance that is budding between many of the characters. I liked learning a little bit about the oil rigs in the ocean and how they are run. We also learn some about ecoterrorists. This had many twists and turns. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[melissa_o-399736 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have loved Dani Pettrey books for years and the Coastal Guardian series is no exception. The Crushing Depths is the second in the series. One thing I love about her books is she hooks the reader from the very beginning. The Crushing Depths starts out with the mysterious death of a crew member on on oil rig off the coast of NC. Coast Guard investigators Mason and Rissi are sent in via helicopter to investigate. As if the death they were investigating was not enough, the opening line of chapter five..."Mayday!Mayday! We're going down,". Okay, heart pumping and I am officially hooked. Readers are drawn in to multiple plot lines as Mason and Rissi try to get to the bottom of what is going on. Other mysterious events take place on the rig and many believe that everything is tied to a curse while others believe it is the environmentalist group that has vowed to do whatever it takes to stop the drilling. What is really going on? Who is behind all this? You'll have to read to find out.Dani Pettrey is a master of writing page-turning suspense while giving readers just the right amount of romance. I really liked that Rissi and Mason had known each other as teenagers when they both lived in a children's home. They had supported one another as teenagers through some horrific situations, had gone their separate ways, and were brought back together as adults when Mason was assigned to the team Rissi is on. They have a beautiful love story many years in the making.Although this can definitely be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting with the Killing Tide. Since that is the first in the series, readers are introduced to the entire team who we get to know even better in The Crushing Depths. This book also provides updates on Gabby and Finn who were featured in the Killing Tide. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series. Without giving too much away, there is a side story with Noah who ends up protecting a woman who is in danger. Fingers crossed, there will be something more between them in a future book in the series.Many thanks to the author, Bethany House Publishers, and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love reading this author’s books, and this one will not disappoint, and you will be holding your breath as the danger happens. This is the second book in this series, and yes, I recommend you read it, but you can start here there is enough information given.I enjoyed being reunited with these characters, and looking forward to more. This one will have you guessing and surprises are coming, a lot I new saw in my mind. We are given a few facts that will keep you guessing, and there is a lot of action taking place.We are following more than one story, but the characters all interact, and I was quickly page turning for answers, and solutions. We are offered a bit of sweet romance, and revealing of the horrors that brought these two special people together to begin with. There is some unrequited love here, but maybe there is a spark from someone else? Actually, there is a third case of maybe a match, you will have to read and see?If you like non-stop action, like helicopter crashes for example you to will find this a riveting read!I received this book through the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.