Cross Current

Seychelle Sullivan Suspense, Book 2

By: Christine Kling

Narrated by: Rosemary Benson

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Seychelle's life takes a turn when her tug intercepts a swamped fishing boat in the Gulf Stream. Inside the boat is a little girl in a bloodied white dress. When Seychelle returns to shore with the traumatized Haitian girl, she is faced with the border patrol, the police, and an unraveling love affair. Determined to protect the child, and somehow keep her from being sent back to Haiti, Seychelle becomes obsessed with the forces that nearly killed the girl - and left her speechless with terror. All Seychelle knows for sure is that the girl's father was an American...and that somehow she slipped through a murderer's hands.

With a murderer stalking the child, Seychelle is racing to unravel dangerous truths. But to get the answers she needs, she must return to the waters of the Gulf Stream, where people died for a hope and prayer - and a man with a machete did the work of the devil himself.

Taut, suspenseful, and filled with remarkable descriptions of Florida's many moods and guises - from million-dollar waterfront homes to haunted, backwater mangrove swamps and secret Voodoo rituals - Cross Current is alive with personalities and passion and the work of an author boldly staking out territory all her own.

©2004 Christine Kling (P)2015 Christine Kling

Critic reviews

"Exciting... Kling is an author who bears watching. She clearly knows how to add texture and color to her narrative... Cross Current is a keeper." ( The Tampa Tribune)

Florida Mystery

Cross Current: Seychelle Sullivan Suspense, Book 2

My Review

Seychelle becomes emotionally involved with with an Haitian child she finds at sea. Unlike the murdered woman found alongside her in the small, abandoned craft, the female child, Solange, has escaped death.

Seychelle is determined to find the childs father, an American, if she is successful, Solange may have the chance of a life in America.

That Seychelle is tough, at least, on the outside, is evident. She works as hard as any man, she knows all about the coastline and shipping, this is her world. Now, she has to take on the Border Police and everyone else who wants to return Solange. Her only ally is her lawyer friend Jeannie.

For me, the long descriptions of all things maritime made the book rather tedious at times, I really don't need to know quite so much about running a boat, or about tidal conditions.

I also, at times thought Seychelles made less than intelligent choices which landed both herself and Solange in dangerous situations, I found this aspect of her very irritating, as well as stretching the bounds of credulity.

I had thought I would love this book: Florida, the ocean, boats, mystery, heart rending social statements, these are elements I had expected would combine to produce a book of great enjoyment.

Unfortunately, despite the exciting and fast paced adventure, in parts, the authors' overly detailed work just did not hold my attention. A good mystery, but buried within too many words.

Narrator

Once again the skills of the narrator came to the rescue. I doubt very much I could have borne the eleven hours and twenty nine minutes of this recording quite so determinedly were it not for the talent of Rosemary Benson. I enjoyed her voice, her characterisations were, I thought, excellent, I was quite taken with how she portrayed Jeannie! I'm not sure why, but as soon as I heard "Jeannie" speak, there she was! I could see her so plainly on that screen in my head. Every character is well defined and easy to identify, nothing is overdone.

If a narrator is new to me I try to find their website, I was delighted to discover that Rosemary is also an accomplished singer.

Despite my enjoyment of Rosemarys' excellent work, the sound quality of the audiobook was not top-notch, a little sibilance here and there, a little echoey. Don't let that put you off though, as I'm told I do find fault where others don't, so please, listen to the sample and use your own judgement.


This audiobook was gifted to me in return for this, my honest opinion

A story that will draw you in ...

Where does Cross Current rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best. Ms. Benson's narration kept me in the story and I was wanting to see what happened next.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, I was wondering what would happen next to Seychelle and especially Solange.

What does Rosemary Benson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The emotion that Ms. Benson brings to the story was amazing. I also enjoyed the Creole in the book. She made it sound real and not just a stereotype. I was wanting the story to go on.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I was worried for Seychelle after leaving the Bimini Islands.

Any additional comments?

Seychelle Sullivan is a tug boat captain. While on a job to tow in a stranded boat, she comes across a small dingy afloat in the ocean. In the dingy is a small child and a dead woman. Seychelle is determined not to let the girl be sent back to Haiti. This is a face paced, suspenseful thriller with a light touch of romance thrown in.

I would recommend this book to my friends who enjoy a good solid mystery/thriller. I will definitely listen to more of both Ms. King's and Ms. Benson's work.

Cross current

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

From the first chapter, Cross Currents captured my attention and gave me a "down memory lane" sail. I dropped my things to do list and devoured each page and minute detail.

Totally Worth the time!

Every minute only got more and more intense. The narration led me to follow on my map app..in satellite mode! too cool

a great title

i loved the story line another great book by Christine Kling loved every minute of it

Exciting and interesting

Would you consider the audio edition of Cross Current to be better than the print version?

Haven't read the book in print. Really enjoyed listening to it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cross Current?

Many tense, heart-warming or memorable moments. I don't wish to provide any spoilers.

Have you listened to any of Rosemary Benson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not that I am aware of. Enjoyed the various voices she used.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The love and loyalty shown.

Any additional comments?

Hated to stop listening. I wished my drive were longer so that I could hear more.

I'll pass

I'm not sure about this book. I'm having a difficult time finishing it. I'm having a hard time believing the storyline. I might come back to it because I really enjoyed the first book. But, for now, I have to take a pass.