The Dawn Patrol

I am from Encinitas, CA which is Don Winslow country. I love mysteries and surfing so I decided to check it out. I fell for this book right from the beginning. I loved Boone and his friends. I loved Winslow's storytelling.

But this book totally surprised me. It turned from light and even a little funny to intense and dark. I simply could not put it down. I was so drawn to the characters and the plot action and wanted to find out what happened to Boone and friends.

BTW, the narrator was just great and and really added to the enjoyment. I am reading Frankie Machine right now, by Winslow, and am really enjoying it.

Don Winslow is my favorite new author. Check it out.

This was a great story that would not let me sleep without finishing. The surfing is a great back drop with interesting characters. The story is a little dark but believeable. I hope to see more adventures of the Dawn Patrol.

Excellent all the way around. Gives San Diego something to be proud of.

Fun story. Usually like the author and wasn't disappointed. Story surrounding a surfing community is cool and gives story a feel good vibe. Great reader too. So what's not to like.

Brian the previous reviewer said exactly what I wanted to say. I too lived in San Diego (La Jolla) and all these place names resonate with me. The story is great and Ray Porter does just an excellent job. On the the "Machine"!

I was blown away by the story, the characters, the humor. It is fast paced and clever. Ray Porter is magnificent with the linguistics.

I like Don Winslow's books and this one didn't disappoint overall. However, I am not a surfer and I think some of the surfing interludes went on too long and distracted from the story. The characters were good and like some of his other novels, I enjoyed how they moved back to the past to provide context. If you enjoyed Frankie Machine and the Power of the Dog, you should enjoy this although I found the latter two more enjoyable.

I would highly recommend this tail to all mystery buffs. This story is much like board riding, you can bet the story takes turns that challenges your equilibrium.

This story tends to lead you by the nose; right off a cliff. You get led down the story line until your sure you know what comes next, then the script turns a sharp left and you are left hanging out wondering why you didn't see that change coming.

I loved it when Sunny blew everyone out of the water. Hard work paid off in spades. I also remember sitting on my board in the early morning just off Mission Bay, waiting on a wave as the Sun broke over the horizon - an incredible peaceful feeling.

Remembering San Diego, the beach and water. Good times from long ago.

Don Windlow is a great story teller. I would say he is a perfect cross between Chris Grabenstein and Clive Cussler. This story starts out light and even humorous then turns very dark before good over comes evil. Mr. Porter is a master narrator. He has mastered many voices, dialects, and cultures. Mr. Porter is the verbal equivalent of the "Rolling Stones."

What an amazing book. I have to admit I torn into Don Winslow because the book "Savages" was so god awful. However, Dawn Patrol is one of the best book I have ever read, and I'm not really into surfing. The setting and the characters have a lot of depth. The plot will defiantly keep you interested and not wanting to put this one down. Strangely even with all the drama and action taking place in the novel your going to walk away feeling great and with a surprising knowledge about surfing. If you can get through this novel without the sudden desire to have a BBQ on the beach with your close friends.... Than you might now have a soul. seriously by this book.

I came upon Winslow by accident. Wow, what a great author. This guy delivers and just when you think you have things figured out, a rogue wave comes in and knocks you off your feet.
I'm not a surfer, and you won;t have to be one to enjoy Dawn Patrol or it's sequel, Gentleman's Hour. But you will enjoy this story.
I'm a big fan of Michael Connelly amd Joe Wambaugh, but Don Winslow is at the top of his game and I'm happy to be along for the ride.