Ashes and Dust

J.R. Finn Sailing Mystery Series, Book 10

By: Charles Dougherty

Narrated by: David Bosco

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Arson, drugs, and vigilante justice in Florida and the Caribbean

When Finn learns that the fire which killed his family was arson, he and Mary expose a criminal enterprise which began over 50 years earlier.

The trouble begins when his daughter asks Finn about her grandparents. Missing in action when his family perished 20 years ago, Finn hasn't been back to their Florida farm since he joined the Army. Finn visits the ruins of his childhood home to refresh his memory.

While there, Finn meets an old friend who gives him a sealed letter from Finn's father. His letter claims that he was killed by a fellow veteran, a man he investigated for crimes in the Vietnam War. Written almost 30 years after the war ended, the letter warns Finn that he may be in danger, too. As Finn and Mary sail to the Caribbean in pursuit of the killer, they discover an empire built on crime and government corruption.

Ashes and Dust is perfect for fans of action and adventure set in the Caribbean Islands.

©2022 Charles Dougherty (P)2022 Charles Dougherty

10th of Series

I totally enjoyed the book especially the narration. This is the 10th book in series and enjoy Finn and Mary’s adventures (they definitely seem more trusting of each other). When Finn’s daughter wants more info on their family history they travel back to where he grew up and meet with his grandfather and father’s lawyer who presents him with large envelop then all the action takes place. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you

Another Fun Story

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and any opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is the tenth book in the series. It is a standalone story but there are several references to events which occurred in other books, although the author provides quick summaries of these events. Additionally, the two MCs, Finn and Mary, have developed quite a bit over the course of ten books.

This book focuses on Finn's family. During a trip down memory lane to his hometown, Finn is provided with a letter from his deceased father that opens up a lot of questions regarding his death. This book has less action than the previous books. It is more introspective - exploring Finn's feelings about the information he discovers about his father and how it affects him and his relationships. There are still enough twists and quirky adventures to keep you riveted.

David Bosco, the narrator for all ten of the books in the series, is terrific, as always.

This time it's personal...

Ashes and Dust (J.R. Finn Sailing Mystery Series, Book 10) by Charles Dougherty and narrated by David Bosco reminds me of why I love this series. If you haven’t listened, but love sailing and assassins, what are you waiting for? The writing and narration make for a smooth and easy listen.

What’s it about? Finn and Mary are going about their usual assassin and sailing lifestyle when Finn discovers disturbing details of his parents death. Finn being Finn, he is hellbent on revenge. Good thing Mary is there to knock him back into reality. They find the corruption runs deep, friendship and relationships are tested. You get awesome writing and narration, action (I disagree with the review stating otherwise), sailing (sailing terms- don’t fret, it’s easy to understand/keep up if you aren’t a boat kind of person), old friends, new enemies, Mary’s smart mouth, teamwork, and more. This book is reminiscent to the beginning of the series imo. Yes, you could listen to this as a stand alone, but why do that when you’d miss the details and fun of how Finn and Mary got to this point? I hope this isn’t the end of my favorite two assassins. The books still hold my interest and are entertaining even ten books in.

The narrator, David Bosco, is meticulous with the characters, pace, and tones. It’s easy to feel like you are right there with Finn and Mary as the scenes play out. If you haven’t listened to any of David’s narrations, you are missing out my friend! It’s easy to listen in one sitting so clear your schedule.

“Much better for close work than the AK. Don’t worry. You’re not going to need those knees for a while. Now stop whining.”
~~
“This boat’s uglier than a cross-eyed warthog.”
~~
“We’re DEA. I’m Senior Special Agent Smith, and my partner is Special Agent Black. We’re under orders to arrest you and retrieve the package that--”
Mary slapped him so hard his head smacked against the stanchion behind him. “And I’m your fairy godmother. I was thinking of granting you three wishes, but I’m deducting one because you’ve started out by lying to me. You have two wishes left-- two chances to come clean before I start hurting you.”

Ha ha, love the little message at the end David- you’re not the only one who’s ready- but not pressure on either of you ;) Well, maybe a little?

Parental guidance/trigger warnings: This series is about two assassins and their friends, family, enemies, and so on- it contains things like violence, death, occasional drugs (usually given to the bad guys), or similar themes. This particular books deals with the murder of Finn’s parents and contains more talk/mentions about time spent in the military than previous books (or at least from what I recall). Language used: Sx32.

*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!

Great as always

Somehow I skipped book 9 and listened to this one first. Each story stands alone but there are clues to past stories and I realized it pretty quickly. It’s ok I’m listening to book 9 now.
So many adventures and hopefully many more to come. These characters stay with you. Mary is a bad ass and also has a heart. The way they relate to & play off of each other is endearing. Yes I’m an assassin novel you can still have that.
I really love this series and I love David Bosco narrating it. He is Finn to me. He is an amazing narratort.

Great plot!

Finn and Mary take us on an adventure of intrigue in the beautiful Caribbean. It held my attention throughout.

David Bosco did a great job narrating and bringing the characters to life.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Book 10- this series continues to hold my interest

I've listened to this whole series and continue to get absorbed in every story. Finn and Mary are two of my all-time favorite characters! They continue to get closer with every new book, As with real relationships, they have learned how to handle each others moods, yet keep each other in check when needed. At one point in this book, I had to bust out laughing at Mary for doing just that! Gotta love that woman; she sure is brave!!
I did miss the adventure that was lacking with this book. This one was lacking the faster paced, breath holding adventure I felt with the books in the past. I kept waiting for it but it didn't come. The story did flow along at a steady pace but I felt a little let down with the lack of excitement.
As always, Mr. Bosco did a fine job with the narration. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This can’t be the end???

For some reason I feel like is the last story for Finn & Mary I only pray I’m wrong.
This story didn’t have much adventure as all the others but it did bring a back story to Finn and the death of his family.
Again David Bosco did an awesome job as narrator.
I received this free for an honest review from the narrator or author.