A novel that fuses suspense, indulgence, and tenacity.
St. Columba is a long way from Vermont, but it is the place Gemma calls home these days. Here, among sun-drenched Caribbean beachlines and sunburnt tourists, this young woman makes ends meet by selling timeshares during the day while retreating at night to Luna, her beloved, dilapidated sailboat. Beneath her daily struggles lies the weight of family tragedy and a restless search for identity, a tension that draws her toward Easter Cay, the private island owned by Cowboi Rivers. A wealthy country singer with an appetite for excess, Cowboi’s name is linked to whispered stories of extravagant parties, powerful visitors, and women who have mysteriously disappeared, though it hasn’t diminished his star. When Gemma takes a perilous job as captain of Cowboi’s boat, she finds herself swept into a dangerous world marked by corruption, drug trafficking, and exploitation. A run to the Dominican Republic leads to betrayal and violence, forcing Gemma to place her trust in unlikely allies and the unsettling clarity of her own visions. Chased across the sea toward an unwritten destiny, she confronts both external threats and the unresolved shadows of her past while fighting to reclaim her own story.
A novel that fuses suspense, indulgence, and tenacity, Day Drinkers by Kitty Turner unfolds as a dark tale set against the breathtaking backdrop of a tropical paradise. The author’s lived experience as a sailor adds realism and grit, while highlighting unexpected challenges that provide a true education on the ups and downs of life at sea. Romantic stresses pose a threat to morally complex protagonist Gemma, but she tackles bold themes like corruption and exploitation with strength. With a signature blend of suspense, wit, and philosophy, she handles peril with style, a jewel in the crown of this punchy novel. Gemma’s crew of weathered sailors, particularly Crab and Boon, adds authenticity and balance, even as they face dangers from treacherous weather, merciless pirates, and within their own ranks. Sharp-tongued prose sizzles on every page of this fascinating read, delivering vivid writing that makes the salty Caribbean setting pulse with vibrancy. Every moment of this dialogue is used to add context and clarity to the scene, making sense of strange visions, confusing relationships, and side deals. A unique mix of outlandish adventure and unforgettable introspection makes the cast of grizzled characters as engaging as the breathless plotlines they bring to life. Chart a course for decadence and danger in Day Drinkers, an entertaining thriller with impressive depth.
