DESPERATION REEF

Competitive surfing intersects with organized crime in this audiobook, narrated effectively by Major Curda and Stephanie Németh-Parker. Surfer Jen Stonebreaker and her twin sons, Casey and Brock, have struggled to cope since the tragic death of Jen's husband, John, 25 years earlier during a perilous competition. Curda and Nemeth-Parker's contrasting delivery styles work well together. Nemeth-Parker is particularly adept as Jen, whose reluctance to return to competition contrasts with her astute management of adversity, especially when competitors set fire to the restaurant she has operated since John's death. Curda vividly portrays the sons, particularly Casey, who has developed feelings for Bette Wu, whose family may be implicated in the arson. The result is an engaging novel with an unexpected ending. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2024]