Published: Jan. 08, 2012
Words: 85,771 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9780985011116

Short description

Private eye Robert Mercer is caught up in a case of real estate fraud, jewelry theft and murder in sultry and mysterious Savannah. He and his motley crew go after the bad guys and experience some surprising supernatural twists along the way.

Extended description

Wealthy and beautiful Sarah Reid hires private detective Robert Mercer to investigate her husband Barry, a real estate mogul whom she believes may be unfaithful. Mercer embarks on a case of possible identity theft and probable murder. He uncovers a vicious web of real estate fraud and jewelry theft that leads him to Kelly, an alluring woman with a few secrets of her own.

As Mercer pieces the puzzle together, the dead bodies begin to pile up and events threaten to spin out of control. With his canine partner Ox, a large black German Shepherd dog, and John Sutlive, an old Marine buddy, Mercer and his motley crew do battle with a small army of villains in a fight to the death for his client.

This novel, set in sultry and mysterious Savannah, Georgia, is the inaugural book in the Robert Mercer detective series of great mysteries with irresistible supernatural twists.

Tags

paranormal, tybee island, coastal empire savannah, supernatural bonaventure cemetery, robert mercer

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Reviews

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Review by: Warren Beatty on May 18, 2012 :
This novel is every bit the equal of any Michael Connelly novel.

The story starts rather slowly, and relies upon coincidences. But then it starts to move rapidly, and you find out that what you thought were coincidental meetings of story characters were not so coincidental.

The story centers upon at least two situations with several characters participating. Plot twists are very entertaining.

Leonard makes Savannah, Tybee Island, Atlanta, and other Georgia locations come to life with his accurate descriptions.

The only question I have is: Where did Leonard learn about all the illegal and unethical and violent activities he describes?

I look forward to Leonard's next novel.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: RevRhino on Feb. 04, 2012 : (no rating)
Leonard's first novel is a fast paced and rich tapestry of both intrigue and suspense. The characters and story lines are well developed and gripping. As a native of Savannah, I found myself riveted to the wonderful use and descriptions of places and activities near to my heart. The author's use of multiple characters added depth and complexity to the story line. The skill the author used to weave the story lines together by the end displays superior ability as both an author and storyteller. I highly recommend this book which is both inviting and enriching!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: David Thornton on Jan. 31, 2012 :
Rocky Leonard’s first novel, “Coastal Empire,” is a fast ride through Georgia’s coastal Chatham County and Savannah. The book features Robert Mercer, a Marine veteran (“there’s no such thing as an ex-Marine”) who runs a private detective agency in the Savannah suburb of Thunderbolt with the help of Ox, his very capable German Shepherd partner.

When Mercer comes to the aid of a damsel in distress, it puts him on the trail of a sinister plot involving precious jewels, high-priced real estate, and murder. Before long, the bodies start to pile up as drug dealers, jewel thieves, and a professional hit man stalk Mercer and his associates, including Kelly, a sexy jewelry store employee who may not be as innocent as she seems.

Leonard takes his readers on a journey through the local haunts of Savannah, Tybee Island and coast al Georgia. Local readers will appreciate the attention to detail in the descriptions of the area, and those who admire Savannah from afar will find hints of places to go and things to see when they have the chance to visit.

The book moves quickly and its many plot twists keep readers guessing. The criminal mastermind’s ingenious plot is simple but effective and plausible enough to feel threateningly possible. It is also easily concealed from the eyes of the public and law enforcement… until Mercer’s client stumbles upon it.

Leonard’s villains are not caricatures. In fact, one of the most interesting characters is DeVaughn Harris. A mild-mannered auto mechanic by day, Harris moonlights as a hit man by night. The juxtaposition of friendly boss and cold-blooded contract killer makes Harris seem all the more real and leaves one wondering about the secret lives of people that we encounter on a daily basis.

“Coastal Empire” is the first book in the Robert Mercer series. He will likely be back with his Savannah buddies to solve a new mystery soon. It will be interesting to find out more about Mercer and his friends, such as how a seemingly supernatural event in a historic Savannah cemetery affects him, whether Kelly remains in the picture, and whether the events in “Coastal Empire” inspire Nick, a brilliant programmer and confirmed Generation X slacker, to change his life’s course.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Crystal Nelson on Jan. 30, 2012 : (no rating)
Coastal Empire is a fun engaging ride into the quirky atmosphere of Savannah! Written by a hometown boy, Rocky Leonard who grew up in Savannah, Coastal Empire describes Savannah as only a true Savannahian could! World renowned Bonaventure Cemetery is exactly as the author describes and I love much of the action is in Greenwich Cemetery where my wonderful parents rest in what my family calls "the room with a view". The story unfolds at a fast pace that hooks you immediately that keeps you glued for the next twist in a complicated plot! Robert Mercer is a great hero in the style of Sam Spade and takes no guff from anyone! You'll fall in love with his dog also! And if you know Savannah can be quirky, Tybee is even quirkier! A must read for local Savannahians and if you've never been to Savannah, you'll learn a lot about it! I am eagerly anticipating the next book of another mystery with Robert Mercer taking out the bad guys in beautiful historical Savannah! Highly recommended!
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

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