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Charlene D’Avanzo

Environmental Mystery Writer

About My Books

Cold Blood, Hot Sea (2016)

A scientist is killed aboard an oceanographic research vessel and Mara Tusconi thinks it’s no accident. She’s quickly entangled in a scheme cooked up by powerful energy executives with much to lose by global warming studies. Mara’s career—and life—are on the line, threatened by an intrigue as big and dark as the ocean’s.

Mystery Indies Finalist Forward Review

Great beach reading with meat on its bones, rich characterization, and an intriguing mystery at its core.

Dan Bloom, editor of The Cli-Fi Report

A cli-fi mystery that both entertains and bores deep into the heart of the issues. The author knows her science, too.

Lee Bumsted, Maine Sea Kayak Guide and author of “Hot Showers! Maine Coast Lodging for Kayakers and Sailors”

Paddlers will love this book’s hero—an oceanographer who uses her kayak to thwart climate change deniers.

Order: On Indiebound and Amazon

Demon Spirit, Devil Sea (2017)

IPPY* AWARD WINNER

When the U.N. sends Mara Tusconi to Haida Gwaii off British Columbia, she’s thrilled. The archipelago is both a spectacular rainforest and sea kayak destination. But as she untangles a climate change crime, Mara confronts the Haida Nation’s mistrust of outsiders like her, spiteful spirits that aren’t suppose to exist, and a baffling death.

2017 Forward Review

A fine entry in D’Avanzo’s oceanography-themed series, which fills an unusual niche in the mystery genre.

George Smith, Bangor Daily News Outdoor Editor

D’Avanzo writes a compelling novel that take you to wonderful sea-side places where terrible things happen.

*Independent Book Publishers

Order On: Amazon or Maine Authors Publishing
or
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Secrets Haunt The Lobsters’ Sea (2018)

IPPY Foreward Reviews Indies Mystery Finalist
IPPY Northeast Regional Fiction Silver Winner

When a lobsterman’s body is found under Gordy’s aquaculture raft, Mara Tusconi’s cousin Gordy is the number one suspect. But to investigate, Mara must visit Macomek Island, Maine’s wild-wild west where lobstermen practice their own rule of law.

Paul Doiron, author of  STAY HIDDEN

Charlene D’Avanzo is a natural storyteller and a passionate scientist, and she brings both aspects of her self to her third novel, Secrets Haunt the Lobsters’ Sea. Even Maine natives will find themselves gaining insights into the secret lives of lobsters, as well as the rough-and-tumble nature of the state’s signature fishery. All readers will be swept along by oceanographer Mara Tusconi’s suspenseful quest to determine who murdered lobsterman Buddy Crawford and, more importantly, why.”

Barbara Ross, author of the Maine Clambake Mysteries

Charlene D’Avanzo’s spellbinding mystery about the secrets of lobsters and the people who trap them will snare you on the first page and not release you until the end.

Additional Reading: References, Sources, Background.

Order On: Maine Authors Publishing

Also available on Amazon for Kindle

Glass Eels, Shattered Sea (2020)

When Mara and cousin Gordy meet an elderly fisherman netting eels on a dark spring night they unwillingly step into the crime-ridden world of glass eel trafficking.

D‘Avanzo’s page-turner makes real the beauty of Maine’s granite ledges, tidal pools and remote islands plus the greed of eel traffickers who stop at nothing to make their millions. KIM MILLICK, author of Rookie Game Warden

My wife and I love Maine’s islands, so of course I’ve enjoyed all of Charlene D’Avanzo’s novels, which really capture Maine’s islands and put you there – on the water. I must admit, I had no idea glass eel trafficking could be such an exciting story!
GEORGE SMITH, outdoor writer for Bangor Daily News

I am always delighted when a new Tusconi tale is released. The science is first rate, the locale beautifully described, and the characters are well developed. Deborah Wall McGraw 5 STARS

Fantastic Mystery Story! This is book number four in this fantastic series that I have been hooked on since the beginning of this series. Scarlet Ellis 5 Stars

This one is a winner! Stunning settings, multi-dimensional characters, clever plotting are enriched by first-hand knowledge of Maine islands’ ecology and dangers of exploiting that vulnerable eco-system. Prepare to be charmed and educated. Connie Berry 5 Stars

This book was amazingly insightful and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Ashleigh-Beth Blevins, 5 Stars

This book grabbed my attention from the beginning! Cassandra, 5 Stars

Additional Readings: References, Sources, Background

Order On:  Maine Authors Publishing

IPPY Foreward Reviews Indies Mystery Finalist

The Shark, The Girl, and The Sea Book Cover:An image of woman swimming alone in a wet suit in calm but ominous sea near steep rock cliffs.

The Shark, The Girl, And The Sea (2021)

Kayaking along the Maine coast, oceanographer Mara Tusconi watches is horror as a shark attacks and kills a young female swimmer. Since Great Whites avoid such shallow water, Mara suspects foul play. To investigate, Mara teams up with a shark expert who soon becomes more than Mara’s colleague.

This oceanographic mystery showcases the lure of Maine’s coast, combining adventure, romance, and science. Readers will gain a greater empathy for sharks as they discover that the scariest predators are on land. Mary M. Cerullo, author of “Sharks At Your Service” and other ocean-related books for young readers

Order On:  Maine Authors Publishing

Mara Tusconi Books

My books feature Mara Tusconi – Maine oceanographer turned sleuth who uses her sea kayak and science smarts to solve murders. Spunky and persistent, Mara braves icy Maine waters, motorboat chases, and ghosts from the past in her quest.

I was motivated to write the series when a famous climate scientist described tactics climate change deniers used to harass him. Read about this and my life as a marine scientist and college professor in this interview and in this video interview.

On the Copper River, Alaska
Kayaking near my home in Yarmouth, Maine

 

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