Dive into the pulse-pounding world of the Underwater Investigation Unit series, where the murky waters of Florida hide secrets darker than the deepest ocean trenches! Written by Andrew Mayne, this crime thriller saga follows police diver Sloan McPherson as she navigates underwater forensics, family scandals, and high-stakes mysteries. With its unique blend of aquatic adventure and gritty detective work, this series is a refreshing splash in the thriller genre, perfect for fans of CSI meets Jacques Cousteau.
From sunken vans to explosive conspiracies, each book in the Underwater Investigation Unit series delivers heart-racing action and intricate plots. Mayne’s knack for weaving real-world diving expertise with compelling storytelling makes every page a thrilling descent into the unknown. Ready to explore this aquatic underworld? Let’s dive in!
How Underwater Investigation Unit Began
Andrew Mayne, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former magician, launched the Underwater Investigation Unit series in 2020 with The Girl Beneath the Sea. Inspired by his own experiences as a diver and host of the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week special Ghost Diver, Mayne crafted a series that merges his love for underwater exploration with his flair for suspense. His goal? To create a police procedural that swaps squad cars for scuba gear, spotlighting the uncharted territory of aquatic crime-solving.
Mayne’s background in science and illusion infuses the series with authenticity and clever twists. Drawing from Florida’s vibrant coastal culture and his own underwater adventures, he envisioned Sloan McPherson as a fierce, flawed heroine whose diving skills and determination make her a standout in the thriller world. The series quickly gained traction for its fresh premise and Mayne’s ability to keep readers hooked.
The Heart of Underwater Investigation Unit
The series kicks off with The Girl Beneath the Sea (2020), where Sloan, a police diver with a treasure-hunting family, uncovers a murdered woman in a canal, sparking a dangerous hunt involving drug cartels and sunken treasure. In Black Coral (2021), Sloan discovers a van submerged in a pond, containing the bodies of teens missing for decades, hinting at a serial killer’s long-hidden crimes. Sea Storm (2022) sees Sloan tackling a cruise ship disaster caused by mysterious explosions, unraveling a web of corruption and ecoterrorism. Finally, Dark Dive (2024) brings Sloan back to her diving roots, investigating a missing treasure hunter and black-market schemes.
Themes of family, loyalty, and justice ripple through the series, set against Florida’s sun-soaked yet sinister waterways. Sloan’s complex backstory—tied to her scandal-plagued relatives—adds emotional depth, while her underwater investigations showcase high-tech forensics and pulse-pounding risks. Mayne’s vivid descriptions of diving in murky canals or stormy seas make the setting a character in itself, blending action-adventure with police procedural precision.
The series’ style is fast-paced yet richly detailed, with Mayne’s knack for plot twists keeping readers guessing. Fans praise the crossover appearances of characters like Theo Cray and Jessica Blackwood from Mayne’s other works, creating a shared universe that delights longtime readers. Whether it’s jurisdictional battles or personal vendettas, the stakes are always high, making each book a gripping standalone or a thrilling series binge.
Why Underwater Investigation Unit Resonates
The Underwater Investigation Unit series has carved a niche in the crime thriller genre by offering a fresh perspective on detective work. Its focus on underwater forensics taps into a rarely explored aspect of law enforcement, captivating readers who crave originality. Sloan McPherson’s relatable struggles—balancing her career, family, and past—resonate with audiences, while the series’ blend of science, adventure, and mystery appeals to fans of authors like Michael Crichton or Clive Cussler.
With strong reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon, the series has built a loyal following, praised for its well-researched diving scenes and unpredictable plots. Its impact lies in proving that crime thrillers can break new ground, inspiring readers to see the ocean as both a frontier and a crime scene. As Mayne continues to expand Sloan’s world, the series promises more aquatic adventures to come.
- Publication Years: 2020–2024
- Number of Books: 5
- Genres: Crime Thriller, Police Procedural, Action-Adventure
- Notable Praise: Wall Street Journal bestselling series
Ready to plunge into a thriller that’s as deep as the ocean? Grab The Girl Beneath the Sea and dive into the Underwater Investigation Unit’s world of aquatic crime and unrelenting suspense!