Fireworks Paperback – October 14, 2008

I won't waste time telling about the story as the editorial and other reviews do a great job of that. I just want everyone to know that all three of Mr. Mila's books about Terry and Joe are terrific. His scuba knowledge is spot on, unlike many other so called scuba oriented stories I've read. He doesn't have his main characters pull off any diving stunts that would really be impossible, and as a master scuba diver myself I appreciate that. He also puts a lot of diving in the stories, not just one time at the beginning to try to grab your interest. I've read all three of his books on my kindle and although there are a few typos it's not enough to be distracting and spoil the read. I also want to commend Mr. Mila for not demonizing sharks although Terry's first love is killed by a great white. He takes great pains to make sure the reader understands the precarious state of our oceans and the creatures in it throughout his novels. In fact, that's pretty much the basis of his whole 2nd book, Whales' Angels. I really hope the author continues to write more stories in this series and anxiously await the next Terry and Joe adventure.

Almost fifteen years after enjoying Paul Mila’s “FIREWORKS”, I just re-read it. My Kindle needed recharging, and scanning my bookshelves for “an old friend” to read in the meantime, I selected this book. Needless to say, my Kindle was quickly recharged, but it had to wait while I read this book again. Having quite a love for thrillers and having read hundreds of them, choosing this book for a re-read already says a lot.The book is the third in a series featuring Cozumel-based dive operators Joe and Terry Manetta and their children; a dolphin is also integral to the story. The story involves and the Manetta’s assistance to NYPD and Federal intelligence agency efforts to determine and then thwart a terrorist plot in New York City against the United States and Great Britain with the central target being the ocean liner Queen Mary 2If you have lived or worked in New York City, or have been a visitor, your memories will be pleasantly refreshed; in any case, prepare to be treated to a tour-de-force accompanied by a well-qualified diver and NYC native as your docent. Having grown up in the city, its boroughs and its surrounds, I can attest to the accuracy of the locales and even to the travel times between them. The diving equipment, explosives, technology, and information about the dolphin are drawn from the author’s extensive experience and/or have been thoroughly researched; they enrich, but do not distract, from the story. That the story continues after its climax to its ultimate conclusion is an indication of the author’s awareness that there is more to a story than merely people and places.You can read the author’s earlier “Dangerous Waters” and “Whales’ Angels” for background, but “FIREWORKS” easily stands alone.When, at some point in the future, you are in the mood to revisit a crackling thriller, and remember how much you enjoyed ‘FIREWORKS”, open it, read it, and enjoy it again.Like I just did.

Another good one in this series!!

I love the characters in your Manetta dive mysteries, please write more in thise series!,,,,

Paul Mila's popular underwater duo Terry and Joe have settled into a quiet, domestic life when the harsh reality of global terrorism intrudes upon their idyllic island paradise. They set off for the Big Apple and the murky Hudson River to help the NYPD and Federal agents foil a terrorist plot. In this third adventure-mystery, Terry and Joe are aided by Terry's dolphin friend, Notchka, as they race against time to prevent a major disaster. Another terrific page-turner that will keep you guessing all the way!Judith Hemenway, author of  The Universe Next Door: A Personal Odyssey

Paul Mila has done it again, with the third novel in his thrilling scuba diving series.Mila has an uncanny flair for putting readers into the thick of non-stop action. Throw in a heroic dolphin, exciting underwater drama, and you won't put this unique thriller down until the explosive conclusion. My hat's off to you Paul. Well done!Mike Monahan, author of BARRACUDA.