I bought the paperback at Wal Mart in Vidalia, LA last week. Read the first few pages sitting directly across the River from Natchez Under the Hill.At first I didn't like it.I just finished it and I have decided that I like it.So many threads to the story..The Carmody tie was interesting.I loved the interaction of Denny and Connie.Though I didn't care for Slug I was glad to see him man up. I echo Shorty, "Fight it, buddy, beat it back. Let's get these guys outta there!"Beau,I think you did a good job with this book. I also look forward to the possibility of more novels being printed :)I was surprised that the ship was the SS Lichenfield. I expected it to be named The Fate.The book was the most predictable LL book that I have ever read, but I know that there was just no way to get around that.