I will continuously make excuses and exceptions for this man's work because he hits the spot every single time and I have rarely if ever walked away disappointed.
Some of the reasons this book might be my new favorite of Mr. Martin's:
The "rag-tag band of strangers brought together by circumstances" trope (and fabulous strangers, at that, especially Bones and Ellie and Gunner). Oceans and rivers and waterways—most of the book takes place on and around boats. A dog. An orphan. Mysteries, high-speed chases, plot twists. Suspense that kept me up til 2:00 two nights in a row. Emotional tension. Anger, love, grief, death-defying bravery. The signature "tie-it-up-neatly-with-a-bow" conclusion.

Charles Martin isn't right for everyone, and I can see the reasons right there on the page, but I brush them away every time because it doesn't matter—the stories enthrall me. You know when you love someone enough that even their noticeable flaws can't make you upset? That's how reading these books feels.
I'm so glad this is part of a series. I'm reading the next book ASAP.